So, just got my PCM back from ECS with a new tune. The car is an 03Z 16,9K miles, vararam CAI, XSPower headers, high flow cats, x pipe, 160 stat. new valve springs (just in case) that's it. I read up on mods and tunes etc. and with just bolt on mods, I went with the mail order tune.

back and forth mail time ended up being about 5 days over a weekend.
Only got to run it around for about half hour:
so the results:

installed it and fired right up
skip shift is gone.....way cool
idle is smooth at 800 rpm as always
car smelled rich after I installed the headers....after the tune, nice and clean, rich smell gone
car warmed up to 180 coolent temp, outside temps here today was 56
oil temp got up to 185 before the tune and 160 stat both were 200 to 210
heater worked fine
no check engine lights or codes

Performance is great, throttle response was always good, now it is sharp, crisp, snappy.

the car pulls like a freight train, decelerates smooth, no popping etc.

I have no idea what the Max HP is and since this is a street car, really not that concerned with it. I can tell you that with this tune the car is sharp, smooth stronger then before and a blast to drive.......If you only have bolt on mods and are thinking about a mail order tune, the ECS guys did a great job for me

 

Sounds like money well spent. Enjoy!

 

Definately a good value. They have lots of experience.

 

Great to hear! Thanks for the nice write up and glad we could help.

 

I will be installing some LG longtubes to go along with my catback and intake soon. I was debating a mail order tune (specifically one from ECS) and, I do believe, you have convinced me, my friend! What valve springs did you go with? I have an 02 with an 04 motor (haven't removed the valve covers yet to see if I've still got the stock yellow ones or not) I know people always recommend either PAC or Comp…how bout PSI springs? Thanks a lot for your insight

 

hey glad to share. I went with PAC 1218s, got them from a forum member here. Don't plan on a cam in this car so I didn't see a need for anything stronger. I had a chance to drive the car some more, a run down the highway. All is still great, coolant temp stayed in the high 170s oil temp got up to 200. I would strongly recommend the 160 stat as well.. Sorry I don't have any experience with PSI springs to say anything either way.

 

Great to hear this, if you need anything in the future just let us know!

 

I just sent my computer in to you guys today!!!! I very excited and confident I will be just as satisfied as all the other pleased customers. I can't wait