which programer is best.for my 2003 z71 tahoe. my only mods are knn intake kit, and a dynomouth.

 

...I think you will read most prefere a custome tune. Lots of nelsonperformance.com good press here. There are others and I have not tried them all. I had a Predator hand held before I went to a Nelson custom tune, both on the 03.
The Predator:
I had a Predator Hand held programmer on my 03 Z71. It was a 93 octane only unit. Newer ones may have lower octane settings. It perked it up some, made it wind out better and the MPG was not effected negetivly. I could custome tune my shifting, rev and speed limiter and other things are available but there is a disclaimer before you stay off into timing and fuel adjustment land. I did not. I read they have improved with more parameters, and you can download custome tunes into it.
What I liked:
You can monitor your diagnostics on the fly.
It did improve performance to a degree. Enough so when I took the tune out and drove it afterwards I could feel the loss in performance.
I could read and reset error codes on any GM vehicle with the same jack.
What I did not like:
The price of custom tunes or updates. The power compared to the Nelson Tune. I now have an expensive code and live diagnostics reader\paper weight.
Went to a nelson 93 octane tune and the improvments over the predator where felt in a large way. Again there was no effect in mpg.
With a nelson you can upgrade or change settings as you change your truck for only shipping costs for as long as you own the truck. From adding headers, to a a different tire size? Call nelson and tell him for another unit configured for it and sent to swap out.

Do searches here you will find lots.

 

I purchased my predator from Runnin With The Devil $329. If you purchase the predator from them you get a custom tune from Runnin with the Devil for free. There was a big performance difference from the generic 93 Octane Tune on the predator and the custom tune James at Runnin with the Devil made for me. My 05 Crew Cab with 3.73s gets 17mpg in the City and 20 on the highway. Also made 16mpg pulling a 1995 Trans AM

If you DON"T by the predator from Runnin With The Devil they do charge for a Custom Tune.

If you decide to go with a hand held tuner I would go with the Predator from Runninn With The Devil. Otherwise, get the custom tune from Nelson Performance

http://runninwiththedevil.com/

 

I would definitely get a custom tune for the money. I know Texas Speed and Performance ---> usually has specials on mail order tuning for like $200 bucks, which is better AND cheaper than any handheld.

 

It is better than MOST handheld, unless you have a predator with the ability to upload custom tunes.

 

If you're thinking of getting a handheld, think about the Vinci/Crane deal. Vinci is GREAT to work with, and their handheld looks to be about the most adjustable out there. Spent a day at Vinci's getting the 1.8 Crane Quick-lift roller rockers/ springs installed, they're a great bunch of guys, and enthusiasts, too. Just like us. Rodger, and Joe have a TON of knowledge, and experience! If I didn't already have a custom tune, I would have bought theirs.

 

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what's that mean?

 

Can't beat a custom tune, but if you're dead set on a handheld, the Vinci/Crane tuner is awesome. I used one for a few months and it really helped me optimize my cam's powerband by using one of the pre-set cam tunes. I never tried the stock high-perf tune, but 98TAauto (who has my old tuner now) has, and he's been very impressed with it.

 

Where are you at in Cali? There are plenty of tuners in Norcal and Socal. If it's norcal I know you you can find em. Much better than a mail-order tune and 100x better than a hand-held programmer.