Recommendations for Remote Tuner / Who wants my business?

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07-18-2025
Powerplant9

Recommendations for Remote Tuner / Who wants my business?

I recently swapped an LQ4 into a 1969 C10. I have realized (as many probably have) that Im in over my head with HPT. Looking for a reputable remote tuner, Im not here looking for a free tune, looking to pay real money.

Engine = 6.0 LS & ECU from a 2004 Yukon Denali
Trans = 4L80e / stock converter
Chopacabra cam
Morel LS7 Lifters
Upgraded valve springs
Lifter trunion kit
TBSS intake / 90mm GM TB (return-less fuel rail)
X-Link TB wiring adapter
DestschWerks 16U-LS-0700-8 injectors
Corvette fuel filter regulator
Short headers to 2.5 dual exhaust, Spintech mufflers
317 Heads

I made some modifications to the original tune = vats delete, bumped up the idle, tried to enter the injector data (not sure if I did that correctly), L480e segment swap. It does run / drive but not very well.

My intention is to run NA for now, then turbo in a year or two (hence the larger injectors).

I had tried Matt Sanford with Skye Tuning but he declined (not really sure why). Any other suggestions / good experiences with a tuner you can recommend?
07-19-2025
Fast4.7

I will not touch a vehicle with a X-Link on it in person myself. Very possible that alone is why he declined. I use the earlier 2000-02 TAC module rather than a X-Link to make the newer 6 pin throttle body work. Typically just works vs constant REP mode.

I will also add I have yet to tune a single swap that did not need some mechanical or electrical problem diagnosed before the engine ran correctly. I have diagnosed unplugged connectors, bad cam sensors, coils on the OE brackets that were swapped left and right thus messing up the firing order, 02 sensor harnesses swapped left/right (really common actually), vacuum leaks, exhaust leaks, wrong 02 sensors for the PCM and harness being used, bad/wrong MAF for the swap application, a return that was plumbed to a restricted sending unit fuel vapor vent port that had the fuel pressure over 100 psi, the list goes on.

I was helping a buddy in another state try to figure out why his simple heads/cam swap engine ran briefly then would not restart. He thought it was tune. It was not. PTV clearence issue when the engine started ended up bending every exhaust valve. The best intentions sometimes end up being a nightmare for remote tuning anyway.

Even the stock 5.3L with a Torque Storm started acting up and went into what seemed like fuel cut on my buddy local to me that I was tuning. He had disabled the venturi bucket pump installing the larger high flow pump. After the engine broke up and went dead lean after a few seconds during a hard pull, I looked over and saw the gas gauge basically on E. Needless to say putting gas in the tank fixed it. So I have learned to expect the unexpected with anything I have not built myself amd thus pick and choose what I am willing to do via email or remote tuning too.
07-19-2025
Powerplant9

The X-Link sounds like a problem, Sanford said he doesn?t like them. Switching tac modules means changing the pcm and I don?t want to fork out more for credits. Is swapping to drive by cable an option so a tuner will touch my build?
07-19-2025
Fast4.7

Quote:

Originally Posted by Powerplant9

The X-Link sounds like a problem, Sanford said he doesn?t like them. Switching tac modules means changing the pcm and I don?t want to fork out more for credits. Is swapping to drive by cable an option so a tuner will touch my build?

I run the older 0411 era TAC module with the newer P59 without any issues.

Proof of TB function before I bolted it on and fired up the engine.

https://youtube.com/shorts/EI88zu5DZ6s?si=qUcHNK-xHJYKUOWE

The PCM from the Denali is unlikely to have IAC drivers for the DBC throttle. Only specific P59 PCM part numbers and hardware numbers have the IAC drivers. The P59 I run in my 97 van was out of a 2003 DBC Tahoe and has IAC drivers. It formerly ran a L31 350 based 4x DBC small block 383.
07-19-2025
Powerplant9

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fast4.7

I run the older 0411 era TAC module with the newer P59 without any issues.

Proof of TB function before I bolted it on and fired up the engine.

https://youtube.com/shorts/EI88zu5DZ...cHNK-xHJYKUOWE

The PCM from the Denali is unlikely to have IAC drivers for the DBC throttle. Only specific P59 PCM part numbers and hardware numbers have the IAC drivers. The P59 I run in my 97 van was out of a 2003 DBC Tahoe and has IAC drivers. It formerly ran a L31 350 based 4x DBC small block 383.

I?ll try the 0411 TAC, will it work with my existing pedal or will I need an older pedal?
07-19-2025
bk2life

Quote:

Originally Posted by Powerplant9

The X-Link sounds like a problem

yes i dont like them either.
that or the 24 to 58 convertor boxes
nope, not i
07-19-2025
Powerplant9

Quote:

Originally Posted by bk2life

yes i dont like them either.
that or the 24 to 58 convertor boxes
nope, not i

I?m switching tac boxes so the x-link will be gone. Wish I had known this before shucking out $$$ for it.
07-19-2025
RDF1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Powerplant9

I?m switching tac boxes so the x-link will be gone. Wish I had known this before shucking out $$$ for it.

You live and learn.
I agree with them, i dont touch anything with a X Link or 58x-24x converter boxes. Just asking for a headache.

You would be better off just using the 6.0 throttle body and a 4 bolt to 3 bolt adapter.
That engine/cam setup isnt anything fancy that needs more air than a stock throttle body can provide.
And a Turbo doesn't care what throttle body it has to push air thru.
And that C5 Filter/Regulator is asking for trouble as well.
07-19-2025
Powerplant9

Quote:

Originally Posted by RDF1

You live and learn.
I agree with them, i dont touch anything with a X Link or 58x-24x converter boxes. Just asking for a headache.

You would be better off just using the 6.0 throttle body and a 4 bolt to 3 bolt adapter.
That engine/cam setup isnt anything fancy that needs more air than a stock throttle body can provide.
And a Turbo doesn't care what throttle body it has to push air thru.
And that C5 Filter/Regulator is asking for trouble as well.

What fuel regulator do you recommend?
07-19-2025
gametech

Quote:

Originally Posted by Powerplant9

What fuel regulator do you recommend?

Don't worry too much about that setup yet. The problem comes down the road when you slap on a turbo and suddenly need a bigger fuel pump. People try to just change to a bigger pump, and it overpowers the corvette regulator/filter. Then they have super high idle fuel pressure that fubars their tune.
07-20-2025
Powerplant9

Quote:

Originally Posted by gametech

Don't worry too much about that setup yet. The problem comes down the road when you slap on a turbo and suddenly need a bigger fuel pump. People try to just change to a bigger pump, and it overpowers the corvette regulator/filter. Then they have super high idle fuel pressure that fubars their tune.

but for the next couple years as I run NA it should be ok right?