Notices
EvoM New Member / FAQs / EvoM Rules New member? Come on in, introduce yourself, and get acquainted with the evolutionm.net posse :) FAQs will also be answered in here.

Tuning-The Basics for Newbs

Old Aug 4, 2011 | 01:40 PM
  #1  
ludeakris7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia
Tuning-The Basics for Newbs

I'm planning on getting a EVO GSR when the 2012's come out in a couple months. I've been searching the tuning forums to get some knowledge but none of the info in there is really "newbie"..... very technical.

From what I've read most say one of the best things you can do (mod) the EVO is getting a really good tune. I've never tuned any of my cars and really have never modded them as well aside from suspension and wheels (no engine stuff). So the whole tuning thing is all new info to me.

My assumption is that you really need to find a local shop that specializes in the performance aspect of auto's (ie speed shop) and not just your typical mechanic shop to get a tune. The definition of a tune really is changes to the ECU (with programs etc) in simpliest terms? Local mechanics if you asked for a "tune" would change your spark plugs and change the oil..like a "tune-up".

In your opinions, would you get a intake and/or exhaust and then get a tune when you install them or can you get a tune on a stock engine and still get a decent return from just the tune? At what mileage should you tune it? (break in) Roughly, how much does a tune cost? I'm sure it depends on the tuner and what caliber of a tune your getting but whats a rough ballpark figure for a basic job?

I live in Philadelphia so if anyone knows of a place that I can work with for a professional "tune" and other mods it would be greatly appreciated!

I'm sure there's other newbies who aren't 100% on the topic so I figured I'd ask to help out others who are trying to learn about these things. I'm really trying to school myself on modding as I am buying the perfect car to start getting involved.

Appreciate your patience for such a basic question
Reply
Old Aug 4, 2011 | 02:15 PM
  #2  
ProPilot04's Avatar
Evolved Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 7
From: Holding over the VOR
Originally Posted by ludeakris7
I'm planning on getting a EVO GSR when the 2012's come out in a couple months. I've been searching the tuning forums to get some knowledge but none of the info in there is really "newbie"..... very technical.

From what I've read most say one of the best things you can do (mod) the EVO is getting a really good tune. I've never tuned any of my cars and really have never modded them as well aside from suspension and wheels (no engine stuff). So the whole tuning thing is all new info to me.

My assumption is that you really need to find a local shop that specializes in the performance aspect of auto's (ie speed shop) and not just your typical mechanic shop to get a tune. The definition of a tune really is changes to the ECU (with programs etc) in simpliest terms? Local mechanics if you asked for a "tune" would change your spark plugs and change the oil..like a "tune-up".

In your opinions, would you get a intake and/or exhaust and then get a tune when you install them or can you get a tune on a stock engine and still get a decent return from just the tune? At what mileage should you tune it? (break in) Roughly, how much does a tune cost? I'm sure it depends on the tuner and what caliber of a tune your getting but whats a rough ballpark figure for a basic job?

I live in Philadelphia so if anyone knows of a place that I can work with for a professional "tune" and other mods it would be greatly appreciated!

I'm sure there's other newbies who aren't 100% on the topic so I figured I'd ask to help out others who are trying to learn about these things. I'm really trying to school myself on modding as I am buying the perfect car to start getting involved.

Appreciate your patience for such a basic question
Hey m8, I was and to some extent am still in a similar position as you. There's a ton of technical jargon, with reading... it slowly begins to fall into place.

I have an E9MR, so I'm not positive with the X, but tunes are available through many places via email (Mellon Racing has good info on their site, I'm not saying go with them... but their site was helpful in sort of seeing what is available outside of my area).

Evo (9's anyway) respond oddly to an intake pipe, and many suggest just doing a filter... not sure if its the same on the X. With light mods, it's ok to drive around without the tune... but you'll get SIGNIFICANTLY better performance and fuel economy with a tune (granted I'm basing that on the 9). So my suggestion is to plan accordingly... as an example:

On my car I have an open filter, TBE, UICP, LICP, Fuel Pump, EBCS, Boost Gauge, Wideband A/F... I plan to have the vehicle tuned within the month, and the only things on the car are the TBE, UICP, and Filter (plus the 2 gauges). When I go in for the tune, I'll be adding the other items to supplement.

Not sure if any of this is helping, or its just me talking... anyway, let me know
Reply


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:48 PM.