Advice on tuning for a beginner

Jahbb33 · 07-02-2021, 02:46 PM

So I've been trying to learn about tuning a car and saw HPTuners were probably my best best, but I'm terrified of paying $$$$ and messing up my car, especially since it's my daily driver. I have a performance shop here that has a Dyno, but don't really want to be at their mercy if I have issues.

I've also looked at ZZP tuning, but unless I already have an HPTuner, it's going to cost a lot of money.

I've seen mixed reviews on Trifecta and Racechip. Is there any tuner that's extremely easy and worth it? Or should I just attempt HPTuner?

Also wanted to add, I've tried searching through the forums and the posts are either a few years old, or don't give a straight answer.

kropscamaro16 · 07-02-2021, 02:52 PM

bring the car to zzp let them do it

Jahbb33 · 07-02-2021, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kropscamaro16

bring the car to zzp let them do it

I'm not sure I can. I Iive in Ohio and I can't drive across country because I work 60+ hours a week.

buckwam · 07-02-2021, 04:28 PM

Is there a consensus on who has the best tune for the camaro I4 that is reliable with no other mods? I'm guessing GM built in a buffer for people who won't use 93 octane and left some power on the table to avoid warranty claims. I would be interested in getting V6 power levels if it was safe.

kropscamaro16 · 07-02-2021, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahbb33

I'm not sure I can. I Iive in Ohio and I can't drive across country because I work 60+ hours a week.

Ohio to michigan? isnt cross country lol

Joshinator99 · 07-02-2021, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahbb33

So I've been trying to learn about tuning a car and saw HPTuners were probably my best best, but I'm terrified of paying $$$$ and messing up my car, especially since it's my daily driver. I have a performance shop here that has a Dyno, but don't really want to be at their mercy if I have issues.

I've also looked at ZZP tuning, but unless I already have an HPTuner, it's going to cost a lot of money.

I've seen mixed reviews on Trifecta and Racechip. Is there any tuner that's extremely easy and worth it? Or should I just attempt HPTuner?

Also wanted to add, I've tried searching through the forums and the posts are either a few years old, or don't give a straight answer.

I can recommend Brian at Vermont Tuning for sure. On the 2.0T he is who I would go to, and he should be able to remote tune that no problem.

I would avoid Trifecta like the plague based on conversations I’ve had with them. I’m not going to bad mouth them, but just my 2 cents.

Jahbb33 · 07-02-2021, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshinator99

I can recommend Brian at Vermont Tuning for sure. On the 2.0T he is who I would go to, and he should be able to remote tune that no problem.

I would avoid Trifecta like the plague based on conversations I’ve had with them. I’m not going to bad mouth them, but just my 2 cents.

So nooby question. For the Vermont Tuning, how does it work? Do they send you the tuner, you install it, record the data, and then send it to them?

And good to know avout Trifecta, you're not the first person to say that.

Jahbb33 · 07-02-2021, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kropscamaro16

Ohio to michigan? isnt cross country lol

Oh wow, I didn't realize it was only 5 hours away! That might be doable. Is that something you can do in a day?

Joshinator99 · 07-02-2021, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahbb33

So nooby question. For the Vermont Tuning, how does it work? Do they send you the tuner, you install it, record the data, and then send it to them?

And good to know avout Trifecta, you're not the first person to say that.

You buy a small handheld tune loader from him. You copy your cars tune, send it to him and he mods it. He’ll email you the new tune plus the stock one that you can reload at any time. Easy.

pumalex · 07-02-2021, 09:18 PM

went with Vermont Tuning too and never regretted it, customer service is very good, answers his email very quick.

95TA - The Beast · 07-02-2021, 11:23 PM

Trifecta tunes are great all around "full" tunes.

Virtually no-one else does a complete tune like they do... And by complete I mean everything from engine at all RPMs/throttle positions (not JUST WOT like many do) to the transmission and everything else.

I am completely happy with my original "advantage" tune and after the turbo upgrade the "elite" tune package.

Many will bad-mouth Trifecta, but that is because they either have never used it, or their expectations were drastically different than reality.

All I can say is that the car is completely different with their tune. You don't need a throttle controller or bigger throttlebody since they make all the changes that those do physically within the tune. The tip-in throttle was so aggressive that I had them back it off a tad for me on light throttle. More than a few people that have driven my car REALLY liked that aspect of the tune, since it made it seem so much more responsive with low-throttle input.

