Unlock Your Chevy Silverado 1500’s Full Potential: 5 Best Programmers & Tuners for 5.3 Engine
Are you a performance enthusiast and sucks with your old factory made truck’ power ?
If yes!
Then you must landed at right place. Being a performance Enthusiast this article is your go to guide to choose the best top rated programmer and tuners for your chevy Silverado truck.
Firstly, How do you imagine a chevy without that ultimate power that you can’t get in your factory made build.
Whether you want to haul the heavy loads or you want the extra power and speed- you always want some upgrade to unleash that extra power.
As the factory builds are not for performance enthusiasts they are made for masses- you did not haul much heavy loads or boom the speed and torque with them. For that you always need some extra upgrade in your truck.
And here we talking about the programmers and tuners that can enhance your truck performance to its full extent.
Don’t be confused with lots of option on the internet here in this article you’ll the top 5 best rated tuners that can surely unleash your truck’ performance .
Also Check :Best 3 Mods & Upgrades Combination to Boost Chevy Silverado 1500 Performance
We have a Complete buying guide, which will help you in choosig the best tuner or programmer for your truck. Here in this aticle we’ve have mentioned only Imprtant Points to consider while buying a Programmer or tuner- But if you want to check Complete Buying Guide then check below.
Click here to see Complete Buying Guide for Tuners & Programmers
Points to remember while buying a Programmer, Tuner or Chips
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Vehicle Type and Model and Fuel Type
This is the important and most obvious thing to check before buying any upgrade for your vehicle. But in this case, it is foremost thing to check whether the programmer you’re buying is compatible with your vehicle or not, otherwise you will not get that power which you’re expecting.
Go through your vehicle make and model and get the best tuner for your vehicle. There are some universal programmers present in the market that will come with universal compatibility option, but it is best practice to check make, model and year before buying any upgrade.
Also, do check fuel type of your vehicle, as there are some tuners that are best suitable for gas tuning while other are made to boost performance level for diesel powered vehicles. So, it better to keep a checklist ready before getting any tuner for your vehicle.
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Type of Tuning
The other most important thing to consider while buying tuner for your vehicle is type of tuning. Like, which type of tuning you’re looking for. Are you looking to boost horsepower or want to increase throttle response or just want it for getting better fuel mileage.
It all depends upon your requirement and your expectations from the tuner. Some tuners are specially designed to boost HP while other are customized for improving miles per gallon. And, some multi task programmers are also there, that can do number of other tunes also.
So, totally depends upon you. It’s better to go with power programmer that can give you option of multiple number of tunes, so that if you want to re-calibrate at any point of time, you can do it without any trouble.
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Need / Purpose
The other important factor to consider before buying is the Purpose for which you’re buying the programmer. Don’t confuse with the (type of tuning) as that was related to your tuning requirement.
This factor is totally depending upon your purpose of using it. As in, you have to decide whether you want your tuner to just monitor or scan your vehicle or you want it to do tune also.
Also there are some tuners, that can totally control over your on-board computer and manage everything by their own.
You have to decide, if you want it just for scanning purpose then no need of speeding lot on advanced Engine Management System. Just go for simple diagnostic scanner and get it done!!
But if you’re looking for complete power package that will control your vehicle’s computer and gives you desired tunes than go for best Power Programmer or Engine Management System as per you vehicle.
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Ease of Operating and Installation
However, this factor does not for the mechanics but for the beginners, this plays an important role.
If you’re very new to tuning, then must look for tuner that comes with pre-loaded programs and you just have to put your basic vehicle’s details and type of tune. That’s it done! Leave the rest of the work on the tuner.
And, it’s also better to choose the tuner that you can install easily without any drilling or cutting. This point is more or less for every upgrade.
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Price
Last but not the least, always check for the price before buying any tuner.
Go for the cheap and best, though ECM comes at higher price but they pay you back in the form of fruitful outcomes. But it totally depends upon you, how much do you want to spend on this upgrade.
