Questions On Shops doing the Tune!
Thread Starter
11 Second Club
iTrader: (19)
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 965
Likes: 0
From: Whidbey Island, Wa.
Questions On Shops doing the Tune! I just got done talking with Virginia Beach Speed, whos sister shop is EngineTech. And in Order for them to do a Dyno tune I would have to purchase LS1 edit. Is that normal. Or do most dyno shops allready have the needed software to do the job.. Cause I really don't want to belt out a few hundred dollers on top of them doing the work for the dyno tune.
Any help would be appriciated.
Lane
Any help would be appriciated.
Lane
any reputable shop would already have the tuning software, if they don't already have it you'd probably be better off buying yourself a tuning suite of your own such as HP Tuners & tuning the car yourself for not much, if any, more.
Originally Posted by crazylane
I just got done talking with Virginia Beach Speed, whos sister shop is EngineTech. And in Order for them to do a Dyno tune I would have to purchase LS1 edit. Is that normal. Or do most dyno shops allready have the needed software to do the job.. Cause I really don't want to belt out a few hundred dollers on top of them doing the work for the dyno tune.
Any help would be appriciated.
Lane
Any help would be appriciated.
Lane
Ask the guys in HRF-body what they are doing; it's your area. There is DTP local to you (although I wouldn't take my ride there either)...
Originally Posted by foff667
any reputable shop would already have the tuning software, if they don't already have it you'd probably be better off buying yourself a tuning suite of your own such as HP Tuners & tuning the car yourself for not much, if any, more.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Omaha, NE
Originally Posted by foff667
any reputable shop would already have the tuning software, if they don't already have it you'd probably be better off buying yourself a tuning suite of your own such as HP Tuners & tuning the car yourself for not much, if any, more.
Originally Posted by dynocar
We always had the software but usually payed as we go for each license. In two decades of custom tuning, learned a long time ago not to buy bulk licenses from an industry where, what is the best software one day is not the next day not to mention the possibility of software suppliers going out of business. We always gave the buyer the option of supplying there own software because, if we went out of business, they could take their software/license elsewhere and pickup where we left off.
Originally Posted by dynocar
We always had the software but usually payed as we go for each license. In two decades of custom tuning, learned a long time ago not to buy bulk licenses from an industry where, what is the best software one day is not the next day not to mention the possibility of software suppliers going out of business. We always gave the buyer the option of supplying there own software because, if we went out of business, they could take their software/license elsewhere and pickup where we left off.
For example, if I owned a dyno, I would probably use HP Tuners. For 3 additional credits, ~$150, you can get a VIN licensed with RTT...am I right foff? So, charge that to the customer when they come for the tune in addition to the dyno rate (which should be reduced IMO if they have to pay for the licensed software). I think that's pretty darn fair!
Trending Topics
Originally Posted by pdanrichey
Cost is always a factor...I think anyone can understand that. But don't make some poor sap whose already dumped a ton of $$ into their car buy the ENTIRE tuning package so the tuning shop can do what we've paid them for!
For example, if I owned a dyno, I would probably use HP Tuners. For 3 additional credits, ~$150, you can get a VIN licensed with RTT...am I right foff? So, charge that to the customer when they come for the tune in addition to the dyno rate (which should be reduced IMO if they have to pay for the licensed software). I think that's pretty darn fair!
For example, if I owned a dyno, I would probably use HP Tuners. For 3 additional credits, ~$150, you can get a VIN licensed with RTT...am I right foff? So, charge that to the customer when they come for the tune in addition to the dyno rate (which should be reduced IMO if they have to pay for the licensed software). I think that's pretty darn fair!
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Omaha, NE
Quote, "Theres a HUGE difference in what YOU do"
Should read, "Theres a HUGE difference in what YOU did." Just retired 1/1/07, 20 yrs of EFI tuning, hobby first 5 yrs, professionally last 15, could write a book on how it's changed, was there before EFI was cool.
