I searched and didn't find a post that addresses my question specifically enough. Per intake install I have read that a tune is necessary. Now for a drop in filter such as the Works drop-in with the ETS downpipe vta, ets test pipe, ets v2 catback, is a tune necessary to keep it safe, knock free? I wanted to be able to acquire more bolt-ons and cams before needing a tune. Thanks

 

Drop in is fine a TBE is not, your going to throw a code for the cat and depending on the year of your car you may lean it out too much. The only way to be sure is to monitor your AFR. You can acquire mods without installing.. Just have a pile in your garage and when your ready install and get a tune.

I believe you can safely do a cat back but again I would still see where my AFR is.

 

I ran a K&N drop in, AMS Widemouth and T1R Resinated TP for almost a year with no issues. Like 08GsrX said, you will throw a code for no cat. Not sure if the exhaust is going to make a difference with the tune but i think you will be fine without a actual tune. Just keep an eye on your boost and afr if you have gauges.

 

ETS installs a j joint on the test to move the sensor back away from the direct exhaust stream to give a more comparable reading that a cat would produce. Theoretically I shouldnt throw a code. Guages are a must. My next aquisition. I believe I asked ets a while back if I needed a tune and they said I would be fine. However I cant recal the conversation accurately enough and therefor spawning my question here. Im running the stock tune btw. I figure if the tbe gets me leaner it will only benefit the stock tune. The question is will it get me to lean. Hence the need for the guages to kerp an eye out.

 

Just an update. The system has been installed and no code is being thrown. Credit to ETS's test pipe design with the j pipe that the sensor connects to. Afr reading was good. Need gauges asap to monitor. Mike at ETS acknowledges no tune necessary to keep safe perametters but obviously one is needed to get the most performance out of the system.

 

I guess having a full blown CAI instead of a drop in really requires a tune immediately. There's another EVO X MR guy in my area who has the same mods but with a CAI and is wondering why his car is backfiring. I said he needs a tune really bad and we have a good one in the area, his response was " I need a bigger turbo"!

 

A code that is thrown with tbe + drop in is acs warning. An ignition cycle eliminates it. Issue with ecu torque map. Resolved with tune. Expect to see it at times of wot.