"Hot" Side Unboxing - Twin Turbo Install

[RThomasII]

Nice! Would you have a video of it on the dyno?

No sir. I've got a few dyno clips posted on You Tube but nothing taken after this latest rounds of upgrades. I know "if there is no pic or video then it didn't happen" so I'm planning to get new video and dyno sheets when we re-tune.

 

[CMoore711]

That torque tho…. You’re first dyno it was a torque monster!

I’ve had mixed experiences with “break in periods” on newly built motors.

One time I followed the break-in instructions to a T and the motor developed very noticeable piston slap before the 2nd oil change.

Then another time I skipped the break-in period (same exact type motor and build as first one) and just ran it like it stole it immediately. That one ended up being one of the smoothest quietest LS motors I ran.
M

 

[RAMurphy]

I'm in Maryland. DMV area. Fantasy Factory Performance, Pasadena, MD did the tuning.

Where in Maryland? I'm in southern Maryland - looks about 2 hours from where you got your beast tuned. Crazy horsepower. Wow.

 

[RThomasII]

Where in Maryland? I'm in southern Maryland - looks about 2 hours from where you got your beast tuned. Crazy horsepower. Wow.

I'm in Howard County.

I would give Fantasy Factory a call anyway. Based on my experience these local guys don't really advertise but seem to all pretty much know each other so they may be able to point you in the direction of someone closer to you.

 

[RAMurphy]

I'm in Howard County.

I would give Fantasy Factory a call anyway. Based on my experience these local guys don't really advertise but seem to all pretty much know each other so they may be able to point you in the direction of someone closer to you.

I'm building a LQ9+ for my 2002 Tahoe. Nothing as beastly as your build, but I would be curious what I achieved with my build.

 

[Time2Kill]

Any updates? I'm looking to do exactly the same build. GPI drop in pistons, cam, LT4 fuel system and the Armageddon turbo kit.

 

[RThomasII]

Back on the dyno yesterday for another tuning session and to dial in the transmission after installing the unlocked TCM. Didn't get too aggressive with the tune this time (turned it down from last time on the dyno) but still made 679/766 and runs like a champ now. I'm going to leave it alone for a bit and maybe look for another round of upgrades once my wallet is in a little better position financially. For everyone wondering if I would do it all over again, the answer is "F^CK NO!!". Too expensive and too stressful. If I had to do over I would look for a low miles v3 CTS-V to mod out instead.

 

[CMoore711]

Glad to see it back together and running healthy! Hopefully you'll get to spend more time with it in the drivers' seat than in the shop!

What all was involved in unlocking the TCM for the 10 speed?
Did you have to send it out to get that done?
Once you got it back I assume it was then tunable through HPTuners?

 

[sealandsky]

I would also like to hear more about your TCM unlock and reprogramming experience. I'm interested in pursuing that on my 2019 with 10 speed.

 

[RThomasII]

Glad to see it back together and running healthy! Hopefully you'll get to spend more time with it in the drivers' seat than in the shop!

What all was involved in unlocking the TCM for the 10 speed?
Did you have to send it out to get that done?
Once you got it back I assume it was then tunable through HPTuners?

HP Tuners has a form on their website. Basically you select your trans and enter your VIN and I assume they send a new unlocked TCM unit. In my case HP Tuners reached out gave instructions for sending my unit to them. They worked whatever unlock magic that they do and sent it back. Turn-around time for me was about two weeks. The cost was $400. I'm not sure of the exact reason my TCM had to be shipped but there were several atypical issues that needed to be dealt with along the way so I just lumped it in with the rest of the unfortunate incidents. I was on travel for work when the tune/TCM tune took place so I can't really speak to what took place during the actual dyno session. Also the reason I don't have any new dyno video. I will say the thing drives a LOT better now. Overall driving manners are way closer to stock than it was before the trans tune.