1996 7.4L Vortec Towing Tune (need power)

[kbrown5897]

Hello everyone.

I just bought a 1996 Chevy 454 vortec 3500 dually. I am looking for the best way to increase some towing performance. I have read a little bit about nelson tunes, wait4me, westers, etc. I was told these really wake them up. I understand they can give you about 25 hp and torque, along with some different shifting parameters, torque management, rev limiter,tow hauler, etc. If I am going to use it strictly for towing heavy loads, what would ask for in the tune? It also has a large dual exhaust, but still has the catalytic converters on. What would you guys reccommend. Would headers help?? Anything else that doesn't cost a ton?

Thanks in advance! Sorry if this has been discussed already!

[kendogg]

I'm not super familiar with the ECU in the 454 trucks, but if it uses the same black box as the Vortec 350's, it's not really tuneable. You'd be MUCH better served doing an 0411 PCM swap and then getting a tune. Thats what I did on my Vortec 350. I had my tune done by Brendan @ lt1swap.com, he has done a few different tunes for me now, and are always spot-on.

[TiredFarmer]

Kinda depends upon tire size and gearing also. How much weight do you intend/expect to be towing normally? What rear gear ratio does it have??