Okay so my next major purchase for my truck is going to be a tuner. I haven't yet decided what my brand is going to be (DP or TS) but I want economy tunes a stock setting and probably a race tune (I'm tired of these Duramelt and Cummins guys out running me). But has anybody had any experience with a 140hp extreme or aggressive, and would it be bad to run with a stock transmission? Also what kind of MPG gains did y'all experience?

 

Do you have a early or later model '99? When going to race tunes, they can be taxing on the stock high pressure oil system. You need to know how well your hpop is providing oil to the injectors. The stock split shots are "thirsty" and you can benefit from an upgraded hpop, even in the stock and economy settings. Low hpo volume will not give you the "full effect" of your tunes. Do you have gauges, exhaust, intake, etc? Tell us more about your truck, and mods, so we can help you with your decisions.

 

One tuner to talk to would be Gearhead- Matt is a highly regarded tuner and located close to you in Bryan, TX.

Link: Gearhead Automotive Performance

 

I'll be installing a pyrometer soon, and I have an MBRP 4" turbo back exhaust. Truck is a late model 99

 

I just bought Tom's (lostmybeer) DP tuner and he had the 140 extreme and aggressive on it and he had a BTS tranny, and he bent something in his tranny from what he was telling me. Im in then process of getting new tunes added to it for my application. Maybe Tom can give you some more info.

 

Do you want to install just a pyro gauge?

I would install a minimum of 3 gauges just for a piece of mind. (I'm not forcing you to spend money, just for in the future)

Pyro, Trans, Boost or Fuel pressure

As for the tuner, Gearhead, DP, Swamps, etc...

Make sure your truck is close to 100% if you want to run the hot tunes like Mueckster said.

 

Sorry to break it to you, but no aftermarket programming for stock injectors will give you much more than 100 RWHP above stock - and the Duramax and Cummins trucks will still fly right on by you.

The best ways to increase fuel efficiency are as follows:

Tape a raw egg to your right foot.
Place a 2x4 under the accelerator pedal.
Drive a cheap beater car.

There is no miracle tuning that will increase fuel economy. Some trucks respond well to aftermarket programming while others don't.

 

I will be installing more gauges as I get the funds.. Don't exactly have a lot to throw around right now but yes, I will be getting more gauges

 

I find my 80E DP has more than enough gitty up. The 120 or 140 scared me a little as far as my tranny. I have no proof they are worse on it, but my buddy runs it in a similar setup and says it shifts hard and smokes pretty good.
I have also heard a guy on here say his 1/4 time was no better with the aggressive tunes, but no proof of this. It probably depends on your HPOP and such. You will be surprised how much 80E wakes it up.

 

All I can add to this is wait until you do all your mods before getting a tuner. I have a box tuner and want to upgrade to a custom tuner but I also know that I want to install a valve body/kit and a couple of other things so I am waiting so I won't have to get it re-burned. Wait until you get all your gauges, in my book that should be the first mod. The sooner you have them the sooner you can establish what is "normal" with your truck and you will be better able to determine when something is not right.