Swens651

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

Exeodus

iTrader: (1)

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.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

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.

turbodremz

iTrader: (5)

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.

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

dyno tune is the only way id go.

Swens651

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.

Swens651

But, I am only going to have bolt-ons on the car, which it sounds like mail order is just fine for that.. hmmmmmmmm ..

TechCam97

iTrader: (5)

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.

Swens651

Yeah, I've heard about that Frost tune a few times on here. pretty highly recommended, right?

TechCam97

iTrader: (5)

Yea, Steve knows his stuff! I've used him and a lot of my friends have as well and he's taken care of us.

mjs1012

iTrader: (36)

I had a mail order tune from frost after I did my cam swap so I could get it to the dyno. Imo a mail order would be fine for bolt on car but anything more than that should be dyno tuned.

Swens651

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.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

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).

Swens651

Thanks!

BlkZMD

When I had the cam installed, dyno was the only way to go.