Ridiculously Stupid Question - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Ferrarimk13 · 05-25-2009, 09:24 PM

Hey guys, im sorry for the very newbish question (thats because i am one) but what exactly is a tune, where can you get it done, and what does it cost? Im guessing it adjusts the amount of fuel/air entering the engine? and what increase in performance can you expect? thanks guys, and sorry again for the question.

Warpick · 05-25-2009, 09:32 PM

A "tune" is a term used to reprogram the engines computer to change the way it delivers fuel and spark and all the other variables like on the LLT cam timing and lift.

It's usually a difficult process of reprogramming the computer to work with in specific parameters for more efficiency or performance.

It takes someone with a special set of skills to over ride the computer and make it perfor
better.

bossbunny · 05-25-2009, 09:33 PM

It can increase fuel economy and horsepower and such. It changes what the computer is programed to tell your car to do kinda.

Indpowr · 05-25-2009, 09:37 PM

GM limits what the cars potential and a tuner can unleash a lot of nice new features but you would throw away any warranty on the engine and tranny at that point. And even if you flashed it back to stock the new scanners can read that it has been messed with.

*The_Blur* · 05-25-2009, 09:42 PM

Basically, someone who claims to have know-how, or perhaps someone who actually does, puts your car on a dyno with all the parts you slapped onto it and adjusts the computer. These adjustments will help your computer keep up with the new components you've installed on your car. Tunes increase the performance of your car. Originally, your car is tuned to meet emissions standards or to increase fuel efficiency. Performance tunes oftentimes hurt fuel efficiency in favor of better trap speeds and dyno results.

Ferrarimk13 · 05-25-2009, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indpowr

GM limits what the cars potential and a tuner can unleash a lot of nice new features but you would throw away any warranty on the engine and tranny at that point. And even if you flashed it back to stock the new scanners can read that it has been messed with.

really? tune, and the engine and tranny warranty is gone? Do aftermarket CAI and mufflers void any warranty?

Gentry78 · 05-26-2009, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferrarimk13

really? tune, and the engine and tranny warranty is gone? Do aftermarket CAI and mufflers void any warranty?

no CAI and mufflers won't but headers yes

but just go to the dealer and talk to the service writer or general manager and see how mod friendly they are, some times they are gear heads as much as the rest of us and say those bolt on mods are nothing as well as a tune, just make sure no tech reflashes your computer

Ferrarimk13 · 05-26-2009, 03:32 PM

oh okay, great. Can they swap out ECU's and just have the stock one in there without them knowing you have a tune on the engine?

Number 3 · 05-26-2009, 04:09 PM

I hate to say this because I am sure some of you out there will try to disagree, but anyone who has an aftermarket calibration is giving up something. GMs OEM calibration is the best overall balance between HP, FE, Emissions, Noise and of course Durability of the powertrain (engine, trans and rear axle). A calibration has to be balanced to provide around town drivability, cruising on the highway and WOT performance. Plus it has to be done at temps from Northern Canada in the middle of winter to the highs in Phoenix in the middle of summer. Then throw in sea level on the coasts and 12,000 feet above sea level around Denver. This can take a year to get it just right.

Yes, someone can get you more HP, but you are giving up something.

ljustin293 · 05-26-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Number 3

I hate to say this because I am sure some of you out there will try to disagree, but anyone who has an aftermarket calibration is giving up something. GMs OEM calibration is the best overall balance between HP, FE, Emissions, Noise and of course Durability of the powertrain (engine, trans and rear axle). A calibration has to be balanced to provide around town drivability, cruising on the highway and WOT performance. Plus it has to be done at temps from Northern Canada in the middle of winter to the highs in Phoenix in the middle of summer. Then throw in sea level on the coasts and 12,000 feet above sea level around Denver. This can take a year to get it just right.

Yes, someone can get you more HP, but you are giving up something.

+1

patriotpa · 05-26-2009, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Number 3

I hate to say this because I am sure some of you out there will try to disagree, but anyone who has an aftermarket calibration is giving up something. GMs OEM calibration is the best overall balance between HP, FE, Emissions, Noise and of course Durability of the powertrain (engine, trans and rear axle). A calibration has to be balanced to provide around town drivability, cruising on the highway and WOT performance. Plus it has to be done at temps from Northern Canada in the middle of winter to the highs in Phoenix in the middle of summer. Then throw in sea level on the coasts and 12,000 feet above sea level around Denver. This can take a year to get it just right.

Yes, someone can get you more HP, but you are giving up something.

Well said

Warpick · 05-26-2009, 05:06 PM

With that being said, and I agree with you by the way, if you modify anything you're changing the parameters they spent the money on the programming for. So with say an after market manifold you're changing the way the air is introduced.

And stay away from shops who like to advertise big numbers. You want a shop that can demonstrate more power throughout the powerband. Not just a big number at peak RPM.

