i have a stock 2004 gt and i am looking at differnet tuners. can anyone with a tuner or tuner experience tell me if they really make a difference. i was told its a good place to start along with ur other basic bolt ons.

 

I'd wait until you get all your intake/exhaust mods done first.. Then get a custom SCT tune from a local tuner.

 

Getting the tuner itself at first is a good idea so when you get gears you can adjust for them.

Getting a custom tune this early would be retarded though. The SCT X3's have pre-loaded tunes that will wake the car up a little bit, you'll notice most of the difference with an auto. Best bet is to get the tuner early, deal with the pre-loaded tunes until you're at a point you feel like you'll stay at for awhile, and get a tune at that point.

 

lb for lb, if these dyno sheets are correct, a tuner is the best mod you can do.. 15-20 HP under 200 dollars is a good price. just buy it used. However i don't have any first hand experience. I will let you know tomorrow, or after tomorrow when my tuner comes in

I have full intake and H pipes with mufflers but my tune won't be custom.. just a standard 93 octane tune.
I've had very good luck on my other car with chips and tuners. hopefully i get the same here