Mail order (PCM) tune vs dyno tune?
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Mail order (PCM) tune vs dyno tune?
Hi,
Which tune would you recommend? I'd think the dyno, since the tuner is actually working with the car itself and not just the pcm, but I could be wrong.. I 'd think you get more gains from a dyno tune as well for the fact of being able to test the car over and over on it?
-Adam
Which tune would you recommend? I'd think the dyno, since the tuner is actually working with the car itself and not just the pcm, but I could be wrong.. I 'd think you get more gains from a dyno tune as well for the fact of being able to test the car over and over on it?
-Adam
#2
It all depends on what kind of mods you have or are planning on getting. A bolt on car can easily be done mail order, but when you start digging into the motor, then a dyno is the best way to go.
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For the same reason that two identical, stock cars won't perform exactly the same even with the same driver on the same day at the same track, you can't expect a mail order tune to ever be quite as good as a full dyno tune that is specific to your exact car/setup.
Having said that, for a basic or common setup, most experienced tuners can do a really good job with a mail order tune. So if there is nothing extreme or unique about your application, then mail order might be a more cost effective option while only leaving marginal amounts (if even that) of power on the table. If you need driveability tuning for a more aggressive setup though, IMO there is no substitute for a live, in person street and dyno tune.
Having said that, for a basic or common setup, most experienced tuners can do a really good job with a mail order tune. So if there is nothing extreme or unique about your application, then mail order might be a more cost effective option while only leaving marginal amounts (if even that) of power on the table. If you need driveability tuning for a more aggressive setup though, IMO there is no substitute for a live, in person street and dyno tune.
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I have a mail order tune at the moment with a cam/bolt on car, and I have no complaints. However even being still somewhat new to the LSx family, I know from past experience not much can beat a good dyno tune..actually, nothing can. Since my initial tune for the cam I have added a 102/102 setup and a couple other minor things, the car still runs great, but is rich as most MOT's will be for safety, cause as stated not all cars are the same. I will be sending it out again soon to get the tune updated, but once I get the chance to toss my new heads on, dyno only time from there on. I have the MOT only so I can continue to drive the car, but it is lacking some of the untapped potential from a dyno.
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Thanks, guys. I mean, I have a mail order tune on my trailblazer and it's great, but was thinking on going dyno with the camaro, but it is 2x as much for the dyno compared to a mail order tune. As you have confirmed it seems as though you will get the most out of a tune in person, on a dyno.
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If it's just basic bolt-ons, you'll be fine with a mail order tune. I doubt the extra couple hundred dollars would really justify the minimal gains you might make with doing one in person on a dyno. My mail order tune from Frost has been great and I have had no issues with it.
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If it's just basic bolt-ons, you'll be fine with a mail order tune. I doubt the extra couple hundred dollars would really justify the minimal gains you might make with doing one in person on a dyno. My mail order tune from Frost has been great and I have had no issues with it.
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Is it good to break the new parts in on factory tune before putting a more aggressive tune on it? I only am going to get LT'S, lid, and full exhaust.
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There is no "break in" period for exhaust/induction pieces such as this, and no advantage to using the factory tune if the modifications have caused a less-than-ideal A/F ratio (typical with LT headers on a stock tune).
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