Initial Tuning Cost?

[Att3mpt]

So I am looking into getting a tune after getting a performance exhaust and cold air intake. I was wondering if $1100 for initial tuning and dyno is normal.
Apparently they told me that the first tune always costs the most (because it needs to unlock something)? is this true?

i got an l99 engine, thanks

[Camarokid1996]

Originally Posted by Att3mpt

So I am looking into getting a tune after getting a performance exhaust and cold air intake. I was wondering if $1100 for initial tuning and dyno is normal.
Apparently they told me that the first tune always costs the most (because it needs to unlock something)? is this true?

i got an l99 engine, thanks

Unless you have headers, I wouldn't waste my money on a tune with those mods. $1100 is over double what I paid for a dyno tune

[RupertPupkin]

I’m paying 600$ for my FI build, and that includes an e85 tune also... they want to 3===@ (__*__) Right there...

[Black_SS10]

That is an insane amount of money for just tuning.

[Att3mpt]

Ya, I'm still pretty new to this, but mainly I just want to tune out AFM. How much will that cost generally?

[RupertPupkin]

Originally Posted by Att3mpt

Ya, I'm still pretty new to this, but mainly I just want to tune out AFM. How much will that cost generally?

https://www.autoanything.com/perform...disable-device

[LCPLPunk]

Ok, so...talk to RDP Motorsports and get this: https://www.rdpstore.com/p-6042-tune...tom-tunes.aspx


You'll upload the tune from your car into the tuner, move the tune file from the tuner onto your computer, email him the tune, he'll tweak it for your mods, send it back to you, and then you upload it into your car. Done.


I've been using his stuff for 3 years now and only paid one time. I initially got a tune for an intake, then a tune for longtubes, then a tune for 3.91 gears, then a tune for my 3200 converter...and I still only paid ONE time.


It's a no brainer in my opinion. Now, if you get a cam or supercharger he won't do those remotely, but it is what it is.

[Att3mpt]

Originally Posted by RupertPupkin

https://www.autoanything.com/perform...disable-device

Ya. I know about the range device, I know im forgetful and might leave it plugged and it'll drain my car battery so im looking for a more permanent solution.
thanks tho

[Camaro2ss2010]

You should only pay 1/4 of that for a tune. That’s crazy

[InFiD3ViL]

You could buy a handheld from DynoSteve for $400 and get free tune updates for life. But, I don't know if he will tune for customers that live in California.

You do not need a dyno tune for light mods such as this, unless you are determined to get a dyno sheet and power results. But whatever way you go, $1100 is a crazy price to pay for tuning with those mods...or any, to be honest.

[SL33P3R]

I totally agree with everyone saying to get with Dynosteve at RDP. I have gotten 3 tunes myself and have 2 club members that have gotten tunes and everyone has been spot on. Since you have a L99 the trans tune is worth it alone. Stock the L99 shifts soft and doesn't really get the power to the ground. With RDP's tune drive is how it should shift from the factory and sport mode is neck snapping mustang eating aggressive. The lifetime tune is great if you plan to build in stages.

[pyroguy]

Yes an initial tune costs more because you have to unlock your ECU in their system, but HELL NO $1,100 is not normal. I know things in California are inflated but that's insanity.

As for Camarokid1996's comment, a tune is absolutely worth it even without headers and since you're in California I doubt you'll be able to get headers. For a L99 car a properly tuned car is a night and day different animal compared to a stock car because of how they tune the transmission. In stock form the automatic trans is a bit lazy IMO. With a quality tune the car will wake up and you'll think you picked up 50+rwhp. You can even have your tuner tune a "wife mode" in like I had mine do. What that means is that when in "D" mode it shifts smoother like factory, better shift points and a little firmer, but still smooth. However, in "M" mode it has hard neck snapping shifts that really turn the car into a bit of an animal.

Good luck and stay away from that first tuner. That may be their "I don't actually want to tune your car but if you'll pay me a crazy price I'll do it" price.

[cfosceola]

I paid $800 less than that but was a street tune, so much fun and lots of knowledge gained with tuner next to me while I was driving

[Att3mpt]

Originally Posted by pyroguy

Yes an initial tune costs more because you have to unlock your ECU in their system, but HELL NO $1,100 is not normal. I know things in California are inflated but that's insanity.

As for Camarokid1996's comment, a tune is absolutely worth it even without headers and since you're in California I doubt you'll be able to get headers. For a L99 car a properly tuned car is a night and day different animal compared to a stock car because of how they tune the transmission. In stock form the automatic trans is a bit lazy IMO. With a quality tune the car will wake up and you'll think you picked up 50+rwhp. You can even have your tuner tune a "wife mode" in like I had mine do. What that means is that when in "D" mode it shifts smoother like factory, better shift points and a little firmer, but still smooth. However, in "M" mode it has hard neck snapping shifts that really turn the car into a bit of an animal.

Good luck and stay away from that first tuner. That may be their "I don't actually want to tune your car but if you'll pay me a crazy price I'll do it" price.

Thank you for your reply, now I know what is possible.
The cost of the initial tune also has 2 dyno runs included. so the $1100 price maybe because of the 2 initial dyno runs?