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Old 08-22-2015, 09:50 AM   #1
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Tuner for 2011 3500 express van

Anyone with newer (2010+) Chevy Express 3500 van (6.0L gas) have good success with tuner that functions well with vehicle? Mechanics working on this 2011 3500 van have not been successful (apparently) with Bullydog tuner--likely written for 3500 newer Chevy 4wd truck.

I have suggested 5star (Mike) based on some feedback here, but figured it would be time-saving to go with something someone else has been successful with.

Van was recently converted to 4wd; 17" rims and 33 inch; regeared to 4.10; and of course the speeds read high on the speedo from 5 to about 10mph.

Yes, I have read all the previous speedo posts!



Thanks so much!

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Old 08-22-2015, 11:08 AM   #2
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Re: Tuner for 2011 3500 express van

What engine do you have? If it's a diesel you may be able to find some info on a build that a guy called Spoolin did a while back. I'm pretty sure his was tuned.
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Old 08-22-2015, 11:21 AM   #3
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Re: Tuner for 2011 3500 express van

6.0L gas/flex; yes that would have helped.
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Old 08-22-2015, 12:04 PM   #4
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Re: Tuner for 2011 3500 express van

I just installed a Bullydog tuner in my 2010 express w/ 5.3L. Bullydog and SCT are the only companies I found that have programming for the Express gas engines including your 2011 6.0L. My install was pretty straight forward and was up and working in less than an hour. The programmer has to be updated and the specific vehicle programming loaded on to the SD card from a computer before connecting and flashing the van. If your mechanic is having trouble he should call Bullydog tech support they should be able to walk him through any issues. I was able to correct speedo settings for my larger tires (the main reason I got the tuner).
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Old 08-23-2015, 06:40 PM   #5
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Re: Tuner for 2011 3500 express van

thanks Steve.
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Old 08-23-2015, 11:58 PM   #6
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Re: Tuner for 2011 3500 express van

If I were you I would try and find a local tuner in the area to do a custom tune for you. Most handheld tuners are limiting and severely undertuned so that they are not liable anything that goes wrong, tunes need to be specific to the area you are in.
Find anyone who uses EFI or HPTuners, they ususally charge $150-200 for a tune and they can configure your ECM to whatever options, upgrades and changes you have. You can find custom tuners online or at local speed shops.
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Old 08-24-2015, 10:14 AM   #7
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Re: Tuner for 2011 3500 express van

GM dealer should be able to do the speedo correction. Even an independent shop with AutoEnginuity should be able to do it.

I'm not sure there's any power gains left in that motor. And the transmission is pretty much maxed out anyways, so small changes like removing torque management could put it at risk.
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Old 08-24-2015, 05:54 PM   #8
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Re: Tuner for 2011 3500 express van

Quote:
Originally Posted by carringb
GM dealer should be able to do the speedo correction. Even an independent shop with AutoEnginuity should be able to do it.

I'm not sure there's any power gains left in that motor. And the transmission is pretty much maxed out anyways, so small changes like removing torque management could put it at risk.
My GM dealer tried to correct speedo on my Express and only had the options to pick tire sizes up to about 32". Which didn't get it close enough. They were able to change the gear ratio settings and get it within about 3%, but I wasn't happy with that so I bought the tuner. I wasn't looking for or expecting any huge power gains, but the additional gauges are great. Having transmission temp and a tachometer are nice.
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Old 08-27-2015, 05:55 PM   #9
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Re: Tuner for 2011 3500 express van

thanks all, again.

Latest: We ordered EFIL tuner through Jacob at 5star. Bullydog stock tuner would not work with this van. Interesting that it did work for the 5.3L, but tech support at Bullydog said they could not assist further.

Jacob said that this tuner would be the best bet for this van's setup, and with some custom coding he felt fairly confident it would work. He also said that this would be a be a better approach the SCT, as this company focuses primarily on GM.

Will post again after we have tried the new tuner.
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Old 08-01-2021, 07:54 PM   #10
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Old post but did you ever get this done @pfacdb?
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