I just got my car back from COW, (Corvette's of Westchester) for those who may not know what COW is. I had Chuck install the VR Snake Charmer, 160* stat, and a tune. I can't believe what a difference there is in just these minor modifications. I can definately feel it. The car is so much more fun to drive. Anyone on the fence about who or where to go to get work done needs to talk to Chuck over at COW. He is extremely intelligent and a very personable person to speak with. He knows more about tuning these cars than most could ever dream. But he doesn't talk down to you or make you feel inferior in any way. He explains to you what he's doing in a way that you can understand and makes sure that you're satisfied with the outcome of the work. There was one interesting thing that stuck out in my mind as I watched Chuck work on my car. The way he opened and closed the door. It was as if he was babying it. Avoiding swinging it open or closed or putting his hands all over the paint. Yeah it may seem minor to some but it just showed me how much he respected the car. He is often there very late, so you know his dedication is real.
Their customer service is top notch as well. Before I even decided to get the work done, Chuck took the time to talk with me over the phone about what he can do and what he recommends. His assistant, Corrina, is the nicest and friendliest person I have ever spoken with, both on the phone and in person. And she always made sure to call me back as promised. You all know how hard it is to get a shop to return a phone call. The estimate I was given was accurate and didn't have any hidden charges that are so often seen with performance shops.
I promised myself and my fiance' that I would take it easy with this car so my mods will most likely be few and far between. But if and when I go further in the future, Chuck is definately the man for the job.

 

Care to share some numbers??

 

What are you looking for, dyno numbers? Chuck doesn't tune on the dyno. He tunes on the street. Without turning this into a big debate between dyno tune and street tune, let me say that I don't really care exactly how much extra HP I got or how the car fairs on the dyno. The car will be driven on the street so that's where I want to feel and see the difference. And let me tell you, I certainly do. An amazing improvement over stock.

 

I agree to a great extent. Dyno numbers can be deceptive, because no 2 dynos measure exactly alike, and numbers vary on the same dyno also. Too many variables. That said, it would just be nice to see comparison power and torque curves, before and after, to see where the improvements took place. Just for academic interest.
GM

 

Dyno tuning with a Vararam is a real challenge, because you can't simulate how the airflow changes as speed increases.

 

Yeah it would be nice as a comparison, but I'm really not all that interested. To me, they're just numbers. I can feel the difference.


Well the problem with dyno tuning a VR is that you wont get the airflow benefit that it was designed for. So while tuning on the dyno the A/F is intentionally leaned out to aquire the HP increase desired by the customer. So the problem then is when the car hits the street and gets up to optimal speed for the VR's ram-air affect, you already have a dangerously lean condition.

 

I agree, SOTP is the ony measurement that matters to me. As stated above, curves are nice for comparison purposes. Enjoy.

 

Dyno numbers are useful to the guy that knows how to read them. Most people only want to know what the peak numbers are. This isnt teling you how the low to mid power faired.

 

I agree with you on COW, Chuck is very dedicated and knows how to tune.

410 gears, and LG long tubes from him last week, with a re-tune, and the car is a beast. Tuning on the street allows for more "real world" tuning over a pull or two on the dyno. Not knocking anyone, or how they tune at all, I just prefer COW's method.

 

How about 1/4 mile performance. That is what I have been using to gauge how my mods are helping the car perform. Did you run it yet? I believe I will be doing a mail order tune with Chuck soon. I only have the Vararam CAI and 160 stat myself so maybe chuck could give me your tune. I'm sure he has done plenty!

 

No track time to report. I'm not much of a racer anyway. I just wanted to be a little better than stock. Besides, I think my horrible driving skills wouldn't be good publicity for Chuck or Vararam.:o

And yes a mail order tune from Chuck will definately make an improvement. Obviously an in-car tune is the best but he has probably done so many minor mod tunes, that I'm sure he could get it almost perfect for you thru the mail. Your best bet is to give him a call and talk with him about what you want. I promise you, you wont be disappointed.

 

It is a nice improvement, a real nice improvement. I had Chuck install the Vararam, 160 stat and tune. Last week, we went to a dyno day at ICS. Bone stock C6s were running around 328-330 RWHP. My numbers were 365 RWHP/355 RWTQ.

 

Well there you have it gents. Some nice numbers, although not mine. Combine that with th SOTP feel and I can't see any unhappy customers.

 

In the next couple of years I hope to have a C6, and when I do get one, I plan on visiting COW for this exact same package (vararam, 160 thermo, and a tune) It definitely sounds to me like it'll be worth the drive from Toronto, Ontario!

 

Congrats on the good results and experience.

I'll be heading over to CoW in the next few weeks and looking forward to a good experience, I'll let you all know how it goes!

 

Your mods are pretty much what I'll also be doing in the near future, COW deffinatly know their stuff.

 

chuck rocks, I didnt do a baseline, cause I didnt care, but with just his tune and bone stock i did 353 rwhp and346torque. I is a beast from a dead stop, not the way it waqs stock. chirps in 1st ,2nd and 3rd I love it

 

That's exactly how I felt. I wasn't concerned with the numbers, but the feel is undeniable.