Black Bear Tune - Better Mpg - How?

03z71 · January 5, 2011

First of all, I apologize if this has been answered already - I searched but couldn't find it.

Anyway, due to the glowing reviews here I think I will end up getting a Black Bear tune (using an increase in tire size as my excuse). Based on how terrible the shift points are and based on torque management, etc., I have no doubt as to how general driveability and performance will be increased. My question though, is how does a tune increase fuel economy? It seems like everything GM does at the factory is at the expense of performance and driveability to increase fuel economy and durability. I'm not that surprised about the possibilty of an 8 year old truck like mine gaining fuel economy with the data logging tune since things change over 100,000 miles and I would think analyzing the current state of the engine could yield some gains. But how can a newer truck that's been optimized (neutered) by GM to get the highest fuel economy possible gain any more from a custom tune?

Based on the reviews here, I don't doubt that the tunes increase fuel economy, but I really wonder how.

Any input would be appreciated!

mhenshaw · January 5, 2011

Emissions are a big part and GM has to use a canned tune for the engines because they are all different, in some way. Just like a programmer is canned to work with different motors.

Its the fine tuning to that gets the benefit to your own motor.

03z71 · January 5, 2011

Aha! The thought of emissions never occurred to me! That would make sense.

As I said, I can easily believe that a tune would help if it's the data logging type (which I will definitely do) - especially on an older truck. I'm still surprised that a standard tune could do that much. You'd think that there are enough people working on GM's engine programming to tailor the programs to each engine to maximize their fuel economy. I guess it's a case of EPA winning over CAFE (both fighting to see who can ruin our trucks more!).

brad519 · January 5, 2011

I'm not able to give a fair assessment yet but best I can tell I haven't increased any mpg with my BB Tune. Throttle response=OH YES MGP= dropped about 1 mpg. But again I've only ran 1 tank of 93 through it and I was a little heavy on the pedal. 2nd tank was E85 and that was like 9.6 mpg.

SouthCo · January 5, 2011

Unless the vehicle is running rich, a tune shouldn't increase mpg's. Doesn't a tune fix a lean or rich condition and also add more fuel for mods that increase air flow (ie ehaust, headers and intake). I'm not talking about torgue management stuff. Don't see how those would affect mpgs either way.

With that being said, I still want a BlackBear tune.

00_Extended · January 6, 2011

I have read over the last year or so people claiming a 1 MPG and up to 2 or 3 MPG increase. I have read that BB can do an MPG tune. What that means I don't know? I do know that if something is leaned out it can run dirty meanig that the emissions can be affected but does that increase MPG?

On a CARBed car or truck lean can get you gains in throttle repsonce at certine RPM levels but MPG's ?? I never played with it enough to find out.

Doug_Scott · January 6, 2011

Unless the vehicle is running rich, a tune shouldn't increase mpg's. Doesn't a tune fix a lean or rich condition and also add more fuel for mods that increase air flow (ie ehaust, headers and intake). I'm not talking about torgue management stuff. Don't see how those would affect mpgs either way.

With that being said, I still want a BlackBear tune.

The torque management will reduce engine efficiency. Any time you use something to decrease power (torque managment) you will increase fuel usage. Basically TM reduces torque by de-tuning the engine. BB tune removes TM, so fuel usage on that part alone will decrease.

stlavsa · January 6, 2011

Unless the vehicle is running rich, a tune shouldn't increase mpg's. Doesn't a tune fix a lean or rich condition and also add more fuel for mods that increase air flow (ie ehaust, headers and intake). I'm not talking about torgue management stuff. Don't see how those would affect mpgs either way.

With that being said, I still want a BlackBear tune.

The torque management will reduce engine efficiency. Any time you use something to decrease power (torque managment) you will increase fuel usage. Basically TM reduces torque by de-tuning the engine. BB tune removes TM, so fuel usage on that part alone will decrease.

People that drive with a really light foot can get better mileage from tweaking the timing/TM and then cleaning up the A:F in the low RPMs and then getting the extra immediate power and reponse. Allows you to use less pressure on the go pedal and therefor less fuel consumptions.. So called MPG tunes are the opposite they seem to kill some power and then you have to put your foot in it a little harder.