There are some cheap tuners available that will give impressive results, you can check them and compare with the expensive ones. If they are satisfying your needs of tuning, then undoubtedly go for them. But if you’re not getting what you’re looking for then choosing the expensive one is not bad idea.
As, tuners are one of the most important upgrade and if you really want to see some impressive results then you have to pay what it demands.
Apart from that you can also check the reputition of that brand in the market from which you’re planning to buy tuners and what warranty the brand is offering on that tuner.
If you’re also looking for some best tuners for your Chevy Silverado and confuse in getting the perfect one then don’t worry we’ve drilled down some best tuners & programmers that will help you in boosting performance level of your tuck.
So Without wasting much time Let’s start our list.
Here we Go!
If you really like our article then must share & comment your views and join our community of truck enthusiasts.
Top 5 Tuners & Programmers for 5.3 Chevy Silverado 1500
#5 Superchips Flashpaq F5 Tuner for 5.3 Silverado (+40 HP , 90 Lb-ft of torque , +2-3 MPGs)
Get ready to get some noticeable performance results with Superchips Flaspaq tuner that is made to boost your vehicle’s horsepower and torque.
Not only restricted to HP and torque , you will get ultimate level of Fuel economy gain and better acceleration rate even during towing.
This is one of the most affordable tuners with custom tuning options. You can create custom tunes for your chevy as per your requirement and get most out of it.
The Flashpaq tuner provides you option for tuning for economy needs, for towing purpose, for daily driving and for getting extreme performance. This device also comes with tuning feature that is designed to eliminate excessive downshifting when going up hills increasing overall driveability of your Chevy.
How it is convenient and compact than others:
Coming to tuner- it features a full color, 2.8 in. High definition screens with slim and sleek design which makes it easy to handle and store it anywhere in your vehicle when not in use.
Apart from this, Flashpaq F5 tuner comes with exceptionally better graphic interface that provides you an improved user experience comparing to older Flashpaq F4 Model. With extreme level of tunings , increased memory, internet upgradable function and high speed processer – this tuner is surely a great update from its predecessor.
Data parameters you can adjust with this tuner:
The Superchips Flashpaq F5 Tuners comes with user adjustable parameters so you can customize the tune as per your needs and maximize performance of your Chevy Silverado 1500. Below are all the parameters that you can adjust
- Lift the restriction on Rev limiter and maximize power, allowing maximum rotational speed
- Recalibrates factory speedometer to make it perfect for various tire sizes and gear ratios
- Calibrate Speedometer for Gear Ratio
- Let you raise the stock speed limit setting
- Adjustments in transmission shift points and pressure for aggressive shifting
- Read and clear Diagnostic Clear Codes (DTCs)
- Active Fuel management Control
- Monitor vital engine date
- Torque Management
- Adjust fan speed
What can you expect with Superchips Flashpaq F5 Tuner:
- Extreme Performance Tuning: Expect around +110 HP and 220 lb-ft of torque gain
- For Daily Driving: Get Around +80 HP and 170 lb-ft of Torque
- For Towing Mode: Expect around +60 HP and 150 lb-ft Torque
- Economy Mode:+40 HP and 100 lb-ft Torque with 2-4 Extra Miles per gallon
- Best tuner when climbing hills as it eliminates downshifting
Apart from having all these features, Superchips Flashpaq F5 tuner provides quick and easy installation as it plugs directly into your vehicle’s OBD-II port offering no hassle-free installation.
Key Features:
- Compatibility : 2845 Super Chips Flash Pack F5 Performance Module is made for 1999-2016 Gm Trucks (2007-2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3L)
- For 17-18 Chevy Silverado 1500 you can choose Superchips Dashpag 2060 IN-cab Tuner
- For latest 18+ Chevy Silverado 1500 Models – Superchips Flashpaq ECM Mode Tuner is best
- Comes with 2 performance, 1 Economy and 1 towing mode
- Customize tuning as per your requirements
- Easy to install and handle
- Best for hill climbing
- Increase driveability and gives your aggressive shifting with transmission shifting option
- Easy to tune and monitor with HD color screen
- Made in USA
#4 PEDAL COMMANDER – for 5.3 Chevy Silverado 1500 (2007 and Newer) (Inc. Upto 20% Fuel Economy)
Time to extract hidden output from your Chevy with this Pedal Commander, which basically does not increase overall horsepower of your vehicle but provides you complete customization control over how you want your gas pedal to respond with acceleration.
