2008 LS4 Dyno Tune Results
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Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 88
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From: Fairport, NY
2008 LS4 Dyno Tune Results Dyno Tune Results
Yesterday I went to New Era Performance for a dyno tune for my 2008 Impala SS. Results from the dyno were not what I was expecting, figured I would post my mods and results and maybe someone has an idea of the cause.
The current mods at time of the dyno are: Magnaflow cat back exhaust, Hogan performance catted Downpipe, CAI, Inc Cold Air Intake and a Vector Heat Soak Reduction kit.
Baseline dyno was 233 fwhp and 264 fwtq. This was a lot lower than what I was expecting since most stock LS4s seem to be hitting 245-250 fwhp. Mike at New Era started tuning and we did a total of 4 pulls during the tune with the final pull being the highest at 240 fwhp and 272 fwtq. I gained 6 hp and tq from the tune. Tuned with 93 octane which I always run. Temp was 48F outside and about 62F in the garage with 21% humidity.
Mike and his crew were great to work with and he seemed stumped as to why the power was low. He said the tune looked good, and I can tell from driving that it drives a lot better. Just curious what others though on the low numbers and little gain. All in all I am glad I got it tuned since the car drives a lot better, but wondering why with Tune, Intake and exhaust I am running less than stock numbers.
Yesterday I went to New Era Performance for a dyno tune for my 2008 Impala SS. Results from the dyno were not what I was expecting, figured I would post my mods and results and maybe someone has an idea of the cause.
The current mods at time of the dyno are: Magnaflow cat back exhaust, Hogan performance catted Downpipe, CAI, Inc Cold Air Intake and a Vector Heat Soak Reduction kit.
Baseline dyno was 233 fwhp and 264 fwtq. This was a lot lower than what I was expecting since most stock LS4s seem to be hitting 245-250 fwhp. Mike at New Era started tuning and we did a total of 4 pulls during the tune with the final pull being the highest at 240 fwhp and 272 fwtq. I gained 6 hp and tq from the tune. Tuned with 93 octane which I always run. Temp was 48F outside and about 62F in the garage with 21% humidity.
Mike and his crew were great to work with and he seemed stumped as to why the power was low. He said the tune looked good, and I can tell from driving that it drives a lot better. Just curious what others though on the low numbers and little gain. All in all I am glad I got it tuned since the car drives a lot better, but wondering why with Tune, Intake and exhaust I am running less than stock numbers.
thats not bad I was a bit disappointed with my numbers also, i got up to 265 hp to the wheels and and 289 pounds of torque that was the best I ran the inside of the garage was about 95 degrees and my car mileage at that time was about 47 thousand. The way I see it is if anyone tries these cars on the road there in for a surprise, but dont go racing no srt or anything :-(
Banned
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Almost Arkansas, LA
You gotta think they got 303 bhp @ 5600 RPMs, lose 20% at the wheels and you got about 243 whp like you said, you're not far off. Temp and humidity play roles also.
What RPMs were those pulls and what gear were you using?
What RPMs were those pulls and what gear were you using?
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2008
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Lets not forget to mention that not all dyno's are 100% accurate on the H.P. numbers. This is true especially if it hasn't been calibrated in awhile. Dyno's are more of a tuning tool than anything. What you need is some hard 1/4 mile times.
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Staging Lane
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Orange County, CA
Given that you have good 93 octane versus our crap 91 out here in CA, how much timing is in that tune of yours? Did you work on the shift points at all so it doesn't short shift? Much of my time was spent on downshifting parameters, shifts vs. MPH and so on.
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Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 88
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From: Fairport, NY
We tuned the the transmission also, Mike spent about 5 hours turing it and pulling it on the dyno. It does shift a lot better. The Car was running lean due to the CAI, so Mike spent a lot of time working on that since it was adding a lot of timing. I am happy with the way it drives after the tune, I hope I can get a run in at the track to see where I am 1/4 mile wise then, but the weather here is getting cold and wet already 
i am only at like 270ish and i have a lot more work done so dont feel bad. Also for gaining like 6hp , thats normal for tuning our cars. These engines are not built for this kinda stuff. But as far as your low numbers go, it doesnt matter what the dyno says, it matters how fast your car is. I have beaten cars that have well over 100 hp more than me and it wasnt even a race for me. Dynos are for bragging rights and thats it.
I believe my dyno was around 260 or so hp and that was with a down pipe, k&n intake, and 1.8 rockers. Car was running around 13.4 quarter mile at the time. Dyno's can read differently sometimes. Best dyno for me has been trips to the track!
With your tune, did you turn off DOD? How much does it cost? And does a tune do anything for MPG's? Just curious. They might come off as dumb questions, but I don't know much when it comes to tuning. Thanks.
I was using a Diablo hand held tuner at the time and was able to run a 13.0 with that tuner later on when I added slicks and ported manifold. For the money and ease of use, I'd recommend the Diablo tuner. Lew on this board is extremely helpful with the tuner and can get you up to date on the diablo tune. Now if you go beyond the usual bolt ons I'd recommend HP Tuners or having someone tune your car.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 88
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From: Fairport, NY
I turned off the DOD in my car with the tune. I didn't like the sound it made when in 4 cyln mode. Like others said, my Tune was $400. But worth it. The way it drives after the tune is a night and day difference.
