Do I need a tune after header install?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
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Do I need a tune after header install?
I'm planning on installing my OBX LT headers and Borla straight pipes. It's a '99 and also has a CAI, mass airflow sensor, and larger throttlebody. Will it need to be tuned immediately or can I wait a few months and tune it down the road?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,401
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From: Dyer, IN
Why not just wait, install and tune immediately You are just leaving HP on the table without a tune... not to mention driveability, gas mileage, etc.
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Instructor
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My main reason for wanting to wait is $$$ for the tune. I have the headers and am just waiting for the plugs and wires to come before the install. I am a broke college student who spends all of my money on my toys (2 vettes and a bike). I'm anxious to install the headers but won't have money or time to make it to ECS for a tune for a little while. My main concern is: Will installing the headers and driving regularly without a tune cause any damage to the motor?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,401
Likes: 1,141
From: Dyer, IN
My main reason for wanting to wait is $$$ for the tune. I have the headers and am just waiting for the plugs and wires to come before the install. I am a broke college student who spends all of my money on my toys (2 vettes and a bike). I'm anxious to install the headers but won't have money or time to make it to ECS for a tune for a little while. My main concern is: Will installing the headers and driving regularly without a tune cause any damage to the motor?
I can't say I was much different when I was younger(with respect to patience).......I guess patience comes with age. The other part that comes with age is experience. While a header install is pretty straightforward, you may run into unforeseen complications, which will require more funds.
When you start asking questions like" will I damage my motor", simply because you are impatient, you really need to take a step back and ask.......do I have to do it right now?
Good luck with your choices...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,011
Likes: 9
From: Dublin GA
Lucky makes a Good point!
But No, you will not hurt your engine by driving it. The computer will read the small change in AF made by the improvements in air flow and adjust your fuel trims accordingly to get the proper AFR at cruise. That's what it was designed to do.
The only issue you might have would be at WOT, which is a SET enrichment amount. In reality, however, you will proably be running a little rich at WOT, since the PE enrichment factor is actually added TO the positive fuel trims. To be safe, however, don't beat on it until you take it for a tune.
What the guys are telling you basically, is that you won't get the full benifit of your mods until you do take it for tuning.
But No, you will not hurt your engine by driving it. The computer will read the small change in AF made by the improvements in air flow and adjust your fuel trims accordingly to get the proper AFR at cruise. That's what it was designed to do.
The only issue you might have would be at WOT, which is a SET enrichment amount. In reality, however, you will proably be running a little rich at WOT, since the PE enrichment factor is actually added TO the positive fuel trims. To be safe, however, don't beat on it until you take it for a tune.
What the guys are telling you basically, is that you won't get the full benifit of your mods until you do take it for tuning.
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From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
Plugs and wires wont make one rats azz of a difference it that's what you're REALLY waiting for.... ($$$)
Get the tune, whether you've had headers in the first place or not... a tune will help a stock or modded car.
Get the tune, whether you've had headers in the first place or not... a tune will help a stock or modded car.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,004
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From: Tampa Fl
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
you can wait.
I did all the bolt ons and didnt have the car tune for a year. It was when the cam was installed that I had it tuned.
Correct, you are leaving power on the table not having it tune. But if your talking about drivablity issues, you shouldnt have any.
My personnel experience was I had no issues and I did everything from the vararam to the GHLs. Will it run better are a tune, Yes.
I did all the bolt ons and didnt have the car tune for a year. It was when the cam was installed that I had it tuned.
Correct, you are leaving power on the table not having it tune. But if your talking about drivablity issues, you shouldnt have any.
My personnel experience was I had no issues and I did everything from the vararam to the GHLs. Will it run better are a tune, Yes.
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From: Queen Creek Arizona
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I got the plugs and wires because the car has 80k and it seems like when you pull the headers is a good easy time to swap the plugs
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My main reason for wanting to wait is $$$ for the tune. I have the headers and am just waiting for the plugs and wires to come before the install. I am a broke college student who spends all of my money on my toys (2 vettes and a bike). I'm anxious to install the headers but won't have money or time to make it to ECS for a tune for a little while. My main concern is: Will installing the headers and driving regularly without a tune cause any damage to the motor?
You can wait until your ready, like others have said, it's not optimal, but you will not cause any damage.
