I may be way off base with this question, but I'll go ahead and ask anyway. I know very little about cars (obviously). Here it goes...

I want more hp for my '06 GT. The easiest way (I assume) is a CAI and tune (Predator, SCT II, etc). Could I buy the CAI (thinking C&L or JLT) but not the tuner and just have it tuned by a local speed shop? Would it be cheaper to do it this way? Is it even possible?

Also, would a tune from the speed shop yield more hp than a tune with a tuner?

Thanks.

Joe

 

By "tune" people mean that you need some hardware (SCT flasher or Predator) and then someone to send you a tune file or set it up just for you on a dyno. They can' tune it mechanically, it has to be done through having a hardwire tune uploader. If your local spead shop has these devices on hand, and if you trust their competence, then it would be better to have a dyno tune through them than a canned (or general) tune from somoene else. Good luck.

 

You can buy a CAI that doesn't require a tune. There's no way a shop can tune your car without you owning a tuning device.

 

You can order the CAI online and go to the speed shop but they're just going to sell you a tuner. You have to have a tuner of some sort in order to tune.

 

Get a tuner then go to Doug (Bamatunes) for some tune files. He's done actual dyno tuning with tons of different parts combinations so you'll end up with a tune that's 95% of what you might get at a shop with your car strapped on the dyno for quite a bit less money.

 

First, I would have the car put on a dyno and get it tuned. Every car is different and you will probably see more power. You can even buy the cai and put it on and take it over there(as long as you are close). You will need a tuner. You can't chip these cars like the older ones.

If you don't want to do this and need to save some money. Go with Doug from Bamachips. He has been on these boards for a long time and you get nothing but to quality service and products from the guy. He will give you a safe tune and the power you need. Plu, you can do all the work yourself.

Good luck.
waiting for sales pitch...

 

Save the $$ up a bit and get the tuner from Bama/Tillman/Brenspeed. they will support free upgrades and are better then a lot of speed shops. Most I know of are still not that familiar with the S197.

 

After talking with a couple here local I gotta agree with that. Plus unless your going to be in competition a dyno tune might not be practical as it will cost quite a bit more(here going rate is 150/hr on the dyno). I know every car is different and a dyno tune is ususally the best way to go but the top tuners on this and other sites do put thier's and customer GT's on the dyno and test these mods at some point before sending out tunes and if you buy the handheld(about $400) from them tunes ususally cost nothing.

 

you can get a cai and then take it to a speed shop. say if they have a software tuning program like sniper. you could do that. but i got good results by just getting a handheld tuner and doing it myself.

 

I appreciate all of the great advice. I've decided that purchasing a tuner from BamaChips is the best way to go. Thanks again.

Joe

 

Good choice.

 

If it's not too late. Check w/ Big Shot Dyno on Rt 8 and see what they recommend, since you might be elisting their services for a custom tune.