8 Best Programmers & Tuners for Silverado & Buying Guide (2020)

If you own a 07` to 18` Silverado and you wanna be like a lot of other guys and gals and put on bigger wheels and tires, you will inevitably run into a problem.And that is your speedometer. It is going to be off calibration. It's not going to display your speed correctly. Now, it gets worse the bigger you go with those wheels and tires. But a really great convenient way to fix that is with something like the Superchips FlashCal calibration tool.

It is specifically designed for the 07\\` to 18\\` Silverado, which is a great thing compared to those cheaper universal calibrations and diagnostic tools. This is already set up specifically for the 07\\`and 18\\`s ECU, which means you don't have to do any programming, any coding like you might have to do with one of those universal tools. It's already set up for the ECU in this truck.

So if you ever have any issues with calibrating things or if you ever want to read and clear trouble codes or do any diagnostics or data logging, this device is already set up for you. Some of users can actually speak to how useful these things are over time even if you keep your truck stock, you don't need to calibrate anything. This is a great way to save some money when you do run into mechanical issues.

Mike Murphyfrom MA, Silverado 2010, wrote to me:

I used a Superchips Flashcal to figure out that I had some bad 02 sensors and some bad injectors in my vehicle. If I would have brought my vehicle to the dealership or the shop down the road, they probably would have charged me at least an hour for labor.

Most of the time when you have any sort of problem with these newer vehicles, you're gonna get a check engine light. And those check engine lights do throw codes, but they can sometimes be a little bit difficult to figure out where it's coming from.

If you're run into issues like that for your truck, this will definitely pay for itself over time.

Using the FlashCal is very straightforward, it already has the OBD-II cable connected to the device. So all I gotta do is plug it into the OBD-II port on your Silverado, which you'll find underneath the steering wheel.

Key features:

- reads and clears diagnostic trouble codes

- corrects speedometer for tire upgrades between 2.6”-4.2”

- digital battery voltage display

The DiabloSport S1000 Sprint Car Fuel Management Module is a plug-in performance tuner, with LED indicator lights, that increases your Chevy Silverado 5.3’s horsepower without mounting hardware or unit installation. DiabloSport is a leader in vehicle calibration that offers increased mileage, power, driving, towing and hauling efficiency. The Sprint OBDII adapter plug connects through the diagnostic port (typically located on the driver’s side of the vehicle, under the dash).

Oliver Silig, from CA, Silverado, said:

I was very skeptical about Diablosport S1000, because of if it controversial reviews. But after a few hours that I installed this plug-n-play perfection, my 5.3 engine started to rip off the roads. I notice the big improvements, especially, when I towing from San Diego to Fenix.

The DiabloSport Sprint module is compatible with GM vehicles (2005 to present) that have an Active Fuel Management (AFM) feature. It allows vehicles equipped with AFM to constantly remain in V8 mode without reflashing or reprogramming the ECU (onboard computer). It maximizes power and vehicle performance by disabling the factory Active Fuel Management (AFM) feature that is made to drop cylinders and reduce power. Hesitation upon acceleration and exhaust buzz when the AFM activates are eliminated as a result. Towing, hauling, off-road, commuting, and performance and mileage efficiency are generally increased

The DiabloSport Sprint module performance tuner’s emission status is currently pending in all 50 states. It is not for legal sale or use on pollution-controlled vehicles in California.

The Innovative Performance Chip and Power Programmer is a simple, inexpensive, easily installed means of gaining significant horsepower and fuel efficiency for your Chevy Silverado 5.3 without permanently impacting your vehicle’s ECU (onboard computer). It is one of the safest and best performance chips you can install that ensures no footprint or trace is left in the memory. Additionally, your horsepower, torque, throttle-response, and fuel efficiency will noticeably improve after the chip is installed. The air/fuel ratio and timing curve will be optimized, increasing horsepower approximately +35 HP and mileage as much as +5 MPG.

