I have an 06' silverado 1500 with the 6.0HO(LQ9) vortec max package. This is already a very potent motor, but all GM truck motors pull timing around shift points and off the line...they call it torque management(TM). The diesel guys experience this as defueling. GM does this to save stress on the transmission. I recently installed a new PCM with 80% of the TM removed as well as some minor adjustments for exhaust and cold air induction and firmer transmission line pressure......all i can say is WOW...this truck really woke up. The TM removal alone was good for a one second improvement in 1/4 mile and about 30 horse(if you have a 6.0 in a GM HD or Denali you get 50horse) My truck feels like a hot rod...doesnt run out of steam at all. I HIGHLY SUGGEST THE CUSTOM TUNE. pcmforless.com, nelsons, wait4meperformance.com, westers, zippyperformance.com. ect. They can write custom tunes for any engine mod..cams, injectors, ect. enjoy

I use the Hypertech units, but a custom tune is the way to go. Found 16 hp for my GTO and gave the A4 a more sporty feel. The side benefit is usually better gas mpg also as the factory tune runs rich.

Wannabe

I've got an '06 Avalanche with a 496. It is a dog!!!! The motor screams but I don't feel like I'm moving!! Down shifting also sucks, as well as throttle response.

dont waste your time with any of the hand held units....all they are good for is changing tire size/speedo calibration. You get a tuned PCM in your 496 and say hello. Visit nelsonperformance, and your truck will seem like a totally different animal.

My truck was still under warranty when I owned it (8.1L Avalanche), but with exhaust, K&N FIPK, and the Diablo Predator tuner, I was very happy with the truck. The torque management is there for a reason. I was towing 12K pounds, and while the additional torque would have been nice; it would have eaten the tranny.

my truck is still under warrenty too. That is why I kept the tow/haul button stock for towing(re-applies TM), only took off 80% TM, and also have the original PCM if i need to take it in for warrenty work on the engine ect. The week link in the LD trucks is the 4L60,65,70 trans. You've got the 4L80E, major beef. I know several guys who have your set up(and mine)with more than 70000 miles of modified use. The only time you can really feel the hard shifts is under WOT....but it is almost too fun not to do.

Interesting.......

so with the nelson pcm, i can get more torque out of my 8.1? I've got an 8.1 allison trans dually...

Rob, I think the 8.1L is allowed to run wide open when you have the Allison. The 8.1L is torque limited in first gear when installed in the 2500 Avalanche, 2500 Yukon XL, and 2500 Sub. The M32/4L85E 4 Speed Auto transmission is the only transmission, and its first gear is not strong enough to handle the torque of the full monty 8.1L. The 8.1L is no problem for the Allison.

I've got a wait4me tune and it sucks! I bought it and told them I have 37's on the truck (05 2500HD, 6.0L). After installing it, I kept getting the ABS/Brake light on the dash, and "service brake system" on the cluster. They claim that the ABS computer won't accept tires larger than 35's, and I should have the Computer flashed with a VIN from an H2. First they say flashed, but when I asked him to do it (I'd mail it to him) he claimed that it took several hours and something had to be soldered in.

Bottom line: Don't get the wait4me tune.

I will vouch for the Torque Management. Instead of building better transmissions, they write that torque management crap in the PCM