What can I expect from an hptuner?

[GM15005.3]

I have a 2003 silverado 1500 2WD with a 5.3L. It has an AEM Brute Force Air Intake, currently Hypertech 93oct program, Pacesetter Long Tubes no cats, MSD LS1 coil packs and 8.5mm Super Conductor wires, Hypertech 160 t-stat, Eaton Limited slip with 4.10 gears, 7 inch lift with 33" tires. I have been kind of disappointed with performance considering the bolt ons that I have. When I get on it sounds like I'm really hookin it but it's not accelerating that fast. It feels like something is holding it back, makes all the noise and sounds like it wants to go but not much action. Someone told me it's because of something called torque management, that is holding me back. Is it true? Or could my transmission be messing up? I am purchasing the hpt pro and my question is will this fix my problem and let the leash off the truck or is it something else holding me back?

[Bill@HPTuners]

very vague question so i'll give a vague answer...
1. you'll get out what you put in
2. hptuners when used properly can only bring out the best possible performance of a given vehicle
3. its not majic hardware so if there IS something else wrong with your vehicle it doesnt have the power to cure it mechically. Remember though...you have a 5000lb truck with a 5.3ltr v8 with 33in tall tires...a couple of bolt ons arent gonna get that thing to 400hp lol

[GM15005.3]

That's true and I understand that, but you can't tell really any difference from stock vs. bolt-ons. I would of thought you would have noticed something.

[Bill@HPTuners]

the only power adding bolton you added was headers/intake with no real tuning...lets say 5-10hp...do you honestly think you'll feel that much? Then you probably went from 3.73 to 4.10 gears but offset that with some 33" tall tires which completely took away that newfound gear advantage...not sure what your expecting but you sure as heck aint gonna feel 5 or 10hp.

[EC_Tune]

With a 4x4 & big tires (anything 33"+) and a stock engine you want gears or the truck feels like a turd. I'm afraid you didn't go far enough with the gearing.
4.10's are a start, 4.56 gears would give you back "most" of your performance, 4.88's would be even better.

I've got 35" tires on my early Bronco with 5.13 gears. No performance loss there, just top end speed. Not necessary with a 4x4 unless you are racing in Baja. LOL

I have overdrive, too just like you. More gear will definitely make the truck feel lighter and with the correct tire size & gears you will have better freeway performance as well.

[GM15005.3]

It had a 3.42 gear stock and I went to a 4.10. Thanks for the input guys, Maybe I'll try some 4.56 gears. I'm not sure about 4.88's cause I still drive the freeways everyday and I have a lead foot so 90mph is a common speed for me on the freeway. I know what you are saying foff, and I agree. I'm not trying to hang with 10 sec f-bodies, I just get annoyed when a stock cavalier can stay with me off the line. I guess I'll just have to live with it and get a real car to go kick a cavaliers butt in. Thanks guys.

[jimmyblue]

There are specific "features" of GM's stock tune that
really dog the trucks. If you get the burst knock and
the power enrichment mode delay taken care of then
you can tune the fuel and spark tables right, and the
thing will drive like a 327 instead of a 305. Drive by
wire has even more traction control nastiness to
be put in its place.

The Cavalier problem is not in the iron, I can guarantee
you that. GM made them act like an ox and you want
a bull, so send it to bull school.