Is a Tuner worth it?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Davis, Ca
Is a Tuner worth it? I was looking for something just to hold me off till I can do my big, stroked LS3 swap. And I understand what tuners can do but is it worth it? I have a 00' Z28 with 126k. IF I was going to get one it would be for that little power boost when me and my friends get together. And maybe the so called "better MPG" if I take it to work. I am just unsure if since I have Higher mileage that something might go wrong :/ am I just paranoid and should get one (looking at the superchips) or do I have a general concern?
TECH Regular
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: houston, texas
get a dyno tune. most place charge pretty good the first time, but after that its really reasonable. you really wont get much of a gain for the 300+ bucks for a handheld tuner, then you have to get a custom tune when you swap the motors anyway.
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No...handheld tuners are a waste of money! Hp tuners is a program that runs through a laptop and plugs into the obd2 port on your car. Get a real tune, its the only one worth the money!
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Dont waist your money on the gimmic hand held tuners. To actually make adjustments and get power you will need a dyno tune or do it yourself (cutting out someone to push buttons on the laptop) and get the HP tuners program. Also I doubt a tune handheld or dyno tune will help out your shift condition (if it is a trans issue). Heck the rough shift might even be from a handheld tuner that firmed the shifts previous to you having the car.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 10
From: Maryland
If your car is stock, I wouldn't spend the money on a tune, I don't think it's worth it. Even with a dyno tune, I don't see you picking up more than like 10-15rwhp or so and you might see a slight increase in gas mileage but that's probably it. I'd put the money into the exhaust personally.
Also, about the tough 1-2 shift with the 4L60E, that's a common complaint, my car does it, as well as my friends '99 Trans Am. While it shifts pretty firm from 1-2, as long as it transitions smoothly without any strange hesitation or slippage I'm sure everything is fine with it.
Also, about the tough 1-2 shift with the 4L60E, that's a common complaint, my car does it, as well as my friends '99 Trans Am. While it shifts pretty firm from 1-2, as long as it transitions smoothly without any strange hesitation or slippage I'm sure everything is fine with it.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 622
Likes: 2
From: Calgary Alberta
My dyno shop charged like 500 bucks the first time, but only 150 for a dyno and tune anytime I bring it in after. That can add up though. If I was going to spend that money somewhere else though, it would be only learning to tune a car with the proper software, not a handheld tuner.