For those who are not aware about pedal commander, it is a plug & play throttle response control system that allows you to control your vehicle’s gas pedal response time and throttle mapping which in turns helps the engine to respond faster, so your vehicle can accelerate faster.
The pedal commander -PC65 proved to be a must have tuner for your Chevy as it comes with total 36 adjustable setting which are further divided into 4 different Modes: ECO , City, Sport and Sport + mode and each mode has an additional 9 adjustable setting to further fine-tune your Chevy as per your need and your driving condition.
The major advantage of including this Pedal Commander in your Rig is the economy boost, Thanks to its ECO mode which can help increase your Chevy Sivlerado and save you up to 20% in fuel economy (around 3-4 MPG).
This tuner is highly recommended if you don’t want to spend much but want some extra miles per gallon.
And, the installation part is also very quick and simple. This comes with simple plug-and-play system that will hardly take around 6-7 minutes to set-up.
Moreover, it can easily be controlled with the Free Pedal Commander app that you will get with this tuner – you just have to connect this tuner with your phone by using Bluetooth.
What can you expect with Pedal Commander:
This Pedal commander is designed for Economy, City , Sports and Sports + Mode. Expect to get around 10x better acceleration/ throttle response while using this Pedal commender (for different modes). This will also saves your fuel upto 20% while using in Economy mode.
Key Features
- Best Economy booster Pedal Commander PC65 for ( Chevy Silverado 2007-2018 ) All models
- For Latest Chevy Silverado 1500 Models (2018+) 4th Generation– you can choose Pedal Commander PC77
- Comes with 4 Different Modes (Boost upto 20% economy with ECO mode)
- Works with Stock safety and does not void vehicle’s warranty
- Compatible with all fuel types
- Does not drain your vehicle’s battery
- Does not needed any additional part to tune Pedal Commander
- Helps in reducing turbo lag
#3 Latest Edge CS3 All-in-One gauge Tuner for 5.3 Silverado (+135 HP and 240 lb-ft TQ)
Unlocks your Chevy hidden performance with all new technology Edge CS3 digital guage tuner.
Edge Products has become the premier name for aftermarket performance electronics.
The Edge company was founded on the premise that Edge Products would build modules that out-performed competitors’ “chips” by using more of the OEM ECM (computer) signals and improve performance by monitoring RPM, turbo boost pressure, timing and fuelling parameters.
The main goal was to improve the vehicle’s efficiency while providing smooth power curves that far exceed stock power bands.
Now coming back to Edge Evolution CS3 tuner, it reprograms your vehicle’s stock computer.
It resides in the cab with one simple cable connection to the OBDII (diagnostic) port. The Evolution is used to save the stock files from the vehicle’s computer and then upload the Edge calibrations into the vehicle’s computer.
This amazing product is available for both gas and diesel pickups and SUVs. It has low-profile design and comes with the extra-large 5’ high-res color touchscreen that is ample enough to monitor all your vital engine data and more.
This product comes with multiple power levels custom tuned by a whole team of engineers, and can be installed in minutes without ever popping the hood.
The Evolution CS2 offers the great features with sleek, new exterior and cutting-edge and high resolution screen.
The Evolution CTS3 greatly increases horsepower and torque- depending upon your vehicle and other mods, the powerful tuner is capable of adding up to 180 hp and 440 ft-lbs of torque on diesels and up to 120 hp and 350 ft-lbs of torque for gas vehicles.
Not only does it re-tune your vehicle, it stays mounted in the cab and features real-time, monitoring of vital engine data.
