When To Tune?

[GQ-01]

Is it necessary to remap your ECM? I just installed a K&N FIPK on my Sierra, and in the future, I want to install headers and cat-back exhaust. I don't know much about mass flow sensors. Can they compensate for all that stuff changing? So far, I still have the stock exhaust, and I don't have any problems. I'm just curious. I know on Harleys, it's expected you get a new map, but they use different sensors.

[Wingnut]

Headers, you'll probably need a tune. But not for most of the little stuff.

 

That said, you can get a tune with NO mods, and it'll probably give you more gains than anything BUT the headers will.

 

I've never had a CAI and a catback give me jack shit for noticeable horsepower, torque, or MPG. They just make nice noises until you do other things that utilize their potential. CAI manufacturers claim 20 horsepower or so (peak)...Well...My butt-dyno can't feel 20 horsepower at 4,000 RPM in a 6,000 lb truck.

[DALE#3]

I own a 2011 colorado,5.3 with 4.10 rears,I added k+n in stock box,custom intake,magnaflow cat back,2k on spedo.Done alot of research on tuneing.I will pay for custom tune heard this engines are so regulated with crap.Pro's better mileage if your a lite foot,performance,CONS,up on octane more $ for gas,possible void factory warranty.It's all in what you want?

[renegadeking]

If you don't have to, don't switch the stock MAF sensor. There was a couple topics on that a while back. They don't add any power or MPG. All they do is throw codes. Cat back exhaust is for noise only. no gain in power or mpg. Short tube headers also don't give you any power or mpg. CAI don't give you any hp or mpg, only louder engine noise. With all that installed you might feel a little bit but mostly a waste of money. Long tube headers give you a lot of power can't tell on the MPG because of my heavy foot. Headers cost a lot because there is a lot of stuff you have to add, such as a custom tune ( $400), new spark plug wires ($90) and high temp. boots for the spark plug wires ($40). You will need new Y-pipe ( $150 ). So you can add about about another $700.

 

a custom tune is by far the best modification you can do. You only really need it when you do headers or serious engine mods, such as camshafts, heads, Etc. Not for CAI, or cat-back exhaust.

 

you can get tunes for lower grades of fuel such as 87 or what ever your area has. They just don't do as much. And yes trucks come detuned a lot from the factory.

[jro909]

tune whenever you want...as far as CAI and exhausts neither will give you real gains over stock set up..CAI claims of gains are down at wide open throttle(if you read the fine print) so for the average guy you won't see any change. As far as headers and all that i have no idea, last i knew the stock headers work fine

[DwayneJ]

So you think it bad that a product produces gains at WOT rather than part throttle?

 

If you want more power at part throttle YOU PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN FARTHER.

 

Of course most power mods are going to show up at WOT, below WOT you have the throttle blade blocking airflow.

 

Like renagadeking said a tune is good on an otherwise stock vehicle, may tuners offer deep discounts on future retunes so maybe look into doing that right away, the reduction of torque management makes a BIG difference by all accounts.

[jro909]

So you think it bad that a product produces gains at WOT rather than part throttle?

 

If you want more power at part throttle YOU PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN FARTHER.

 

Of course most power mods are going to show up at WOT, below WOT you have the throttle blade blocking airflow.

 

Like renagadeking said a tune is good on an otherwise stock vehicle, may tuners offer deep discounts on future retunes so maybe look into doing that right away, the reduction of torque management makes a BIG difference by all accounts.

 

for the price yes it is bad, 300 odd dollars for a CAI that won't do anything for me unless i'm driving like ya stole it is a waste of money...let alone factor in the lost mpg for driving like a retard just to see the gains

[GMstrong]

A tune isn't necessary if your doing bolt ons until you want one..if your throwing in a mild cam i would say tune asap.But with bolt ons its up to you.

[Wingnut]

A tune isn't necessary if your doing bolt ons until you want one..if your throwing in a mild cam i would say tune asap.But with bolt ons its up to you.

 

It'll probably be necessary for headers. Increased airflow confuses O2 sensors and it'll throw a code.