Do I need a tune for Longtube headers and a Rotofab CAI? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Havok1105 · 07-24-2020, 11:22 AM

Hey, I have a 2011 2SS Camaro Auto Convertible. I already have a Borla Catback ATAK exhaust on it. I wanted to know because I keep getting different answers. DO I NEED A TUNE FOR LONG TUBE HEADERS & A ROTOFAB CAI?!

silversleeper · 07-24-2020, 11:44 AM

"Need" means what?
Will the engine run, will it throw a code light on the dash, would I only gain half the hp I would have if I included a tune. Will I get extra under hood heat without ceramic thermal coating them? Will I fail smog, do I NEED headers?
I decided no for myself, it depends on your combo and goals and smog checks where you live. Resale value and dragging over speed bumps is also a consideration.
Words can have different meanings to people.

Havok1105 · 07-24-2020, 12:11 PM

Can I get rid of those codes using a handheld tuner like a SCT X4(how does one use a SCT X4 to clear exhaust codes and CAI codes)

MeanV8 · 07-24-2020, 12:15 PM

You absolutely Should have a Tune!

Dan

Yellow 1 · 07-24-2020, 12:18 PM

To optimise your expense on go-faster suff you absolutely should get it tuned. Sharpens everything up.

flht99b · 07-24-2020, 12:19 PM

Yes you will. Once you install LT's and either high flow cats or cat delete pipes you will get codes from the rear reporting O2 sensors. A tune can turn them off as well as optimize the timing and fuel cells so you get the most out of the mods. Hardest part is finding a really good tuner in your area.

silversleeper · 07-24-2020, 12:32 PM

Depends on the code and what you call a "tune".
The rear O2 sensor would need to be "tuned" (ignore the rear O2) but really a simple checkbox in editing the tune and then needs to be flashed to not throw a code for that. Unless you did keep the cats with a front and rear sensor which very few people do with LT H. This can't be done with cheap code clearing devices but need something like a tune in the SCT or HPtuner flashed to the ecm.
Codes can be cleared with a cheap device but they come back unless the "tune" is changed.
The CAI makes the car run more lean, and LT H do also. Some people have placed the MAF sensor in the CAI so that it is more neutral, IIRC rotofab did that so it didn't require a tune to offset being lean. Once you add lean making LT's I think it will throw a lean code and require a more full "tune" to correct that to avoid diagnostic trouble codes and get the hp gain by having the proper rich lean mixtures.

To your other question I don't have a SCT but I think it is a simplified device than a laptop, to store a tune and flash (write) a tune to the car's ecm.
I don't think they sell them with pre-set tunes in them like you are asking unless you bought it from a tuner and it was loaded by them. They edit the tune and send it that way so it's easier for the end user to write to their car.
In HP tuners a person can open the tune file on their laptop and edit it then write/flash it to the car. I don't think SCT let's you edit or even see anything.
https://www.sctflash.com/products/sc...ers/sctx4/2337
I looked briefly at the SCT. It says it can make some adjustments and has preloaded tunes. I don't know if it has what you want already loaded.

Greenhornet2 · 07-24-2020, 12:45 PM

Get a tune, it will run better with no check engine light coming every week.

GodWentPunk · 07-24-2020, 02:04 PM

As others had said... for the CAI, no tune required... for LTH, yes you need a tune to get rid of the CEL from missing O2 censors. Getting LTH also means you want to disable AFM which can be done with a tune. There are several online tuners here on the board that can help you decide what you want.

joe...

LCPLPunk · 07-24-2020, 02:18 PM

Google 'RDP Motorsports' and get their SCT X4 tuner with lifetime tunes. Done!

sdynak · 07-24-2020, 02:20 PM

I can tell you that with no names spelled out that if you do get a tune from a tuner here on C5 depending on who you go with the only change there may be is with the rear O2 turned off.

I have HP tuners and compared the file to my stock and that was all that was done on a manual (mine)

Auto's can benefit more with the trans tune and a real tuner would also dial in the engine as well. I'm just saying don't expect a e-mail tune to optimize the air/fuel as most do not have a way to check so they pay these guys lots of $$ for not much in the end. It's gravy $$ for these guys at the level you are looking at.

And forget about trying to go aggressive. That did not work out well and had to go to a real tuner to get my cam tune set up properly. Spent too much $$ and time otherwise.

My suggestion is if you are not comfortable yourself a local shop might be a better way to start off instead of going to them anyway.

Best of luck in your upgrades and enjoy.. You won't regret the LT's & CAI!!

sscamaro · 07-26-2020, 11:43 AM

A Dyno Tune is way better then a mail tune.

