Time for a custom tune chip?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 445
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta GA
Time for a custom tune chip?
Hello All,
Just finishing up on the install of the following parts to my basically stock L98:
TPIS ported Big Mouth Base
TPIS ported Intake plenum
SLP Large Tube runners
TPIS Adjust. Fuel Pressure Regulator
Removed EGR
Now that the intake is done along with the exhaust, could I gain additional power from a custom-tuned chip? I'm using a Hypertech Thermomaster right now, but would gladly spend a little more on a custom chip if it would provide some benefit. I have no real plans of anything else major...maybe roller rockers and a cam later on down the road, but nothing else for now.
One thing I could do is have the EGR code turned off in a custom burn...that would be nice also.
Just finishing up on the install of the following parts to my basically stock L98:
TPIS ported Big Mouth Base
TPIS ported Intake plenum
SLP Large Tube runners
TPIS Adjust. Fuel Pressure Regulator
Removed EGR
Now that the intake is done along with the exhaust, could I gain additional power from a custom-tuned chip? I'm using a Hypertech Thermomaster right now, but would gladly spend a little more on a custom chip if it would provide some benefit. I have no real plans of anything else major...maybe roller rockers and a cam later on down the road, but nothing else for now.
One thing I could do is have the EGR code turned off in a custom burn...that would be nice also.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,142
Likes: 1,729
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Huge gains? no. Some, yeah but I dont know if its really worth the expense, I would just tune it with the AFPR, preferably on a dyno.
I would just wait for the cam change, since youll need to spend the money on the chip at that point anyway.
I would just wait for the cam change, since youll need to spend the money on the chip at that point anyway.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
IMHO the cam is what really throws the stock tune out the door. If I were you I would contact www.pcmforless.com talk to Alvin and ask his opinion. If I could gain 10hp for say $150.00 id do it. Heck I did long tube headers, hotcam, electric water pump, and heads for about 80 hp spent $250 on a custom tune and got 21 more hp. So I will promise you the 21 hp was much cheaper then the 80 or so from the other work. 
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
You gained some useable RPM with those parts and the stock TPI program leans out in upper RPM. It probably wouldn't hurt to try bumping your FP a couple PSI to see how it reacts and then consider a new chip.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Since your L98 has a MAF I'm sure you can get a good tune with the AFPR, likely even with LT headers, heads and a better can.
The time when you may need a custom burn is if try to use stock injectors and need to bump FP above 50-55psi or if you install large injectors and the ECM cannot properly compensate.
To get much added power from a custom burn after tuning with an AFPR would take several iterations of burning, IMHO.
So, with your current mods, I suggest you go with an AFPR.
The time when you may need a custom burn is if try to use stock injectors and need to bump FP above 50-55psi or if you install large injectors and the ECM cannot properly compensate.
To get much added power from a custom burn after tuning with an AFPR would take several iterations of burning, IMHO.
So, with your current mods, I suggest you go with an AFPR.
