I wish to convert my motor to run E85. I do not wish to use an add-on device (Have one now that is malfunctioning)
I'd like to have the ECU programmed to allow ethanol and ethanol blends. Can you do that?

Thanks! ( Frank Caridi, 05/02/2017 )

Hi,

We do not have any previous experience with tuning to run E85. Workhorse sent out a TSB that was very adamant that E85 NOT be used in the 8.1L. 

In reading about the custom tuning ECM talked about 60 -70 gains in horsepower and in torque same as the $2600 banks kit why would anyone buy the banks kit. Thanks Jim ( james dean, 03/03/2017 )

Hi James,

There are other benefits to the Banks system other than just performance. The reliability of their TorqueTube headers make them a good upgrade if you have exhaust manifold leaks. Letting the engine breathe better does also help but on these electronically controlled engines, the ECM tuning is always going get you the most performance for the money.

i have a 2003 w32 with the 8.1 in it. will the Allison tune fit it with no issues. It seems every thing I look at says except 2003. Thank you Barney Chappell ( barney chappell, 02/22/2017 )

Barney,

Yes, our tuning works with no issues on the 2003 model year.

The 8.1 has hypereutectic pistons that are very sensitive to detonation and would limit the amount of timing used with 87 octane without causing engine damage (holes in pistons). Gains of 60hp/70tq without changing hard parts seems hard to believe, or is the factory programming extremely conservative? ( Tom, 07/18/2016 )

Hi Tom,

As long as the mass air flow sensor is clean and there are no other issues present we have no problem getting those gains on 87 octane with pre-detonation. What a lot of people don't know was that the 8.1L was offered in a variety of applications ie; marine, auto, medium duty and RV without much difference in programming other than calibration changes for the speedometer and fuel tank size. We are able to find a lot of "hidden" power without hurting reliability, I have several customers with over 100K miles running our programming.

I am a new customer to this web site and going though the workhorse 8.1 section I notice this ultra power GM custom tuning and was wondering if it should help the performance of my rv and fuel mileage. How does it work? Thanks joe ( Joe Alcantar, 07/09/2016 )

Hi Joe,

The UltraPower Custom Tuning is one of our most popular performance products for the 8.1L. It is a new engine computer that is programmed with your vehicle info and settings that optimize the power and mileage. We see gains of about 60 horsepower and 70 ft-lbs torque as well as fuel mileage gains between .5-1 MPG.