What chip, programmer or package(exhaust, gauges, chip) can you recommend for a 2002 Duramax with Ally that tows a 10,000 lb. 5th wheel? Wanting to add some horsepower and torque for towing, extra mpg would be nice. Trying to keep cost down, a $1000 tops, hopefully cheaper. I am thinking 4 inch exhaust, EGT and boost gauge and a programmer. Any ideas...

Aint gonna happen for $1000.

Ide say keep it stock. $1000 is never going to be made up in the event of even a .5 mpg increase, and even worse, it will increase the wear and tear on the engine/tranny/etc. Towing 10k lbs will push the EGT's too high on grades even with a weak chip.

Maybe think of the extra $1000 in your pocket instead of getting where you are headed a few minutes faster.

The VA lower tunes run pretty cool and are great for towing with stock trans., etc. Iv'e tried them all up to the 125HP levels and they are some of the best tow tunes you can run. Give John Kennedy a call...he has them available.

I would have to agree that towing with a chip is not a good thing with a stock trans. It would would take serious upgrades to the Allison in order to pull that weight with extra HP.

I have the Edge/Attitude set up, when I am towing or off roading it is set to 0(stock) or 1(25hp). When towing this keeps the chances of slipping the trans down.

While towing with stock power is definately easier on your trans., I don't agree that moderate increases will hurt it either. I towed my 10,000# trailer for over two years with power gains up to 90HP and never slipped or limped once. If you do decide to go with some moderate increas, I still say for the money, tha VA is hard to beat. The 0-70-110 might be a good choice. Stock when wanted, 70 for towing, and the 110 for safe play when empty should the mood strke you.:D

I think it can be done easily for a little more than a $1000. I run autometer gauge setup ($250), Hypertech tuner that you can get used for around $250, and a 4" Magnaflow exhaust($440). I tow heavy too and have never limped or slipped the tranny. My egt's rarely creep up over 1150, maype 1250 If I am really gunnin' it. Just take it easy and with the LB7 you should be fine.

I have the banks six gun (650$), banks 4" exhaust(650$), banks guages(200$), K&N intake(175$). My setup was a little more than you probably want to spend, but however it is great for towing. Makes my car hauler "invisible" in level 2. Ive pushed the egt's past 1250 but that was because my right foot was going through the floor. Banks is an excellent chip for towing and sport