I made some changes this winter that necessitated a new tune (higher flow injectors, colder plugs). I decided to take the opportunity to wipe years of continual tune changes and start from a fresh (CSL) stock tune.
Hassan (HTE) tuned my best friend’s car 2-3 years ago, and I was always impressed how much it felt like a stock car (only with more power). His car, far and away, felt the most “stock” feeling (in the good way) of any tuned car I’ve driven. So, I decided to go that route, as well.
My full hardware setup:
CSL Engine management, with MAP
OEM CSL Airbox, no flap
Higher flow injectors (Bosch 0280156063)
One step colder plugs (Denso ixu27)
Schrick 280/272 cams
SS V1 stepped headers (with a bosch wideband installed in an extra bung for data logging)
SS HJS catted section 1
SS Twin tube resonated Section 2
SS Street muffler
The injectors really threw everything for a loop compared to a “normal” tune, but Hassan was great. He had a general idea of where they would be from previous cars, but we played it safe—exactly what I want.
First, fired it up and monitored AFRs at idle. All good.
Next, fire it up and monitor AFRs while holding it at 2000 rpm. Also good.
Then, the part that I think really has set this tune apart from every previous tune I’ve had—road tuning! Every previous tune I’ve had has been WOT runs on the dyno. He spent way longer with me than I would have expected, working over and refining the tune as I drove around. Full throttle, all sorts of partial throttle, all RPM. The car feels freaking great—never stumbles, pulls from all RPM, blips readily/enthusiastically, etc. I still intend to try the drivability spreadsheet for fun (and because it’ll haunt me forever if I don’t), but I am dubious there’s room for improvement at this point.
I also have no doubt this tune is safe. Knock sensors are left at stock values, and we have a nice, safe 12.5 AFR from ~5500rpm to redline to keep it cool and knock free on track.
Haven’t had it in on a dyno, because I frankly don’t care so long as it drives correctly, but the car feels STRONG.
10/10, would buy again.
Hassan (HTE) tuned my best friend’s car 2-3 years ago, and I was always impressed how much it felt like a stock car (only with more power). His car, far and away, felt the most “stock” feeling (in the good way) of any tuned car I’ve driven. So, I decided to go that route, as well.
My full hardware setup:
CSL Engine management, with MAP
OEM CSL Airbox, no flap
Higher flow injectors (Bosch 0280156063)
One step colder plugs (Denso ixu27)
Schrick 280/272 cams
SS V1 stepped headers (with a bosch wideband installed in an extra bung for data logging)
SS HJS catted section 1
SS Twin tube resonated Section 2
SS Street muffler
The injectors really threw everything for a loop compared to a “normal” tune, but Hassan was great. He had a general idea of where they would be from previous cars, but we played it safe—exactly what I want.
First, fired it up and monitored AFRs at idle. All good.
Next, fire it up and monitor AFRs while holding it at 2000 rpm. Also good.
Then, the part that I think really has set this tune apart from every previous tune I’ve had—road tuning! Every previous tune I’ve had has been WOT runs on the dyno. He spent way longer with me than I would have expected, working over and refining the tune as I drove around. Full throttle, all sorts of partial throttle, all RPM. The car feels freaking great—never stumbles, pulls from all RPM, blips readily/enthusiastically, etc. I still intend to try the drivability spreadsheet for fun (and because it’ll haunt me forever if I don’t), but I am dubious there’s room for improvement at this point.
I also have no doubt this tune is safe. Knock sensors are left at stock values, and we have a nice, safe 12.5 AFR from ~5500rpm to redline to keep it cool and knock free on track.
Haven’t had it in on a dyno, because I frankly don’t care so long as it drives correctly, but the car feels STRONG.
10/10, would buy again.
as I had a problem with my car not starting on first crank but would immediately start up on second crank and he told me it wasn’t tune related and lo and behold after searching, there was service bulletin for that issue. I’m running Alpha-N and the car runs clean and performs great!
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