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

[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!)

[SurfDog]

p.s. wOrM,

That is a good looking Z you have there. Love the paint!

[HDyoyo]

I'm sure this answer is somewhere in this thread but... I put on Berk hfcs and ark exhaust, do you think its worth tuning or would it be a waste of money. Does it kill the warranty if tuned?

[SurfDog]

Originally Posted by HDyoyo

I'm sure this answer is somewhere in this thread but... I put on Berk hfcs and ark exhaust, do you think its worth tuning or would it be a waste of money. Does it kill the warranty if tuned?

a tune is worth the money even without bolt ons! Definitely get a tune with the HFC's because you EDC can adjust somewhat, but will have a tough time compensating for so much more airflow.

Also, 30% (or so) of your increase in performance will come from tuning your new breathing mods. On this car the HFC makes the biggest difference IMHO. The tune will help throttle response and give you some cool new map functions as well. (like valet, and kill switch modes). It it definitely worth the price of getting it done. (about 5-600 bucks if you get it done on a dyno which gives best results)

I reccomend you ask around on this forum for a good shop in your area.

I cannot speak definitively about your warranty. but I know there is much discussion about it on the forum. Do a search and I'm sure you'll find your answer.

[w0rM]

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.

Good stuff! +1 rep for you!

Originally Posted by SurfDog

p.s. wOrM,

That is a good looking Z you have there. Love the paint!

Thank you sir!