BMan0660

I've got some major mods coming up and I'm considering if I should just buy HPTuners or take the car somewhere to have it professionally done. I have tuned my cars (mostly imports) before, but never a vette or with HP tuners (which is the tool I'd probably purchase).

I like the idea of being able to tweek something down the road if I add a mod or swap a cam and doing multiple vehicles but by doing it myself I have a feeling it'll end up costing more in the long rung (WB02, dyno time, etc).

For those of you who have had it done, who charged you how much?

Gordy M

Some items to consider, what mods are you going to do in the future and time table--if they are all done at once, it might be better to go to a tuner/shop. If you are going to continually be adding/changing items, you probably be better with buying HPT or EFILive and doing it yourself. In our area we have a few very good tuners/shops available. Are you going to add super/turbo charger then a dyno is the better method. I autocross/hpde and spend most of my time in the 4-6,000 rpm range so I prefer street tuning. To do a complete street tune, a good 10-20 minute log session at Grattan allows you to hit red line in 4th for full mapping. You need the tuning software, laptop and wideband to complete your tuning needs. Also, what is more fun $200 for dyno time or 4 20 minutes sessions at Grattan raceway.

BMan0660

There are some bragging rights that come with the dyno ;p

turboffr

I say go for it and buy HP Tuners Pro and a wideband. It will pay for itself over time, and you'll be able to make all the changes you want down the road. You'll also be able to tune a few cars with the credits it comes with. I bought mine years ago (4 corvettes ago) and it's been a valuable tool for me since I mod each one and tune.

tblu92

If you are a "tinkerer" and love to study things--- tuning and learn as you go then yes you will love tuning----But if you aren't an engine guy and hate messing with a trial and error process that may take months and lots of frustration then don't consider it Get it tuned and be done !!

aerovette99

Get the tune from CHUCK COW, PERIOD...

This man is a wizard with the tune. I nearly sh** when I stepped on the gas the first time after receiving a CHUCK COW tune.

The acceleration was instant and precise. I felt like I added 100 HP.

Ridiculously noticeable, and the guy was incredibly helpful in all aspects of the purchase and tune..

0Chuck CoW

Thank you for the great review!

Most appreciated!
Chuck CoW

kp1

If you intend to do major modifications all at once it requires knowledge beyond novice tuner expertise. Any monkey can figure out how to connect a wideband and tuning hardware/software and get WOT AFR right. That doesn't mean spark advance is right or that HP or torque is optimized. It's the idle and off idle and cruising rpm stability that is the tough nut to crack.

If you have access to a trusted, reputable, reasonable tuner, you'll be money and certainly time ahead to hire them to do the job. If not, then my 2nd choice would be the hybrid of buying tuning hardware and hiring a good tuner to remotely street tune your car. My last option would be to go it alone.

How much is your time worth? Do you want to spend 100's of hours learning all about tuning or do you want to drive and enjoy your car? One way isn't right or the other way wrong. It's a matter of preference.

drivejumpfly

I agree with kp1. With your tuning experience you probably would benefit from a few sessions with someone that uses HP Tuners on engines similar to yours so they can show you around. I have found it is much easier to have a car tuned and review their maps compared to a base map for your car to study the differences.

aerovette99

Chuck Cow's tunes are incredible, and he is so meticulous about them.
The best thing that I experienced is the AutoCal. No sending the PCM out and waiting....
Chuck sends his tunes by email.
I am beyond satisfied with his work and product.

0Chuck CoW

Thank you! and it would be wise to check out our CHRISTMAS SPECIAL....

Which begins TONIGHT!

Chuck CoW

Caveboy

Just got off the phone with Chuck at 1:00am his time working on my tune! Great guy! He is very knowledgeable and responsive. I could not wait until he dials in my car.

0Chuck CoW

I suspect..... That you might enjoy the car a bit more today....

Stay (Chuck CoW) TUNED!

Chuck CoW

Caveboy

Will load the tune tonight or tomorrow and run another data log for you!

Sam Handwich

Sam Handwich

The tuning service has been fantastic. Plus, Chuck takes my calls and answers my e-mails when I need help on other technical problems. I was unsure when he told me to contact him anytime I have questions, or need help. But he has been good to his word. He works late evenings and that fits with my garage time - probably good for you guys on the West Coast too.
It was a tough decision when I was trying to decide about local tuner with a dyno vs. mail order tune vs. learn it myself. I kept worrying about the cost.................... But, at the end of the day the CoW Booster was the best choice.

0Chuck CoW

Thank you my friends! Always here to help!

Thanks for the nice post and kind words!

Chuck CoW

aerovette99

As always..... Another Happy Chuck Cow customer..

If you haven't used him, your settling for no better than second best

Caveboy

I second that. Every time I tried to call Chuck on the phone for support from West Coast, he is there for me. Great guy and lots of knowledge

Caveboy

Chuck and I are working on version 3 of my tune. All I could say is it gets better and better after each tune. I can't wait until we are done and some dry weather to test it out!