View Poll Results: buy software or have it tuned?
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buy HPtuners or have it tuned
#1
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wanting opinions if I should have my car tuned or buy the HPtuners and try it myself? It is looking like the same money either way but if I have it done and add a cam or converter later I am going to have to pay again. If i do it myself I am in for a big learning curve I think and also dont know if I can tune it to suit myself. I am at this debate due to no local place to get it tuned I am looking at a 4-5 hour oneway drive to get it tuned from what i have found searching for a tuner. So any options advise or comments are welcome.
also am doing this cause car is missing and stumbling after header install cheked O2's new plugs& MSD wires rear O2 sims.
also am doing this cause car is missing and stumbling after header install cheked O2's new plugs& MSD wires rear O2 sims.
#2
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For me I did the shop route first and eventually bought hpt anyway...if you follow these guidelines I think you'll do ok http://www.hptuners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11178 another idea would be to get a dyno or mail order tune from a respected shop so you can see where they wouldve started...sometimes gives people a head start into tuning on their own.
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any other thoughts or suggestions guys? I am looking at/for all my options this is going to be the last mod for a long time for me. Damn student loans!!!
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Originally Posted by foff667
For me I did the shop route first and eventually bought hpt anyway...if you follow these guidelines I think you'll do ok http://www.hptuners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11178 another idea would be to get a dyno or mail order tune from a respected shop so you can see where they wouldve started...sometimes gives people a head start into tuning on their own.
I wouldn't be afraid of tuning it yourself either, there's alot of ppl. on here and on HPtuners.com that can help you out with whatever you have a problem with.
#12
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personal bias aside... I suggest the point of "best" not be debated in this thread.... trying to be more lenient on rules, but I haven't slept in 32 hours so if I see this thread turn into something bad tomorrow... er today.... I won't be too happy...
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#13
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If you have the patience, I would recommend biting the bullet and buying everything and learning how to tune it yourself.
Benefits of having it dynotuned - It is done by a pro and is quick. Assuming they know what they are doing (almost all do) you are now on the road with a good running car.
Detriments of having it dynotuned - If you make any major changes in the future, you are back at the tuner. But he is still the pro.
Benefits of doing it yourself - You know a lot more about your PCM and how it works. If you make any changes, you can retune yourself. You can tweak at will.
Detriments of doing it yourself - There is a significant learning curve. Many say that they are still learning after years of practice. Initial cost is higher. You need the programming/scanning software, a wideband O2, and a laptop computer.
I chose a slight derivative - I bought all the equipment and a mail order tune, compared it to stock to see where the changes were made, and now I am tweaking that tune. An added expense, but a bit of a kickstart for my learning curve.
Best of luck.
Benefits of having it dynotuned - It is done by a pro and is quick. Assuming they know what they are doing (almost all do) you are now on the road with a good running car.
Detriments of having it dynotuned - If you make any major changes in the future, you are back at the tuner. But he is still the pro.
Benefits of doing it yourself - You know a lot more about your PCM and how it works. If you make any changes, you can retune yourself. You can tweak at will.
Detriments of doing it yourself - There is a significant learning curve. Many say that they are still learning after years of practice. Initial cost is higher. You need the programming/scanning software, a wideband O2, and a laptop computer.
I chose a slight derivative - I bought all the equipment and a mail order tune, compared it to stock to see where the changes were made, and now I am tweaking that tune. An added expense, but a bit of a kickstart for my learning curve.
Best of luck.
#14
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patience i got its the money thats the problem. I would be trying it without the wideband. right now $600 is my limit I wasnt planing on doing the tune now just the headers but the after install issues has forced me to do something see link>
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iii-external-engine/687920-miss-after-lt-ory-help-please.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iii-external-engine/687920-miss-after-lt-ory-help-please.html
#16
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Don't bother if you are not going to get a wideband. The learning curve would be too much, IMO.
The offer from Black02SS is a heck of a deal, since widebands are generally around $250 by themselves. And the offer of getting a starter tune going would get you well on your way, IMHO.
Best of luck.
The offer from Black02SS is a heck of a deal, since widebands are generally around $250 by themselves. And the offer of getting a starter tune going would get you well on your way, IMHO.
Best of luck.
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Defintely get HP Tuners, but also consider having a shop write your first tune to get you off on the right foot. No matter how good the shop's tune is, there is going to be something you'll want to change. Plus you'll have the ability to make changes in the future, which you'll want to do, I'm sure.
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honestly if you're not experience with tuning... i would just have a reputable shop tune it for you. it will be worth the money.
you're in Indiana??? give SpeedInc a call. They're in Schaumburg Il.
they could do a mail order base tune so the car will run - and then drive it to them for the full dyno tune.
you're in Indiana??? give SpeedInc a call. They're in Schaumburg Il.
they could do a mail order base tune so the car will run - and then drive it to them for the full dyno tune.
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