I am fairly new to all of this. Will ya'll explain, what i keep hearing on here, is a good tune. I really would like to know, what is a good tune, a dyno tune or what? Sorry for my ignorance, i'm learning. I have had Harley's for 40yrs. and have had dyno tunes to get the best performance out of mods. Are we talking the same? How about no mod addition, should i have another tune? Previous owner had tune and dyno at last mod, approx. 10M miles, no changes since.
Thanks.............

 

Yes that is the same thing and no you dont need to get yours tuned unless you start putting some performance mods on it. Only reason you would get a tune then is to get the max power out of your mods.

 

Isn't it possible to "tune" a stock setup? Surely if there are adjustments to be made then they can be tailored to the car or the driving style? Wouldn't the factory "tune" be a generic thing?

Can someone fully explain this whole tune thing? What can be tuned? How?

Is there a website that explains?

What's needed, a computer and a program? What program? How do we interface the computer and the car?

 

Yes you can tune the stock setup but IMO its a waste of money unless you plan on keeping it completely stock.

 

I do plan on keeping it stock. So then isn't it possible to get the max out of anything?

 

Yes, since your are keeping it completely stock then I say go for it.

 

You can do a tune on a stock car. The standards setup from GM is very conservative. There are many parameters that can be changed to make the car rev better, improve gas milage, and maximize power. Many consider it a waste because you don't get that much, but you do get something out of it. Only expect 5-10hp out of street tune. Still, I think it's worth it if you don't plan on modding right away. I had a tune done on a mildly modded car at Carlisle for $99. It was worth every penny. (props to ECS )

Once you start adding mods, the GM tune doesn't cut it anymore. You need to get the computer updated with the proper parameters to get the car running it's best.

That's where the skill part comes in, and tuner's competency varies widely across the country. There are many good ones, and plenty of bad ones. Most vendors you see here have the capability do do fantastic work. Also, tunes can be very specialized, like specifically for drag racing. That drag tune may not be the best for the street, so it's an exercise in compromises.

How to tune? There are several ways. You could buy a Diablo sport handheld, but it is limited in some of its functions. Better options would be HPTuners, EFILive, LS1edit, etc..... These programs are built to modify almost every parameter of you car. Now, unless you know what you are doing, you can also screw things up, too.

What can be modified? Most everything. If you really want to know, post a question in the "scan and tune" section.

 

Thanks nj. That was a good basic answer even though it probably raised as many questions as it answered. I'm a "recreational" driver and I don't need any more WOT (wide open throttle) speed or power but I feel that the part throttle response and drivability is poor. I'll pose my question on the appropriate forum. Thanks.