Thinking about getting a tune...

Koroshiya · May 11, 2009, 08:14 PM

I don't see much happening in the SST space outside voodoo's car lately, and I've been trying to find some actual proof of the limits of the TC-SST MR.

This last weekend I went with a buddy of mine to get his GSR tuned. He ended up getting 300hp/350trq to the wheels on a "Dyno Dynamics" Dyno. These notoriously read low compared to other Dyno's so we're thinking it's pretty slick for such few mods. UICP, CBE, and Drop-In Filter.

This of course has me itching furiously to get some mods on my car and get it tuned. I'm doing my very best to stop myself, but man I'm having a hard time. So I'm hoping you guys can bring me back down to reality and stop me before I make a mistake, especially since this is my daily driver.

So what do you guys think? Planned mods are in the signature.

mrMTB · May 11, 2009, 09:08 PM

I will give you the exact same advice I give to the newbies in NTEC who come over asking what I think about XYZ mod-

The car you have is _very_ good exactly as it came from the factory. I see a whole lot of power mods in your sig, but nothing about brakes or suspension. DON'T MESS WITH ONE PART WITHOUT CONSIDERING THE REST OF THE CAR.

You have a couple grand worth of mods you're looking at there. Instead of throwing your hard earned money at this and that, spend your money on going to the track and learn to drive the car you have.

My previous Evo was a VIII MR, and made 370whp/400wtq. It was an absolute beast. It was no fun on the street because it was so loud, and the acceleration in 1/2 was simply violent. And you know what? When I went to the track, I'd turn the boost controller off because the rest of the car could not deal with the power the car would put down.

I spent this last weekend driving the hell out of my car- drove up to the track, took my bags out of the trunk, took the driver's floor mat and loose items out, checked the lug nuts, and went on the track. I was holding my own against GSRs with 60 more whp, coil-overs, and track pads/rubber.

Now I will recommend getting a tune. The stock mapping is pretty awful, and a tune will really smooth things out. But stop there. Spend a dozen days at the track getting to know your car, and then you'll know exactly what mods you need. You won't have to ask our opinions.

Koroshiya · May 11, 2009, 09:20 PM

I appreciate what you are saying. I had an IX MR before this that I modded. Ultimately I loved the mods, with the exception of the clutch. I do intend to get some suspension work done as well, but what I'm more concerned with is the ability for the Tranny to hold the power these mods will put on it. I don't plan to track this car, I thought about just doing a tune without any mods, but if you take a look at the mods that actually affect power.. there really aren't many, just some stuff to change the looks and sound.

The real power will definitely come from the tune.

strocse · May 18, 2009, 08:48 PM

I have a MR with K&N drop in and a Ivey Tune. Added like 60 whp 60 wtq and its a must to get. I downed a G8 from a 40 mph roll and I dont think it would have happened without the tune. As far as tracking I ran 4 - 30 minute sessions in S-sport mode and the car loves it. You have a stallion dont leave it in the pasture,lol.