Richard Cote · 07-28-2020, 07:29 PM

I received the tuner today . I got life time tunes . I am unable to send my file to dynosteve I keep getting it returned demonmail

silversleeper · 07-28-2020, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Cote

I received the tuner today . I got life time tunes . I am unable to send my file to dynosteve I keep getting it returned demonmail

that's one of 3 things
typed wrong email address
a free type email wont allow a very big file size
email systems reject files they are afraid will run a virus, rename the last three letter .BAK for example to get around this, and explain to D S you renamed it so he can change it back

07-24-2020, 11:22 AM	#1
Havok1105 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS Convertible Auto Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: NJ Posts: 26	Do I need a tune for Longtube headers and a Rotofab CAI? Hey, I have a 2011 2SS Camaro Auto Convertible. I already have a Borla Catback ATAK exhaust on it. I wanted to know because I keep getting different answers. DO I NEED A TUNE FOR LONG TUBE HEADERS & A ROTOFAB CAI?!

07-24-2020, 11:44 AM	#2
silversleeper Big Crow Drives: '13 ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: California Posts: 1,551	"Need" means what? Will the engine run, will it throw a code light on the dash, would I only gain half the hp I would have if I included a tune. Will I get extra under hood heat without ceramic thermal coating them? Will I fail smog, do I NEED headers? I decided no for myself, it depends on your combo and goals and smog checks where you live. Resale value and dragging over speed bumps is also a consideration. Words can have different meanings to people. Last edited by silversleeper; 07-24-2020 at 11:59 AM.

07-24-2020, 12:18 PM	#5
Yellow 1 Grumpy Grey-haired Guy Drives: Camaro, Corvette & Merc C300(daily) Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: South Warwickshire, UK. Posts: 806 View My Garage	To optimise your expense on go-faster suff you absolutely should get it tuned. Sharpens everything up. __________________ ---------------------------------------------------------

07-24-2020, 12:19 PM	#6
flht99b Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS RJT Join Date: May 2009 Location: Knoxville Posts: 1,586 View My Garage	Yes you will. Once you install LT's and either high flow cats or cat delete pipes you will get codes from the rear reporting O2 sensors. A tune can turn them off as well as optimize the timing and fuel cells so you get the most out of the mods. Hardest part is finding a really good tuner in your area. __________________ RJT 2SS/RS, AAM 3.70's, MTI Sway Bars, Shifter, SS brake lines ZLI calipers, rotors/pads BMR Trailing & Toe Arms, rear cradle/diff bushes, Pedders XA's, Camber/Toe eccentrics, Radius arm inserts, GTO clutch reservoir, LS9 cam, Comp valve springs, Melling 10296 oil pump, CR5 timing chain, LS6 damper, CAI Cold Air Intake, ARH LT headers, HF cats, GMPP axle back, Elite Eng Catch Can, Black ZL1 20x10 & 2011 whls 285/35/20 & 305/35/20 General G-Max RS, 2011 Convertible spoiler, 1LE front spoiler, Lloyd "SS" Floor Mats, GM Camaro Trunk Mat, wrapped console, hand brake lever, Grant steering whl.

07-24-2020, 12:32 PM	#7
silversleeper Big Crow Drives: '13 ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: California Posts: 1,551	Depends on the code and what you call a "tune". The rear O2 sensor would need to be "tuned" (ignore the rear O2) but really a simple checkbox in editing the tune and then needs to be flashed to not throw a code for that. Unless you did keep the cats with a front and rear sensor which very few people do with LT H. This can't be done with cheap code clearing devices but need something like a tune in the SCT or HPtuner flashed to the ecm. Codes can be cleared with a cheap device but they come back unless the "tune" is changed. The CAI makes the car run more lean, and LT H do also. Some people have placed the MAF sensor in the CAI so that it is more neutral, IIRC rotofab did that so it didn't require a tune to offset being lean. Once you add lean making LT's I think it will throw a lean code and require a more full "tune" to correct that to avoid diagnostic trouble codes and get the hp gain by having the proper rich lean mixtures. To your other question I don't have a SCT but I think it is a simplified device than a laptop, to store a tune and flash (write) a tune to the car's ecm. I don't think they sell them with pre-set tunes in them like you are asking unless you bought it from a tuner and it was loaded by them. They edit the tune and send it that way so it's easier for the end user to write to their car. In HP tuners a person can open the tune file on their laptop and edit it then write/flash it to the car. I don't think SCT let's you edit or even see anything. https://www.sctflash.com/products/sc...ers/sctx4/2337 I looked briefly at the SCT. It says it can make some adjustments and has preloaded tunes. I don't know if it has what you want already loaded. Last edited by silversleeper; 07-24-2020 at 12:50 PM.

