[Lee1]

I’ve been going down the rabbit hole of compliant tunes for my 2016 Colorado diesel with 43K miles. Engine is stock and have a 2.5” front level and 1” block in back. Also have 265/70/17 tires.

GDE and Duramax Tuner are at the top of my list but I can’t seem to commit. I used to tow an RV but sold it but I might buy a different one at some point. I’m not really too concerned about MPG increase, but like the idea of more HP and torque. I do like the Duramax Tuner switch on the fly option but not sure how much I’d switch it.

All that said, which compliant tune did you go with and are you glad you did? I appreciate any and all feedback.

 

[DieselDrax]

I went with GDE, currently I'm happy with it but initially it was problematic and I went back to stock for close to a year I think (neither GDE nor I know why the initial flash resulted in poor refinement/driveability). They reached out and I was going to re-install the tune to get some logs for them to check and when I reinstalled their tunes (stock tire size engine tune since I have an inline calibrator, modified tire size trans tune to correct shift points) it was a totally different experience than the initial flash and I've kept the tune installed since Sept 2022.

If I were to do it over again I'd probably go with Duramax Tuner and their SOTF tunes with the DSP4 switch, it would be nice to be able to switch tunes based on how I'm using the truck and I haven't heard of any complaints about their tunes.

Either one would be an improvement over stock and I don't think you'll go wrong with either, I'd just compare the costs and the features/value offered by each one. If you still can't decide then flip a coin.

 

[Lee1]

I went with GDE, currently I'm happy with it but initially it was problematic and I went back to stock for close to a year I think (neither GDE nor I know why the initial flash resulted in poor refinement/driveability). They reached out and I was going to re-install the tune to get some logs for them to check and when I reinstalled their tunes (stock tire size engine tune since I have an inline calibrator, modified tire size trans tune to correct shift points) it was a totally different experience than the initial flash and I've kept the tune installed since Sept 2022.

If I were to do it over again I'd probably go with Duramax Tuner and their SOTF tunes with the DSP4 switch, it would be nice to be able to switch tunes based on how I'm using the truck and I haven't heard of any complaints about their tunes.

Either one would be an improvement over stock and I don't think you'll go wrong with either, I'd just compare the costs and the features/value offered by each one. If you still can't decide then flip a coin.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Great information. It might come down to a coin flip at this point!

 

[tlbrush]

I went Duramax Tuner. They do not offer shift on the fly anymore at least for my 2022. GDE does not offer a tune if you regear. You may have to fine tune the tunes for speedometer correction after you do apply them. Check speed at 60mp vs GPS and then contact your tuner with data for correction.

 

[DieselDrax]

I went Duramax Tuner. They do not offer shift on the fly anymore at least for my 2022. GDE does not offer a tune if you regear. You may have to fine tune the tunes for speedometer correction after you do apply them. Check speed at 60mp vs GPS and then contact your tuner with data for correction.

DT does offer SOTF for previous years, and the OP has a 2016 which still has SOTF/DSP4 support.

I'm not sure where you're getting this information regarding GDE, but it's incorrect. GDE absolutely can and will adjust tunes for regearing, it's no different than adjusting for non-stock tire size. You just have to give them the % difference from stock and they will adjust the engine and trans tunes so they work correctly. The truck has no idea if you changed the gearing or tire size, but it would be helpful if GDE updated their order form to ask if someone wants adjustments for tires or gear changes. Just wanted to clear that up.

 

[6speedTi]

FYI, changing tunes on the fly was no longer feasible from 2019 and up. I researched some tunes and the ECU protocols changed for 2019. With that said it shouldn't be a deal breaker for most.

 

[tlbrush]

DT does offer SOTF for previous years, and the OP has a 2016 which still has SOTF/DSP4 support.

I'm not sure where you're getting this information regarding GDE, but it's incorrect. GDE absolutely can and will adjust tunes for regearing, it's no different than adjusting for non-stock tire size. You just have to give them the % difference from stock and they will adjust the engine and trans tunes so they work correctly. The truck has no idea if you changed the gearing or tire size, but it would be helpful if GDE updated their order form to ask if someone wants adjustments for tires or gear changes. Just wanted to clear that up.

I got my information from GDE a couple of years ago. Maybe I talked to the wrong person. I wanted to go GDE but knew I was going to regear so I did my research that was current at the time I was looking.

 

[PlopDuramax]

Installed the DT 50 State intact tune last week. (Purchased 5 pack)

First the transmission tune is awesome with the optimized stock tune. Super responsive confident shifts and had some beans

I tried the light tow tune since I'm constantly carrying 600+ lbs in the bed as all times (I'm an electrician) and we will just say it needs some serious refinements.
The shifting was hard and sometimes revved up before slamming into gear and taking off.
Much more in the power department but when driving at a consistent speed it seemed like the tune had flat spots or felt like the brakes were being applied. Need to do some data logging but I really don't want to put my truck through that again.
I'm since back to optimized stock and super happy. Will see what the fuel economy looks like on the next fill up.

 

[Lee1]

Installed the DT 50 State intact tune last week. (Purchased 5 pack)

First the transmission tune is awesome with the optimized stock tune. Super responsive confident shifts and had some beans

I tried the light tow tune since I'm constantly carrying 600+ lbs in the bed as all times (I'm an electrician) and we will just say it needs some serious refinements.
The shifting was hard and sometimes revved up before slamming into gear and taking off.
Much more in the power department but when driving at a consistent speed it seemed like the tune had flat spots or felt like the brakes were being applied. Need to do some data logging but I really don't want to put my truck through that again.
I'm since back to optimized stock and super happy. Will see what the fuel economy looks like on the next fill up.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Vinolush]

Does emissions compliant mean it will pass California smog test?

or it's just compatible with our trucks emission system and no emissions modifications needed...?

I ran the DT tuner very briefly in '16 but went back to stock due to a mandatory OEM reflash which was supposed to be optional.

Never got tuned again and have since sold my Spade

The main issue I had was flashing back to stock for Cali smog test.. I'm tech challenged and only have apple computers and knew there was a strong possibility I would "F" things up during a reflash

Has EFI live changed to include the stock tune on the Spade? which would make it very simple to reflash to stock for the test

 

[Lee1]

Does emissions compliant mean it will pass California smog test?

or it's just compatible with our trucks emission system and no emissions modifications needed...?

I ran the DT tuner very briefly in '16 but went back to stock due to a mandatory OEM reflash which was supposed to be optional.

Never got tuned again and have since sold my Spade

The main issue I had was flashing back to stock for Cali smog test.. I'm tech challenged and only have apple computers and knew there was a strong possibility I would "F" things up during a reflash

Has EFI live changed to include the stock tune on the Spade? which would make it very simple to reflash to stock for the test

I don't recall for sure if Duramax Tuners or Green Diesel Engineering has California-compliant tunes but I think it can be found on their websites or you can call or message to discuss with each of them or others. They were both responsive to my calls and messages.