Long tube Headers and CAI OR Tune for Hp and lower end torque increase
03-28-2016, 11:13 PM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Long tube Headers and CAI OR Tune for Hp and lower end torque increase
I have spoken with four different performance shops about gaining 50-70 RWHP. I don't want to spend to much. Two of the shops say to go with long tube headers and intake and don't get the tune until later after I upgrade. The stock ECU will compensate for the additional air flow with no error messages. They also say I can use the stock NPP mufflers with high flow cat. Will I get some additional sound with the intake and headers? The stock NPP setup seem a bit on the quiet side for me
The other two shops recommend getting just the tune and that I can put the headers and intake on later. In the meantime I would get a good power increase. When I install the headers and intake, the tune can be modified at that time Thanks.
I have a '09 stock LS3 with auto 6 transmission with 25k miles. Can someone who has gone through this please advise me which is the best route to go initially with the least problems and get the best bang for the buck? Are there any potential problems I should be aware of? Thanks
The other two shops recommend getting just the tune and that I can put the headers and intake on later. In the meantime I would get a good power increase. When I install the headers and intake, the tune can be modified at that time Thanks.
I have a '09 stock LS3 with auto 6 transmission with 25k miles. Can someone who has gone through this please advise me which is the best route to go initially with the least problems and get the best bang for the buck? Are there any potential problems I should be aware of? Thanks
03-28-2016, 11:29 PM
#2
I'm looking to do the same mods and I'm going at it in this order per all of the research I've done here on the boards. Install CAI (I chose Vararam) Install Longtubes (about to order OBX), 160 degree thermostat, then have the car tuned.
Lots of guys on here gaining 40+hp to the ground on this setup on LS3 cars. I also will stick with high flow cats.
Doing all the mods then getting the tune after will save you quite a bit of $$$
Good luck and be sure to post dyno numbers whichever way you go!
Lots of guys on here gaining 40+hp to the ground on this setup on LS3 cars. I also will stick with high flow cats.
Doing all the mods then getting the tune after will save you quite a bit of $$$
Good luck and be sure to post dyno numbers whichever way you go!
03-29-2016, 08:36 AM
#3
Pro
I have spoken with four different performance shops about gaining 50-70 RWHP. I don't want to spend to much. Two of the shops say to go with long tube headers and intake and don't get the tune until later after I upgrade. The stock ECU will compensate for the additional air flow with no error messages. They also say I can use the stock NPP mufflers with high flow cat. Will I get some additional sound with the intake and headers? The stock NPP setup seem a bit on the quiet side for me
The other two shops recommend getting just the tune and that I can put the headers and intake on later. In the meantime I would get a good power increase. When I install the headers and intake, the tune can be modified at that time Thanks.
I have a '09 stock LS3 with auto 6 transmission with 25k miles. Can someone who has gone through this please advise me which is the best route to go initially with the least problems and get the best bang for the buck? Are there any potential problems I should be aware of? Thanks
The other two shops recommend getting just the tune and that I can put the headers and intake on later. In the meantime I would get a good power increase. When I install the headers and intake, the tune can be modified at that time Thanks.
I have a '09 stock LS3 with auto 6 transmission with 25k miles. Can someone who has gone through this please advise me which is the best route to go initially with the least problems and get the best bang for the buck? Are there any potential problems I should be aware of? Thanks
Headers and tune will get you started. If you want louder, leave NPP open.
03-29-2016, 07:50 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
I installed the cai without a tune , the ecm can compensate up to 25 %
Next is the header install ....I have a set of LG'S with high flow cats going into a set of NPP'S
Then a tune ....
A cai and a tune is not worth it ...
Dave
03-30-2016, 04:06 AM
#5
Burning Brakes
Intake, headers, and tune is a good starting point. I would definitely get the tune. It will run better and faster.
The headers will add some nice sound to those npp's.
The headers will add some nice sound to those npp's.
