Is tuning REALLY necessary?
12/27/11, 10:46 AM
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Is tuning REALLY necessary?
Hey guys,
I'm new to posting to this forum, but I've been doing a lot of reading and I have a question that I've seen mentioned by some, but not fully addressed.
Is it really necessary to have your car tuned after relatively minor performance mods - cai, exhaust, headers, etc.?
I understand that you'll see better hp and tq gains by also loading a tune, and some of the cai's come with "required" tunes, but I've never understood why it was deemed "required."
I'm ordering a 2013 Mustang GT Premium in the next couple weeks (once prices are released), and I plan on doing headers and full exhaust and maybe a cai, but I don't want to go away from the stock tune. Eventually I'm going to supercharge it, at which point I'll have it dyno tuned, but what's the point before then?
I hope this hasn't been answered before, but I haven't been able to find the answer.
I'm new to posting to this forum, but I've been doing a lot of reading and I have a question that I've seen mentioned by some, but not fully addressed.
Is it really necessary to have your car tuned after relatively minor performance mods - cai, exhaust, headers, etc.?
I understand that you'll see better hp and tq gains by also loading a tune, and some of the cai's come with "required" tunes, but I've never understood why it was deemed "required."
I'm ordering a 2013 Mustang GT Premium in the next couple weeks (once prices are released), and I plan on doing headers and full exhaust and maybe a cai, but I don't want to go away from the stock tune. Eventually I'm going to supercharge it, at which point I'll have it dyno tuned, but what's the point before then?
I hope this hasn't been answered before, but I haven't been able to find the answer.
12/27/11, 10:56 AM
#2
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Yes tunes are required for some mods.
CAI's require tunes because they put more air into the engine, and the MAF is programmed for the stock amount of air, so it will not run correctly without a tune. Some CAI have inserts that can be used without tunes though.
Exhausts can be put on without tunes, but headers will usually require a tune because of the cat delete or high flow cats.
CAI's require tunes because they put more air into the engine, and the MAF is programmed for the stock amount of air, so it will not run correctly without a tune. Some CAI have inserts that can be used without tunes though.
Exhausts can be put on without tunes, but headers will usually require a tune because of the cat delete or high flow cats.
12/27/11, 11:11 AM
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Yes tunes are required for some mods.
CAI's require tunes because they put more air into the engine, and the MAF is programmed for the stock amount of air, so it will not run correctly without a tune. Some CAI have inserts that can be used without tunes though.
Exhausts can be put on without tunes, but headers will usually require a tune because of the cat delete or high flow cats.
CAI's require tunes because they put more air into the engine, and the MAF is programmed for the stock amount of air, so it will not run correctly without a tune. Some CAI have inserts that can be used without tunes though.
Exhausts can be put on without tunes, but headers will usually require a tune because of the cat delete or high flow cats.
12/27/11, 12:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Mikey
Yeah, I understand why it should be tuned, I just doubt that it is necessary in order for the car to run with A/F within limits. For instance, I'm looking to do Stainless Works headers with high-flow cats and retro-chambered exhaust. I've seen videos of this set-up without a tune, and doubt it needs anything more than the CEL reset (if it bugs you that much).
12/27/11, 03:09 PM
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I appreciate you guys responding. I think I'm leaning towards not having the dealer do anything, and taking the car to Brenspeed once I take delivery.
12/27/11, 04:22 PM
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The CAI is pretty much the only thing that you have to have a tune for and the car will NOT run with out it. It will go into limp mode and need towing. The CAI+tune is worth 30hp and I wouldnt really call that minor.
Last edited by Flagstang; 12/27/11 at 04:24 PM.
12/27/11, 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Mikey
That's why I'm asking, I was just trying to be able to do the mods I want that don't necessitate a custom tune. Also, I have a feeling my dealer wants me to supercharge it (my original plans), instead of doing other mods that I'd be more inclined to take somewhere else.
I appreciate you guys responding. I think I'm leaning towards not having the dealer do anything, and taking the car to Brenspeed once I take delivery.
12/27/11, 07:51 PM
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12/27/11, 08:41 PM
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12/28/11, 12:37 AM
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Originally Posted by crescent_wrench
I think Brenspeed has a pretty solid reputation.
12/28/11, 06:55 AM
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12/28/11, 08:08 AM
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12/28/11, 08:35 AM
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I just figured as soon as I start tuning, it's easier for the dealership to "prove" or lie and say the tune caused a failure if I ever have a warranty issue... Just trying to get it exactly the way I want it, and still have peace of mind.
12/28/11, 11:14 AM
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There is a post in the thread on Kooks long tube headers for the Boss, where someone had spoken to an engineer who had said the only real power they left on the table was not installing long tube headers. LTs can give impressive gains and don't require a tune.
12/28/11, 11:36 AM
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I've been there and had my 06 GT engine rebuilt by them over two years ago and I've dogged on it every day since with zero issues.
12/28/11, 11:53 AM
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