07-24-2020, 12:11 PM	#3
Havok1105 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS Convertible Auto Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: NJ Posts: 26	Can I get rid of those codes using a handheld tuner like a SCT X4(how does one use a SCT X4 to clear exhaust codes and CAI codes)

07-24-2020, 12:15 PM	#4
MeanV8 Drives: Chevy Camaro SS, Chevy Corvette, Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Illinois Posts: 149	You absolutely Should have a Tune! Dan

07-24-2020, 12:45 PM	#8
Greenhornet2 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS LS3 Whipple Join Date: May 2019 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,925	Get a tune, it will run better with no check engine light coming every week. __________________ Whipple 2.9 CAI ID1050x injectors ZL1 Pump JRE FPCM JMS Voltage booster JRE Rough Idle blower cam BTR .660 springs CHE trunnion kit 1 7/8 Speed Engineering Borla Atak JRE scoop 1.5" lowering springs BMR trailing arms and toe links Cradle inserts 704WHP 603WTQ 93 octane

07-24-2020, 02:04 PM	#9
GodWentPunk Drives: 2015 2SS White Convertible CE/INDY Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Lockport, IL Posts: 780 View My Garage	As others had said... for the CAI, no tune required... for LTH, yes you need a tune to get rid of the CEL from missing O2 censors. Getting LTH also means you want to disable AFM which can be done with a tune. There are several online tuners here on the board that can help you decide what you want. joe... __________________ ARH LTH/HFC/Legato muffler, RDP Custom Tune, K&N Blackhawk CAI, Bigworm Blackout kit, ZL1 Rims, Phantom Grills, VMAX PTB

07-24-2020, 02:18 PM	#10
LCPLPunk USA-1 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS L99 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Near DC Posts: 1,893 View My Garage	Google 'RDP Motorsports' and get their SCT X4 tuner with lifetime tunes. Done! __________________ "A Camaro in the garage is safe, but that's not what Camaros are built for..." R2C CAI / Apex Scoop / VMAX Ported TB / Speed Engineering LTHs / X-pipe / GPI port/rod-mod intake manifold / Circle D 3200 278mm Converter / 3.91 gears / DynoSteve tuned / 1LE Shocks/Struts/Toe Links / ZL1 Rear Sway Bar / Z/28 Trailing arms / Prothane Radius Arm & Subframe Bushings / BMR UCA Bracket, Steering rack bushing / B&M Tranny Cooler / RX Catch Can / Jannetty Tranny Dipstick / 2012+ Heater Hose / 2013+ Rearview Mirror / Fuel rail flip / Drake shifter / Oil Cooler Delete

07-24-2020, 02:20 PM	#11
sdynak Drives: 2014 ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Bayville, NJ Posts: 950	I can tell you that with no names spelled out that if you do get a tune from a tuner here on C5 depending on who you go with the only change there may be is with the rear O2 turned off. I have HP tuners and compared the file to my stock and that was all that was done on a manual (mine) Auto's can benefit more with the trans tune and a real tuner would also dial in the engine as well. I'm just saying don't expect a e-mail tune to optimize the air/fuel as most do not have a way to check so they pay these guys lots of $$ for not much in the end. It's gravy $$ for these guys at the level you are looking at. And forget about trying to go aggressive. That did not work out well and had to go to a real tuner to get my cam tune set up properly. Spent too much $$ and time otherwise. My suggestion is if you are not comfortable yourself a local shop might be a better way to start off instead of going to them anyway. Best of luck in your upgrades and enjoy.. You won't regret the LT's & CAI!! __________________ 2014 ZL1 Black All OEM, Manual SOLD: 2010 1SS LS3, Black, 235/250, .621/.615, 114 + 4, Kooks Stepped Headers, 3.91's, Bo White PTB, Flowmaster Mufflers, Cold Air Industries CAI, Apex Scoop & Windshield Washer Relocate, SLP Wheels, Skip Shift Eliminate, Barton Flat Stick, OEM HID/Halos, Dyno Tuned by ECS

07-26-2020, 11:43 AM	#12
sscamaro Drives: 2010 2SS, 2017 Silverado LTZ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Denver,PA Posts: 3,195 View My Garage	A Dyno Tune is way better then a mail tune.

07-28-2020, 07:29 PM	#13
Richard Cote Drives: 87 Corvette & 2010 SS Camaro Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Robinson Tx. Posts: 29	I received the tuner today . I got life time tunes . I am unable to send my file to dynosteve I keep getting it returned demonmail