Should read, "Theres a HUGE difference in what YOU did." Just retired 1/1/07, 20 yrs of EFI tuning, hobby first 5 yrs, professionally last 15, could write a book on how it's changed, was there before EFI was cool.
Thread Starter
11 Second Club
iTrader: (19)
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 965
Likes: 0
From: Whidbey Island, Wa.
Thanks for everyones advice and help. It is greatly appriciated. I just think it is funny how they told me to go and buy the software, and then still charge me at the full rate on the dyno. If they are half as good as they said they are, then they should at least work with people. But thats enough about that. I will just know to warn people if they decide they want to go there. Thanks again every one.
Lane
Lane
Thread Starter
11 Second Club
iTrader: (19)
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 965
Likes: 0
From: Whidbey Island, Wa.
Originally Posted by edcmat-l1
There's nobody at VA Speed that can tune.....Regardless what they use.
Crazylane, PM sent.
Crazylane, PM sent.
Originally Posted by crazylane
Tag your it! Ha ha just joking man. I should not have drank that last one. I sent you a pm back I will give you a call sometime.
= 
Here is the catch.If they don't have the software,more than likely they do not know how to properly tune anyways.Look for a shop with a good rep. for tuning vehicles like your own.
I still disagree with the "buy your own" idea around here.Probly 80% of the people here don't want to take the time to learn/tune there own car.Yes, the 20% do take the time and learn and reap the benefit's.
I say this because probly 40% of the tunes I do are for people that bought a tuning package because everybody said to do it themselve. Well,they couldn't figure it out and gave up or the cars run like crap.Now they call our shop and get mad because we still charge our normal tuning rate.So a customer can pay near $1000 to just tune there car.
This is long but gives the idea
I still disagree with the "buy your own" idea around here.Probly 80% of the people here don't want to take the time to learn/tune there own car.Yes, the 20% do take the time and learn and reap the benefit's.
I say this because probly 40% of the tunes I do are for people that bought a tuning package because everybody said to do it themselve. Well,they couldn't figure it out and gave up or the cars run like crap.Now they call our shop and get mad because we still charge our normal tuning rate.So a customer can pay near $1000 to just tune there car.
This is long but gives the idea
Originally Posted by Slowhawk
Here is the catch.If they don't have the software,more than likely they do not know how to properly tune anyways.Look for a shop with a good rep. for tuning vehicles like your own.
I still disagree with the "buy your own" idea around here.Probly 80% of the people here don't want to take the time to learn/tune there own car.Yes, the 20% do take the time and learn and reap the benefit's.
I say this because probly 40% of the tunes I do are for people that bought a tuning package because everybody said to do it themselve. Well,they couldn't figure it out and gave up or the cars run like crap.Now they call our shop and get mad because we still charge our normal tuning rate.So a customer can pay near $1000 to just tune there car.
This is long but gives the idea
I still disagree with the "buy your own" idea around here.Probly 80% of the people here don't want to take the time to learn/tune there own car.Yes, the 20% do take the time and learn and reap the benefit's.
I say this because probly 40% of the tunes I do are for people that bought a tuning package because everybody said to do it themselve. Well,they couldn't figure it out and gave up or the cars run like crap.Now they call our shop and get mad because we still charge our normal tuning rate.So a customer can pay near $1000 to just tune there car.
This is long but gives the idea
Originally Posted by Slowhawk
Here is the catch.If they don't have the software,more than likely they do not know how to properly tune anyways.Look for a shop with a good rep. for tuning vehicles like your own.
I still disagree with the "buy your own" idea around here.Probly 80% of the people here don't want to take the time to learn/tune there own car.Yes, the 20% do take the time and learn and reap the benefit's.
I say this because probly 40% of the tunes I do are for people that bought a tuning package because everybody said to do it themselve. Well,they couldn't figure it out and gave up or the cars run like crap.Now they call our shop and get mad because we still charge our normal tuning rate.So a customer can pay near $1000 to just tune there car.
