To Tune or not to Tune?
6/17/07, 07:30 PM
#1
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To Tune or not to Tune?
I dont know as much about cars as I once did, I have an 07 GT and just added an x pipe and mufflers. I am going to buy a Cold Air intake next and not sure if I should get one to tune or not?
What are some of the pros and cons of tuning and some of the differences when adding an Cold Air Intake ?
What models are good for tuning and what models are good for not tuning?
What are some of the pros and cons of tuning and some of the differences when adding an Cold Air Intake ?
What models are good for tuning and what models are good for not tuning?
6/17/07, 07:36 PM
#2
There are 150 threads on this in the GT performance and tech forum. Typically nobody really bothers with 'tuneless' intakes and just saves up and bites the bullet for the real deal. You'll see the same players over and over come up in CAI threads C&L, JLT, Steeda(they all do about the same exact thing, its more a matter of materials quality and personal preference on looks).. If you get it from bamachips.com/tillmanspeed.com/or brenspeed.com, you really can't go wrong. Calling any of the people at those 3 sites can answer any questions when you order a setup.
6/20/07, 04:16 PM
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It really boils down to this: If you get a CAI that changes the air flow so little that the car DOESN'T need a tune, the you won't get enough of an improvement to justify putting it on. The colilarry of this is if you get a CAI that DOES cause a noticable change in performance (see list above...), then you WILL require a tune or the car will pop a code. Quickly.
As Kevin put it, save up until you can get the tuner and the CAI.
As Kevin put it, save up until you can get the tuner and the CAI.
6/20/07, 05:56 PM
#6
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on the other hand check this out
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showthread.php?t=66318
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showthread.php?t=66318
6/20/07, 09:47 PM
#7
Bottom line is that you'd be much better off with only a tune than with a CAI that doesn't need a tune. The tune will do a lot more than just allow you to flow more air. It gets rid of the annoying throttle lag, the torque limits, it improves shifts, ups the rev limiter, gets rid of the speed limiter, etc, etc. Not to mention that a lot of mods you may do later will require a tune to work correctly. So yeah, get the tune. You won't regret it.
6/21/07, 08:36 AM
#8
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Just personal opinion but would get a tune. Was never a mechanic but used to do the plugs, points stuff etc back in the 60"s. Getting the 05 was a new experience for me regarding the electronic world. I first went with a K&N AirCharger that did not require a tune, then went with BamaChips for Doug's tune. Worked great, no problems and Doug was extremely patience with all my "dumb" questions. (I now they are some other tune guys out there with good reps also). The difference from stock to a tune was well worth it!
6/21/07, 10:17 AM
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The tunes are great for tapping into the avilable HP in the engine and you won't be sorry ading a CAI and a tune. If you bring your car into the dealer for service, beware of the dealer flashing your PCM with updates as that will create problems with the tune. There are posts that address this problem.
BamaChips, Brenspeed, Tillman, Evolution, PowerHouse... 
6/21/07, 08:54 PM
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After research from datalogging "no-tune" air intakes.... some of the most popular ones have shown results up to 16.1 air fuel ratio. There's one in particular that even was showing 19 at one point. This is about as lean as it gets.
A tune is required for sure. The C&L no tune is about the closest one on the market as far as air fuel goes, but even it allows you to pull the insert and go with a custom tune.
The benefit's aren't just in the correct mixture, but with the problems from factory with the factory drive by wire settings.
I would be glad to help you and I'm sure you won't go wrong if you give Doug @ Bamachips as well. We both have been working hard to keep our tunes up to date, and improving in any area possible.
Stick with the listed intakes above (C&L Racer, JLT Series II, Steeda w/HF Elbow, C&L Street)
Good luck!
CR
Tillman Speed
A tune is required for sure. The C&L no tune is about the closest one on the market as far as air fuel goes, but even it allows you to pull the insert and go with a custom tune.
The benefit's aren't just in the correct mixture, but with the problems from factory with the factory drive by wire settings.
I would be glad to help you and I'm sure you won't go wrong if you give Doug @ Bamachips as well. We both have been working hard to keep our tunes up to date, and improving in any area possible.
Stick with the listed intakes above (C&L Racer, JLT Series II, Steeda w/HF Elbow, C&L Street)
Good luck!
CR
Tillman Speed
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