Tuning 101

[Jeffsss]

I am planning to have a custom tune performed on my 2010 LS3 after I install LT headers. Can someone please explain to me what adjustments are made during a tune or know a good reference to read to better educate me on this subject? I would like to have a semi-educated discussion with the tune shop and know what to expect with the changes. I plan to have the tune completed at Karl Performance in Des Moines, Iowa. Has anyone in the Iowa area had any experience with this relatively new performance shop? They use a four wheel dyno and specialize in GM builds and performance upgrades. Sorry for the basic questions but just getting started with performance upgrades. Thanks

[shibbs]

Every car will be different---Different fuel, Different altitude, Different headers, Different intake, Different temperatures...... There's too much to speculate, really.

Timing adjustments were the most time consuming on my tune. Your tuner should be able to tell you what he changed. Don't bother him/her too much, tho.

Also - make sure you tell them to delete your skip-shift and your top speed limiter just because why not?

[Tampa Tuning]

this isn't a how to tune link, but these are many of the tables your calibrator will change. You should be familiar with it.

http://tredalign.com/hptuners.htm

[Jeffsss]

Thanks for the insight guys. Are my assumptions correct for the following: As long as the tuner achieves an air/fuel ratio to accommodate the octane fuel I burn and adjust for the bolt-ons I have made (LT and CAI), there should be no concern for engine longevity problems with a custom tune. I assume if the tuner achieves optimal A/F ratio to avoid engine knock, there theoretically should be no concern for engine damage and life.

[Slowhawk]

A good/ correct tune will help your engine last a long life.