header, intake tune question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Reading PA
header, intake tune question
I am buying headers, x pipe, and halltech stinger for my 02 z06, I realize I will get more power with a tune, but will I be ok not tuning it? Or will I run the risk of damaging the car. Thanks in advance for your help
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Reading PA
well I am confused with tuning...I see there are alot of mail order tunes, and other stuff like ls1 edit, but what is needed? Is it just software you load into a laptop, and a cord from the laptop to the obd2 port? are these methods expensive? What to do?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,235
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From: Haymarket VA
CI 7-8 Veteran
Yes, that's the technical part of tuning, that's easy. The tough part is knowing the nuances of the car or as I was told by my tuner, driving the car so that you get the best out of the software. Well worth the $$$ to get it done by a pro unless you plan on spending a lot of time learing how to do it yourself.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
You will most likely NOT damage the car BUT, you will most likely not optimize the HP/tq that is on the plate. I lost fuel econmey but gained HP! 
Best route is to make all the MOD changes that you can afford and then TUNE!
In my case, I purshased EFI Live and learned how to make effective changes to my tune to optimize my changes!
bc
Best route is to make all the MOD changes that you can afford and then TUNE!
In my case, I purshased EFI Live and learned how to make effective changes to my tune to optimize my changes!
bc
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,498
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From: Brentwood TN
You'll see some gain, but because each engine has slightly different dimensions on each part, even when all are within tolerance, two seemingly identical engines will have differences that affect horsepower output. For that reason even some stock engines can benefit slightly from a tune. And for sure a mail order tune will not likely yield optimum benefits for a specific engine. It is not unusual, following addition of headers, x pipe, etc. as you outline, to tune an engine and not only pick up hidden peak horsepower but improve fuel efficiency as well.
Charlie
Charlie
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Port Arthur, Texas 77642
Yes, the car will recognize the changes by monitoring the increased airflow through the MAF and compensate "within its ability", kinda retuning itself but only within certain limits. A genuine performance tune will cost you between $400-550 & will include datalogging while driving your car, dyno time with wideband A/F datalogging some more, and considerable time spent optimizing parameters within your PCM for throttle response and all around driveability. BEFORE you decide on tuner I strongly recommend you call the tuners in your area and interview them asking how they tune Corvettes with your modifications. You will get different answers for sure, then just use common sense on which one sounds like they really take pride in their tunes. There is an "ART" to tuning and the best tuners always want their tune to be perfect for your car. 
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Oxford Pa
St. Jude Donor '05-'10-'12, '15
I am also looking for a tuner in Philly area. Two candiates are East Coast Supercharging NJ about an hour east of Philly and Rapid Motorsports in Birdsboro, Pa. Keep us posted
Le Mans Master
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From: Port Arthur, Texas 77642
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Pro
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From: Reading PA