How,What is a "proper" TUNE?

Kanf · December 8, 2005

Hey all,

I have been reading and looking for info on exhausts and intakes and the like to get better bas mileage and a bit more HP... The common theme i seem to see is everyone talking about getting your truck "TUNED"

I am curious as to what this really means. Is it like those after market chips and computers and such to let you choose different setups on our trucks?

Is it taking the truck in to a performance shop and have them do what i would call an old fashion tune up? i.e. new plugs, wires, checking the timing etc

Any advice would be great on this subject.

I just bought an 06, GMC Sierra, CC 4x4. I love the truck but of course would like a tad more HP via an intake and exhaust if that would help, maybe getting a little bit bigger tire etc.

Thanks in advance.

trever1t · December 8, 2005

Hey all,

I have been reading and looking for info on exhausts and intakes and the like to get better bas mileage and a bit more HP... The common theme i seem to see is everyone talking about getting your truck "TUNED"

I am curious as to what this really means. Is it like those after market chips and computers and such to let you choose different setups on our trucks?

Is it taking the truck in to a performance shop and have them do what i would call an old fashion tune up? i.e. new plugs, wires, checking the timing etc

Any advice would be great on this subject.

I just bought an 06, GMC Sierra, CC 4x4. I love the truck but of course would like a tad more HP via an intake and exhaust if that would help, maybe getting a little bit bigger tire etc.

Thanks in advance.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Exactly! You can take your truck to a shop and have the PCM "tuned" - Best method.

You can swap PCM with "tuned" one from one of the mail order tuning shops ( i have a Wester's)- 2nd. best.

You can get a Diablo, Hypertech, etc. hand held tuner- a distant 3rd.

Tuning the PCM will change any number of things including fuel curves, shift firmness and torque management. It will be the biggest change from stock felt.

Bish · December 8, 2005

I agree mostly with what trever1t says with 1 exception. The BEST method is to have a dyno tune done. A dyno tune is an iterative process of dynoing to get base HP/TQ numbers, making tuning changes, re-dynoing to test the effect, over and over to get the best tune for your particular vehicle. Second best is mail order with another PCM. I myself opted for the Wait4Me mail order tune with a PCM.