Best tuning options
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 5
From: Granbury, TX
Best tuning options
Hi,
Just getting started in the C6 world with a 2010 GS. I’m planning to make some upgrades for drag racing while keeping the street manners. What is my best option for programming as I make mods? Should I buy a tuner (suggestions pls.) or use a shop? I live in the DFW Texas area. Do you have recommendations for a local tuner?
Thanks!
Just getting started in the C6 world with a 2010 GS. I’m planning to make some upgrades for drag racing while keeping the street manners. What is my best option for programming as I make mods? Should I buy a tuner (suggestions pls.) or use a shop? I live in the DFW Texas area. Do you have recommendations for a local tuner?
Thanks!
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 8
From: Sikeston Missouri
Diablosport InTune would be my suggestion. The preinstalled tunes will be good enough while you are stock, and as you start upgrading parts, contact Lewis (DiabLew) and have him manage your email custom tunes. I have had AWESOME results working with him.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 8,672
Likes: 2,726
From: Atlanta GA
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 7,055
Likes: 1,546
From: Florida
It really depends on what mods you have planned. If you're doing very simple stuff like headers, then these hand held/mail order tune options probably are OK. If you're going anything past that like a cam, or FI then you will be better off going to a tuner using a full access tuning SW.
I started out using Diablosport, it was OK with not many mods. Once I FIed I moved to HPT. That was necessary. DS is like a kiddie tune compared to HPT and I don't believe you're going to get any serious HP gaining mod dialed in on a mail order tune.
I suggest relating it to the HP gains. A mod that gets you 20/30 hp is one path; a mod(s) that gets you 200 hp is a different path.
I started out using Diablosport, it was OK with not many mods. Once I FIed I moved to HPT. That was necessary. DS is like a kiddie tune compared to HPT and I don't believe you're going to get any serious HP gaining mod dialed in on a mail order tune.
I suggest relating it to the HP gains. A mod that gets you 20/30 hp is one path; a mod(s) that gets you 200 hp is a different path.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I initially got a local tuner after a few weeks of stock passes that quickly became boring. Several months later I opted for a tune from a traveling tuner, but dumped it when there was no ongoing support. Then when going back to the local tuner who bumped up the tune for new mods, I recognized I wanted more control for the future. I bought HP Tuners, which gave me the ability to tweak the tune in accordance with the scans and timeslip results.
Once you start with mods, my suggestion is to get a professional tune first and then buy your own equipment to analyze and adjust as needed. We've come a long way from the dwell meter, timing light, and vacuum gauge days and there is a LOT to learn.
Once you start with mods, my suggestion is to get a professional tune first and then buy your own equipment to analyze and adjust as needed. We've come a long way from the dwell meter, timing light, and vacuum gauge days and there is a LOT to learn.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,684
Likes: 107
From: Opelika Alabama
Those are great options, but there is NOTHING like a good tuner and a dyno every car is slightly different. my guy took it out on the street for 20 mins and then came back for three good pulls on the dyno, he keeps the file, it is not "locked" and from now on if I make a change I can bring it back at a very reduced rate for a "retune"
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 5
From: Granbury, TX
Thanks. A guy at the track gave me info on a good local tuner. He said the same thing; Make your mods, get it tuned professionally and then use HP tuner to make adjustments.
I am a throwback to the time when dual point distributors were cool. I hope my brain doesn’t explode trying to learn this computer stuff!
I am a throwback to the time when dual point distributors were cool. I hope my brain doesn’t explode trying to learn this computer stuff!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 7,055
Likes: 1,546
From: Florida
Thanks. A guy at the track gave me info on a good local tuner. He said the same thing; Make your mods, get it tuned professionally and then use HP tuner to make adjustments.
I am a throwback to the time when dual point distributors were cool. I hope my brain doesn’t explode trying to learn this computer stuff!
I am a throwback to the time when dual point distributors were cool. I hope my brain doesn’t explode trying to learn this computer stuff!
That said, I think you're on a better track side stepping the kiddie tuner option, go to a pro first, and make sure he's using HPT as 8 of 10 tuners use it, then you can hand grenade your brain at your leisure.
I went on an HPT binge for months, sometimes spending all day on it. I'm at the point where I don't have to ask questions anymore.
Last edited by BlindSpot; Feb 27, 2017 at 05:59 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 7,001
Likes: 988
From: lake havasu city arizona
I have waffled about this type of tune for way too long, first this way then that way 
After a lot of conversations back and forth with some very learned members about what I should do I have come to the conclusion that after my headers are installed I will go with a dyno-tuner, I feel if you want the most for your money (and who doesn't) this would be the way to go.
I hope I'm right
NSF
After a lot of conversations back and forth with some very learned members about what I should do I have come to the conclusion that after my headers are installed I will go with a dyno-tuner, I feel if you want the most for your money (and who doesn't) this would be the way to go.
I hope I'm right
NSF
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 7,055
Likes: 1,546
From: Florida
I have waffled about this type of tune for way too long, first this way then that way
After a lot of conversations back and forth with some very learned members about what I should do I have come to the conclusion that after my headers are installed I will go with a dyno-tuner, I feel if you want the most for your money (and who doesn't) this would be the way to go.
I hope I'm right
NSF
After a lot of conversations back and forth with some very learned members about what I should do I have come to the conclusion that after my headers are installed I will go with a dyno-tuner, I feel if you want the most for your money (and who doesn't) this would be the way to go.
I hope I'm right
NSF
You also have the very best attitude - I feel if you want the most for your money (and who doesn't) this would be the way to go. -
Doing a mod like headers will yield a performance gain when dialed in, and no sense in doing it if you don't take full advantage.