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?

 

Side Note. I have the A4 and it has a rough 1st to 2nd shift. could a tuner fix that if I changed the shift points?

 

I wouldn't waste money on a handheld tuner. Get a custom tune.

 

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.

 

I have found it cheaper in the end to buy HPTuners and do it yourself. Then you can retune for every change you make, and make a few bucks helping buddies.

 

^that's what i did!

 

wait HP like handheld programmer? like a superchips....?

 

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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

If you want a handheld, I have a superchips tuner for 99-2002 fbody 98-2003 corvettes. I'll take $150 for it shipped.