You are going to end up with a handheld tuner even if you get a custom dyno tune - you will need it to back up your stock tune (which you want to do ! )

 

i learned the hardway, but a CAI without a tune is only good for the sound. do you feel a difference? yes but very slight. i had the MRT intake on my car and i liked it, it dynod at adding 9 hp, but i sold it and swapped out for a Demolet and couldnt be happier. just save up for the combo. its well worth it.

 

VMP is definately in the hunt with BAMA and Brenspeed as well.

A Tuner is a Flash Programmer to reprogram your PCM (Computer). You just plug it into the data port by your left knee.
The primary ones are SCT Xcal 2/3 (Largest Seller) and DiabloSport. You can get them with the standard tunes from large
mailorder houses or Custom (Recommmended) Mail Order Tunes from Good Tuners like BamaChips, Brenspeed, or VMP Tuning.
The best part is the price is usually about the same as the large mailorder houses!
All of these guys are top notch and will get you as close as they can without having your car actually on the dyno.
A Dyno Tune would be even better but you have to make sure the guy doing it has lots of experience with these cars
or it wont be as good as Brent's (Brenspeed), Doug's (Bama), or Justin's (VMP) "Canned" Tunes.

The reason everyone suggest getting a Tuner with a CAI is that the MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sample Tube is part of the factory air box. You just unbolt the factory slot meter and bolt into thesample tube that is part of the new CAI. The problem is the slotmeter doesnt know this tube is now larger so the aftermarket companies either have to keep areduced Sample Tube Size (To Avoid a Lean AFR) or make a larger sampletube that requires a Tune. Some manufactures also now offer a convertible CAI that ships with a "Restrictor" that can be removed after a tune.

The two most highly thought of CAI's are the JLTII and C&L. The JLTII is a little cheaper and works just as well. The C&L has
better fit and finish. C&L offers a Street (Aluminum) with a removable restrictor and a Race (Plastic) without.

A Tuner can get rid of the slow throttle response, torque management, turn off the traction control, adjust idle speed, rpm limiter, fan on/off speeds, air/fuel ratios, ignition timing, Adjust the activation points of the Charge Motion Plates, Adjust the Variable Cam Timimg, Speedometer for tires and/or gears, etc. They make the most difference in the way these cars drive and feel and are required for most modifications so thats why they are always suggested as the first mods.

Three mods that make the most difference in order.....
Tuner (Makes it react like a real Muscle Car)
Gears (Really helps the response)
Exhaust (It may be all in your head but if it sounds fast it feels fast).

You can usually get a pretty good deal on a Tuner/CAI Combo if you shop around. I think VMP has the SCT X2/C&L Racer Combo for $575 Shipped Right Now and another Tuner (not sure I can say which one since hes not a sponsor here) has the SCT X3or Diablo / JLTII Combo for $525.

PS since there is a member running 12.83 1/4 mi with just the K&N and a VMP Tune with stock 3.55's and Pirellis I have to
believe the K&N's lack of performance has been overstated. You can still do better for less however.

 

If you chose to go to a Dyno Tuner pick one with a lot of experience on these cars and a good rep.
Otherwise you are better off getting a "Canned" Tune from Bama, Brenspeed, or VMP.
You are likely to have to buy a Flash Programmer either way as most are going to require it.
Also if you go with Bama they will give you free updates to your tune whenever you add
new mods. That way you only pay once. Just splurge and spend the $379 with Bama or VMP.
Im betting Brenspeed would sell one for that to if you called (I dont know his current prices).

VMP did have a trade in program going for used tuners but unfortunately SCT made him quit.

I would likely go with VMP since he has a K&N CAI + Tune Car going 12.83 w/Stock Gears (3.55)and Stock Pirellis.
That is proven performance for that combo.

PS you are not helping Newbies Reps by dredging up a 5 month old thread for your first post.
I had already written a novel before I realised how old it was.

 

How come if a guy had asked this question, he would have been told to just search the forum and that would have been the end of it?

 

+1
so here's my 2 cents too:
I used to have a K&N, then replaced w/ JLT and picked up 12 more hp over the k&N. the JLT was 50 bucks cheaper and only took 10-15 minutes to install. overall the JLT is a better product than K&N in my personal experience.
and yea if this were a guy i probly wouldnt have replied at all.

 

I guess I'll be the first to say that I got the Sniper Tuner and I don't think I would be happier with any other one. It's more expensive, but you get themost out of it. You can store more than just one tune. I've got a tune set up for my commute to work, a tune set for long distance driving, a tune for performance as well. I've noticed a great power increase with the tuner and a C&L intake. Gotta love it

http://www.snipertuning.com/new/

 

If you seen ahuge increase in power with a CAI alone you have no idea what your in for with a tune. ITs night and day difference and anyone who say that a CAI is helpful has never been in a tuned car.

05mustangsalley I think all tunes will hold more than 1 tune, you are the first I've seen with sniper but I'm glad your happy with it.

 

Yea i agree cai+tune is the way to go here is the link to c&L gives prices with tuner and w/o.... And remember it helps to have the tuner even for later applications if you plan on modding it some more.

http://www.cnlperformance.com/2005GT.html

 

Hmm...I thought most tuners you only get1 or 2 extra tune slots. I wasn't sure...but thanks! The tuner is awesome...I highly recommend it