ECM Computer Upgrade - HEATH or SS DIESEL

[Jochen Woern]

Thinking about upgrading the ECM on my 1996 6.5l Suburban.

However, I am not sure which would be the better option for me:

- The SS DIESEL SUPPLY ssd-404:
"Performance Upgraded ECM's (computer) for all 6.5 Turbo Diesels 1996-2005 model years. This ECM performs better then any competitors ECM. Specific to your application, will adjust fuel rate, injection timing, boost pressure, tranny pressure and shift points for maximum power and performance. Whether towing a heavy trailer, or just for blowing off Fords, this ECM will add raw power.

2 versions available at the same price. 40HP 80ft/lbs of torque, or 80HP 160 ft/lbs of torque. Even better results are seen with the addition of a #9 Performance Resistor.

The 80HP version requires a modified exhaust such as our 4" system, and full gauges, EGT and boost."

- The HEATH DIESEL HDP1448 (Which includes the Turbo Master Boost Control):
"Your 6.5 is a great engine design, that in factory tune, is far from being optimized. The Max-E-Tork PCM, Turbo-Master boost control and PMD Isolator are designed to work together to transform your 6.5 into a very respectable performer with strong towing power. Improved combustion efficiency results in increased fuel economy, too. Adds 65 hp and 130 lbft torque at the flywheel."

I am currently running with a Performance Air Intake Kit, the 4" inch Exhaust System from Jerry Jardine, Pinnacle Power Exhaust is in the garage waiting to be installed and I will also get the Gauges for EGT and Boost mounted.

- Looking for the following input please:

1.) What do I use? SS DIESEL or HEATH?
2.) Are there other ones out there which might be better?
3.) Do I really need a Transmission Temperature Gauge as well?

Thanks in advance.

[More Power]

1.) What do I use? SS DIESEL or HEATH?
2.) Are there other ones out there which might be better?
3.) Do I really need a Transmission Temperature Gauge as well?

This thread ought to be fun!

I've heard good things about the above vendors, and I've heard good things about BD & Kennedy as well. If you know what your truck dynos at now, you could ask each vendor what their chip will do for you. It would be fun to put them all on the dyno....

Depending on whether or how much you tow, you may need a trans temp gauge.

Jim

[AndyL]

There are only two that truly know the 6.5/6.2. Give kennedydiesel.com or heathdiesel.com a call, they will help you. You cannot get 80HP from a chip for the 6.5, bogus claims IMHO......

[DennisG01]

Ditto the above. Also, try using the search engine - you'll find this topic has come up many, many times. Seek and you shall find...

[Scooby]

I think either Mr Heath or Mr Kennedy are the only two PROVEN options for these trucks. I prefer the simplicity of the turbomaster design, which I installed first, along with Mr Kennedy's exhaust. Later I added the MAX-E-Torq, and the truck came alive. Gauges are a MUST, trans temp if you tow. Also, synthetic trans fluid will take MUCH higher temps and not break down. I use Amsoil and have been amazed how clean the fluid stays- not darkening from higher temps. In my mud truck I often see trans temps at 250, which is when I usually take a break and let it cool. 3 plus years of playing, and the fluid is still nice and red, and smells like new.

[Jochen Woern]

Thank you Scooby

- So, are you saying that the Max E-Torque upgrade from Heath is good, is the way to go?
- Any issues with getting the core charge back after sending your stock ECM back to Heath?

Thanks everyone else for your input as well

Thanks.

[Kenneth]

I have worked with Heath Diesel quite a bit and have never had any problems with getting a core deposit back. I did my injectors this last may and returned a rented injector socket and they credited my credit card pretty quickly after returning the socket. They really know what they are doing up there. I have bought a turbo master, lift pump, and injectors from them and have been happy with all of them. When i finally make the purchase of an eprom it will definitely be from Heath.

Heath Diesel actually does a lot of road testing their products in the mountains up in Ellensburg, WA. They have some pretty steep and long grades to test the products. Their products actually do what they say they do.

[Cowracer]

I have a heath chip (pre v2.0) and I like it. I would buy it again. as a matter of fact, I need to get off my tuckus and get the 2.0 chip.

That being said, I would not hesitate for a second to get the kennedy chip either. I probably woudn't get a chip from SS, even though I would buy anything else from them.

The main diff between Kennedy and Heath is boost control. Kennedy uses the stock vacuum system to run the wastegate and he claims it allows tighter control.

Heath chip allow the use of a mechanical wastegate control (which he also sells) and thats what I got. It allowed me to totally scrap the problematic vacuum system.

either way its money well spent. BUT GET GAUGES NEXT. Tranny temp is good to have but not critical. Boost is more important still. but EGT gauge is critical.

Tim

[More Power]

Here's a look at the HP/Tq data produced by a G-Tech Pro RR:

1996 6.5TD GMC Suburban 4WD, heavy-duty VIN code F
Owner Roger Story

Heath Diesel Max-E-Tork
PMD Isolator
Turbo-Master set to 13.5 lbs boost

[1999GMC]

Are the first 2 runs with the chip and the second 2 are without?

[6.5 Detroit Diesel]

I can't say which is better for the Performance Packs. However from what I have read, it seems that a lot of the horsepower upgrades that are offered are not completely accurate. I have read opinions that presented that front on here enough that I talked a friend out of buying a "90HP/170TQ" Chip. Apparently the new computer would increase horsepower by resetting parameters alone, no cooling or exhaust needed. The dealers was a parts place in BC. As far as tech support, SS and Kennedy have been the only two that have even responded to questions. Kennedy gave me a list of options for power w/reliability for the price range I had in mind. SS had quick response and good customer support for installing items sold, as well as chepaer than local prices.

[6.5 Detroit Diesel]

Just as another tip. If the first post that I did on here is looked at, it is rather laughable. I came to TDP and posted looking for help to build a 350+HP engine for cheap. In the discussion that followed,lol, I figured out what my limits where fairly quickly and have been following the upgrades of guys like RJ. Figure the best way to learn is to follow the guys who are doing it and posting on here. The info I have learned on diesels since I joined TDP has been quite a bit. Best thing to do, ask the veterans 6.5TD drivers here.

[More Power]

The above data image was from a CD folder labeled "Perf PMD, Perf computer, turbo master 13.5 max". The four runs were consecutive, without time to change much. If I were to speculate, I'd say the slower runs were warmups...

The following data image was from a CD folder labeled "Totally Stock", and appears to be time-stamped a couple hours earlier in the day. Roger might have more input.

[bigde53]

I have ss diesels 80hp ECM made a huge power increase. It's like having a new truck. It was simple to install great customer service. Had no problems with returning the core. I am very happy with this set up.

[Kennedy]

Ask either if they do their tuning in house. I already know the answer...

[AndyL]

Ask either if they do their tuning in house. I already know the answer...

Speaking of, can we talk you into posting some of the Dyno graphs?

[More Power]

Since this thread is about Heath & SS, 6.5 dyno runs involving other vendor products might be more appropriately posted in This Thread in the 6.2/6.5 Tech forum, which is for any or all 6.2/6.5 dyno data.

Jim