High Flow cats, Z1 Intakes, and Borla S-type catback: do I need a tune?

ajmarz_ · 06-09-2021, 11:00 AM

I just installed my CAI and the catback in the last 2 months and I’ve been driving around pretty spiritedly with no issue. I’m getting ready to buy high flow cats just because I like the sound/functionality from yt videos I’ve seen better than test pipes. Should I wait until I can afford a tune and just buy it all together? Or can I get away with driving it around for a month or 2 without damaging the engine?

-2013 7AT 50000 miles

JARblue · 06-09-2021, 11:55 AM

The car will adjust as needed without damaging anything. Even with the HFCs. However, that adjustment will likely rob you of the added power from the parts you've installed. You'll need a tune to get that power back, and a good tuner will improve throttle response significantly as well.

abm89 · 06-09-2021, 12:41 PM

I recommend a tune, but you should be fine if you are driving normally for 2 months.

2017370ZBlack · 06-12-2021, 12:28 PM

Once you install the HFC's, I guarantee you will get the check engine light coming on all the time. Then you will need a tune unless that doesn't bother you.

zeeder · 06-13-2021, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2017370ZBlack

Once you install the HFC's, I guarantee you will get the check engine light coming on all the time. Then you will need a tune unless that doesn't bother you.

I guess I don't know for sure as I bought it this way, however, my car has intake, exhaust, and HFC and I don't believe it has a tune and I don't get any CELs.

2017370ZBlack · 06-13-2021, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeeder

I guess I don't know for sure as I bought it this way, however, my car has intake, exhaust, and HFC and I don't believe it has a tune and I don't get any CELs.

I didn't realize you have a 2013. At some point, Nissan made a change where it is more picky and throws codes much easier. I have a 2017 and all it took for it to throw a code was Stillen cold air intakes and Fast Intentions high flow cats with the rest of the exhaust stock.

SouthArk370Z · 06-14-2021, 04:11 AM

As others have said, the ECM will adapt to protect the engine but performance will suffer. Just don't go WOT or rev the engine very high until you get the tune.

The rule of thumb is: Intake mods OR exhaust mods - no tune needed. Intake AND exhaust mods - tune needed.

06-09-2021, 11:00 AM	#1 (permalink)
ajmarz_ Base Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Michigan Posts: 9 Drives: 013 Nissan 370Z base Rep Power: 4	High Flow cats, Z1 Intakes, and Borla S-type catback: do I need a tune? I just installed my CAI and the catback in the last 2 months and I’ve been driving around pretty spiritedly with no issue. I’m getting ready to buy high flow cats just because I like the sound/functionality from yt videos I’ve seen better than test pipes. Should I wait until I can afford a tune and just buy it all together? Or can I get away with driving it around for a month or 2 without damaging the engine? -2013 7AT 50000 miles

06-09-2021, 11:55 AM	#2 (permalink)
JARblue A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX Age: 43 Posts: 36,450 Drives: 11 Z34, 98 E36 M3 Rep Power: 2684440	The car will adjust as needed without damaging anything. Even with the HFCs. However, that adjustment will likely rob you of the added power from the parts you've installed. You'll need a tune to get that power back, and a good tuner will improve throttle response significantly as well. SouthArk370Z and NissanZ34 like this. __________________ 2011 370Z 6MT Sport Gun Metallic \| ARC \| CJM \| Ecutek \| FI \| Fujimura \| R2C \| SPL \| Stillen \| TWM \| Z1 \| ZSpeed \|

06-09-2021, 12:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
abm89 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,386 Drives: 11 370Z \| 24 EL450 Rep Power: 64763	I recommend a tune, but you should be fine if you are driving normally for 2 months. __________________ Complete Parts List: https://github.com/abm89/ztouge-build

06-14-2021, 04:11 AM	#7 (permalink)
SouthArk370Z Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 8,435 Drives: 2014 Challenger Rep Power: 324198	As others have said, the ECM will adapt to protect the engine but performance will suffer. Just don't go WOT or rev the engine very high until you get the tune. The rule of thumb is: Intake mods OR exhaust mods - no tune needed. Intake AND exhaust mods - tune needed. __________________ Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

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06-12-2021, 12:28 PM	#4 (permalink)
2017370ZBlack Base Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL Posts: 78 Drives: 2017 370Z Black 6MT Rep Power: 7	Once you install the HFC's, I guarantee you will get the check engine light coming on all the time. Then you will need a tune unless that doesn't bother you.