What can you expect with EDGE Insight CTS3 tuner:
The tuner power levels are designed for daily driving, towing, performance and for extreme driving conditions. This powerful tuner is capable of adding up to 180 hp and 440 ft-lbs of torque on diesels and up to 135 hp and 240 ft-lbs of torque for gas vehicles.
Thanks to its user-defined audible alerts that alerts you in any situation and let you caliberate it accordingly. Not only this the CS3 also comes with the performance test features and light sensitivity meters that automatically adjust screen brightness for improved viewing for both day and night driving .
Check out Customer Review & Ratings
Key Features
- Compatibility : 1999-2016 GM Trucks
- For All Latest Models from 2016+ Chevy Silverado 1500 Trucks You can choose EdgePulsar LT Control Module
- Increases your Power , Towing and performance
- Expect around Overall (+135HP and 240 ft-lv of torque) – Different as per driving conditions
- Custom designed for every vehicle
- Full color, High-resolution, button-controller 2.4 inch screen
- Compatible with optional EGT pyrometer for engine protection
- Compatible with optional Edge Accessory System (EAS) to allow users to connect multiple accessories
- Scan and clear trouble codes
- Security alerts , performance features includes
- 0-60 and quarter-mile performance test with drag-strap
- Internet Updateable (cable included, Windows PC Required)
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
#2 DiabloSport Trinity 2 EX Platinum Tuner for 5.3 Silverado-9245
When it comes to get the most out of your truck’s upgrade then nothing is more better than DiabloSport Trinity 2 EX Platinum Tuner. This is one of the most premium tuner for your Chevy Silverado 1500.
The Trinity 2 EX Platinum tuner is best for those who are looking for pre-loaded high-performance tunes and also option for custom tuning. The tuner comes with some set of best performance and power tunes that will extract every ounce of horsepower out from your vehicle making it best for beginners who know very less about tuning.
Apart from this T2 EX platinum tuner also provides option for custom tuning for Intermediate and pro drivers which you can use to do next level of tuning.
Diablosport provide this custom tuning option with its own software called ChipMaster Revolution (CMR) which taps in to factory ECMs and PCMs to unlock true potential of your vehicle.
You can further tune various parameters which includes:
- Calibrate Speedometer for Gear Ratio
- Calibrate Speedo for Tire Size
- Cooling Fan Control
- Fuel Rich/Lean Adjustment
- Spark Timing Advance/Retard
- Idle RPM
- Top Speed Limiter
- Rev Limiter
- Shift Points
- Shift Firmness
- Disable Active Fuel Management
You can tune as per your needs with this CMR software. Not only with this tuner, CMR is compatible with Diablo sport Predator tuner also which is made for 2019-2022 GM Gas vehicles.
Not only this, Trinity EX Platinum tuner also features a high resolution, 5 capacitive touch screen with full swipe functionality and industry-leading gauge designs that will provide your vehicle ultimate level of power with simple user interface.
Apart from these features, this tuner also read and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) , record vehicle performance, allows you to calibrate and adjust different parameters to keep your Chevy on the top.
What you can expect with DiabloSport Trinity 2 EX Platinum Tuner
- Comes with 2 preloaded performance tunes – +15-18 horsepower and 18-20 lb-feet of torque.
- Provides Option for Custom Tuning with CMR software- Boosts ultimate level of HP and Torque
- Record, Track, Calibrate and then Test to get maximum output
- Increases overall throttle response and gives you extra 3-4 Miles per gallon also
There is a one unique feature that make this tuner universal and durable till years and that is option of adding multiple licenses into this handheld programmer that makes this tuner compatible with not just one vehicle but with any vehicle you want! So no need to buy new tuner if you have multiple vehicles – just get the licence and use it on all vehicles.
Check out Customer Reviews & Ratings
Key Features
- Compatibility: 1999-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s with 5.3L engines.
