[Alan Roehrich]

Adger,
I did not see this earlier, sorry. I strongly suggest you search the DuraMax and Silverado forums. Black Bear has a pretty good reputation for tuning. The stock tune is abysmal. However, you have to be careful with tuned trucks, they'll usually require 89, 91, or 93 octane. The factory tune has very low timing, and delayed fuel and timing response. The most effective tunes will resolve that, and they'll reduce the torque limiting to some degree. You'll want to make sure that they don't go too far on reducing the torque limiting. But some significant reduction in torque limiting can be helpful, as it prevents having to re-open the throttle, and re-advance the timing, and add fuel again after every shift.



You might want to reduce the thermostat temp to 180 to help prevent detonation. I put MSD wires and Champion double platinum plugs in my 8.1, and I run Royal Purple 20W50, my truck is 2WD, so I can run a PF932 filter. The switch to Royal Purple 20W50 reduced the temperature, and also stopped the oil consumption and plug deposits. You can dump the catalytic converters, and replace that monster muffler and gain some there. The muffler has a limited life span, and when it goes, the guts fly apart and make an awful racket.



Eventually, my truck will get a lot more modifications. There's a lot to be had with an 8.1, if you want it and want to do the work.