When To get a tune?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 10
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From: Grand River OH
When To get a tune?
Hello all, I've been reading the forum lately about all the different performance mods people do to their C5's and was wondering how far should you go without getting a tune. Seems like most people have an intake and catback system. What about X pipe and long tube headers? Would a tune be necessary after the addition of those? If not then, when? Thanks for the info! 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Hello all, I've been reading the forum lately about all the different performance mods people do to their C5's and was wondering how far should you go without getting a tune. Seems like most people have an intake and catback system. What about X pipe and long tube headers? Would a tune be necessary after the addition of those? If not then, when? Thanks for the info!
The PCM has the ability to COMPENSATE for minor changes by adjusting something called LONG TERM FUEL TRIMS. It can change them up to + or - 25% When the fuel trims are POSITIVE, the engine starts running rich. Especially during WOT. You will also see your part throttle fuel economy start to drop.
When you add a LOT of mods, you will see some flat spots during acceleration, loss of fuel economy, poor idle, fuel smell from exhaust.
The recommended tune criteria is to add all the MAJOR mods that you can budget and then get a tune. Some tuners like Corvette of Westchester, will tune your car and the re tunes are FREE>>> Chuck even has something called EFI Live AUTOCAL which allows you to tune from home. You data-log your car and send the tuning file to Chuck at Corvettes Of Westchester. He modifies your PCM and e-mails you the file and you up load it into your PCM. BAM! Tune DONE!!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-sale-now.html
Cant beat that with a stick!
If you go Mod Crazy (heads, Cam, manifolds, headers, injectors,,,, the car probable wont even run. Chuck has that handled also. He can down load you a starter tune and then you can data-log and fine tune that tune for precision tuning.
BC
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 82
From: New Market AL
You will be right on the edge of needing a tune after headers and a cold air intake. Might as well spend a little more and get that timing table and fuel tables optimized to take advantage of the increased air flow. Most certainly a tune will be required if/when you upgrade the cam or replace heads.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 264
From: Near Charlotte NC
IMO:
With minor mods like CAI & Exhaust or simple bolt-ons and for daily driving,I would buy myself a hand-held programmer or go the mail order route.This will give you a feel for tuning at a budget price.
If you plan internal mods,SC,nitrous and track/drag your car a full dyno tune would get all the various parts & pieces to work together at their max.
If you have a Z,the stock LS6 gives you lots of motor to work with.
\db2
carolina
With minor mods like CAI & Exhaust or simple bolt-ons and for daily driving,I would buy myself a hand-held programmer or go the mail order route.This will give you a feel for tuning at a budget price.
If you plan internal mods,SC,nitrous and track/drag your car a full dyno tune would get all the various parts & pieces to work together at their max.
If you have a Z,the stock LS6 gives you lots of motor to work with.
\db2
carolina
