Welcome aboard! Thanks for spending your 1st two posts here!

 

I agree with that...

... but I take a different approach than you. I go for cars that have a good shot at getting me past 200k without major money. Over 120k on the TL and going strong.

 

Driving the Denali isn't so bad. The ride isn't terrible, but it's definately truckish more than SUVish. The power...ahh the power! 6.2l, 403 hp 6 speed auto. 0-60 in 6.2 seconds stock. The gas mileage is the big down fall. As a member of multiple forums, I have found that GM's are very tuneable. So I decided to start off slowly...

Introducing the Diablo Predator.



This hand held unit allows me to install a performance map, and then further adjust the foloowing parameters:

a. Richen or lean fuel mixture
b. Advance or retard ignition timing
c. Raise and lower shift points in 10 RPM increments
d. Raise and lower rev limiter in 10 RPM increments
e. Reduce shift duration (time delay during gear change)& (+/- 25% and anywhere in between)
f. Increase or decrease shift firmness (+/- 25% and anywhere in between)
g. Correct speedometer for gear changes and/or tire sizes
h. Turn on cooling fans at lower temps in incremental steps of 1 degrees (for vehicles w/ factory equipped electric fans)
i. Adjust top-speed limiters.


I've already loaded the base performance map and driveability is already so much better. I'll take my first real drive tomorrow. From there, careful tweaking will start. My goal is to get the best overall performance and gas mileage possible. Also looking for sub 6 second 0-60 .

Exhaust to follow, followed by?

 

 

That sounds like fun. It'd be quite interesting to see the results of your own tuning.



and the irony of your sig x2!!!

 

That's a pretty cool chip. I wish I had that kind of control over my car.

 

It's not a chip, but a way to over write the ECM. I had something similar with my Subaru, but this gives much more flexibility. The key is tiny adjustments at each time. I won't be playing much with AFR's or timing at first. I'm starting out with shift points, rev limiting and duration. I'm going to take it very slow.

 

I wouldn't take it too slow if I were you. You'll probably get rid of the Denali before you've gained 5 hp

On another note, what happens to the warranty?

 

Reset the ECM and unplug the unit. The warranty should still be valid.

 

As it saves the stock tune, you can simply over write whatever tune you have loaded.

 

Why would you want to go through so many cars? All the paperwork, insurance, DMV...you must of some sort of compulsion...i feel sorry for your family

first step is to admit it...at least admit you're not the most rationale person ever

 

I guess you didn't really read it through or you might have a better understanding. Btw, I do admit it in the first paragraph. There is almost no paperwork, DMV or insurance to deal with when you buy cars from a dealer. They handle 99% of it. You don't have to feel sorry for my family either, but thanks for caring.

 

1st trip today - 450 miles round trip to central Connecticut.

Driving impressions from performance tune - Better throttle response and standard shift points are higher than stock (a good thing). When driving at WOT, she screams, but the shift points are too high. You can feel the acceleration G's drop off 400-500 rpms before shifting into 3d and 4th gears. I guess that will be the first level of adjustment I work on...more to follow.

Average fuel economy prior to tune 18.1 mpg highway

Average fuel economy todays trip 19.7 mpg highway

 

Don't worry about that guy. He's our village idiot.

 

No worries, but thanks MW!

 

Looking good! Makes you wonder why the car isn't like this from stock.

 

Installed a Magnaflow full polished catback today on the Yukon. Even though the tune showed some improvement, the exhaust really made the difference. The tune called for a free flowing exhaust and now I understand why. The sound is actually quieter than stock at low rpm but roars at WOT. I am starting to have as much fun driving this as the TL (at least in a straight line). Pics and a clip to follow tomorrow.

 

I'm of the belief that how a car sounds (whether its engine sound, exhaust notes or a rattle or a dying P/S pump) is just as important as how it looks.

 

A dragster that sounds like a Ford Fiesta is not cool.

 

It's amazing how much of a difference it makes on this truck. I've done exhausts on several cars; both NA and FI and have never seen this much of a change. Not sure if it is because of the tune getting a chance to breath or what, but it was a good choice. Now for some highway mileage testing next week. A couple of pics and video to follow.

 

Let's try this again:






= click on the red X for sound clip

 

Amazing thread, I'll be waiting for more...

 

<---- Loves this thread!

Amazing how the amount of owned cars add up over the years.

 

damnn this is one of the best thread i've read!!

 

Thanks guys. On the one hand, I think I'll be sitting tight for a while with these...but you never know. The Yukon is officially faster now than my 4G (sub 6 second 0-60) in straight line acceleration and gets almost 21 mpg on the highway. The wife drives the 4G full time and I drive whenever we go out. I can't see modding it as she won't appreciate the performance. The only other option now is to pick an old muscle car or something....

 

Your thread has inspired mine.
But i have 21 vehicles within 20 yrs of driving. I will catch up to you.
see my list here ->>
https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=...MzI3NDZi&hl=en

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Please welcome Number 38 and my return to muscle cars. This is a 69 Nova Yenko SS tribute. While not really close to what the Yenko was, the car has been rotisserie restored within the last two years including a complete rebuild of the drive line; and includes:

• Chevy 350 Bored .030 Over
• Pete Jackson Gear Drive Timing
• Edelbrock RPM Airgap Intake Manifold
• Holley 700 CFM Double Pump Carb
• 570 Lift Cam
• HEI Ignition With Curve Kit
• Headers with 2-1/2" Flowmasters
• Turbo 350 With 2800 Stall
• B&M Megashifter
• 355 12 Bolt Rear End

 

Mods, maybe a title update?

 

congrats!

I actually pressed "end", which scrolled down to the bottom of the page and then I went up... I nearly pooped myself when I saw Yenko on the Nova. Looks great!

 

That's a nice restoration even if it isn't a real Yenko. Congrats on the pickup!

 

Conrats!

 

Congrats! Looks nice and must sounds equally as good!

 

congrats, car looks great!

 

Nice pickup. Not a fan of Novas, but I do like the color. And it looks like its been rebuilt properly.

Do you mind posting how much you paid for it?

 

wow, very nice Nova

 

Let's just say less than I should have. I just spoke with the owner and it's shipping this week.

 

Your secrecy intrigued me.

So I found it. And that is a damn good deal. The seats could use a recover though. I love those B&M shifters. My friend had one in his '70 Mustang.

 

Nice detective work
The seat is the only flaw. I will replace it and may opt for buckets and a center console. I couldn't touch a bondo car for even a couple of thousand more around here. The previous owner is a 65 yr old farmer and a great guy. He busted my stones that I stole it, and he's pretty right.

 

I didn't read the description, but was he the original owner.

 

Not the original owner, but brought it to where it is over the last two years. I just got off the phone with him; he was telling me where the build sheet was and even started the car for me over the phone. Really great guy and I know the car will be better than the pictures. The Jackson gear drive makes it sound like there's a blower under the hood!