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So i have a lowly DE with the typical mods (Intake, 75mm TB, plenum spacer, HFCs, TD exhaust). I want to get a tune to make the most of them, but curious about "return on investment". Would there be much difference between say a mail in re-flash tune ($300 from Z1 using maps from similar mods on other cars from UpRev) or going for a dyno tune (local guru charging $900). Obviously the dyno tune would be better but how much since its a DE?
A proper tune will be more noticeable than all your other mods combined. It'll change the efficiency of your current mods and also how the car reacts to throttle inputs.
Who is the "local guru" that you speak of? If your location is correct and you are in Raleigh (like me), take it to Soho in Charlotte. You will not be disappointed.
Phantasm is local off of Capital, but Soho specializes in the Z/G/R platform. Plus, you get to see what they're working on in the shop. Here's a shot I snapped when I got my tune at Soho.
DE or HR. It doesn't matter. As Dark mentioned, a tune will make your modifications more effective and you will appreciate how it reacts after the tune.
Last edited by Heel Til I Die; May 3, 2022 at 04:59 AM.
Do not do a generic mail in tune. Every car runs differently. Either in person, or remote tuning where its adjusted based on datalogs you record and send to the tuner.
Thanks Heel (im die hard Tar Heel as well ). I was referring to Phantasm here locally in my post..... also I've spoken with National Speed in Wilmington as well. I reached out to Soho today and have already heard back. Since they specialize in the VQ's I'm going that route as im sure i wont stop here with mods and may as well build up the rapport. Thanks again.
Thanks Heel (im die hard Tar Heel as well ). I was referring to Phantasm here locally in my post..... also I've spoken with National Speed in Wilmington as well. I reached out to Soho today and have already heard back. Since they specialize in the VQ's I'm going that route as im sure i wont stop here with mods and may as well build up the rapport. Thanks again.
Awesome. Super nice and competent group of guys down there. Nik is a good dude.
Will do! Im going to schedule something later this month with SOHO. Just ditched my old aftermarket wheels and got some new ones from Z1 installed this past week so now ready for the tune.
Will do! Im going to schedule something later this month with SOHO. Just ditched my old aftermarket wheels and got some new ones from Z1 installed this past week so now ready for the tune.
Nice. It sounds like we have similar mods. On my '05 I've got the Admin intake, 75mm TB, Z1 angled plenum spacer, stock headers, Berk HFCs, and the TDX2. Here's a shot of my dyno results from about 4 years ago.
Nice. It sounds like we have similar mods. On my '05 I've got the Admin intake, 75mm TB, Z1 angled plenum spacer, stock headers, Berk HFCs, and the TDX2. Here's a shot of my dyno results from about 4 years ago.
Man thats a good looking graph! Area under the curve looks really nice...i hope i can get close to that. Was the driving difference after the tune noticeable?
The immediate noticeable difference to me was the throttle response. Prior to the tune, I changed out my clutch and flywheel to the JWT lightweight flywheel/clutch combo. Maybe it's all in my head, but I felt like the tune really improved the throttle allowing it to rev faster taking advantage of the lightened flywheel and my other breather mods. I'm also running some LMGT4's which are lighter than the heavy stockers. Again, it all may be psychological, but I really enjoyed the drive back after the tune. I've also got an '06 G35 which is not tuned and I can notice a discernible difference in the throttle when driving the two.
If you haven't changed your plugs in a while, it may be worth it to do so beforehand. I did that and noticed some oil in one of the tubes which then led to replacing the valve covers. I changed out all the other fluids to get everything fresh and filled up with some 93 ethanol-free octane fuel. The Sunoco down the street from me on Falls has it. There may be some other stations around, but that one is closest to me. I'm sure it's over $5/gallon now.
I bet with the tune and your clutch/flywheel combo that she is spinning up quickly! Did you do that install yourself? 270 HP to wheels is a nice number for this car so im sure yours is performing beautifully.
I just replaced my valve cover, gaskets and plugs. Thanks for the tip on the Sunoco-im in brier creek so thats not too far. I need to get the differential, coolant and tranny fluids changed.
Any other mods planned-are you planning to go the FI route?
Thanks bud. Yeah - I did the clutch/flywheel install myself. This was when I was working in a 1-car garage and using jack stands. That is something I would not wish on my worst enemy. Since that time, I've finished up this "build" so no more crawling around on my back anymore.
For now, I think the Z might be finished with performance-based mods. I might do headers in the future, but based on the labor vs. gains, I'm still on the fence. But then again, the Z is not my daily and with the lift, I suppose it wouldn't be too horrible. Maybe if I get bored... As far as FI, I know there are a lot of threads about the reliability, but I think I'm too much of a wimp to take the plunge. My daily is a G35 with about 145K on the clock. I might go FI in the future and do a rebuild if she turns into my hobby car and I get a different daily.
Here's how my Z currently sits. Throw up the Z-wave if you see me around!
Man your car is a beaut! Might be one of the best verts i have ever seen-wow.
I totally get you on the future mods. My z isnt my DD either but still hesitant on going all out with an engine build and FI. I've had her since the showroom floor literally lol so it would be quite a transition. Hoping the tune will make the current mods come "alive" a bit.
Which tune?
). I was referring to Phantasm here locally in my post..... also I've spoken with National Speed in Wilmington as well. I reached out to Soho today and have already heard back. Since they specialize in the VQ's I'm going that route as im sure i wont stop here with mods and may as well build up the rapport. Thanks again.
