I just had a pair of american racing headers and thier x pipe w/high flow cats installed , i have the corsa extremes also , upgraded the tires and rims to 20's. Drove the car a couple days and now last night , i get a cel, so whats my next step? I really dont wanna cai, for the small hp gain i dont think they are worth the money. I just use the car as my weekender or sometimes dd i added the headers and xpipe for the acceleration and sound and i have both, those american headers went on great and really let the car move when i want it to. So my question is this, do i have to change the tune to get rid of the cel? I really dont wanna spend anymore money , but i guess if i have to i will. If i need a tune do i buy my own tuner or just take it to some one who does tunes ? Thanks

 

Your going to have to get a tune. Might as well get an intake and get the most out of it!

 

Okay , so i need to get a tune . Whats gonna be the best way to go, buy a tuner (used or new) , or go to someone who tunes them. Sorry for all the stupid questions , just never done anything to a car that had all the electronic bs.

 

i personally use bama tunes. they ask you 19 questions specifically for your car and write you 3 tunes you would like (different octanes). if at all you buy new products or just want to change, you get free tunes for life and can just email them for new tunes at no charge.

 

I second the CAI idea, that with a good tune could free up more power then you think.

 

You don't necessarily need a tuner when upgrading exhaust. A tuner will make sure your car has the desired fuel air ratio after you upgrade; so that means any upgrade you make in terms of intake (like the high flow air filter of a cold air intake), or spark timing or cam timing will need the cars computer updated. And when you buy a hand held tuner with the email service (Bama has tunes for life, can't beat that), it will maximize the horse power you gain from all upgrades you do by giving you that desired fuel air ratio. They can do that because most bolt ons have very predictable effects on your mustang.

The tune actually does take exhaust upgrades into account but to a lesser extent than a cold air intake. I'm still new to modding but this is my understanding so far.

Just know that a tune will maximize the horses you get from a performance upgrade. Also don't get a dyno tune from a shop unless you install nitrous, a blower or a turbo. Bolt ons have predictable effects but forced induction doesn't.

Hope I cleared up some things for you. I had the same questions when I started learning this stuff.

 

That definitly helps, if i dont have to lay out the dough for the tune , i really dont want to. As i said its a weekender and once in a while dd. The cel did come on so do you know if there is anyway to clear that ? maybe autozone could hit it with a scan tool and clear it i guess , but its probly gonna come back? Ive been told by numerous people that a cai will give ya some more hp but im happy right now where im at . Im not racing or pullin smoke shows or driftin or any competition. thanks again

 

A handheld tuner will help you make the most of your modifications, otherwise they're just pretty decorative parts. It's fast and easy to tune with a handheld, there's really no reason to NOT get one (well, unless you just really don't want to cough up the bucks). Most of the aftermarket companies that offer tunes will tailor it to your liking, but the most important part is that they will account for the parts you have and optimize your ride so you have minimal problems. Definitely worth the price of entry.

 

I would personally get a tune considering you changed the entire exhaust system. If you only did an axle, or cat back I would say you are fine. But changing the headers, midpipes and cats would in my opinion require a tune.

 

+ 1 with full exhaust systems you will need a tune!