The proven, time-tested Innovative performance chip/power programmer sends a continuous, modified signal that your Chevy Silverado 5.3’s ECM monitors. Since the chip does not directly interface with the ECM, the ECM retains factory safety parameters while optimizing itself to achieve a more efficient fuel mixture and timing curve.

This performance chip has a high-end aluminum casing with a durable, high-quality anodized finish that is available in a variety of colors. It installs in the engine compartment. No prior mechanical experience, and only a pair of pliers, are necessary. Detailed step-by-step installation instructions, with pictures, are included. Generally, installation may be completed within 15 minutes. Innovative’s award-winning technical staff is also available to answer questions.

The Innovative Performance Chip is fully-compatible with Silverado, Silverado 1500 HD, Sport, WT, XFE and Z71, 4.3, 4.8, 5.0, 5.3, 5.7, 6.0, 6.2 and 7.4 Vortec engines as well as 454 SS, Base, Cheyenne, Classic Hybrid, Classic LS, Classic LT, Classic SS, Classic WT, High Country, Hybrid, LS, LT, LTZ, SS, and Scottsdale models. Results may vary.

This performance chip is completely emissions safe and will not void your Chevrolet factory warranty.

The Bully Dog 40417 GT Platinum Tuner is an all-in-one engine tuner, monitor, gauge, and diagnostic device for gas applications. It provides a complete set of on-dash monitoring features and diagnostic functions. On-screen virtual gauges display essential vehicle data. Read and clear diagnostic error codes (i.e.: Check Engine). Pre-loaded DYNO tune files (customized by your local custom tuning dealer) increase horsepower and torque, and improve fuel economy, especially when towing. The tuner stores up to 10 custom tune files. Power-level tunes on are based on the fuel octane used.

The GT Platinum Gas programmer features a 2.4” LCD screen with has (7) capacitive touch buttons. A T-slot mount socket for different mounting options, HDMI port, micro SD card port, and mini-USB port are on the device’s back side. Software upgrades are available through the USB.

The programmer’s OBDII adapter plug is used to connect the assembly through the diagnostic port (typically located on the driver’s side of the vehicle, under the dash). The plug has an HDMI connection for the cable that plugs into the back of the GT Platinum Gas head unit.

This GT Platinum Gas unit includes a programmer tuner, power supply, all necessary chords, suction mount, fuse tap, and SD card. The GT Platinum Pyro Calibration helps prevent heat damage to your engine. It determines the best temperature to use for the GT Platinum temperature warning setting. The gauge warnings for coolant as well as pyrometer temps may be set to Fahrenheit or Celsius.

GT Platinum Gas programmers are easily installed and programmed. They are intended for Chevrolet Silverado 5.3 V8 as well as other GMC, Cadillac, Ford, Lincoln, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Toyota, and Nissan model applications.

The Bully Dog GT Platinum Gas is not for legal sale or use on pollution-controlled vehicles in California.

The Superchips Flashpaq F5 handheld performance tuner increases your Chevy Silverado 5.3’s horsepower without mounting hardware or unit installation. The Flashpaq F5 is the leading handheld tuner, offering more “power per dollar,” economy, and daily driving and towing efficiency than its industry/market competitors.

The Flashpaq F5 has a redesigned graphic interface that simplifies use and operation without sacrificing functionality. Diagnostic error codes (i.e.: Check Engine) are clear and readable. This extreme tuner makes it easier to monitor vehicle parameters, select your power level, and gain immediate horsepower and performance without the need to downshift. It allows you to adjust speed and rev limiters, correct the speedometer (for modifications made in gear ratio or tire size), and actively manage fuel (AFM) control.

Optimized tuning shift points helps maximize mileage. The Flashpaq F5 tuner also allows TQ management and you to adjust shift firmness. This programmer tuner allows transmission shift pressure and set point changes (for gas engines only).

