What is a "tune"?

[Smalltownmodder]

So I've heard some people talking about a "tune" or "Tuner". Something you hook up to the PCM. I'm wondering if anyone can give me some info on just what a tuner is and how it works, maybe where to find the best one.

[Bio248]

a tune is modifying the file on the PCM in order to get more power and/or better driveability out of the car.

a tuner allows you to do this by being able to pull, edit, and push the files. for tuners you really only have two options: HPTuners or DHP Powertuner (which is no longer made and you'll only find it used).

[Smalltownmodder]

Thanks, Is it pretty easy to do, or something I need to leave to a pro? I mean I'm pretty DIY and I'd love to but I know I have limits. And what amI looking at price wise?

[Warbeaver]

all i can say before you try tuning yourself...RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH

it can be an involved process.

price wise, i'd say you're anywhere in between $200-$350 depending on seller

[Smalltownmodder]

Thanks for the info it's a lot of help.

[chickenfried]

dont mean to threadjack but my questions goes along with the topic, when should i tune? i have a friend with a tuner and im just curious after which mods i should tune the car, or does it need to be just once?

[TorqueAutoMotiv]

pulley drops equal tune time
meth equals tune time
n2o equals tune time

Any major mod you should tune for even a complete stock car should be tuned

[chickenfried]

is there such a thing as tuning to much? i know dumb questions but i have to ask. made a fwi, and hopefully a dp soon, tune after that? new plugs and wires and tstat, tune after that too? and then the 3.4 pulley and tune(i know that much)

[TorqueAutoMotiv]

first tune should come with the pulley drop no need to tune for every little change

i have a basic mail order tune and ill run it even with my 3.2 drop but will dyno tune when i add meth

[chickenfried]

so is it better to get a new pcm period or just have the stock on hooked up to a pc or tuning device?

[TorqueAutoMotiv]

depends if you have a compitent tuner if your not modding that far id say get a mail order and your in bussiness
ALl depends what your looking to do

[chickenfried]

supporting mods and 3.4

[Robroy04gtpcompG]

i have a short ram intake, a good set of racing wires, what else do i need, or would be recommended to install before doing a 3.4 pulley drop? i just found a guy that can dyno tune my car.

[TorqueAutoMotiv]

headers and im not sure about 3.4 you have a genv sc so 3.6 is equal to the 3.4 on a genIII I could be off on that

[TorqueAutoMotiv]

supporting mods and 3.4

just get a dhp,intense or overkill pcm and supporting mods and your good to go

[Robroy04gtpcompG]

what headers for california? what are you running? i'd like them to be smog legal
what about PEM?
i meant to put 3.6, as that is what i am planning.

[TorqueAutoMotiv]

Only one smog legal header and its TOG's they are pricey
i also dont know abot 04+ i know there legal on 97-03

I ported the crap out of my from mani and am having a dp made with out the dp though i have zero kr But im also cammed so i dont know how much that plays

Id say PEM's and a dp youl be good to go with a good tune