Is a CAI/tune really worth it?
 

I'm going back and forth on deciding whether or not to get a CAI/tune. I know most of the people here will tell me that of course it is worth it. But $700 for an extra 15 hp? What are the other benefits? On a side note, how exactly does a tune work? can you do it yourself or does it need to be done with a dyno? How should you decide which combo to get? Any and all info on CAI/tune would be greatly appreciated.

Yes.

Yes it is worth it. I got the STC and tunes from Brent @ Brenspeed. I also added the underdrive pulleys. I am very pleased with both. My mustang already had the CAI when I got it.

I might stand corrected, but its more than 15hp. More so around 30-35 rwhp, which is d@mn near 50hp at the crank.

I am ordering my CAI and tuner when I get home from work tomorrow.

You would be looking at more like 25-30HP gain. Not to mention the extra driveability, deeper sound from the exhaust, and it just feels 5X faster.

In addition, the tuner will come in handy for later mods.

Dude, I just installed Cai/tune 2 hours ago. OMG. It's not the same car. I'm only stopping by to grab my wallet so I can grab some more gas and drive more. Holy ****. I've had this car for about 1.5 months and I'm ANGRY at every single day that I drove it stock. Oh god.. aight, gtg drive. will write more later. and its more like 30hp, not 15. and it feels like 50, i ****ing swear.

I promise you will never drive it stock after a CAI and tune again...:nice:

I am guessing you are Manual but for anybody with a Auto...it is night and day difference and I challenge anybody to say different...:kick:

As to what CAI / Tune to use...I HIGHLY recommend the C&L Racer and a Bamachips tune. The Racer is the largest air intake (or was at least, if somebody knows different, please correct me) and it works GREAT!

There are lots of threads on this subject and you don't need to spend $700. Be patient and pick up a used cold air kit from someone who has decided to get blown and buy the tuner from a reputable person like Doug or Brent. Your car will run better and it really helps the throttle response. If you were to do only 1 mod to your car this should be it!

Nobody, and I mean nobody, ever regrets spending the $600-700 for an intake and tune. I can promise you that. Quit being a ninny and just do it. You can thank me later.

Who does the actual tuning?

Depends, you can get a tune from www.bamachips.com, www.brenspeed.com, www.tillmanspeed.com, ...etc..etc...

But once I get the device, then what happens, doesnt the car have to actually be "tuned."

you do it yourself, real easy, just plug it into the obdII connector under the dash and follow directions

Buddy... I guarentee you one doggone thing. It's a whole heckuva lot one than 15 hp. More like 30. Is it worth it?? Tell you what. When you do, you will kick yourself in the butt for each day, from the time you thought until the day you install it.:jester: For real though, for the beautiful throttle response, the power and sound to me is worth every dime. I have the C&L racer(plastic) and 93 race tune by Tillmanspeed, installed by CR, which is all I run. No looking back for me man. I really don't care how much the horsepower is (which is indeed a plus). By seat of the pants, this thing feels great!!!

You can get the jlt/tuner combo from bamachips for $550. I have that combo and love it.

Edit: There is nothing to think about... just do it, you will not regret it!

Again, yes its totally worth it. It made my Bassani Race's even louder. But they still arnt loud enough so I'm going to get an o/r midpipe! :D

As a bonus to the tune, not only do you get more HP, if you keep your foot out of it (very hard to do) your gas mileage will go up.

It's very hard to do. I went from about 13.5MPG average to 11-12MPG.

I got a Bamachips tune back in May.

In early April in Michigan, I ran a bunch of 13.80's with a best of 13.69 when it was 50 degrees out, and the car had an hour to cool off completely.

In June it was in the 70's, and I ran a bunch of 13.60's with a best of 13.53 @105+ with the 93 octane torque tune. I'm going back next weekend when it should be around 50 degrees again. I was shifting at 6300rpm, not 6500 like I should have been. In cooler weather, and shifted right, there is no doubt in my mind that this car shouldn't run 13.30s @ 106+mph. This is with ONLY a CAI+Tuner - 5 speed manual with 3.31s and 18" Bullitts. That's pretty stout I think.

Also - MPG improved by 2mpg with the tune. Better fuel economy, 35+hp, improved driveabillity, drastically improved throttle actuation, lifetime filter with improved filtering capabillity ---what else other than Nitrous is going to give you nearly 40hp, better gas mileage, and improved driveabillity with ZERO drawbacks....for $500???