larry_chip

Thinkin about tuning my 08 Z, just wondering who does the best mail order tune on Z's?

i know you guys are gonna say go do a dyno tune! but i'm just looking for a few extra ponies..

CSixDude

I can't tell you who does the best, cause I haven't tried them all, but I'm real happy with the tune I got from Chuck at COW. It included the tune for both the ecm and transmission. I'm not sure how many of the mail order tunes also do the transmission.

I was noticing today how it feels like the gas pedal is now actually connected to the engine. With all the torque management and limits in the factory tune, it makes it feel like there is a complete disconnect between the pedal and the engine. When you push on the pedal, the computer has to decide how much power to give you and when, and then a few seconds later the car starts to slowly accelerate. With Chucks tune, it now feel like any other car you are used to driving, and when you push on the gas, it simply goes. The engine and transmission are much more responsive to small throttle changes, and I can shift the automatic transmission by simply using my right foot now. I don't have to put it in "S" or use the paddles at all.

I am having to take some time to get used to the new feel and responsiveness of the car. I'm finding I can now zip in and out of traffic easier since I can make the car do what I need to. Before I had to be a lot more cautious in trying to accelerate quickly into a hole in traffic, as the throttle response was so delayed and unpredictable. Since the computer is not always trying to lessen my throttle inputs and keep the transmission in a higher gear, I have to be a bit more careful and not just mash on the pedal if I don't want my gas mileage to take a dive, so I'm having to relearn being smoother with my throttle control, since it now drives and responds like the true thoroughbred it is. So now my gas mileage number is more my responsibility to control instead of the computers. With the OEM tune, the ECM is always trying to limit your RPMS and keep the car in a high gear and reduce torque and engine speed to keep the gas mileage numbers up. The problem is that it makes the responsiveness of the car absolutely terrible. Now with Chuck's tune, I'm more in control, and can make the car do what I want it to. And I'll tell you this, it's a WHOLE lot more FUN to drive now as a result.

By the way, my car is completely stock with the exception of Chucks tune. I can't imagine ever needing to make any other performance modifications to it.

PAKirk

Right, but he's got a Z, which means no auto transmission, so that's a moot point.

Can't help ya, Larry, as I'm looking into tunes myself (installing headers).

0Chuck CoW

For anyone who is interested......

Do yourself a favor and get the info DIRECT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH!

Call me and I'll explain everything to you....

Choice of AIR INTAKE is EXTREMELY important when selecting a mail order tune.

When the tuner you choose tells you..."HEY, YOU SHOULD HAVE A VARARAM..." THEN, if you want the best results...you should get one.

There's a lot to explain, but AIR INTAKE CHOICE IS CRITICAL when it comes to engine calibration.

Air intakes are more complicated than most people know and, NO! all cold air systems are not the same....

Speak to someone who knows BEFORE you buy!

Call me any time!
Chuck CoW

MPM IV

I would have it done in person, even if it meant planning a trip.
Good luck.

ejbarre

272 miles from Burlinton to Ossining, NY. A No-Brainer, Road Trip!!!!!! Let Chuck do his magic in person.

HOXXOH

If only a couple extra HP, then just prop open the shroud. Should be about the same as a generic mail order tune. $2 in parts and 10 minutes labor. Gains of .15 sec and 2 mph in the quarter are normal. No warranty issues either.

If you still want a tune, don't waste your money on halfway measures. Get a complete custom dyno tune from a tuner whose customers have race track proven results. Check the fast list and your local dragstrip for those names.

Wicked Weasel

We tell everyone to come to the shop and get a tune (either dyno and/or street) Can't beat having your car in the hands of Doug@ECS to work some of his magic on it.

That being said with many proven/reliable 1/4 mile cars, road race cars and street cars we have a pretty good idea how to tune your car without it coming to the shop so people looking to clean up their stock GM tune and get a bit more out of their car the ECS mail order tune is a good deal for the money (search the forum you will find many happy ECS customers).

Bob

Justasheet

I couldn't be happier with my Cow tune.
Jeff

DOUG @ ECS

As the tuner for ECS, I can tell that I perform countless mail order tunes for the C6Z, compliled from a ton of dyno time-track data-road course data-and general street use.

Some other mail order tuners on these boards dont even have a dyno for that type of testing, or have even a quarter of the track data logging that I do, 1/4 mile or road course, and whether you have any intensions of ever going to the track or not, the best data is compliled from it's hardest use. Ensuring that you will not be given too aggressive of a tune, yet the most effective possible.

We offer our C6 tunes via a hand held for the A6 cars, but for your ZO6 you are best off mailing us the PCM for our $149 tune special, which I can turn around the same day received. Do not be led in by over priced tunes or a good salesmen, our tunes are proven, and reasonably priced.

We will also be happy to answer all question online, we do not have to have a private conversation, but feel free to call the shop if you wish. 609-752-0321 Research is key here.


.

Justasheet

Sounds like the tuners are getting ready to scrap it out on this thread. I like it!

DOUG @ ECS

Actually I consider Chuck a friend, and thats not quite the case, but this is business, and although I am obviously biased towards my own product, our track results and experience are factual and hard to beat.

Wicked Weasel

We recommend to everyone to do their own research since fighting over a $150 mail order tune seems to me to be a waste of effort.

If one does their own research they will see the many happy ECS customers on this forum and other forums. They will find some issues with customer's cars which is expected when you are a high performance shop pushing the envelope (for customers looking for that), but you will also find that the customer is always taken care of even in times when the issue was not caused by ECS.

They will also find many awards, many magazine write ups, many hardcore racers, many weekend warriors and many daily drivers. I personally think these accomplishments speak for themselves.

If at the end of the day the customer decides to use another service then that is their decision and we wish them the best of luck, but we are confident when you do the research and look at the entire picture you will find ECS is the right choice for all your needs which one day may go way beyond a simple mail order tune.

0Chuck CoW

SMART MAN! I bet you were a whiz at Calculus too...

My best advice is pick the guy that you trust the most (obviously) and the guy that answers your questions to your satisfaction to put you at ease....

Odds are that you've got a good chance of being successful...

Chuck CoW

gtoman65

Hey Chuck, are you going to be attending and installing tunes at Bloomington gold this year? Thanks. Mike

juicedz06

http://www.raceprovenmotorsports.net/ fran can get you fixed up

0Chuck CoW

Don't think I'm gonna make it....

It's incredibly busy here right now and the weather has been good.

I'd love to go, but I'm stuck here.

Chuck CoW

Vettein

aw, crud

gtoman65

Aw crud is right, really wanted Chuck to tune my 09; oh well, glad you are busy Chuck, maybe you could make it out to BG next year?? All the best!! Mike

Ben Diss

Hey Doug, quick question. I'd like you guys to some more work for me, but I want to make sure I can take my car to other shops if I ever feel the need. Do you lock your tunes so no one else can work on them or do you leave them unlocked?

Thanks!

-Ben