[Official] "Do I need a tune with bolt-ons?" thread

[seymore4]

It won't grenade your engine but it's not really great for it. If recommend new plugs when you do get the tune. Also with that motordyne plenum you'll actually lose power without a tune

[Huck]

I would say be on the safe side and get the tune, or don't put all the stuff on until you can afford the tune, then install and tune. Just to be safe.


Sent from my iPizzle using magic and new-fangled science stuff

[gomer_110]

I'm currently running FI CBE and LTH's. I plan on getting the stillen Gen 3's soon. Just wondering how critical the custom tune is. I really wanna put the Gen 3's on myself and then drive the car to the tuner about 30 mins away. Just wondering if staying off the go pedal some is good enough for the drive to the tuner or if I'm better off just having the tuner put them on and be done with it.

[ben1620]

Originally Posted by gomer_110

I'm currently running FI CBE and LTH's. I plan on getting the stillen Gen 3's soon. Just wondering how critical the custom tune is. I really wanna put the Gen 3's on myself and then drive the car to the tuner about 30 mins away. Just wondering if staying off the go pedal some is good enough for the drive to the tuner or if I'm better off just having the tuner put them on and be done with it.

That's definitely okay and will save money for another mod.

[seymore4]

Install them yourself for sure, driving around won't hurt anything at all. I would get the tune reasonably soon, but it won't hurt you short term

[gtabaz]

Ok so i have the ARK Grip V2 exhaust and i just ordered my motordyne ART pipes. should i wait to get my intakes to get a tune or should i tune it after the oil cooler/CAI's? =]

[frost]

wait until after CAIs imho.

[SurfDog]

I just finished full breathing bolt on's and Dyno tune. There have been some comparisons with and without tunes on this thread:
Dyno Predictions for my upcoming mods?

I believe about 1/3 the measurable dyno gain came from the tune. Much more importantly though, better throttle response at lower RPM seemed to be the best gain from tuning. I posted a full review if you are interested.

[w0rM]

I just put an FI exhaust on my 2012 and I'm thinking of doing an UpRev eTune since there's no UpRev dealers within 200 miles of here. Do you guys think I should do this or find a local dyno tuner and settle for something other than UpRev?

[seymore4]

Originally Posted by w0rM

I just put an FI exhaust on my 2012 and I'm thinking of doing an UpRev eTune since there's no UpRev dealers within 200 miles of here. Do you guys think I should do this or find a local dyno tuner and settle for something other than UpRev?

there is no option other than uprev

[SurfDog]

Originally Posted by w0rM

I just put an FI exhaust on my 2012 and I'm thinking of doing an UpRev eTune since there's no UpRev dealers within 200 miles of here. Do you guys think I should do this or find a local dyno tuner and settle for something other than UpRev?

what better way to appreciate a new tune than a 200 mile pre/post test drive

[w0rM]

Originally Posted by SurfDog

what better way to appreciate a new tune than a 200 mile pre/post test drive

Haha good point. I wish the closest one wasn't in Houston.

[SurfDog]

Originally Posted by w0rM

I just put an FI exhaust on my 2012 and I'm thinking of doing an UpRev eTune since there's no UpRev dealers within 200 miles of here. Do you guys think I should do this or find a local dyno tuner and settle for something other than UpRev?

I have not done this, but I think Uprev will send you a kit and you can get a pretty good tune with them using logging etc.

do a search on this forum. I know I have read of people getting pretty good results that way. I am NOT speaking from experience (am lucky to live close to a tuner)

[seymore4]

Originally Posted by SurfDog

I have not done this, but I think Uprev will send you a kit and you can get a pretty good tune with them using logging etc.

do a search on this forum. I know I have read of people getting pretty good results that way. I am NOT speaking from experience (am lucky to live close to a tuner)

Basically the way the etunes work is they give you a base map that gets the tune kind of in the ballpark, then you have to datalog certain engine parameters while you drive around (rpm, load, AFR, throttle position, etc etc) and email it in, they compare that to the tune file and make some adjustments. You get the updated rom file in your inbox, flash it onto the ecu, and repeat.

Honestly etune or dyno tune it all comes down to the tuner. Yes a dyno tune will give you more exact IMMEDIATE results, and the maximum power potential if performed correctly, but I've seen a lot of tunes that were FUBAR'd.. just because the guy owns a shop and has a dyno doesn't mean he knows what he's doing. With an etune you can get pretty darn close with these new cars but it is not immediate. It takes time, patience, and can't be done in 1 or 2 updates.

[SurfDog]

Originally Posted by seymore4

Basically the way the etunes work is they give you a base map that gets the tune kind of in the ballpark, then you have to datalog certain engine parameters while you drive around (rpm, load, AFR, throttle position, etc etc) and email it in, they compare that to the tune file and make some adjustments. You get the updated rom file in your inbox, flash it onto the ecu, and repeat.

Honestly etune or dyno tune it all comes down to the tuner. Yes a dyno tune will give you more exact IMMEDIATE results, and the maximum power potential if performed correctly, but I've seen a lot of tunes that were FUBAR'd.. just because the guy owns a shop and has a dyno doesn't mean he knows what he's doing. With an etune you can get pretty darn close with these new cars but it is not immediate. It takes time, patience, and can't be done in 1 or 2 updates.

I have read some great results and satisfaction from etunes. 1 hp and <1 whp less than a full dyno tune will probably not be noticed in the final analysis, and you will have some DIY pride of ownership in you tune too!!! Also, you will not be running "lean" after your bolt ons (I read but do not understand WHY this might be harmful to your engine). With an E-tune you can flash the moment you finish tightening your last bolt and be pretty close with a ballpark tune right away.

From what I read of your situation, I think this is how I would go in your shoes. (It won't cost as much either!)