So you ALREADY have a Nelson Tune or Westers Tune.

[White Lightening]

Greetings Fellow Silverado Owners,

Very few topics are more mentioned or commented on than Tuning Chips. Its something many consider for their vehicles.

I've read often on this forum about the Nelson Tune from Texas or the Westers Tune from Canada. Lots of people are "going to be getting one" - its on many lists of posters that I see. But I set up this thread so that hopefully those WHO ALREADY HAVE ONE can give us some real life examples and input of how it has benefited their vehicle.

For those of us - yet to have gotten one - I put the websites of each below as a reference. I also know there are SuperChip and Hypertech chips etc. - but they are a different group - and from what I read it seems the Westers and Nelson chips are more complex, more expensive, but more able to adapt to many more things.

I have specific questions I think many would be interested in asking. We all read that it is "supposed" to change performance or improve drivability etc.. But nothing explains it better than experience - and those who have them already.

1. Those who already have one of these two chips - what year vehicle and engine did you use it on?

2. Did you notice an increase or decrease in fuel economy (MPG)? If so - how much?

3. Did it seem like adding the Nelson or Westers tune made your truck more efficient and smoother? Or did it make it harsher and more abrupt?

4. Did you notice any negatives or things you didn't like after getting a Nelson or Westers?

5. Do you think this chip addition will alter the longevity of your truck or truck components? If so - what and how?

6. Did you get the chip because of performance increase - or to improve engine/transmission efficiency - or just because others were doing it?

7. Compared to what you were expecting would happen - were there any surprises? If so - what?

8. I read often that Westers or Nelson tune are especially good for trucks with multiple mods. But how about for the rest of us that aren't modifying our trucks. Would you still get a Nelson or Westers Tune if you didn't modify your truck?


Nelson Tuning Chip
http://www.nelsonperformance.com/


Westers Tuning Chip
http://westers_garage.eidnet.org

Thanks for any and all input.

White Lightening

[jeverett]

Okay. To anser the questions you asked. I have a Nelson Performance 93 octane "Hot" tune..which is one of the most agressive. You can get less agressive tunes, and you can also get for 87, 89, or 91 octane.

1. Used it on a 99 Silverado Z71 Reg cab short bed. My engine is out of a 2002 though...its tuned for a 99.

2. I did notice an increase in mileage.. about 2 mpg. Thats if I drive normal, which is hard to do with all the extra power. If you drive agressive it really doesnt make it any worse.

3. The tune DEFINATELY made the truck smoother and more efficent. Doesn't take near the "go pedal" to get the truck to move. It also shifts much better b/c he altered the shift points for me.

4. I have no complaints on the Nelson tune..

5. Not to sure about this one, but I'm sure it will not hurt it at all. I feel like the tranny will last a bit longer b/c of the firmed shifts. Engine wise, I guess it would last just as long as factory.

6. I got mine because I had a Hypertech,and it was HORRIBLE! I wanted an increase in performance, and I got exactly what I wanted. In all areas (eg. engine, tranny)

7. The truck was supposed to have a "relearn process". Mine did not have to do this... I just installed and it fired right up. Allen can give you more information on this.

8. If my truck was bone stock, I would definately get a tune. No questions asked.

[jethro_3]

After a few road trips and a lot of daily in town trips here are my comments:

1) 2001 Ext Cab, 5.3L, Auto, 3.43 gears, soft tonneau. Was lucky to get 17 as grandma on the highway.

2) I noticed 2+ mpg but I need to learn how to get my foot out of the pedal now that I feel more horses under the hood. Last trip 90-95 mph still 18.25 mpg. I still need to get the straps to hold my electric fans that were programmed into the PCM. That should gain another 1/2 mpg.

3) The transmission mods made the trans smoother and shift faster without all the hesitation that it came stock with. Not harsh just faster. Full on acceleration it looses no momentum and gets it done.

4) One big negative, learning how not to use what I gained!!!! Nothing to complain about.

5) The tune will definitely help the trans live longer with less friction in the shift and cooler temps. Once the electric fans are in my idle temp should help the engine live longer. The fans are going to be a major plus at being able to cool the engine at idle over the stock setup. I believe the engine will live longer as it is tuned specifically for my driving style not just an average tune to fit the generic population.

6) When Allen plugged in to my PCM I reiterated that fact that MPG is primary and off the line is secondary. After road testing the tune he even noticed my driving style and said the tune was to smooth things out and get the MPG gaines. The off the line performance would come at a little MPG cost in the timing curves under full pedal mashing.

7) Surprised at how well the transmission shifts at all speeds and conditions, downshift/upshift. Also at full on pedal 2nd to 3rd is at 92MPH, WOW never expected that!

8) By going to Allen's shop I think I got a better customized tune without having to send for a fine tune. I am not saying he would be far off by calling you, tuning a PCM, sending you a PCM and then testing it. I just felt that much more assured of what was being done and the loss/gains of what it was being done for. I drove under all different conditions and asked a lot of questions. It was interesting to see live time computer functions.

Yes a tune would be a good thing even if you are not modifying your truck. It would make your engine and trans work better for your style and expectations as GM tried to make an average driver setup and most of us are not average. A tune is not meant for all drivers but if you want a few MPG and are not exactly happy with some the parameters of how the truck performs you may wish to think about it. It made my truck come alive. "It's Alive...":22yikes:

Sorry for the long thread, just my opinion.

[White Lightening]

No post is "too long" when it comes to giving information about your experiences with either the Westers or Nelson tune. There are so many parameters to consider - its hard to imagine how you pick the details of the items desired.

Don't be afraid to go into details

White Lightening