Overall the power and "feel" of the car is great with the Trifecta tunes.

The big issue I have with most others is that they ONLY tune WOT. And if I am going to spend decent money on a tune I want a all around tune that has been tested, verified and is useable everywhere. That is Trifecta.

Spaceme1117 · 07-03-2021, 09:06 AM

Had a Trifecta tune on a Saturn Sky Recline about 8 years ago. Really great tune and support at the time.

A couple of years later I wanted a tune for a Regal GS and they had massively jacked the price up and the support was lacking. Not sure how they are now.

But looking on their website, I think their prices are way too high for a canned tune.

You can get a better dyno tune cheaper than what Trifecta is selling.

Jahbb33 · 07-03-2021, 09:38 AM

Update: I decided on buying an HPTuner and am going to get it tuned by ZZP.

07-02-2021, 02:46 PM	#1
Jahbb33 Drives: 2019 Camaro 2.0T RS/1LE Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Dayton Posts: 14	Advice on tuning for a beginner So I've been trying to learn about tuning a car and saw HPTuners were probably my best best, but I'm terrified of paying $$$$ and messing up my car, especially since it's my daily driver. I have a performance shop here that has a Dyno, but don't really want to be at their mercy if I have issues. I've also looked at ZZP tuning, but unless I already have an HPTuner, it's going to cost a lot of money. I've seen mixed reviews on Trifecta and Racechip. Is there any tuner that's extremely easy and worth it? Or should I just attempt HPTuner? Also wanted to add, I've tried searching through the forums and the posts are either a few years old, or don't give a straight answer.

07-02-2021, 02:52 PM	#2
kropscamaro16 Drives: 2016 1ss camaro Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: 909 Posts: 9,812	bring the car to zzp let them do it __________________ 16 1SS NIGHTFALL GRAY METALLIC WITH NPP #BECAUSERACECAR #SAVETHEMANUALS

07-02-2021, 04:28 PM	#4
buckwam Drives: 2021 camaro 1ls Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: PA Posts: 91	Is there a consensus on who has the best tune for the camaro I4 that is reliable with no other mods? I'm guessing GM built in a buffer for people who won't use 93 octane and left some power on the table to avoid warranty claims. I would be interested in getting V6 power levels if it was safe.

07-02-2021, 09:18 PM	#10
pumalex Drives: 2020 Chevy Camaro Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Quebec Posts: 74	went with Vermont Tuning too and never regretted it, customer service is very good, answers his email very quick.

07-02-2021, 11:23 PM	#11
95TA - The Beast Drives: 2014 Cadillac CTS4 2.0T Performance Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: WI Posts: 117	Trifecta tunes are great all around "full" tunes. Virtually no-one else does a complete tune like they do... And by complete I mean everything from engine at all RPMs/throttle positions (not JUST WOT like many do) to the transmission and everything else. I am completely happy with my original "advantage" tune and after the turbo upgrade the "elite" tune package. Many will bad-mouth Trifecta, but that is because they either have never used it, or their expectations were drastically different than reality. All I can say is that the car is completely different with their tune. You don't need a throttle controller or bigger throttlebody since they make all the changes that those do physically within the tune. The tip-in throttle was so aggressive that I had them back it off a tad for me on light throttle. More than a few people that have driven my car REALLY liked that aspect of the tune, since it made it seem so much more responsive with low-throttle input. Overall the power and "feel" of the car is great with the Trifecta tunes. The big issue I have with most others is that they ONLY tune WOT. And if I am going to spend decent money on a tune I want a all around tune that has been tested, verified and is useable everywhere. That is Trifecta.

07-03-2021, 09:06 AM	#12
Spaceme1117 Drives: 2017 Camaro SS, 2011 Corvette GS Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Erlanger, Kentucky 41018 Posts: 815	Had a Trifecta tune on a Saturn Sky Recline about 8 years ago. Really great tune and support at the time. A couple of years later I wanted a tune for a Regal GS and they had massively jacked the price up and the support was lacking. Not sure how they are now. But looking on their website, I think their prices are way too high for a canned tune. You can get a better dyno tune cheaper than what Trifecta is selling.

07-03-2021, 09:38 AM	#13
Jahbb33 Drives: 2019 Camaro 2.0T RS/1LE Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Dayton Posts: 14	Update: I decided on buying an HPTuner and am going to get it tuned by ZZP.

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