There are many tuning options available for the LML platform, each with their pros and cons. Which one is right for you, depends on a few things.
-Hardware-
"Boxed Tuners": H&S, Banks, Quadzilla (discontinued), etc.
These tuners are loaded with vehicle specific tunes, from the tuning company. Each customer is given the same tune. When the tuning company updates their tunes, the customer's tuning device may be updated over the internet. After updating the hardware, the customer is able to re-tune their vehicle, with the updated tune. These tuners are keyed to a vehicle's VIN number, so they may only tune one ECM (Engine Control Module) at a time.
Some boxed tuners are downloaders, while others are both downloaders and monitors. A downloader is able to write a tune to the ECM, read DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) and clear them. A monitor is able to display real-time information about the engine,transmission, etc. This information is read by the tuner, via the vehicle's OBD II port.
examples...
XRT Pro: downloader
Mini Maxx: downloader/monitor
Automind: downloader
iQ2: monitor, to be use in conjunction with Banks tuner
"EFILive": Customers are typically sold an AutoCal device to load the tunes they have purchased from their chosen tune writer. AutoCals are shipped to the customer with their tunes already loaded, ready to be written to their vehicle's ECM. These units are also VIN specific.
AutoCals are able to write tunes to an ECM, read/clear DTCs and log data. Although the AutoCal is unable to relay real-time information from the vehicle's computer system to the driver, it IS able to record multiple parameters of the engine/transmission, which can later be reviewed by a tune writer to diagnose any issues the customer may be having. This data logging feature is extremely useful when tune writers are providing support for their customers.
The FlashScan V2 is essentially a pass-through device. A laptop with the appropriate software, in conjunction with a FlashScan V2, is a tune writer's most valuable tool. Tune writers use it to access a vehicle's ECM, copy the tune files and later modify them. Although it is able to load tunes to a vehicle's ECM, its steep price tag (when compared to the AutoCal) renders it a poor choice for the everyday consumer (diesel enthusiast). However, if you are wanting to write your own tunes, this is the way to go.
examples...
AutoCal
FlashScan V2
-Software-
While "boxed tuners" DO support high-power, bolt-on modifications, EFILive is the ideal choice for those with custom setups. EFILive tunes are easily modified by a tune writer. This ease of "tune adjustment" is great for those testing new modifications and custom/experimental engine components.
There are good and bad tune writers. While the different tuning hardware is essentially the same quality, the tunes loaded to them may differ greatly by manufacturer/writer. While refined tunes, written by professionals, offer great power, reasonable EGTs (Exhaust Gas Temperatures) and great "drivability", a poorly written tune will produce unreasonable EGTs and poor drivability. When choosing a tune writer, consider the fact that a poorly written tune can easily DESTROY an engine, transmission and other components of the drive train.
-Tune writers-
A common question posed by people is, "Who is the best tuner?" Although H&S now supports MCC tunes (customizable tunes), this popular question typically pertains to EFILive tunes. Since tuning is very subjective , there is no absolute answer to this question. Below is a list of well-known, professional tune writers. In order to get the very best tune for YOUR NEEDS, you need to call these folks and have a conversation with them. The tune writers will ask you what your truck is used for, which modifications you have (or plan on adding), and what you want out of your tune(s).
In an attempt to avoid hurting people's feelings, the names in the below list are in no specific order.
Motor Ops 705-243-4238
-Idaho Rob at ATP Trucks 208-685-1000
-Duramax Tuner 815-568-7920
-Kory Willis at PPEI
-Hardware-
"Boxed Tuners": H&S, Banks, Quadzilla (discontinued), etc.
These tuners are loaded with vehicle specific tunes, from the tuning company. Each customer is given the same tune. When the tuning company updates their tunes, the customer's tuning device may be updated over the internet. After updating the hardware, the customer is able to re-tune their vehicle, with the updated tune. These tuners are keyed to a vehicle's VIN number, so they may only tune one ECM (Engine Control Module) at a time.
Some boxed tuners are downloaders, while others are both downloaders and monitors. A downloader is able to write a tune to the ECM, read DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) and clear them. A monitor is able to display real-time information about the engine,transmission, etc. This information is read by the tuner, via the vehicle's OBD II port.
examples...
XRT Pro: downloader
Mini Maxx: downloader/monitor
Automind: downloader
iQ2: monitor, to be use in conjunction with Banks tuner
"EFILive": Customers are typically sold an AutoCal device to load the tunes they have purchased from their chosen tune writer. AutoCals are shipped to the customer with their tunes already loaded, ready to be written to their vehicle's ECM. These units are also VIN specific.
AutoCals are able to write tunes to an ECM, read/clear DTCs and log data. Although the AutoCal is unable to relay real-time information from the vehicle's computer system to the driver, it IS able to record multiple parameters of the engine/transmission, which can later be reviewed by a tune writer to diagnose any issues the customer may be having. This data logging feature is extremely useful when tune writers are providing support for their customers.
The FlashScan V2 is essentially a pass-through device. A laptop with the appropriate software, in conjunction with a FlashScan V2, is a tune writer's most valuable tool. Tune writers use it to access a vehicle's ECM, copy the tune files and later modify them. Although it is able to load tunes to a vehicle's ECM, its steep price tag (when compared to the AutoCal) renders it a poor choice for the everyday consumer (diesel enthusiast). However, if you are wanting to write your own tunes, this is the way to go.
examples...
AutoCal
FlashScan V2
-Software-
While "boxed tuners" DO support high-power, bolt-on modifications, EFILive is the ideal choice for those with custom setups. EFILive tunes are easily modified by a tune writer. This ease of "tune adjustment" is great for those testing new modifications and custom/experimental engine components.
There are good and bad tune writers. While the different tuning hardware is essentially the same quality, the tunes loaded to them may differ greatly by manufacturer/writer. While refined tunes, written by professionals, offer great power, reasonable EGTs (Exhaust Gas Temperatures) and great "drivability", a poorly written tune will produce unreasonable EGTs and poor drivability. When choosing a tune writer, consider the fact that a poorly written tune can easily DESTROY an engine, transmission and other components of the drive train.
-Tune writers-
A common question posed by people is, "Who is the best tuner?" Although H&S now supports MCC tunes (customizable tunes), this popular question typically pertains to EFILive tunes. Since tuning is very subjective , there is no absolute answer to this question. Below is a list of well-known, professional tune writers. In order to get the very best tune for YOUR NEEDS, you need to call these folks and have a conversation with them. The tune writers will ask you what your truck is used for, which modifications you have (or plan on adding), and what you want out of your tune(s).
In an attempt to avoid hurting people's feelings, the names in the below list are in no specific order.
Motor Ops 705-243-4238
-Idaho Rob at ATP Trucks 208-685-1000
-Duramax Tuner 815-568-7920
-Kory Willis at PPEI