- Makes your throttle more responsive, optimizes your transmission shift patterns and even adds some bottom-end horsepower
- Improves throttle response and fuel economy
- Comes with vibrant color touch screen with an easy to use interface
- Installed in Minutes with no tools required
- Connected with Wi-Fi, Windows and Mac OS X
- Easily internet upgradable
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
#1 Bully Dog 40417 GT Platinum Tuner for 5.3 Silverado 1500 (+128-150 HP and 270-290 Lb-ft of Torque)
Wait for the #1 Position is over, The Bully Dog 40417 GT Platinum Tuner stands at #1 position in our list of best tuner, chips and programmers.
Let me tell you why!
The bully Dog GT Platinum unit is the four in one unit- a engine tuner, monitor, guage and a diagnostic tool.The complete package in a single unit.
About Company -Bully Dog Technologies, LLC is a team built on integrity that is dedicated to leading the vehicle performance industry with an uncompromising code of ethics demonstrated in the soundness of its employees, excellent customer service and superior products.
The remarkable GT transforms the utility of your vehicle by increasing horsepower, improving fuel economy, and providing a comprehensive set of monitoring features and diagnostic functions.
The GT Platinum pre-loaded with dyno-proven tunes that add more power, torque and increase fuel economy of your truck.
Available in both gas and diesel models this GT platinum tuner capable to deliver double-digit horsepower and torque gains on gas models while ramping up to triple digit dividends on diesel rigs.
The bully dog GT Platinum Tuner provides multiple drivetrain settings that can be tuned such as accessory delay time, Daytime running light , initiate DPF Burn-off,Shift fly, transmission adaptive learning.
It can also adjust Boost temp, speed limited, tire size, pyrometer temperature warning and more -just a complete package with ability to store up to 10 tunes.
It reads and clears Diagnostic Trouble codes.
Moreover its fully customizable guage pack monitors four guage functions at one time.
The on-screen virtual gauges monitor and displays critical vehicle data.The Bully dog GT platinum tuner is backed by a 1 year warranty.
What you can expect with Bully Dog GT performance Tuner
- Comes with 2 preloaded performance tunes –+128-150 HP and 270-290 Lb-ft of Torque
- Performance Mode – To get maximum Poweer output and throttle response
- Economy Mode: To save maximum fuel (Upto 3-4 MPGs)
- Transmission Tuning– For improved driveablity and maximize shifting
Check out Customer Reviews & Ratings
Key Features
- Compatibiltiy : 1999-2016 ALl Chevy Silverado 1500 Models
- Four in One Unit- a Tuner, monitor, guage and diagnostic device
- Increases horsepower, improves fuel economy and diagnostic many functions
- Available for both gas and diesel engines
- Pre-Loaded with dyno tunes that add power , torque and fuel economy
- Tunes and Adjusts more than 10 parameters
- Reads/clears DTCs codes
- Monitor and display critical vehicle data using on screen virtual guage
- Easy installation
- Day and night driving mode
- Easy updateable through internet
- Color display with multiple color themes
- Backed by 1 year warranty
BONUS: Best All in One Diagnostic Tool for Every Purpose
Upgrade your Chevy Silverado 1500 with most advanced high-end and new style auto diagnostic device developed by XTOOL. Comes with Extraordinarily powerful Rockchip 4Core processor，9.7” 1,024×768 LED-backlit glossy Multi Touch capacitive display with IPS technology. It offers mulitple functions like Key Programming, TPS, Oil Resetting, EPB, TPMS (Tire pressure), Airbag Reset, ECU Reset , Mileage , Oil Maintenance Service,, Headlight, DPF, Sensor Angle, EEPROM Programmer, Battery Management System , Air Suspension.
#2 Mini Spring Booster for Improved Drivability (Improves acceleration rate)
If you’re looking to improve drivability without putting any extra tuning mods, then The Sprint Booster is a perfect alternative for you!
The best thing about this upgrade is -you can easily use it with or without other tuners/programmers due to its ability to work independently from other modifications.
