AFM/DOD Delete - 2014-2019 GM SUVs (*UPDATE - OB post*)

As someone who recently had to replace my 2015 Silverado transmission at 100K miles, you may also want to look into bullet proofing a 6L80E transmission while you're at it.

So far, so good on the engine, tranny not so much!

nvm i was linking a Range AFM disabler. you are trying to remove it entirely.

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you may also want to look into bullet proofing a 6L80E transmission while you're at it.

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My 2010 Yukon Denali is still on the factory 6L80 and it will only slip a bit when it’s ice cold and hasn’t warmed up yet. I had it tuned when my L94 dropped a DOD lifter at 99k miles and I had AFM/DOD disabled electronically (and still running strong). When I do the full delete I will definitely have them tune the transmission as well. From what I hear it’s a lot less stress on the tranny when it shifts with authority between gears. My 6L80 has 175k miles and 13 years on it so I’d say that alone means it’s worth it.

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Would be interesting to see if someone could figure how much money this lame technology has cost car owners across all makes since they started implementing it

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Agreed. The whole system took a relatively simple motor and added a layer of complexity that isn’t needed. The older LS-style motors from 99-06 were simple and bulletproof. Should’ve left it alone.

I’ll be calling a few local shops today to see what they suggest as far as the kit and estimated cost. I imagine it’ll be about $2-3k for the shop and $1k for the kit (with a cam). I’ll keep y’all updated.

Look into Brian Tooley Racing (BTR).
They have customizable kits for this and solid products. If you're unsure on what you need, just give them a call. They are extremely helpful.

It is a $4-5k job to upgrade to solid lifters with cam install.
I'm looking into this because my GM 6.2L has valve chatter at startup. DOD is not active but I guess a hydraulic lifters collapsed anyway. Good luck finding a shop that will pull the heads. No normal shop around here will even take the job including local dealerships. To get it done I will have to send my Escalade to the same speed shops that worked on my LS F-bodies 10 years ago, which I find ironic.

Was just relaying my quote. Solid roller lifters certainly aren't needed in a normal truck. I'm sure LS7 lifters would be a fine upgrade.

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I'm sure LS7 lifters would be a fine upgrade.

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Agreed. I’m hoping sticking with a more basic backbone for the engine will extend longevity. Outside of the AFM/DOD system the motor is pretty simple although I know the LT motors went to direct injection from the LS motors. I’ll probably add in an oil catch can.

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To get it done I will have to send my Escalade to the same speed shops that worked on my LS F-bodies 10 years ago, which I find ironic.

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I got a quote back from a speed shop in BR for $8700 . I guess they’re used to modifying and dyno tuning and they probably don’t feel like messing with an SUV.

******UPDATE*******

I purchased a 2018 Yukon Denali with 96k miles on it. In great shape and has 420HP with a 10 speed auto transmission - it is FAST!

I went back and forth on whether to do a stock cam profile or a stage 1 cam. I figure if I'm swapping the cam I might as well try and get a power bump. After calling Brian Tooley Racing, they suggested the stock cam profile for the AFM/DOD delete if I was not planning on modifying anything else. They said a set of headers with a stage 1 or 2 cam would give some extra gains but this is a family vehicle so the wife doesn't wanna go too hardcore on it . They did tell me the new standard cam can handle a slightly more aggressive tune since it uses non-DOD lifters. I might get a slight power bump but nothing overly dramatic.

I ended up with this kit from AMS Racing (in Bossier City) LINK. I ordered it with the Chevrolet performance lifters as they suggested those for the best reliability compared to the other aftermarket ones. I also can retain my factory valve springs since I'm not stepping up to a more aggressive cam.



I debated doing just a standard tuner to turn off V4 but talking to the tech at BTR, he said it's simply a matter of time when one of those DOD lifters will fail and it can happen pretty much at any time. So hopefully I can get plenty of years out of this vehicle with simpler engine

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I also got a Diablo tuner to stop the v8-v4 swap, read codes, and up my shift firmness. Supposedly the 6l80 stock programming was hard on torque converters and that helps. I had the programmer on from 100k forward.

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I got 175k miles out of my 2010 Yukon Denali with this setup but in hindsight probably should have done the full delete. Then again I didn't have a failure so maybe I'm crazy .