The Flashpaq F5 tuner features a high definition 2.8” color screen, tuning levels, and scanning features. The faster processor improves tuning and speed. It has also increased memory. The tuner is able to be updated with new software updates periodically via USB.

Superchips Flashpaq F5 performance tuners are compatible with other performance upgrades added to your vehicle. Features may vary for other year, make, and model vehicles, however.

The Superchips Flashpaq F5 tuner is not for legal sale or use on pollution-controlled vehicles in California.

The Range Technology Active Fuel Management Disable Device is a plug-in performance tuner with LED indicator lights, that increases your Chevy Silverado 5.3’s Vortec horsepower without mounting hardware or unit installation. The Range Active Fuel Management Disable adapter plug connects through the diagnostic port (typically located on the driver’s side of the vehicle, under the dash).

The patented Range Active Fuel Management Disable technology allows vehicles equipped with AFM to constantly remain in V8 mode without re-flashing or reprogramming the ECU (onboard computer). Simply remove to uninstall and return to factory settings.

It maximizes power and vehicle performance by disabling the factory Active Fuel Management (AFM) feature that is made to drop cylinders and reduce power. Hesitation upon acceleration and exhaust buzz when the AFM activates are eliminated as a result. Towing, hauling, off-road, commuting, and performance and mileage efficiency are generally increased.

The Range Active Fuel Management Disable unit fits all GM V6 and V8 active fuel management (AFM) cars, trucks, and SUVs. It is not for legal sale or use on pollution-controlled vehicles in California.

So, the LiveWire TS+ Tuner from SCT is specifically designed for the '14 and '16 5.3-liter powered Silverados. And simply put, this is gonna be the tuner that you should check out if you're looking for something that has a nice, large, full-color touchscreen.

What I also like about the TS+ Tuner is with the preloaded tunes you can actually get some extra horsepower and torque out of your truck. It’s making 291 HP and 316 pound feet of torque.

Besides performance gains, the TS+ Tuner provides some other cool features. You can actually run gauges and you can datalog your truck in real time which is certainly nice if you're costume-tuning your truck or you're troubleshooting things. And on that troubleshooting note, you can actually read and clear trouble codes or check engine lights if you will.

So, it's safe to say this is a nice way to save a little bit of money in terms of time and labor, and figure some things out on your own. So, if you like all the features of the TS+ Tuner and you like the sound of those performance gains without actually turning any wrenches, you should stick around.

Key features:

• custom tuning
• adjustable interface
• diagnostics

So if you own a '14 to '17 5.3 liter Silverado and you're looking for one of the smallest and most compact in-cabin tuners with a dash mount to provide you the most features and preloaded tunes available, you should be checking out the Flashpaq in-cabin tuner from Superchips. This tuner has tons of features but what I like most about it are all the available preloaded tunes. You get an economy tune, a towing tune, a street performance tune, and a 91 octane or higher fuel tune.

What's really nice about the preloaded tunes is if you know what you're doing or you're working with a speed shop, you can customize those tunes even further to get even more horsepower and torque gains out of this device.

Besides the performance, towing, and economy benefits, this thing has some other pretty cool features. You can actually install the mileage coach which is gonna help you determine how much you're saving or spending, depending on your driving habits. Other things that I really like about this, you can set up maintenance alerts for a ton of different maintenance needs for your truck at specific mileage intervals or odometer readings and the other really cool thing that I like about this is it functions as an OBD-II or check engine light scanner and trouble code clearer.

Basically what that means is if you have a check engine light, instead of going to the dealership or down the street, you can actually check out what the cause is of the check engine light using the tuner and then if you wanna get rid of that annoying light on the dash and fix the problem yourself, you can also clear that trouble code.

So this thing has a ton of features. If you like those performance gains and you like the way the device looks, you should stick around. It's very user-friendly. Tuning your truck and using the device shouldn't take more than 15 to 30 minutes at most.

Key features:

• HD screen
• tuning for a different needs
• High-speed processor