Basically Sprint Booster modifies the signal between the accelerator pedal module and the ECU. The improved signal encourages the throttle to open “more” than what the stock signal was providing at a given pedal position. The end result is the idle-to-full-throttle pedal travel is reduced.
Sprint Booster basically makes your truck “feel” more powerful because the given pedal input produces greater throttle opening.
Easy and quick installation, this performance mod is one of the perfect and effective upgradation for your truck.
Frequent Asked Questions – Best power tuners for 5.3 Chevy Silverado 1500
Q. What are some best tuner brands for 5.3 Chevy Silverado 1500?
Ans. There are mulitple brands to choose from starting from $100 and +
- DiabloSport Tuners – High quality build (Price High-medium)
- Edge Products Tuners – High Quality Build (Price High-medium)
- Bully Dog Tuners – High Quality Build (Price Medium)
- Superchips Tuners– High-medium Build quality (Price- Medium)
- Pedal Commander – High Build Quality (Price- Medium -low)
- Hypertech max– Medium-High Build Quality (Price Medium-low)
- Range Technology – Medium-High Build Quality (Price Medium-low)
Q. Are tuners bad for my vehicle or are they harm to my vehicle’s engine?
Ans. The Answer is no! Most of the tuning updates does not ruin your car engine if you have the work done professionally and follow the instructions and advice of your tuner. There have been cases where, after tuning the vehicle, people are getting more than 300 HP boost.
Q. How much hp boost can a 5.3 L Chevy Silverado handle?
Ans. It can handle upto 100-1000HP of additional boost.
Q. How much it cost tune my 5.3 Chevy Silverado 1500?
Ans. A standard tune up can cost $50 to $200, while more complex tasks can range from $500 to $900. This is one time cost only. This is taking into consideration the price of the parts and labor required to perform the work.
If you’re using your tuner in an effective way, you can save lot of money in long run directly or in-directly. So, buying a tuner is a fair ask and will give you lots of benefits only.
Conclusion for Best tuners for 5.3 Chevy Silverado 1500
We hope you enjoyed the article 5 Best Programmers & tuners for 5.3 Chevy Silverado 1500 Review & Buying Guide to its entire bits.
We do hope that this article helped you in making a definitive choice when it comes to choosing an Best tuners and programmers for your Chevy Silverado 1500.
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Stay tunned for more updates.Thank You.
Vicky Dwaj, Founder and CEO of TrucksEnthusiasts , is an automobile engineer passionate about pickup trucks and accessories. Follow his journey to discover the latest trends in off-road accessories, cars, and truck parts.
Do they all turn off that fuel management system??
So what is the Superchips good for? Optimization and efficiency. This device is highly customizable and capable of some astoundingly precise calibrations. Where simpler programming yields greater power, more precise programming offers greater efficiency. The fuel economy, noise reduction, and emissions improvements on offer here are remarkable. Chevy Silverados are big vehicles, and the 5.3L engines they boast are immensely powerful pieces of hardware. What can such a small programmer offer such a large vehicle? Savings, savings, and more savings. If you use your truck for long hauls and domestic commutes and aren t particularly concerned with things like off-roading, rock crawling, or racing, then you re missing out by not equipping your Silverado with one of the units.
i have a cam in my 2012 chevy 1500 with a 5.3. is there a programmer that can work with the cam
Hi Andrein,
Since you have a cam in your 2012 Chevy 1500 with a 5.3, I’d recommend looking at the DiabloSport inTune i3 tuner. It’s an excellent choice for a cam upgrade because it comes with custom tuning options tailored to your setup.
From the list , Superchips Flashpaq F5 Tuner is the best option for your 2012 Chevy 1500 with a 5.3L engine and a cam upgrade. The Flashpaq F5 offers several benefits, including performance tunes specifically designed to maximize power and efficiency, even with aftermarket modifications like a cam upgrade.
Either of these should work well with your setup and help you get the most out of your cam.
I hope that helps you make the right decision.
Happy trucking!