Tuner or dyno tune

**MattB75** · 03-14-2008, 06:41 PM

Just wanted some opinions on whether I should purchase a handheld tuner (Diablo predator) or pay for a shop to do the tune on a dyno. I have installed the K&N CAI, put a flowmaster 3 inch cat-back exhaust, and plugged the EGR system on my 99 T/A. I have the stock cam, and everything else is stock with the exception of the MAF sensor (SLP MAF). The predator is @ $400, and the shop I talked to said they can tune the car for $450, and for an extra $150, they will port and polish the TB. Thanks for any insight.

**Mr. Luos** · 03-14-2008, 06:43 PM

Handhelds are overall a waste.

**TransAm11973** · 03-14-2008, 07:20 PM

dyno tune, handheld is a waste of money and blow

**Y2KPewterSS** · 03-14-2008, 07:20 PM

Get a real tune, handhelds=pissing money into the wind.

**Mustang Killa** · 03-15-2008, 01:20 AM

lets say i decide to do one of those mail order tunes...i have a lid (maybe volant set up in the near future) and catback exhaust would it be worth doing a tune or should i wait til i get some headers atleast...which could be awhile...if i go ahead what exactly would you reccomend having changed?

**Rikki_SeVeN** · 03-15-2008, 03:16 AM

Originally Posted by Mustang Killa

lets say i decide to do one of those mail order tunes...i have a lid (maybe volant set up in the near future) and catback exhaust would it be worth doing a tune or should i wait til i get some headers atleast...which could be awhile...if i go ahead what exactly would you reccomend having changed?

^ what he said...

(but I got SLP CAi and Mangaflow Catback)

**Frost** · 03-15-2008, 03:33 AM

Originally Posted by Mustang Killa

lets say i decide to do one of those mail order tunes...i have a lid (maybe volant set up in the near future) and catback exhaust would it be worth doing a tune or should i wait til i get some headers atleast...which could be awhile...if i go ahead what exactly would you reccomend having changed?

It would be worth more if you were an A4, but if you are on the factory programming still, it'll always be worth something.

**tripp_symmes** · 03-15-2008, 05:06 AM

My opinion Handhelds have a place .

I am basically stock, needed to reprogram rear gear change and had a pig rich factory tune.

Vinci Tuner Cam Performance #1 tune worked great. Ltrims are now -3 to -1, mvs are 915 at WOT and have 28 degrees of timing versus the 25 degrees stock. SOTP very noticable difference.

I can easlily put back stock tune for emissions and dealer.

**MattB75** · 03-15-2008, 09:11 AM

Thanks for the info. Talking with the shop I plan on having the tune done with, they say the handhelds put the fuel/air mixture right at the point of detonation, which could very well cause internal engine damage. It seems like they are a reputable shop. If anyone in the NorCal area is looking for a good shop to tune your ride, the name is Advanced Dyno in Suisun City. Thanks again for the info guys.

**MattB75** · 03-15-2008, 03:09 PM

Another question. Is it worth the $150 to get the TB ported and polished? The shop said it will give a slight HP increase, but I want to make sure it's worth the money. I'm trying to figure out all of the good/bad tuning stuff still. Thanks.