Why would you want to custom tune your vehicle?

• Have a stock vehicle?  Want it tuned for a little more power and economy?  We can do that!
• We can tune for virtually any engine modifications, including nitrous, turbocharging, supercharging, methanol injection, transmission upgrades, Diesel upgrades and more!
• Want a 383 stroker, 454 or 502 in a late-model pickup?  Can be done with stock engine controllers and be fully integrated!
• Contemplating a really exotic engine transplant into a vintage car or truck?  Like maybe a 600hp Duramax Diesel or an LS7 Z06 Corvette engine?  We can set up all the electronics no problem!

What gains can be expected?

• That varies greatly depending on the engine and powertrain combination.  Often the most significant difference is driveablility, or "power under the curve."  Generally there will also be an improvement in fuel economy, but that is quite dependant on the driving habits of the individual.  It is very tempting to get more aggressive with a power tune!  Here are some general rules of thumb:
• 4 Cylinder Engines:  Up to about 7hp gains, depending on engine and fuel octane.  2.0 litre Supercharged engines will gain much more with overdrive pulleys.
• 6 Cylinder Engines:  Up to about 15hp gains, depending on engine and fuel octane.  Supercharged 3800's can gain quite a bit with overdrive pulleys.
• 8 Cylinder Engines:  Up to about 30hp gains, depending on engine and fuel octane.  Big-block engines can gain even more.
• Diesels:  Almost any gain you want!  The maximum for a stock Allison transmission is about 70hp to the rear wheels.  The stock fuel injection pump, with a little help, can support around 450hp and close to 1000 ft-lbs of torque at the rear wheels.

Will this affect my warranty?

• GM or Ford have never endorsed aftermarket tuning.  The rule of thumb is that if we don't bother them they will not bother us.  If an aftermarket tune (or any other aftermarket part) is to blame for a failure, the warranty is denied!  Really, that is to be expected.  That is why our tuning is very carefully engineered to run smoothly and stay within the safe limits of the vehicles powertrain.

What happens if my ECM is reprogrammed by a dealership?

• Firstly, we always use the latest updated GM programming as the base for our power program.  The likelihood of your vehicle being programmed for a warranty concern is significantly reduced.  Generally speaking, after a vehicle is about 2 model years old, there are very little if any significant GM programming upgrades.
• If your vehicle is reprogrammed at a dealership for a warranty concern, we will put your program back in free of charge, using the new updated factory programming.

What are the benefits of custom tuning over a power programmer or "chip"?

• Typically, custom tunes are more "engineered" than a power programmer or chip.  We've had the experience of looking at several over-the-counter power programmers, and have been disappointed with most.  And custom tuning provides by far the most detailed options for calibrating your ECM.
• What about multiple power levels?  Diesel power programmers or "chips" often have multiple power levels that they can be set too.  On the other hand, we only provide 3 power levels: (1) Fuel Economy, (2) Towing/Drive (3) Race (for modified engines only).  Once these are programmed, that's the way your ECM stays.  Our tunes offer the benefit of adjusting the power with your right foot:  Really, why would you want anything less then the maximum safe power or maximum economy?  That's why I am amused with power programmers or chips with 4 or more adjustable power levels.  Our tunes will allow the Allison's adaptive strategy to operate correctly, instead of constantly adjusting for multiple power levels.  Our Towing/Drive tune is safe for your stock engine and transmission, and it produces way more safe and smoke-free horsepower than typical power programmers or "chips" on towing mode.
• What about service at a dealership?  If your vehicle is programmed at the dealer for a warranty concern, it renders many power programmers inoperable.  Most times you have to send that programmer away to the manufacturer to get it updated.  With our programming, you can simply bring your vehicle by the shop to have it reprogrammed for free with the latest GM calibrations.

How much does it cost?

• The cost varies based on what you want to do and the type of computer your vehicle has.  Most power programs on new vehicles cost $595.00.  Custom combinations will be extra.  Older vehicles will generally cost less.  To find out pricing for your combination, phone 780-542-5391 (Steson GM, ask for Joel) or email (joel@payntonperformance.com).