koz28

Hi,
I have a 1998 Z28. I recently installed a slp Cold air induction and the SLP LoudMouth exhaust. Is it necessary to buy a programmer or chip to fix my air ratio's?? I dont want to hurt anything in my LS1 by not doing this. And if so any recommendations as to what I should get.

Thankyou

foff667

iTrader: (2)

your car being obd2 does not use a "chip" its flash programmable...as far as adding a CAI & catback with no tuning, it wont hurt a thing.

koz28

What do you mean by OBD2? And what is flash programmable and is that expensive?? Thankyou

foff667

iTrader: (2)

http://www.obdii.com/background.html

a chip is just that a chip that needs to be flashed separatly...flash proms the chip is permenantly installed on the board and gets rewritten over via the obd2 port under the drivers side dash.

MeentSS02

iTrader: (11)

Chips...mmmmmmmmm...

koz28

Do you know of where I can get something re programm mine for better performance?

horist

^^^ see sticky about best programmer...

Basically you have 4 choices:
1. Mail order tune ... perf gain depends on who's doing it and your mods... but it's not an exact science
2. Dyno Tune ... perf gain depends on who's doing it and your mods ... more exact but can't change later yourself
3. Handheld units ... ok for very minor bolt ons... most canned tunes are a joke and will only help a little (though some cars take to them better than others)... examples include Predator and Vinci Handhelds
4. Full tuning suites... you learn and tune your own car... can make changes at anytime but there is a learning curve

bmfcamaro

iTrader: (1)

do your homework before attempting to make a decision.

koz28

OK are the hand held programmers tough to use? Im not a mechanic or anything I dont know much about cars as far as technical stuff

horist

The handhelds are easy to use... but I personally wouldn't waste my time with them... (unless you can get one used, just make sure it's unlocked)

I would hold off until you do more mods and then go w/a dyno tune

koz28

You say that because they are expensive? or that they just do not do much?

horist

partially because of price... but also because the canned performance tunes are just guess work...

you may apply a canned tune and your car may ping like a sonabitch... or it could drop a tenth in the 1/4 mile... it's a tossup

Used they're great for changing things like fan settings, shift points, gearing, etc...

But for the price of buying one new... it's not much more to have a dyno tune (best solution is to get a tuning suite and learn to tune yourself but that's not for everyone)

koz28

Thankyou for your advice

MeentSS02

iTrader: (11)

Learning curve? Just start mashing buttons like me...I haven't blown up anything...yet.

Joe Vinci

iTrader: (3)

Our tuner does not just use canned tunes. We have 8 preset programs (from stock cam performance tune to a supercharged cam program) and then you also have the ability to tune your fuel and timing curves, as well as change injector sizes and constants. All you need is a decent scan tool to read 02s, timing and knock retard and you can dial in the vehicle. This eliminates the hit or miss of other handheld programmers. Ours is truly a tuner. Unfortunately, most people are under the assumption that you can only plug in a preset and your done. They are not using our tuner to its full potential. Give us a call if you have any questions. Also, we have the only handheld tuner for 98 cars.

NC98Z

iTrader: (1)

I have the Vinci High Performance Tuner. It is matched to a preprogramed set of parameters for their cams. I am currently running the 062 Vinci Asp-Kicker cam. Push a button and your tuned. Whats so hard about that? If something goes wrong you have a crew of experinced people backing you up.