When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
for those that have gotten a tune.. how does it compare to just getting a sprintbooster to increase throttle response..?
i would guess a dyno tune is the only real way of getting the best performance.. not all engines are the same.. how can a mail order tune fit them all?
from what I understand(I may be off a bit and probably over-simplifying) but when you send your stock tune in, it has data logged air/fuel ratios among other things, so when they send a tune back, the new one has corrections to all of those factors. Dyno tuning makes it real time and much more tangible
Not sure i get why you would tune an unmoddified car. Are you going to dyno pre and post to see what the actual increases are? Otherwise hard to see whether it makes any sense. And butt dynos are not known for there accuracy....
Mine has been pretty modded and will consider a tune in the spring when i am back from my road trip. Lots of off the shelf systems but would prob lean towards a local dyno tune
Not sure i get why you would tune an unmoddified car. Are you going to dyno pre and post to see what the actual increases are? Otherwise hard to see whether it makes any sense. And butt dynos are not known for there accuracy....
Mine has been pretty modded and will consider a tune in the spring when i am back from my road trip. Lots of off the shelf systems but would prob lean towards a local dyno tune
Originally Posted by jpclinging
Tune going in this week!!
Please post dyno sheets and/or pre-post app acceleration numbers. Thanks!
So the Hex Tune is in. Overall the experience was surprisingly easy to do. Here are my thoughts on each stage of getting the tune:
Why: My cars have always been bone stock but I wanted to finally get a bit more out of the car. I have worked with Porsche as a driver for 12 years and have driven everything under the sun. I am intimately aware of the reliability of the cars and the engine so I knew the car/engine could handle whatever I put on it, I wanted a bit more power but not a loud exhaust or intake. I did tons of research on tunes, who is good, better, best etc. Ultimately I landed on VF as they have a stellar reputation as an engineering firm, not so much as a simple tuner shop. I guess I see them as the BBS wheels of tuning.
How: After checking with friends that have VF tuned cars (mostly Lamborghini) and was given the thumbs up I ordered online, it would be better if VF had a bit more info online as to what to expect from the tune as posed to simple hp/tq numbers. UPS delivered a few days later.
The box contained a usb cord that is specifically for my car and a few bis of swag from VF.
The Install: I am not a tech guy, my VCR still flashes 12:00!! So I figured if I could do this anyone could. So the cord plugs into the OBD port in the car and the other side in a PC (Mac will not work), after tracking down a friend with a PC (2 days..) I was in business. I followed the online instructions, they were kinda clear but could use some new images, but overall easy to follow. All the data required is put into preloaded boxes so you can't go wrong.
Once the stock tune is uploaded you send it to the email provided and wait for about 24 hours. Then an email arrives, like Santa at Christmas!! and you have your tune that is specific to your car. The install was super easy just connect the cords again click a couple of buttons and in about 10 minutes the tune is uploaded. You are provided 2 files in the email, your stock tune and the new VF tune. That was you can return to stock anytime.
The Price: For a couple of donuts shy of $1000 I would say the price is more than fair for the power.
The drive: Once installed I wasted no time with the test, now as I said I'm no tech but I was a professional test diver for most of my career so I know what I'm looking and feeling for. The power addition is smooth and factory like, the throttle response is slightly enhanced in normal mode and noticeably enhanced in sport mode. The HP comes on around 4200rpm at mid throttle and is noticeable, the easiest way to describe it would be like taking 997.1 and making it feel like a 997.2, just enough more power to be noticed and appreciated. No change in idle or fuel economy so far. I would have no problem recommending this to anyone.
Thanks for the insight and review of the tune. I have been thinking about this for a long time as well. In your research have you heard of any additional maintenance that might be required after running a tune long term? For example, needing spark plugs changed or new coils more often?? Or what about passing smog inspections? Do you need to revert to original file to pass smog? Just curious if you found any info like that.
I sent the following questions to VF technical service, but figure I would post them here too to see if you had any info:
1. can they tune for 91 octane? California only sells 91 and it causes an engine knock if you blip the throttle below 2,500 RPM. (At least thats the explanation I got).
2. does the tune for the base 997 increase throttle response (like C2S sport mode).
I sent the following questions to VF technical service, but figure I would post them here too to see if you had any info:
1. can they tune for 91 octane? California only sells 91 and it causes an engine knock if you blip the throttle below 2,500 RPM. (At least thats the explanation I got).
2. does the tune for the base 997 increase throttle response (like C2S sport mode).
Those are probably best asked/answered by VF. I can tell you that I just went for a very fun drive and the more I drive the car sportily the more notice the gains. Love it!
12-28-2018, 04:27 PM
