Question: Is there a downside to having a 'Tune' done on a otherwise stock LS1 ?

[killain]

I'm debating having a 'Tune' done on my 2003 LS1 and it's being done on a dynometer and by a expert of 20 years in the process. I'm just wondering if there's enough 'Benefit' for me to have it done. I've heard from a lot of owners who said it's like night and day? But I'm wondering about the downsides , be they what they are and of if there's a downside. Anybody else have this done and are you happy with the results ? I'm looking for a little more get up and go, or a better throttle response. What do you think ?

 

[catbert]

I've never had a problem with any of my LS tunes. Is it worth it? Depends on your expectations - but I think so.:L

 

[LLC5]

I'm debating having a 'Tune' done on my 2003 LS1 and it's being done on a dynometer and by a expert of 20 years in the process. I'm just wondering if there's enough 'Benefit' for me to have it done. I've heard from a lot of owners who said it's like night and day? But I'm wondering about the downsides , be they what they are and of if there's a downside. Anybody else have this done and are you happy with the results ? I'm looking for a little more get up and go, or a better throttle response. What do you think ?

Downsides would be running your powertrain hard on the dyno, and removing the safety gaurds that the factory tune has programmed into it. The upside would be that it is a custom map for your individual engine and any upgrades to achieve maximum power and torque numbers, as no two engines are identical. You may see a little better power and response, but without intake engine and exhaust upgrades before the tune, it will be minimal. Good luck with it.

 

[killain]

Great Professional input

Downsides would be running your powertrain hard on the dyno, and removing the safety gaurds that the factory tune has programmed into it. The upside would be that it is a custom map for your individual engine and any upgrades to achieve maximum power and torque numbers, as no two engines are identical. You may see a little better power and response, but without intake engine and exhaust upgrades before the tune, it will be minimal. Good luck with it.

Thank you for the Technical side of my decision ! At my age, and the way I use the car, I've been worried re-programing of the PCM. And not necessarily right now, but down the road in a couple of years, what happens if I have an electrical problem and the PCM's memory goes all to hell? How do I get the memory reinstalled ? The aspect of being run hard on a dynometer isn't a good idea to me as well. Thank you !

 

[Mr. Lucky]

I went this route before deciding on going to a stroked LS2 motor. I don't know of any downsides, but the upside is not that noticeable unless you have an automatic transmission.

I'd like to hear more about the danger of removing "safety guards." The rev-limiter and knock sensors are still used, so what are we talking about here?

 

[LLC5]

I'd like to hear more about the danger of removing "safety guards." The rev-limiter and knock sensors are still used, so what are we talking about here?

I was mainly referring to leaner air fuel ratios especially at wot for cylinder cooling, and automatic transmission line pressure for drivetrain shock load.

 

[catbert]

Doesn't the stock tune also pull timing from wide open throttle from a stop to lessen driveline damage?

 

[napacruzerC5]

The factory tune is mostly a compromise of fuel mileage, drivability, pollution controls and lastly, performance. Any kind of aftermarket tune would require a change to those parameters. Sure you could bump up performance at the cost of one of the other parameters. Automatics can also have the transmission tuned: different shift rpms, etc. For just driving on the street with a stock engine - probably overkill with little to gain.

 

[killain]

Honesty

The factory tune is mostly a compromise of fuel mileage, drivability, pollution controls and lastly, performance. Any kind of aftermarket tune would require a change to those parameters. Sure you could bump up performance at the cost of one of the other parameters. Automatics can also have the transmission tuned: different shift rpms, etc. For just driving on the street with a stock engine - probably overkill with little to gain.

Thank you for laying out exactly what is a "give and take" situation. If I wanted to get more out of the car ultra-performance wise, a 'Tune' for the PCM I assume would be worth it, but from what you and others have kindly given technically speaking. But in most situations, I'm fine with the system as it is. Thank you again.

 

[longspur]

I would not touch any factory LS1 with a tune or any other factory engine for that matter. If you want to go faster buy a newer car with more power or have the complete drivetrain re-engineered of your exsisting car. I learned long ago that messing around with factory settings only causes other issues down the road.

 

[TooFast]

I would not touch any factory LS1 with a tune or any other factory engine for that matter. If you want to go faster buy a newer car with more power or have the complete drivetrain re-engineered of your exsisting car. I learned long ago that messing around with factory settings only causes other issues down the road.

So are you saying you would not modify the engine with cam, intake, heads, headers, etc. Or are you saying you would only do a tune if you changed all or some of those?

 

[warren s]

Unless you know the folks at the shop and are getting a major discount on the tune its pretty much a waste of money.

Maybe if you had a cat back exhaust or a vararam it would pay, but even then its still maybe a small gain. Putting the car on the dyno can be anywhere between $300 to $500.

All depends on what your expecting

 

[VETTEX2]

I have over 230,000 miles with an aftermarket tune and the motor has never been apart.

I would not touch any factory LS1 with a tune or any other factory engine for that matter. If you want to go faster buy a newer car with more power or have the complete drivetrain re-engineered of your exsisting car. I learned long ago that messing around with factory settings only causes other issues down the road.

that is laughable

 

[Curious George]

I would not touch any factory LS1 with a tune or any other factory engine for that matter. If you want to go faster buy a newer car with more power or have the complete drivetrain re-engineered of your exsisting car. I learned long ago that messing around with factory settings only causes other issues down the road.

If you understand the "system" and work within the parameters it can handle, tuning an otherwise stock OE vehicle can be beneficial. Some people prefer a car to drive a certain way and re-tuning an OE tune can provide gratifying results.

CG

 

[6 Shooter]

I'd say add a few new toys(intake/exhaust) to your LS1 and go for a custom tune!

:cool​

K&N's Generation II FIPK®: http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?Prod=57-3035​

CORSA Xtreme Cat-back System with Pro-Series Tips: http://www.corsaperf.com/product_display.aspx?product=41​

LG Motorsports C5 Street Series Long Tube Headers: http://www.lgmotorsports.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=342_278&products_id=1429​

LGM's Dynotune: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v631/cyal8tr/LGM%20Upgrade%20Trip/?action=view&current=LGMDynoTune2000LS6-041910.mp4

​