I have just over 28,000 mi on my 2005 manual Z51. Should I get a tune up now? If so, what should I get done?

Also, I was thinking about getting the perfomance tune to modify some of the computer settings. Does anyone have any suggestions? Or will this really scew up my car?

She's not a garage princess, I drive her just about every day.

 

The term 'Tune Up" is antiquated. With the new computer controlled engines, and 100,000 mile spark plugs, the dealer mostly just inspects things like the fuel and exhaust systems, among others. The air cleaner and auto tranny fluid don't need to be changed until 50K.(I know you have a manual) The coolant at 150K. Keep changing your oil according to the DIC. You might want to lubricate the body hinges and replace the passenger compartment air filter.

 

I think he meant a computer tune up on Vechicle Control Module.

 

I read it as he wants a engine Tune Up, and also a performance computer tune. Jokirp?

 

Yes, I wanted reccomendations on an engine Tune up and a computer performance tune.

Sorry if the question sounded stupid. I have read the owners manual, but I have learned from past exp. that some info and reccemendations in the owners manual are inadequete and sometimes incorrect.

I just wanted to hear what the real experts had to say.

 

We maybe knowledgeable but we certainly are not experts. As previously posted "tune up" is sort of out of date. What you should concern yourself with is the maintenance schedule. If you are not into DIY projects then it is best that you bring your car back to the dealer for scheduled maintenance.

On the other hand if you are mechanically inclined and have a good understanding of how the various components of a car function then you could perform most of the maintenance on your car. I realize that not all car guys are into the mechanical end, some of us enjoy it others do not.

In regard to a computer tune, if you are planning to keep you car mostly stock then I would leave it alone. Why ?............... because most tuners change the abuse mode settings (torque management) and the coolant temp settings as well as other items. Manual shift Corvettes have a problem braking driveline parts (you can utilizes the search function to find threads on this subject). In addition, you use your car every day and drive in cold winters, changing the temp will add more wear to the engine (you can utilizes the search function to find threads on this subject changing the thermostat)

You do not have to make a change to the computer if you add a cold air intake, throttle body spacer and other bolt ons. (headers may or may not require a tune to correct sel light) The computer program is fairly robust and will “re learn”. Only when you make major changes to the engine, installation of large camshaft, power adders & etc…..does a computer tune become a necessity.

In order to get the most out of any modification you would could a generic tune. If you want every last horsepower you can get then you would get a custom dyno tune.

This is a very short note regarding computer tunes I would suggest that you read up on Mass air fuel management systems, read a few car magazines as well as browse the Corvette Forum as well as other car forums. Good luck

BTW Something to think about

If you want to play you have to pay & there is no free lunch with modifications change one thing and it will affect something else

 

Thanks T D,

That was very helpful. I'm just looking for a few extra horses (30-50 max). I dont want to do too much extensive stuff that changes everything else in the car. There are already enough bells and whistles just waiting to break.

I was thinking of a performance exhaust, cold air intake and maybe one other mod. Thats what I am having trouble with. Deciding on #3.

Anyway, thanks again for your help.

 

So even a dyno tune puts reliability at risk?

 

Just doing a dyno pull puts the drivetrain at risk. Granted, it may not be a large risk if the engine is in good shape and the valve springs are fresh. But hard high RPM pulls are rough on any engine. Back when I was racing, about 25 trips down the strip meant I either had to lower the redline or put in new valve springs. Even street driving takes its toll. At 30,000 miles, figure your effective redline should be dropped at least 500 RPM, maybe 1,000 RPM if you've been ******* the car a lot.

 

First thing you really should decide is how long you plan on keeping the car. If you will be trading it in before 5 years or 60K I would just stick with what the owners manual says. If you plan on keeping the car for a long time I would do the following at 30K.

1) Oil change
2) engine and cabin A/C filter
3) transmission fluid
4) rear diff fluid
5) brake fluid (and clutch fluid if manual trans) if the fluid is dark color
6) all the visual inspections (tires, brakes, hoses, lights etc.)

If you are doing this yourself, just make sure to get the proper fluids and if you are having a dealer/independant do the service they should not be charging extra labor for the "inspections" as the tech will be able to do these when doing the other services listed.

 

Better off to keep it factory stock if you don't want problems or if it is a daily driver.

 

No, not in every situation, way too general an answer. My original reply was a quick & simple. Unfortunately, modifying new cars is a bit more complex now than when were we younger. It is dependant upon what you change and how the car is driven, maintained and etc. There are many things to consider.

It is always best to be an informed consumer. Like anything else you want value for your money. Be aware of advertising. If you have no idea about what you are purchasing you are taking the word of the seller of the service. If you do a search you will see various posts regarding errors, omissions and etc by tuners, installers and the like. Then you will find threads by members who did not get the desired result after making a change to their car be it a tune, changing sway bars, headers & etc.

We are all human, we make mistakes, we all don't know everything & stuff happens. The best advice I can give is to learn as much as you can about your car & its components. The more knowledgeable you become......... the better you become in evaluating the various options in modding a car........... an yet we all still make mistakes I know I do

Good luck