Hello everyone,

I just switched from being a long time VW guy to an Evo guy. I was planning on getting the Golf .:R but the Evo is the real deal and its just pretending.

In any case, Im a bit out of my element. Im planning the tuning program for my new project and the one question holding me back is, when is a tune required? Im sure this is answered somewhere but I didnt see an FAQ nor is there a simple term to search for that I can think of.

To be specific, I'm asking from an OTS safety and reliability standpoint. I have seen a lot of tuners have specific intake maps but Ive not seen any OTS exhaust or intercooler maps. Is this because it is assumed pro tune will come along with an exhaust or will the ECM compensate for the flow change on its own?

Different angles on the same question will be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

The X responds very well to *just* tuning with everything else stock, however, with the X you can generally get away with an intake (as long as it has an OEM sized MAF housing), UICP, FMIC, LICP and a CBE without the need of a tune.

I'm sure you could change your exhaust manifold and downpipe without a tune as long as you left the cat-converter, but the gains from manifold and downpipe with a cat is just ridiculously not worth it.

Generally speaking, the OTS maps are on the rich side, just like the OE tune. You will more than likely want to get a pro-tune though. It's where the magic happens for keeping the car solid and well behaved. The AP is not your only means of tuning though. Many tuners do open-source flashing on the X. The concept of "stages" really only refers to the OTS maps and common stepping points of modification, but most owners will agree that a good way to go is just an intake, IC piping and CBE, then toss a TP (and maybe FMIC like I did) on, and go to a tuner you like and let them tune with the method they prefer. Might be an AP, might not be. AP is very versatile and user-friendly, however you can get the same tuning quality with either route.

 

Thanks. That cleared it up for me.

I see you're in Az, are there ever gtg's in the valley?

 

Welcome