What Tune to Buy?

[jtoddk98]

Hey, my car is completely stock right now, I figured that the best first mod to do would be a tune. I see that there are two big players in the SHO world, Livernois, and Unleashed tuning. Livernois is $599 and Unleashed is $399. Which is a better tune regarding performance and reliability of the engine, maybe MPG too. I would most likely add a 170 t-stat and new spark plugs if that helps.

Thanks!

[Joleat]

After a lot of research, I went with Unleashed. I haven't had the tune long enough to offer a thorough review, but I can say that I am pleased thus far. The car has a completely different feel. Now, why did I choose Unleashed, you ask? Much of my decision was based on the fact that Torrie (Unleashed) will modify your tune based on data logs and individual preferences. Every car is different and I feel that this method allows you to get a truly custom tune for your vehicle via email. Livernois is doing some great things and you'll likely be happy with one of their tunes as well. They've developed tunes that have been used successfully for 50,000+ miles, but they do not seem to be as willing to work out little things here and there. Their approach is more of a one-size-fits-all.

[crash712us]

Talk is cheap. If I where you I'd be asking who has the fastest E.T.'s and who's tune they are using.

[Joleat]

From the OP's initial post, I gather that he's looking more for a mix of performance and daily driver reliability than an all out drag racing tune. Coincidentally, that is also what I'm after. The fastest E.T. means nothing to me. I want reliable power that is fun to be daily driven on the street. Either tuner can provide that; it's just a matter of choosing who you want to tune your car.

[crash712us]

LMS has tuned thousands of cars no failures how are they not reliable?


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[Joleat]

Please read my previous reply again. You're seeing something that isn't there.

[Wilson]

Talk is cheap. If I where you I'd be asking who has the fastest E.T.'s and who's tune they are using.

Agreed. And then my next question would be how many of those fastest E.T.'s live close enough to LMS to have been dyno tuned and not just use the canned tune you get via email.

[crash712us]

From what was told from Rick from LMS couple years back. And for those who know Rick they don't come any better. I had asked him how close there of the shelf tune compared to a dyno tune. He said they are pretty darn close. Now as I said talk is cheap perhaps some can proof out with some dyno numbers.


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[SwampRat]

Talk is cheap. If I where you I'd be asking who has the fastest E.T.'s and who's tune they are using.

Agreed. And then my next question would be how many of those fastest E.T.'s live close enough to LMS to have been dyno tuned and not just use the canned tune you get via email.

The boys with the LMS is GOD mentality all live close to LMS and I for one chose Unleashed because of the Our way or the Higway approach that LMS uses . Some folks here are happy with the Walmart of performance approach that LMS has .
Unleashed has True custom support and NEVER talks negatively about competitor's or peoples opinions that disagree with ther approach .

THAT speaks volumes to me .

[EcoPowerParts]

Well LMS hasn't touched my 600HP on my Flex yet and 12.3 at 5100lbs and 5800ft da > 11.99 at 4500lbs and -1500ft da.
Not aware of Torrie blowing anything up and he support E85 and big turbos without having to drive to LMS.

[crash712us]

Is that so. Funny how the other forums they say the same thing about unleashed. And could spend hour and literally find dozens of threads where it's done by you and even the admin. If you ever at SEMA ask about captain blowup.


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[BiGMaC]

Hey, my car is completely stock right now, I figured that the best first mod to do would be a tune. I see that there are two big players in the SHO world, Livernois, and Unleashed tuning. Livernois is $599 and Unleashed is $399. Which is a better tune regarding performance and reliability of the engine, maybe MPG too. I would most likely add a 170 t-stat and new spark plugs if that helps.

Thanks!

jtodd... People are very passionate about their tunes... and they seek out the major tuner based on what THEY are looking for. Personally, I took delivery of my '13 SHO in Sept of '13 in phoenix where I live... I studied the tunes and tuners for about 5 months before deciding that LMS was best for me. I chose LMS for the combo of simplicity and performance they offer, as I have a DD and will likely only go to the track once or twice just to know what the dyno translates into in real world.... Plus driving it is what I wanted to do beyond making it aesthetically pleasing.  Others want something else... vive' la diferance! 
Both LMS and Unleashed can make your car seem like a new one. LMS is simpler to do and less cumbersome ongoing... Unleashed has a need for datalogging... neither is bad, they are just purposed differently.

The tune, and the adjustments to it for the common mods (downpipes, 3BAR MAP, etc), are always canned when you get them. 
Unleashed can/will customize your tune using datalogging (you log and send to them).  LMS will custom tune your car currently only with a dyno session there at LMS.   There is an argument about which is best... and both Torrie and Dan have good arguments for why they do it the way they do.... Many here disagree with one or the other adamantly.... a few have even spoken with these men as have/do I... I do feel compelled to say that the 2 fastest SHOs on the planet for the last 2 years are both tuned by LMS... but this too will likely change from time to time. 

Let's don't get this into an Unleashed vs LMS argument  Please (there are miles of threads on it).... Thanks... let's try to help jtodd!   ... not convince him that our individual choice is the best or the best for him.

So, jtodd, I recommend studying the nuances of the function of the 3.5 TT EB GDI engine and the basis of it's ECU calculations. (the info is here mostly) Then filter that through the opinions you get here (there are a lot of knowledgable guys here!)... Finally begin formulating your questions and talking directly to the tuners.  At least that how I did it.

I'd rather give you my answer to some specific question than render an unmakeable judgement for you.  You're the one paying for it. 

Cheers.... BUT GET TUNED! ...Whatever you decide

[EcoPowerParts]

I would look at cost $415 shipped vs $599
$415 gets you:
3 custom tunes
Device that can data log and tuner that will do tune revisions via data logging (road tuning)
Unlimited updates to the tune and at your request.
You can unlock it and sell it - $150 for someone to get a new tune
Wireless updates via the device after initial update via USB
You can buy anyone's meth kit and get a tune for it, not locked into a specific meth kit
Built in monitoring via the device or via software on laptop
E85 mixing accommodated
If you want .74 lambda Torrie will command .74 Lambda, want it leaner/richer and you know what you're doing he'll accommodate what you want.
Want to go big turbos with custom fuel system he's right there, if the vehicle can do it he'll work with you to get it done, remotely for free.


$599 gets you:
Tuner with tunes - no data logging
No tune updates via data logging
If you sell the device new owner must pay $250 to get new tunes
No E85 mixing support
Must purchase LMS meth kit for meth kit updates
No monitoring or data logging of your vehicles parameters built in, must use 3rd party devices - additional costs

If I need to update anything to the $599 tuner list let me know and I'll add it or fix it.

[Wilson]

Just noticed OP is in Tampa. To me its a no brainer. You've got Unleashed an hour or two down the road. Hell, I bet for not much more than the cost of a MyCal ($599) you could go to Unleashed and get a dyno tune.

[crash712us]

Just noticed OP is in Tampa. To me its a no brainer. You've got Unleashed an hour or two down the road. Hell, I bet for not much more than the cost of a MyCal ($599) you could go to Unleashed and get a dyno tune.

See now this is a statement and logic I can support. 




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