20binafd

So I bought my 07 GT from a kia dealer, and it has a few bolt ons. The dealer wouldn't give me the contact info for the previous owner and they themselves don't know much about the modifications. The problem is I'm not very car savvy (not yet) and I need help figuring a few things out before spring comes. First, is there any way of finding out who the previous owner of a car is? Since the car was sold to the dealer, I have no clue as to who the previous owner is (at least not from the deed and car history). I'm also trying to decide whether I should take it to a tuner for them to find out if it has the appropriate tune since I don't know what kind of cams it has, or what kind of fuel to use. I can't buy a handheld tuner if I don't know what cams it has, right? Is there anyway of finding out what cams it has without taking off the cam covers? The speedo is off too, so either way... So I guess my big question is, do I need to buy a hand held tuner (I hear you guys like bama), or if I get the right tune from a shop, can I get by without one (I have a diagnostic device to read codes already so a tuner would be just for tuning)

Ditty

Your best bet is to have it dyno-tuned by a reputable local shop.

If that isn't an option, I'd contact other places like Bama, Lethal etc and talk about getting a custom e-mail tune. Do a LOT of Data-logging on the car, send the logs to whomever is going to tune it and go from there. Dynos are easy to find locally, but a trustworthy tuner is NOT.

20binafd

So if I data log with whatever tune I have, I can email it to a custom tuner and they'll let me know what to do? Thanks for the warning on the local shops, I thought the professionals couldn't be wrong when it came to the car's computer!

Ditty

Call and talk with the "E-Tuners" first. Ask 'em what they can do for you, how much it'll cost, etc.
With an SCT and a windows laptop, you can datalog...you may have to purchase the SCT and a tune package first.

You'd have to call and talk to them, FIRST.

05 Mustang

I agree with what Ditty said.


Also, if you have local tuners, definitely ask around and see what people are saying. Another thing I recommend is going to the shops and talking to each, to get a feel for what they're like....are they all about numbers, or your best interest. Trust me, you'll see the diffrence.

Good luck!

Nuke

What ditty said, also. Either way; custom tune or dyno; you should have the handheld.

lawrencecar1

you can tell it has cams by the idle/shake ?

Nuke

...and if the speedometer is off by more than about 1.5-2 MPH AND your tires have an approx. O.D. of 27" (OE tire diameter), then you likely have non-stock gears.

20binafd

Yeah, it's very noticeable with my exhaust (far from being a complaint )

20binafd

Even if it turns out I have a good tune on it and I don't plan on any further modifications for now? I forgot to mention I'm short on cash, so if taking it to a shop is cheaper than a tuner, then thats what I'm leaning toward.