Tuning
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 378
Likes: 11
From: DeBary Fl.
Tuning
Opinions on how well could a beginner expect to tune a base c6 LS2 w/hedders and air opened up with a handheld tuner? I know this is a wide open question but the $600 tune seems overkill for a stock motor. I appreciate the expertise one would expect but are there other options? Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,502
Likes: 3,628
Hand held tuners are just a way to flash in a pre-written tune. In some case if you are trying to get all the power the car has to offer, may have to data log, and have the tune writer tweak a tune for you to flash in instead.
As for HP tuner or EFI live that is not a pre-written firmware file your going to flash in, but having to adjust the perimeters of the tune yourself instead, no safety net, and you screwing around with either one of these to tune the car on your own (without knowing what you are doing), bank your going to blow a motor.
So for some, hand help of flashing in a already written tune gets them close enough, and in some cases, little data logging and writer re-tweaking the tune can get you some more power (may be extra money over the top of the original tune files that came with the hand flasher).
On the other hand, experienced tuner using HP or EFI live with a dyno, then quick road drive afterwards, has the motor pulling out as much HP as it can from the start. Plus, less than about a hour in the end, and not having to play the wait game of getting back a re-written tune that may still be leaving HP on the table.
As for HP tuner or EFI live that is not a pre-written firmware file your going to flash in, but having to adjust the perimeters of the tune yourself instead, no safety net, and you screwing around with either one of these to tune the car on your own (without knowing what you are doing), bank your going to blow a motor.
So for some, hand help of flashing in a already written tune gets them close enough, and in some cases, little data logging and writer re-tweaking the tune can get you some more power (may be extra money over the top of the original tune files that came with the hand flasher).
On the other hand, experienced tuner using HP or EFI live with a dyno, then quick road drive afterwards, has the motor pulling out as much HP as it can from the start. Plus, less than about a hour in the end, and not having to play the wait game of getting back a re-written tune that may still be leaving HP on the table.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,017
Likes: 791
From: Tollesboro Kentucky
I opted for the mail order tune because I already had the programmer and wasn't worried about leaving a few horsepower.I was more concerned about the shifting(A6) and the throttle response.No doubt a dyno tune would net more power but for the $150 and free updates for a year I was very satisfied.My tuner usually has my updated tune file within a few hours after I send him the logs.Everyone has their own wants for their car but In my case cost vs results were better than I expected.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,017
Likes: 791
From: Tollesboro Kentucky
http://www.diablewtune.com/index.html
This is the route I went.If you are only planning on bolt-on mods this is a good option.Probably not as good as a dyno tune but I am more than pleased with mine.Great guy to work with and outstanding service.Lew is awesome.
This is the route I went.If you are only planning on bolt-on mods this is a good option.Probably not as good as a dyno tune but I am more than pleased with mine.Great guy to work with and outstanding service.Lew is awesome.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 378
Likes: 11
From: DeBary Fl.
tune
Thanks for the responses, I have NO tuner but will buy what the DIY guys think is best..........I'm not sure I would be comfortable with a Mail Order process. In the case of mail order, what do I have to do & what are the follow up guarantees in case of ??????
Always open to the best that you guys are comfortable with.........
Thanks for the thoughts.........
Always open to the best that you guys are comfortable with.........
Thanks for the thoughts.........
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,017
Likes: 791
From: Tollesboro Kentucky
What everyone thinks is best is going to vary by who responds.I have been happy with Diablo products and have never had any problems.The mail prder tunes are based off data logs that are emailed to your tuner of choice.He then updates it,sends it back and you upload it to the handheld and then install it in the car.Put some miles on it and then repeat the process until he is happy and you are satisfied with it.Not very complicated but everyone has different expectations and opinions are going to be all over the place.I am just offering my own experience if that means anything.
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Pro
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Opinions on how well could a beginner expect to tune a base c6 LS2 w/hedders and air opened up with a handheld tuner? I know this is a wide open question but the $600 tune seems overkill for a stock motor. I appreciate the expertise one would expect but are there other options? Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
Taking it to an actual tuning place will net you far more than those handheld devices will.