Computer Mod Thoughts
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 767
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From: near Spokane WA
Computer Mod Thoughts
October 2005, CORVETTE MAGAGINE, Tech Nerd's column re: computer mods: "Altering the air/fuel ratio and iginition curve to boost output -- which is how these thing work -- isn't hard. Any savvy tuner with a dyno can do it. The caveat is that the existing ratio and curve weren't selected because Chevy didn't know any better: Quite the contrary. They were painstakingly chosen to strike an optimal balance between competing factors such as output, efficiency, delivery characteristics, and durability...I'm not categorically against reprogramming. In a lot of performance situations, the cost is quite clearly worth the benefit. I am categorically against tuners who imply that there isn't a serious tradeoff involved there. Wherever there were cheap and easy horses to be found, Chevy found them. What's left are all the things they actively chose not to do, generally for reasons of reliability, effieiency, road feel, or longterm durability. If your own goals don't parallel the factory's, great -- you should reprogram the car accordingly. What you shouldn't do is trust any tuner who implies it's a free lunch."
