Tune decision questions?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 312
Likes: 2
From: Elizabeth City North Carolina
Tune decision questions?
Could someone explain to me benefits of one type of tune over the other?
Example: one tuner offers mail tunes for 400.00, one offers mail tunes for 200.00, local (kinda) offers street tuning for 350.00 and dyno tunning for 500.00.
So the question is, is there really that much of a difference between the three different types, and is there that much of a difference between the two mail tunes that warrants a 200.00 spread. I can go any route, mail, street, dyno. Is one really that much superior to the other?
Two different mail tunes roughly 200.oo difference, street tune in between the two mail tunes for price and dyno only 100 more than the most mail tune.
Please do not turn this into a this tuner is better than that tuner. We all know which tuners carry the mail tunes and the prices. All of these guys have been doing this a long time and I respect each of them the same. I am only looking to see what makes one that much better than the other.
Thanks,
Brett
Example: one tuner offers mail tunes for 400.00, one offers mail tunes for 200.00, local (kinda) offers street tuning for 350.00 and dyno tunning for 500.00.
So the question is, is there really that much of a difference between the three different types, and is there that much of a difference between the two mail tunes that warrants a 200.00 spread. I can go any route, mail, street, dyno. Is one really that much superior to the other?
Two different mail tunes roughly 200.oo difference, street tune in between the two mail tunes for price and dyno only 100 more than the most mail tune.
Please do not turn this into a this tuner is better than that tuner. We all know which tuners carry the mail tunes and the prices. All of these guys have been doing this a long time and I respect each of them the same. I am only looking to see what makes one that much better than the other.
Thanks,
Brett
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: Lake Placid Florida
I think it totally depends on what you want from your car. If you track it, then a dyno tune is probably best, if not, then maybe you can get by with a mail order tune. I just got my computer back from ECS and i was amazed at the difference. I've got a DD, A4 and the difference is very noticable. You have to be the one that knows what you're looking for. Definitely go fo it. If yours is a DD a mail order tune seems like it would work just fine, it was for me. 
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
Because I'm too lazy to type it all out again....
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1568763948-post5.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1568763948-post5.html
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 312
Likes: 2
From: Elizabeth City North Carolina
Ok, that post answers a couple questions. Now for the next one. I have yet to read anything that remotely resembles somone NOT being impressed with their mail tune ( I am talking stock car, with minor bolt ons and headers).
So will a street tune give you the same satisfaction. I guess what I am looking at is which one would be a recommneded way to go for a normal part time car, not a DD, not a race car. Just a fun car. I don't think I need a dyno tune, so street, cheaper than street tune mail order, or more expensive than street tune mail order.
Unfortunately money is not unlimited in my house, so I am looking for really nothing more than best bang for my dollar.
So will a street tune give you the same satisfaction. I guess what I am looking at is which one would be a recommneded way to go for a normal part time car, not a DD, not a race car. Just a fun car. I don't think I need a dyno tune, so street, cheaper than street tune mail order, or more expensive than street tune mail order.
Unfortunately money is not unlimited in my house, so I am looking for really nothing more than best bang for my dollar.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,405
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From: Whippany NJ
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Heres my .02.....
Your car is basically bolt on stock so dyno tune is already out. I would do a street tune only if you were well within reasonable driving distance from a reputable LSx tuner and because you have headers. If that is not within your price range, then mail order tune is the best bet.
ECS Mail Order Tune Special Link
Your car is basically bolt on stock so dyno tune is already out. I would do a street tune only if you were well within reasonable driving distance from a reputable LSx tuner and because you have headers. If that is not within your price range, then mail order tune is the best bet.
ECS Mail Order Tune Special Link
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
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From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
A tuner knocks a few bucks off the bill if you promise to post a glowing review on the forum. It seems to have become a popular practice.
So will a street tune give you the same satisfaction. I guess what I am looking at is which one would be a recommneded way to go for a normal part time car, not a DD, not a race car. Just a fun car. I don't think I need a dyno tune, so street, cheaper than street tune mail order, or more expensive than street tune mail order.
Unfortunately money is not unlimited in my house, so I am looking for really nothing more than best bang for my dollar.
Unfortunately money is not unlimited in my house, so I am looking for really nothing more than best bang for my dollar.
If you have a tuner in mind that is near you, by all means get them in the car and tune it based on actuality, not predictability.
Mail order tunes are just educated guesswork. The tuner never sees your car, never logs your car's response to the changes...whatever happens, happens.
With a street tune, the tuner is gaining the advantage of real-time feedback. He can see exactly what the car likes and doesn't like, while it's actually operating. That's not possible with a mail order.
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Now that's funny!
OP, free to call the shop if you wish to discuss this further.
