I didn’t want to post this in the group buy thread because I didn’t think it would be an appropriate place to ask this question.

This question is more so for Mike, but anyone that has factual information please post.

Here is the question, first I have a stock 2003 Lightning of which I don’t really intend, at this time, of modifying when it comes to pulleys and intake systems. I do have a Bassani exhaust but it does not add, nor take away nothing, as far as any performance gains. So what could I reasonable expect for horsepower and torque gains with a “safe” performance tune? Just looking for ballpark figures to help me decide.

Second, as it concerns Lightning’s (supercharged motors, no knock sensors) I have read many post over the years about owners blowing their (Lighting supercharged) motors due to kick downs at 60 – 70mph. All these post made mention of having some kind of tune and sometimes in conjunction with other modifications. NONE of these post, I repeat NONE of these post have ever indicated their tunes where from Troyer Performance but rather “other” sources. I am only asking in regards to educate myself in “why” that may happen.

It very well could be a combination of things and in any regards one of the main reasons I would choose Troyer Performance to purchase an XCal2 and performance tunes from because of the very fact I do not believe there is any business with a higher standard of quality, research, and customer service.

So basically I am just looking for a bit more “generic” information about possible horsepower and torque gains for a stock Lightning with a “safe” tune and what precautions to take, if any, to avoid any issues with kick downs.


For any others out there with Lightning’s what 3 tunes would you recommend? Basically I am thinking a performance tune and then I go blank. I can always put it back to stock for towing but perhaps there is something to be gained with a towing tune though I may never tow with it.

 

You ask too many questions you silly keyhole! LOL! (in case anyone was wondering, 01 and I go way back)...




Seriously man... give Mike a little time to swing by here... he'll answer your questions in a very thorough fashion. Additoinally, if the wait is too much, give him a call on Monday... as a Troyer customer myself, I can assure you that the service is top notch... Good luck with your decision bud.

RP

 

have you done a search on the subject with Lightnings here on the forum? I would definitely go with a custom tune on a lightning. I have the edge and it works great, but you could tweak out a lightning with Troyers tune.

 

Yes, way back in deed, way back to the days in the hood…

To answer the “have you done a search?”, yes I did indeed. Not much luck at all, I tried all kinds of combinations for searching and turned up nothing, and that was after a good 45 minutes or so.

I did find information about the “kick down” other wise known as the automatic transmission down shifting when going WOT at 60 – 70mph but it was all related to Lightning’s with modifications that were more then just a performance tune. I am willing to bet that the cause was bad and/or aggressive tunes, accompanied by other bolt on performance equipment, by people looking to squeeze out every last 10th of horsepower.

That’s what usually happens when wanting an aggressive tune without proper data logging to KNOW your not going to get into a danger zone, at least when it concerns supercharged motors that have no knock sensors to “hopefully” protect the motor when it goes nasty lean.

I want to say I recall a few years back reading a post, or posts, that a performance tune for Lightning’s netted somewhere around 20 – 30hp but that is relying on proper brain functions and sometimes, well…

Finally, I know calling Mike is the ultimate method for receiving good, solid, and reliable answers but figured with some new Lightning owners thinking about tuning this would be a great spot to get some information. Just looking out for my brothers and sisters…

 

I have an 03 L also with a few mods. Mike has been tuning my trucks since 00'. I have done 50 mph kick downs in 16 degree temp (not intensional) and had no problems. I wouldn't recommend it, but it didn't blow.

P. S. The kickdowns were on my inclimate weather tune.

My truck definitely has these:

 

A little suggestion on your tunes 01 XLT Sport.

#1- bad gas (exactly what it says, in case you can not get good quaility)
#2- street performance (everyday driving)
#3- maximum performance (when you want to crank it up a notch)

Plus you will enjoy all the other aspects of Mikes custom tuning such as optimum shift points, part throttle response improvement, and on and on.


Mike will be along to answer the rest of your questions soon.


Marc

 

Thanks Marc I would have never thought of a tune for bad gas. The highest octane we have here in New Hampshire, at least in my area, is 92 and that is all I purchase from the same Shell gas station.

I have never had any issues, to this point, with their fuel however it would be a great idea to have a tune in case an issue did arise, or I purchased fuel out of town and ran into a problem.

The one thing I know I don’t want to do is to modify or take out the torque reduction feature of the stock tune that happens between the 1st and 2nd gear shift. I think that’s the only time it’s enabled.

The deal going on in the group buy section for the XCal2 is just to good to pass up on however, though the deal is awesome, is the last reason I would choose Mike and Troyer Performance to tune my Lightning.

I have talked about it before in the past and it really boils down to the “being able to sleep at night” being the first reason going to Troyer Performance. For those not sure what that means it means I believe in the ”you gotta play to pay” and am not willing to take the chance that if a tune were to damage my motor I would be stuck with possibly thousands of dollars in repair bills.

We can argue about this Act and that Act that states who has to prove what but at the end of the day why go through that trouble when it can be avoided by going directly to a professional with years and years of extensive experience.

I know I may sound like a commercial and I apologize but those that knew my prior situation know this truck, my Lightning, is much more to me then just a performance toy from the factory. It was something I had wanted for many years and was unable to obtain for various reasons. Now I have it and they don’t make them any more and it is something I plan on keeping for many, many years to come.

That is the reason, for me at least, why I want only Mike from Troyer Performance providing any of my possible tuning needs.

 

Understand exactly how you feel. Although the torque reduction is something that you need to discuss with Mike. Most if not all that choose custom tuning have it removed as there are various benefits to doing so. I personally know of "0" issues with those that have had it removed.
I know how you feel about your vehicle as I remember reading all your posts both before, and after you purchased it. And your mention of this act and that is clearly taken..
However, remember that you have the ability to set your vehicle back to its stock factory tune anytime you need to take it in for service...It is undetectable once being done.
But the main issue that you are most aware of by this post is the fact that Mike has never in all his years of tuning both before, and since the release of the X-cal2, had any legitimate negative issues with his tuning....
Why not call the office tomorrow morning after 9:00 AM and we will try to get you two together on the phone...540-862-9515

 

Hello 01 XLT Sport,

It's been some time since you dropped by here - but I remember you quite well. Given that and the detailed nature of proper & correct answers, I suggest you call us for info on this - our number is listed below for your convenience.