Is a computer upgrade worth it?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Is a computer upgrade worth it?
I have an 05 A4 coupe, a local shops says for $389 its a good option if your not regularly racing the car. They claim it is 75% of what you do for a dyno tune. I was wondering if the performance result would be noticeable? Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: El Segundo California
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Racer
Joined: May 2006
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From: Edgemont South Dakota
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 179
Likes: 2
From: Port Saint Lucie FL
I have an 05' GTO with the LS2 and an A4. Before I supercharged it I had the computer reprogrammed with a Diablo programmer. It made a huge difference. Also, if you spend the money now, it's one less thing to buy later when you do other mods.
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 56,381
Likes: 79
Not so. Your car will run rich but the price of a tune will not pay for itself in gas savings, and the HP increase of just the tune is negligible.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,514
Likes: 1,464
From: Pittsburgh PA
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I had simple bolt ons. Flowmasters and a K&N. No real noticable gains except it sounded better. I had a tuner (who my Chevy dealer brouhgt in) download a program for $275 and I can tell you it was worth the money. Pulls much stronger throughout the rpm range, smoother at idle with no hesitaion or flat spot off idle when cold, runs cooler, slightly better gas mailage, CAGS be gone, & rev limiter raised up. A/F map and timing optimized, fans set to come on earlier etc. etc.
In short...it woke the car up.
Get some customer testimonials about that prticular tuner if you can before paying.
In short...it woke the car up.
Get some customer testimonials about that prticular tuner if you can before paying.
