Computer Diagnostics and Tuning Technical discussion on diagnostics and programming of the F-body computers

Would a tune help me gain hp's from my bolt ons?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-28-2010, 10:20 AM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
dodge69874's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Miami, FL
Posts: 300
Question Would a tune help me gain hp's from my bolt ons?

I have a 1994 Trans Am with an LT1 and some bolt ons (K&N cold air intake, custom longtube headers, full Magnaflow dual exhuast). Would a computer tuner help me gain power from the bolt on's or does the factory system already compensate for the parts. If there is a gain, about how much should I expect? I've been told that with these parts I have on, I should be making about 300hp at the crank. Would it be worth the cost? I mean, I'm not going to spend $500-$700 on it to only get like a 5-15 hp increase. And which tuner would you guys recommend for my application, I might be willing to spend anywhere from $300-$700. Should I go with SCT, Diablo Predator, etc., or should I just get a laptop and hook up a prokit? Well thanks and here are some pics to give you an idea of my mods, I also have a stage 2 clutch and not sure but I might have a Hurst shift. All these parts were installed by the previous owner, who must happen been somewhat of a welder. Well, thanks.

Magnaflow exhuast:


Headers look something like this:


K&N intake:
dodge69874 is offline  
Old 10-28-2010, 03:21 PM
  #2  
Registered User
 
koolaid_kid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Midwest
Posts: 385
I don't think you will see massive gains with a tune. IIRC, your car was rated at 275 hp, so even if you saw 300 that is only an increase of 25 hp, less than 10%.
I would recommend picking up a laptop and getting a tuning package and a data collection package and learning how to do it yourself. You would also need a wideband. I use TunerCat, Datamaster, and an LM-1, but there are other options out there.
koolaid_kid is offline  
Old 10-28-2010, 03:28 PM
  #3  
Registered User
 
GRIDERMAN87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Oklahoma---405
Posts: 365
with those you can get away without having a tune, but if you have taken your cats off you will need to get the o2s taken care of or buy a simulator
GRIDERMAN87 is offline  
Old 10-28-2010, 04:46 PM
  #4  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
dodge69874's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Miami, FL
Posts: 300
I didn't take them off. I think the previous owner built a setup without cats. But haven't had any o2 problems. Wish I knew more about all the work they did on it. They also removed the skip shift thing.
dodge69874 is offline  
Old 10-28-2010, 07:35 PM
  #5  
Administrator
 
Injuneer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 1998
Location: Hell was full so they sent me to NJ
Posts: 70,678
Originally Posted by GRIDERMAN87
with those you can get away without having a tune, but if you have taken your cats off you will need to get the o2s taken care of or buy a simulator
He has a 94.... NO after-cat O2 sensors, nothing to "tune out", no need for simulators. Plus it only had a single cat. You need to pay attention to the differences between years. Not all years are like your 96.

Typically, a stock engine will pick up 10-15HP simply from leaning out the overly rich PE mode target A/F ratio.
Injuneer is offline  
Old 10-28-2010, 09:36 PM
  #6  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
dodge69874's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Miami, FL
Posts: 300
Thanks for the info. Pics of the exhaust setup are here: https://www.camaroz28.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=780340
dodge69874 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bignasty85
General 1967-2002 F-Body Tech
12
03-03-2015 04:05 PM
96z
Drag Racing Technique
6
09-05-2002 07:53 PM
LVZ2881
Drag Racing Technique
8
08-27-2002 08:35 PM
96z
Drag Racing Technique
6
08-22-2002 04:05 PM
Joe Brodman
Drag Racing Technique
5
07-24-2002 05:24 AM



Quick Reply: Would a tune help me gain hp's from my bolt ons?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:31 AM.