Changing headers need a tune???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 190
Likes: 8
Changing headers need a tune???
I have a 12 GS. After some research, Kooks 1 3/4 headers and catted X pipe seem the right ones for me since no FI planned. The I came across a post saying long tube headers need a tune otherwise running the risk of burning up the cylinder and getting half of the performance gain. I have replaced headers in my *** and Euro sports cars not doing a tune and they were running fine. Is Corvette different? For someone who have installed the Kooks headers, please advise.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Palm Harbor not far from Sebring Florida
St. Jude Donor '11
Oldtimer
I would like to know the answer also. I have always heard that a tune is need, or there is a good chance that you will start to get a lot of different codes. I also heard that you get the full benefit of the installation with a tune. So lets see what we hear back on this.
I bought an '07 a few years ago and it had American long tubes and high flow cats so I just assumed it was tuned.
I bought an '07 a few years ago and it had American long tubes and high flow cats so I just assumed it was tuned.
Pro
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 611
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From: Milwaukee WI
St. Jude Donor '13
After header installation of any brand, a dyno tune is highly recommended. I know guys who have passed on a tune post header install and driven for years without any serious issues. I know other's who used a canned tune after headers install without issues.
You are leaving some hp on the table by not tuning for the change in exhaust efficiency plus piece of mind knowing that the A/F is at an optimal range.
As much as headers cost for a c6, what's another 400 bux or so for a proper dyno tune to maximize the gain? You will have to tune out the o2 sensors if emissions testing is done in your area since you will get a check engine light and error code for the o2's. I'm catted with my long tubes and had to tune out the rear o2 sensors.
You are leaving some hp on the table by not tuning for the change in exhaust efficiency plus piece of mind knowing that the A/F is at an optimal range.
As much as headers cost for a c6, what's another 400 bux or so for a proper dyno tune to maximize the gain? You will have to tune out the o2 sensors if emissions testing is done in your area since you will get a check engine light and error code for the o2's. I'm catted with my long tubes and had to tune out the rear o2 sensors.
Last edited by brewcitygymratt; Apr 10, 2014 at 02:05 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,400
Likes: 39
From: Atlanta Georgia
After header installation of any brand, a dyno tune is highly recommended. I know guys who have passed on a tune post header install and driven for years without any serious issues. I know other's who used a canned tune after headers install without issues.
You are leaving some hp on the table by not tuning for the change in exhaust efficiency plus piece of mind knowing that the A/F is at an optimal range.
As much as headers cost for a c6, what's another 400 bux or so for a proper dyno tune to maximize the gain? You will have to tune out the o2 sensors if emissions testing is done in your area since you will get a check engine light and error code for the o2's. I'm catted with my long tubes and had to tune out the rear o2 sensors.
You are leaving some hp on the table by not tuning for the change in exhaust efficiency plus piece of mind knowing that the A/F is at an optimal range.
As much as headers cost for a c6, what's another 400 bux or so for a proper dyno tune to maximize the gain? You will have to tune out the o2 sensors if emissions testing is done in your area since you will get a check engine light and error code for the o2's. I'm catted with my long tubes and had to tune out the rear o2 sensors.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 190
Likes: 8
After header installation of any brand, a dyno tune is highly recommended. I know guys who have passed on a tune post header install and driven for years without any serious issues. I know other's who used a canned tune after headers install without issues.
You are leaving some hp on the table by not tuning for the change in exhaust efficiency plus piece of mind knowing that the A/F is at an optimal range.
As much as headers cost for a c6, what's another 400 bux or so for a proper dyno tune to maximize the gain? You will have to tune out the o2 sensors if emissions testing is done in your area since you will get a check engine light and error code for the o2's. I'm catted with my long tubes and had to tune out the rear o2 sensors.
You are leaving some hp on the table by not tuning for the change in exhaust efficiency plus piece of mind knowing that the A/F is at an optimal range.
As much as headers cost for a c6, what's another 400 bux or so for a proper dyno tune to maximize the gain? You will have to tune out the o2 sensors if emissions testing is done in your area since you will get a check engine light and error code for the o2's. I'm catted with my long tubes and had to tune out the rear o2 sensors.
. Before I go through the efforts to ship headers over, I want to make sure that no tune is needed. Thanks.
Retired & lovin' it!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,474
Likes: 547
From: Jackson NJ
After header installation of any brand, a dyno tune is highly recommended. I know guys who have passed on a tune post header install and driven for years without any serious issues. I know other's who used a canned tune after headers install without issues.
You are leaving some hp on the table by not tuning for the change in exhaust efficiency plus piece of mind knowing that the A/F is at an optimal range.
As much as headers cost for a c6, what's another 400 bux or so for a proper dyno tune to maximize the gain? You will have to tune out the o2 sensors if emissions testing is done in your area since you will get a check engine light and error code for the o2's. I'm catted with my long tubes and had to tune out the rear o2 sensors.
You are leaving some hp on the table by not tuning for the change in exhaust efficiency plus piece of mind knowing that the A/F is at an optimal range.
As much as headers cost for a c6, what's another 400 bux or so for a proper dyno tune to maximize the gain? You will have to tune out the o2 sensors if emissions testing is done in your area since you will get a check engine light and error code for the o2's. I'm catted with my long tubes and had to tune out the rear o2 sensors.
You're not going to cause any damage by not doing a tune but as noted above, you're missing out on a lot of the benefit of the better breathing by not doing so. I'm running AR headers with their hi-flow cats & Corsa Sports mufflers. Tune was done by Doug Ring at ECS in NJ & the difference is very pronounced. Matter-of-fact, a good tune even without any engine mods will provide a noticeable improvement in performance.
Pro
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 611
Likes: 3
From: Milwaukee WI
St. Jude Donor '13
You can also do this with a diablo intune and remote tuning via email and datalogging. No laptop necessary with this scenario. Mike from diablosport is also a CF vendor on here and can help if going handheld route.
In either case, if you have an A6 trans, the tune is DEFINITELY worth the price alone!
Last edited by brewcitygymratt; Apr 10, 2014 at 02:20 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 190
Likes: 8
There are vendors on this forum that offer remote tuning via Hp tuners(ECS is one) and email. You tell them what mods you have, they send you a base tune for the mods. Then you do some datalogging with hp tuners and a laptop, send the logs via email and they will adjust the tune based on the log, then send updated tune back to you. Quite simple and a great way to go when there are no tuners in the area.
You can also do this with a diablo intune and remote tuning via email and datalogging. No laptop necessary with this scenario. Mike from diablosport is also a CF vendor on here and can help if going handheld route.
In either case, if you have an A6 trans, the tune is DEFINITELY worth the price alone!
You can also do this with a diablo intune and remote tuning via email and datalogging. No laptop necessary with this scenario. Mike from diablosport is also a CF vendor on here and can help if going handheld route.
In either case, if you have an A6 trans, the tune is DEFINITELY worth the price alone!
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