We will be here when your ready, and thanks in advance!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,004
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From: Tampa Fl
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
I dont recall any decrease in MPG after the bolt ons without the tune, but after ECS installed my first cam ( TR224) and I had the car tuned, I did have improved MPG highway. ( city always goes down hill the more fun the car is lol)
I went from 28 MPG on the way down to their shop to 32 MPG home. It was a 2 hour drive down the turnpike, So I think that was a good test
Even now with a larger cam and heads with gears and lots of tuning, Im still at about 25 highway, and average about 18MPG
I went from 28 MPG on the way down to their shop to 32 MPG home. It was a 2 hour drive down the turnpike, So I think that was a good test
Even now with a larger cam and heads with gears and lots of tuning, Im still at about 25 highway, and average about 18MPG
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,305
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From: Chester Springs PA
that thing is gonna be loud. I bought a used 03 z with stock manifolds and cats. he removed the axle back and put those Borla pipes on. could not carry on a conversation in the car. I put Borla's x-pipe with integrated muffler in to replace the stock H pipe. little better and necessary to pass inspection in PA.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 116
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From: Okc OK
NO! You dont need a tune after headers. In my old 2000 ss camaro I did headers with no prob drove it for several months, then did heads, cam, and intake, clutch all at once, It drove like **** for a week, then the car figured itself out. I drove the car like that until i had the time and to take it to tsp to have it dyno tuned, the car only gained 9 hp over what the cpu had done itself. And im pretty sure tsp is a respectable place to have your car tuned. Car still runs like a beast...thanks MS3!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I installed LT headers, High flow Cats, Complete 3" exhaust system with X pipe, Ported TB, VARARAM, and a 180 Deg T stat on my 02 ZO6 and didn't tune it for 6 months. In that 6 month period, here is what I learned:
- Exhaust STINKS because it is WAY rich!!
- Lots of carbon/exhaust suet on the exhaust pipe outlets
- Fuel Mileage went from 29-30 highway to 23-24 highway.
- Throttle Flat Spot transiting from 1800 RPMs to 2500 RPMs
- Power Gain was good!!
- No DTCs, engine issues or damage noted.
After the tune:
- No more exhaust stink issues!
- Fuel Mileage increased
- MORE POWER!
EXCELLENT!
- MUCH IMPROVED throttle response!
- Clean exhaust pipes and improved exhaust note!
You will be MUCH happier if you limit the period of time between install and tune but it shouldnt hurt anything IF everything works corectly.
BC
BC
- Exhaust STINKS because it is WAY rich!!
- Lots of carbon/exhaust suet on the exhaust pipe outlets
- Fuel Mileage went from 29-30 highway to 23-24 highway.
- Throttle Flat Spot transiting from 1800 RPMs to 2500 RPMs
- Power Gain was good!!
- No DTCs, engine issues or damage noted.
After the tune:
- No more exhaust stink issues!
- Fuel Mileage increased
- MORE POWER!
EXCELLENT!- MUCH IMPROVED throttle response!
- Clean exhaust pipes and improved exhaust note!
You will be MUCH happier if you limit the period of time between install and tune but it shouldnt hurt anything IF everything works corectly.
BC
BC
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
I installed LT headers, High flow Cats, Complete 3" exhaust system with X pipe, Ported TB, VARARAM, and a 180 Deg T stat on my 02 ZO6 and didn't tune it for 6 months. In that 6 month period, here is what I learned:
- Exhaust STINKS because it is WAY rich!!
- Lots of carbon/exhaust suet on the exhaust pipe outlets
- Fuel Mileage went from 29-30 highway to 23-24 highway.
- Throttle Flat Spot transiting from 1800 RPMs to 2500 RPMs
- Power Gain was good!!
- No DTCs, engine issues or damage noted.
After the tune:
- No more exhaust stink issues!
- Fuel Mileage increased
- MORE POWER! EXCELLENT!
- MUCH IMPROVED throttle response!
- Clean exhaust pipes and improved exhaust note!
You will be MUCH happier if you limit the period of time between install and tune but it shouldnt hurt anything IF everything works corectly.
BC
BC
- Exhaust STINKS because it is WAY rich!!
- Lots of carbon/exhaust suet on the exhaust pipe outlets
- Fuel Mileage went from 29-30 highway to 23-24 highway.
- Throttle Flat Spot transiting from 1800 RPMs to 2500 RPMs
- Power Gain was good!!
- No DTCs, engine issues or damage noted.
After the tune:
- No more exhaust stink issues!
- Fuel Mileage increased
- MORE POWER!
EXCELLENT!- MUCH IMPROVED throttle response!
- Clean exhaust pipes and improved exhaust note!
You will be MUCH happier if you limit the period of time between install and tune but it shouldnt hurt anything IF everything works corectly.
BC
BC
???