Facelifted Sonic Tune Decision (2017+)

[shoey]

Where are we at in terms of most preferred tuning package on 2017+ Sonic? I realize that functionally the pre and post facelift models are the very similar, but I was wondering who has tuned theirs recently and who they've gotten it from? So far my research is showing BNR is the forum favorite lately.

Additionally, does BNR adjust the trans calibration (as Trifecta describes on their page)?

I'm also considering a MPFab intake and some sort of low-key exhaust setup.. Should I get those prior to the tune, to prevent needing to retune? Any recommendations for exhaust setups that won't drone? I prefer tone strongly over volume.

Thanks!

 

[Espysonic]

Where are we at in terms of most preferred tuning package on 2017+ Sonic? I realize that functionally the pre and post facelift models are the very similar, but I was wondering who has tuned theirs recently and who they've gotten it from? So far my research is showing BNR is the forum favorite lately.

Additionally, does BNR adjust the trans calibration (as Trifecta describes on their page)?

I'm also considering a MPFab intake and some sort of low-key exhaust setup.. Should I get those prior to the tune, to prevent needing to retune? Any recommendations for exhaust setups that won't drone? I prefer tone strongly over volume.

Thanks!

BNR is by far the favorite, mods before tune, and exhaust wise, anything ZZP is great! Feel free to grab the Bosch 52lb injectors if you plan of heavily modding in the future!


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[shoey]

BNR is by far the favorite, mods before tune, and exhaust wise, anything ZZP is great! Feel free to grab the Bosch 52lb injectors if you plan of heavily modding in the future!


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Thanks for the quick reply! Since my car is still under warranty, I'm still on the fence about modding at this time, but I am leaning towards doing it. I don't want to do anything that will compromise longevity too much so I don't have plans to get too crazy. Stock power is good enough for me (have some motorcycles when I want to go really fast), but it's always fun to have a little more

It seems like there are so many potential exhaust modification combinations, 1st cat/2nd cat/resonator/muffler... Do you have any advice on getting deep sound without too much noise?

 

[Espysonic]

Thanks for the quick reply! Since my car is still under warranty, I'm still on the fence about modding at this time, but I am leaning towards doing it. I don't want to do anything that will compromise longevity too much so I don't have plans to get too crazy. Stock power is good enough for me (have some motorcycles when I want to go really fast), but it's always fun to have a little more



It seems like there are so many potential exhaust modification combinations, 1st cat/2nd cat/resonator/muffler... Do you have any advice on getting deep sound without too much noise?

I have the full ZZP down, mid, catless exhaust, and I’ve been tuned since 800 miles on the car, and I’m now at 116k, just take proper care and have fun with it. BNR allows you to have both fun and economical fun.


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[Thelastosirus]

I have the full ZZP down, mid, catless exhaust, and I’ve been tuned since 800 miles on the car, and I’m now at 116k, just take proper care and have fun with it. BNR allows you to have both fun and economical fun.


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Nice. I'm a Sonic nuub also but your experience is exactly what I am looking for with my '17 1.4t. What does your exhaust sound like & what is your guesstimate on WHP...? Thanks!

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[shoey]

I have the full ZZP down, mid, catless exhaust, and I’ve been tuned since 800 miles on the car, and I’m now at 116k, just take proper care and have fun with it. BNR allows you to have both fun and economical fun.


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How's the drone situation?

 

[Espysonic]

How's the drone situation?

Very little if any. After the tune and down pipe, at normal speeds all you’ll here is maybe some spooling as you let off. It’s phenomenal


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[ScarabEpic22]

Facelifted engine/trans are the same as the pre-facelifted, so everything tune-wise applies. In 2017 GM added some extra security to the ECM that requires a tiny bit of legwork on the user-side when reading the controller for the first time. It's the same physical engine/trans though.

Yes, BNR does both ECM and TCM tuning when you purchase through them. (TCM applies only if you have an automatic.)

 

[Chaos0311]

I bought my 17' RS in July of 2017 with 40 miles on it. I have the BNR engine (ECM) and transmission (TCM) tune on a 6spd auto, along with additional add ons. ZZP Intake, Full ZZP Catback Exhaust, BNR o2 housing, BNR Downpipe, BNR Wastegate actuator, BNR BPV etc. The car sounds and performs awesome! Intake has a nice draw with super nice sound. The BPV is super crisp and definitely audible. The exhaust is 2.5" from the turbo all the way back with no cats so it is loud at WOT and will drone a bit in higher gears at lower RPMs but nothing outrageous. It was louder when I first installed it but after a couple of weeks it toned down just a bit and has a really nice growl to it. You can't go wrong with BNR or ZZP products.

 

[JesusTheAgnostic]

I'm also considering a MPFab intake and some sort of low-key exhaust setup.. Should I get those prior to the tune, to prevent needing to retune? Any recommendations for exhaust setups that won't drone? I prefer tone strongly over volume.

Thanks!

I have pretty much a complete ZZP straight pipe with a resonator and before I added the TTR mounts I had zero drone. Now if I hold 3k RPMs it gets annoying

 

[SnotRocketRS]

I bought my 17' RS in July of 2017 with 40 miles on it. I have the BNR engine (ECM) and transmission (TCM) tune on a 6spd auto, along with additional add ons. ZZP Intake, Full ZZP Catback Exhaust, BNR o2 housing, BNR Downpipe, BNR Wastegate actuator, BNR BPV etc. The car sounds and performs awesome! Intake has a nice draw with super nice sound. The BPV is super crisp and definitely audible. The exhaust is 2.5" from the turbo all the way back with no cats so it is loud at WOT and will drone a bit in higher gears at lower RPMs but nothing outrageous. It was louder when I first installed it but after a couple of weeks it toned down just a bit and has a really nice growl to it. You can't go wrong with BNR or ZZP products.

Could you do a video of the sound in and out? I'd love to hear it since I've got a 17 RS.

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[Chaos0311]

Could you do a video of the sound in and out? I'd love to hear it since I've got a 17 RS.

I sure can. It may not do it too much justice recording it from my cell phone though lol. I'll post a youtube link.

 

[Chaos0311]

Here's the video. It's short but you can hear all of its glory lol. https://youtu.be/UmCQcvh4VJE

 

[SnotRocketRS]

Here's the video. It's short but you can hear all of its glory lol. https://youtu.be/UmCQcvh4VJE

That things hauls ass! You've done a great job picking parts.

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[shoey]

Thanks fellas. I've ordered the BNR tune and am going to keep the rest of the car stock for a while and then probably get an intake down the road.