2017 GMC Denali 6.2 Tuning
 

Just got back into the gasser game after I sold my LBZ.

I have a 2017 6.2 with the 8 speed. I know the 8 speed is locked down and now can be tuned with HP tuners, but its pricey just to get it unlocked, and then its hard to find a mail order tune for it without sending the unit somewhere.

What is a good tuner nowadays? I used to have Blackbear do all of my tuning, are they still the way to go if you don't have a closer local tuner?

Trifecta Tuning says they can tune the 8 speed transmission along with the 6.2 engine, but there have been mixed reviews on them. It is $399 for the combo tune, which is the same price as unlocking the TCM.

Looking for some real world experience and some suggestions. Truck is out of warranty in 3k, so gotta get a plan together.

Thanks for the help!

Doing it yourself is the best way.

I wouldn't trust any of the places you listed to touch a torque based controller like these trucks have.

Anything 2017+ is pricey for GM products, costs a lot just to unlock the PCM, then the added cost of TCM unlocking plus licensing.

I would love to do it myself, but I just don't have the time to teach myself what I forgot from years ago, and I would still have to buy the credits anyway. I'm gonna search for some local tuners again, i know a few guys who are still in the LS/LT game that might have an idea.

Idk about black bear , I love the results but as far as turn around idk.. I’ve been waiting 3 weeks for my tune update and still haven’t received it , can’t start my truck until I get my tune update .. has anyone else ran into this ?

Anyone else know of a reputable tuner I can use Incase I get the shaft from black bear ?

Atomic performance on here

Truck Corvette Camaro Tuner in Tampa
 

The 2017 and newer GM vehicles are very expensive to calibrate with HP Tuners. Its the only program Ive used since 2004, but its a great calibration program.

You need to remove the Transmission Control Module and have it sent to HP Tuners for un-encryption. After that, your tuner can access the module.

Pre-2017 vehicles are much easier and cheaper to calibrate.

$200 for the aforementioned unlock service, or buy the new unlocked T87A for $400 and swap it with your stock TCM.
I wonder just how worth it it is to tune the 8-speed trans. I hear a lot from both sides saying of course it's worth it, and then the other side saying you really shouldn't mess much with these 8-speeds.

Truck Corvette Camaro Tuner in Tampa
 

Depends on the modifications. If you like the way the transmission shifts and didnt change tire size, but added intake and headers, then just calibrate the engine. The price might come down in the future on licensing from HP Tuners, but you'll still need the TCM unencrypted if you want to access the transmission strategies.

The shifts are quicker in the 8-10 speed transmission, but not really firm.

Phil