Piggy back
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,391
Likes: 23
From: Santa Barbara CA
These things are pretty popular on turbocharged German cars. The reason being that it is easy to install and remove, and can add big power at a low cost. They can also be hard to detect with a scan tool. Also, tuning software (HPtuners, etc.) is not readily available for a lot of applications like it is for the LSx engines. Makes sense for a stock turbo engine that just needs the tune tweaked to get more boost/power. If you are planning to make other changes to the engine, I think there are better options.
For what it's worth, I've never been a fan of "power programmers" and mail order tunes. I think they are great to get you rolling so you can get to a shop for a real dyno & driveability tune.
Andy
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 802
Likes: 6
From: Oro Valley AZ
These things are pretty popular on turbocharged German cars. The reason being that it is easy to install and remove, and can add big power at a low cost. They can also be hard to detect with a scan tool. Also, tuning software (HPtuners, etc.) is not readily available for a lot of applications like it is for the LSx engines. Makes sense for a stock turbo engine that just needs the tune tweaked to get more boost/power. If you are planning to make other changes to the engine, I think there are better options.
For what it's worth, I've never been a fan of "power programmers" and mail order tunes. I think they are great to get you rolling so you can get to a shop for a real dyno & driveability tune.
Andy
For what it's worth, I've never been a fan of "power programmers" and mail order tunes. I think they are great to get you rolling so you can get to a shop for a real dyno & driveability tune.
Andy
I agree - mail order and hand held tunes are an approximation based on past experiences. I would be concerned about a “one size fits all” application when you’re looking for a “custom fit” for your car.
