Headers/Tune?

[machina]

Just wanted some input -
On Wednesday, the local LS shop is installing my TSP 1 7/8" headers. They were wanting an extra 500$ to tune it. I don't have the extra money and they acted like I had to or else it wouldn't run right. Is it ok to run the camaro without a tune for a few months?

[Anthony @ LG Motorsports]

Any long tube header should be tuned for the car to run correctly.

Would it start and run around town without it? Sure it will. Would I go directly to the drag strip? Probably not but again the car should be safe enough. Your going to get some check engine lights and things of that nature. Might see some goofy fuel mileage for a bit too.

You can drive it, I just wouldn't beat on it until it was confirmed on a dyno that everything is running like it should.

[AGM 1LE]

There are plenty of people on here who have run without a tune. Im going about a month w/o one before getting a cam put in and tune it then.

[machina]

Goofy fuel mileage like really bad or better?
Thanks for the replies, also. I'm not going to be racing it or anything like that.

[angie7]

One issue with not getting it tuned soon after headers is bc the O2 sensors tell the computer when the engine needs more fuel or less fuel. When you add headers, you get rid of 2 of these so the computer does not know if it needs more or less fuel. Running too rich or too lean can damage the engine. That's why its not good to run for a lot of miles without a tune. It isn't just performance gains. I definately wouldn't hot rod it until a tune and baby it. You need a tune ASAP. I know people will say "well I've done it for X miles" yea well just bc some do doesn't mean everyone should.

[The Blue Ox]

Originally Posted by machina

Just wanted some input -
On Wednesday, the local LS shop is installing my TSP 1 7/8" headers. They were wanting an extra 500$ to tune it. I don't have the extra money and they acted like I had to or else it wouldn't run right. Is it ok to run the camaro without a tune for a few months?

You will be fine for a couple months, just don't stomp on it too much!
You will get a cel and it could start with-in a short time,or won't happen for a couple weeks! It's best to get done as soon as you can,but not something you HAVE to do right away!I take it that you were quoted 500 for a Dyno tune? You don't have to get a Dyno tune although it is prolly best. You can get a Good Street tune for about 300 to save you some corn! IMO, I would be driving from TN, and take it to Lethal Racing,which is what I did,driving from Texas! You will be Smiling,all the way back to TN!!

[2SS2010]

I put long tubes on my car 2 weeks ago and havent gotten it tuned. It runs like a raped ape and has no problems. My fuel mileage hasnt changed Im still seeing 19-21 mpg just cruising around town.

Anyone says it must be tuned doesnt know what there talking about. Yes you should tune it to get the max out of the headers is it a necessity no. put em on and drive it til you have the money.

[Bill@RaceProvenMotorsports]

Glad some of you understand what air/fuel ratio is and what being lean does to an engine.

[trw427ss]

Originally Posted by machina

Just wanted some input -
On Wednesday, the local LS shop is installing my TSP 1 7/8" headers. They were wanting an extra 500$ to tune it. I don't have the extra money and they acted like I had to or else it wouldn't run right. Is it ok to run the camaro without a tune for a few months?

You don't need a tune right away! I installed and dyno tested a lot of bolt-on's on my car without a tune and ran it at the track without a tune. From the factory these cars are on the rich side. I didn't tune mine because I wanted to see what the parts did and the air fuel ratio was good with the CAI and the LT's! LOOK AT MY SIG! The front O2's are for air fuel and the rears are to make sure the cats are working. You can do without the rears you will just get a CEL until you get a tune.

[BLACK10]

Originally Posted by angie7

One issue with not getting it tuned soon after headers is bc the O2 sensors tell the computer when the engine needs more fuel or less fuel. When you add headers, you get rid of 2 of these so the computer does not know if it needs more or less fuel. Running too rich or too lean can damage the engine. That's why its not good to run for a lot of miles without a tune. It isn't just performance gains. I definately wouldn't hot rod it until a tune and baby it. You need a tune ASAP. I know people will say "well I've done it for X miles" yea well just bc some do doesn't mean everyone should.

Originally Posted by Bill@RaceProvenMotorsports

Glad some of you understand what air/fuel ratio is and what being lean does to an engine.

[upSSman]

Originally Posted by 2SS2010

Anyone says it must be tuned doesnt know what there talking about.

I think the guy who used to own my Camaro thought this way too.