Gentry78 · 05-26-2009, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warpick

With that being said, and I agree with you by the way, if you modify anything you're changing the parameters they spent the money on the programming for. So with say an after market manifold you're changing the way the air is introduced.

And stay away from shops who like to advertise big numbers. You want a shop that can demonstrate more power throughout the powerband. Not just a big number at peak RPM.

+1 to both

and to Ferrarimk13 yes you can keep the stock ECU and just swap them out, that is actually a good plan too have,just pick up another to have that one tuned and nobody will know lol

UsedTaHaveA68 · 05-26-2009, 06:24 PM

But don't these performance tunes only affect the fuel/spark table at WOT? It runs in open loop at WOT, so at part throttle cruising would the stock tune not still be in effect?

05-25-2009, 09:24 PM	#1
Ferrarimk13 Drives: Hopefully a Camaro in a year Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Staten Island, NY Posts: 727 View My Garage	Ridiculously Stupid Question Hey guys, im sorry for the very newbish question (thats because i am one) but what exactly is a tune, where can you get it done, and what does it cost? Im guessing it adjusts the amount of fuel/air entering the engine? and what increase in performance can you expect? thanks guys, and sorry again for the question.

05-25-2009, 09:42 PM	#5
The_Blur Moderator Drives: 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Bob Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 14,769	Basically, someone who claims to have know-how, or perhaps someone who actually does, puts your car on a dyno with all the parts you slapped onto it and adjusts the computer. These adjustments will help your computer keep up with the new components you've installed on your car. Tunes increase the performance of your car. Originally, your car is tuned to meet emissions standards or to increase fuel efficiency. Performance tunes oftentimes hurt fuel efficiency in favor of better trap speeds and dyno results. __________________ RDP Motorsport//GEN5DIY//Cultrag Performance//JPSS//Rodgets Chevrolet// Operation Demon//Buy at Invoice//RACECARWEAR RESPECT ALL CARS. LOVE YOUR OWN. warn 145:159 ban

05-26-2009, 04:09 PM	#9
Number 3 Hail to the King baby! Drives: '19 XT4 2.0T & '22 VW Atlas 2.0T Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 12,170 View My Garage	I hate to say this because I am sure some of you out there will try to disagree, but anyone who has an aftermarket calibration is giving up something. GMs OEM calibration is the best overall balance between HP, FE, Emissions, Noise and of course Durability of the powertrain (engine, trans and rear axle). A calibration has to be balanced to provide around town drivability, cruising on the highway and WOT performance. Plus it has to be done at temps from Northern Canada in the middle of winter to the highs in Phoenix in the middle of summer. Then throw in sea level on the coasts and 12,000 feet above sea level around Denver. This can take a year to get it just right. Yes, someone can get you more HP, but you are giving up something. __________________ "Speed, it seems to me, provides the one genuinely modern pleasure." - Aldous Huxley

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05-25-2009, 09:32 PM	#2
Warpick Drives: Rust bucket and a jalopy Join Date: May 2009 Location: Central florida Posts: 52	A "tune" is a term used to reprogram the engines computer to change the way it delivers fuel and spark and all the other variables like on the LLT cam timing and lift. It's usually a difficult process of reprogramming the computer to work with in specific parameters for more efficiency or performance. It takes someone with a special set of skills to over ride the computer and make it perfor better.

05-25-2009, 09:33 PM	#3
bossbunny Mrs. Bunny to you Drives: Not a Camaro Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cut 'N Shoot Texas Posts: 24,336	It can increase fuel economy and horsepower and such. It changes what the computer is programed to tell your car to do kinda.

05-25-2009, 09:37 PM	#4
Indpowr Account Suspended Drives: Corvette C6 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 6,959 View My Garage	GM limits what the cars potential and a tuner can unleash a lot of nice new features but you would throw away any warranty on the engine and tranny at that point. And even if you flashed it back to stock the new scanners can read that it has been messed with.

05-26-2009, 03:32 PM	#8
Ferrarimk13 Drives: Hopefully a Camaro in a year Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Staten Island, NY Posts: 727 View My Garage	oh okay, great. Can they swap out ECU's and just have the stock one in there without them knowing you have a tune on the engine?

05-26-2009, 05:06 PM	#12
Warpick Drives: Rust bucket and a jalopy Join Date: May 2009 Location: Central florida Posts: 52	With that being said, and I agree with you by the way, if you modify anything you're changing the parameters they spent the money on the programming for. So with say an after market manifold you're changing the way the air is introduced. And stay away from shops who like to advertise big numbers. You want a shop that can demonstrate more power throughout the powerband. Not just a big number at peak RPM.

05-26-2009, 06:24 PM	#14
UsedTaHaveA68 Drives: Hyundai Sonata Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 497	But don't these performance tunes only affect the fuel/spark table at WOT? It runs in open loop at WOT, so at part throttle cruising would the stock tune not still be in effect?