I have an 03 Z with jwt popcharger, ark grip exhaust, and motordyne 5/16 spacer. I've been looking into getting a tune but everywhere I look they seem to charge $700. Now I'm all for paying for quality but is that too much for what I would actually gain? I've read through many threads with people that have a similar setup as me and gaining maybe 8 to 15hp. So what do you guys think yay or nay? And before anyone chimes in about HFCs I'd rather pass on them. My car is more on the quiet side as far as aftermarket exhausts go and I'd like to keep it at that level.

 

Thread moved to Engine & Drivetrain / Tuning

 

I think you just answered your own question. You paid probably more for your exhaust system and that pretty much will net you about the same gain in power your comparing at the cost of 700 doll hairs for a tune...

Willing to bet all of your mods arent providing their full potential in efficiency WITHOUT the tune...Also, its more that just about power too. Increased rev limit, drive-ability improvement, safer AFR's with a tune...etc.

 

It also helps if you mention how you plan on tuning your car. COBB, Uprev...etc

 

Uprev tuning.

 

An Uprev tune will make a big difference

 

Are you planning on swapping out any of your mods in the near future?
Are you planning on getting headers, test pipes or high flow cats soon? (I know you mentioned no HFC's)

If you answered no to both questions above, I'd suggest getting a tune. A tune does more than just extract power, but optimizes it and also smooths out your AFR ratio, gives you the option of map switching (93/91/valet/anti-theft/stock is the usual), and other little things (such as changing when the radiator fans kick in). Cost is usually $500-$700 for UpRev, which includes the license.

I'd suggest going to R/T Tuning - about an hour or two away (RTTuning.com). If you don't want to make the drive (but I suggest you do), there's J-Tune Performance down in Delaware, or you can look at UpRev.com for a dealer map. The reason I don't suggest getting a tune if you plan on swapping/adding soon though is because the cost of re-tuning your vehicle is around 200-300 per hour each time, so getting it done once you're done with your mods is optimal.

Do you HAVE to get a tune? Lots of cars run without getting one.
Will a tune help in more than just power extraction? Definitely.

In regards to if that's too much to what you actually gain - it's purely up to personal preference. To run safer, and better, I'd say $700 is well worth it.

 

A mentioned above, the tune would be worth it in terms of improving efficiency overall. I've got exhaust and test pipes, and am holding out on getting tuned until I get the spacer and mrev2 In my revup.

 

Thanks for the anwsers guys. Much appreciated. I think I'm going to keep my stock cats for now for a couple reasons. 1. I've heard hfcs with the ark grip are pretty loud and 2. I guess its impossible to not get the hiss/buzz sound when you put any kind of tp or hfcs with the ark grip. And i don't think that's something I'd enjoy too much. So I went in to jtune today and I think I'm going to set a tune up with just what I have done to the car already. Should have an appointment for a couple weeks from now. Ill keep you guys posted. Thanks again.

 

Hok is a good tuner. You'll love the car afterwards

 

Anymore reviews on J-tune Performance? It's closer to my work than RT tuning.

 

Hey guys i got my car tuned at jtune this weekend by Hok. As mentioned above he is a great tuner. The guy really knows his stuff. Nissans are definitely his specialty and hes very good at what he does. Def would recommend him. Anyways after driving the car around for a few days to really feel the difference and play around with it. I must say it feels awesome. It pulls and pulls and pulls. throttle response is great and it is very much alive and quick. I think he pulled great numbers out of it for having stock cats,de motor, and just about 100k on it. Im very happy with the results and it was the best investment ive made yet on the car.

 

He's a pretty funny guy too if you got a chance to chat with him after