This is long but gives the idea
I still disagree with the "buy your own" idea around here.Probly 80% of the people here don't want to take the time to learn/tune there own car.Yes, the 20% do take the time and learn and reap the benefit's.
I say this because probly 40% of the tunes I do are for people that bought a tuning package because everybody said to do it themselve. Well,they couldn't figure it out and gave up or the cars run like crap.Now they call our shop and get mad because we still charge our normal tuning rate.So a customer can pay near $1000 to just tune there car.
This is long but gives the idea
You cant go out and buy a stethascope (typo) and BAM you're a doctor. but it seems like people think you can go out and buy a tool box/tools and BAM you're a mechanic. Or, tuning software and BAM you're a tuner. I have seen tunes/cars from other "professional" tuners, where the car had issues that the tuner was trying to "fix" with the tune.
Most that purchase the tuner packages dont have enough diagnostic or driveability experience to understand what they are doing.
AND, most dont do enough research before, during, and after tuning.
Had a head and cam LS1, while taking a break (cool down) from working on the VE tables, and explaining the process to the customer, his response was " I thought you just had to lean it out with the power enrichment"
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Omaha, NE
Originally Posted by Slowhawk
Here is the catch.If they don't have the software,more than likely they do not know how to properly tune anyways.Look for a shop with a good rep. for tuning vehicles like your own.
I still disagree with the "buy your own" idea around here.Probly 80% of the people here don't want to take the time to learn/tune there own car.Yes, the 20% do take the time and learn and reap the benefit's.
I say this because probly 40% of the tunes I do are for people that bought a tuning package because everybody said to do it themselve. Well,they couldn't figure it out and gave up or the cars run like crap.Now they call our shop and get mad because we still charge our normal tuning rate.So a customer can pay near $1000 to just tune there car.
This is long but gives the idea
I still disagree with the "buy your own" idea around here.Probly 80% of the people here don't want to take the time to learn/tune there own car.Yes, the 20% do take the time and learn and reap the benefit's.
I say this because probly 40% of the tunes I do are for people that bought a tuning package because everybody said to do it themselve. Well,they couldn't figure it out and gave up or the cars run like crap.Now they call our shop and get mad because we still charge our normal tuning rate.So a customer can pay near $1000 to just tune there car.
This is long but gives the idea
I second, or where ever we're at, that. You are not preaching to the choir here, most people that hang out here are "do it your selfers" and possibly think that everyone should be even if they don't have the interest or skills. I ride a self tuned turbo Harley, but I don't think it's for everyone. Our shop has had many customers, possibly close to 1000, drop their car off, we did the dyno tune and never heard from them again, got many referrals from them. And like previously stated, we have had to clean up many messes, a beginner has a difficult time diagnosing two or three other engine issues and solving them mixed in, not to mention thier lack of knowledge and experiance with just the tuning part. Some did not give up until their third engine.
Originally Posted by edcmat-l1
AND, most dont do enough research before, during, and after tuning.
Attention to detail and trial and error are the name of the game, IMHO. If one is not willing to devote the time, money, and attention necessary they may be better off going to a shop for the tune. I have spent countlesshours learning (and I am still learning) the Scan Tool, making Maps, interpreting data, ect. The members of this board are worth their weight in gold when it comes to offering assistance and feedback.. as well as those on the EFIlive forum.
I by no means call myself a "tuner". I am more of a "hobbyist". Like Foff said... its the satisfaction at the end of the day.... I was a "happy camper" when I upgraded to a '02 OS and set my car up in OLSD to start tuning the VE table. Heck... you can see the problems I was having with my WBO2 (do a search), while it has been very frustrating the plus is it is a learning experience as well.
And Lane... I would not recommend VASpeed if they want you to purchase your own solution. I am sure they are good, but not for that. I dont know what Frost has against DTP, but I went there and Brent got me in the window.... which is what I asked him to do.
R/
Frat
Last edited by Fratsit; Jan 5, 2007 at 08:57 AM.