03-30-2016, 11:49 AM
#6
Safety Car
you are close to me, come up to Daytona and I'll take you for a ride in a 2011 GS that has headers and a tune from Xplosive Performance, who is very close to you.
You should talk to them, they had the best install headers and tune price (by far) than anyone else in our area.
You should talk to them, they had the best install headers and tune price (by far) than anyone else in our area.
04-01-2016, 10:04 AM
#7
Race Director
My experience is with my LS2. You should get a tune after installing headers. So if you decide to get your car tuned beforehand ask the tuner if he offers free or discounted re-tunes later.
I installed a 2010 NPP on my 07 after my headers/hi-flo cats with a manual switch. Closed is quiet enough to pass as stock to the casual observer. Open = Loud enough for deaf people to enjoy. Needless to say, each year I lose a little bit more of my hearing.
That said, there is more to be gained by tuning the trans properly, IMO. Not all LS's have much more to give. But EVERY A6 is de-tuned to save GM warranty/safety issues. Unfortunately, a lot of tuners don't know how to tune the trans properly and leave a lot on the table. Not to mention how much more responsive the shifts will be. By tuning the trans you'd think you were in a different car without adding 1HP.
I installed a 2010 NPP on my 07 after my headers/hi-flo cats with a manual switch. Closed is quiet enough to pass as stock to the casual observer. Open = Loud enough for deaf people to enjoy. Needless to say, each year I lose a little bit more of my hearing.
That said, there is more to be gained by tuning the trans properly, IMO. Not all LS's have much more to give. But EVERY A6 is de-tuned to save GM warranty/safety issues. Unfortunately, a lot of tuners don't know how to tune the trans properly and leave a lot on the table. Not to mention how much more responsive the shifts will be. By tuning the trans you'd think you were in a different car without adding 1HP.
04-01-2016, 10:59 AM
#8
Le Mans Master
That said, there is more to be gained by tuning the trans properly, IMO. Not all LS's have much more to give. But EVERY A6 is de-tuned to save GM warranty/safety issues. Unfortunately, a lot of tuners don't know how to tune the trans properly and leave a lot on the table. Not to mention how much more responsive the shifts will be. By tuning the trans you'd think you were in a different car without adding 1HP.
When I loaded the "Trans Tune" using my Diablo I could not believe the difference and I just used the canned " Firm" tune
Some people say they don't feel a difference and I think that is because when driving normal there is not a difference , the trans still shifts like a slush box that should be in an Impala but stand on the gas and look out !
It will snap your neck shifting into second , it also responds faster to the paddles
Big difference from the 4L60-E that was in my C5 that shifted hard no matter what speed you were doing , that shift banging got old real fast
Dave
04-01-2016, 11:29 AM
#9
Racer
Honestly, a dyno tune is really not a ton of money. I would save a little longer and do them all at the same time.
If you do some looking you can probably find some used parts. I was quoted $600 to install my OBX headers, mid pipe, and a custom dyno tune. I bought the headers used, bought a CAI and installed that myself. All in less than $1,200.
If you do some looking you can probably find some used parts. I was quoted $600 to install my OBX headers, mid pipe, and a custom dyno tune. I bought the headers used, bought a CAI and installed that myself. All in less than $1,200.
04-03-2016, 04:04 AM
#10
Le Mans Master
Honestly, a dyno tune is really not a ton of money. I would save a little longer and do them all at the same time.
If you do some looking you can probably find some used parts. I was quoted $600 to install my OBX headers, mid pipe, and a custom dyno tune. I bought the headers used, bought a CAI and installed that myself. All in less than $1,200.
If you do some looking you can probably find some used parts. I was quoted $600 to install my OBX headers, mid pipe, and a custom dyno tune. I bought the headers used, bought a CAI and installed that myself. All in less than $1,200.
That's one helluva deal for the install and tune. I was quoted between 600-700 just for the tune and as I recall $75-$100 per hour install and they said around 6-8 hours. My friend and I will install, but a tune is a must with headers and vararam Good luck