What is worth a simple upgrade?
- Thread starter VTRJason
- Start date
Anarkii
New member
I dunno bout others here but once im out of the capped price Holden servicing ill be getting a Trifecta budget tune for my future RS. As I am not mechanical minded either, most of the members here recommend it, and from what I read, it only requires a laptop, and a cable plugged into the laptop, and the other... *i dunno, the OCB2 port? no one has actually said/shown via a pic where the other end actually goes* ...
But yeah, its just a matter of downloading the tune file into the car and apparently you get something like an extra 20-30hp over what you already have.
Thats what I plan anyway
But yeah, its just a matter of downloading the tune file into the car and apparently you get something like an extra 20-30hp over what you already have.
Thats what I plan anyway
Swordsmith
242hp/252 ft-lbs BNR EFI
Only upgrade you can do that fits your specifications is to stop using 87 octane, switch to 93. Stock, the Sonic is set up to change the timing to fit the octane.
There are other mods you can do that increase power, but since you are unwilling to tamper with the computer, you won't see that increase, because the stock tune is set up to reduce the power the car provides down to the lowest common denominator.
This also means you get no more power on cold days than you do on warm ones... this is a deliberate decision by the GM engineers, to provide a stable predictable amount of power. If we're feeling unkind, it is so people don't buy the car in winter and then bring it in for "repairs" in the summer due to loss of power.
If you're firm on not getting a tune, and you're already using 93, there isn't much else to do for power. Try... getting new tires. The stock tires are not very good, and you can replace them without interfering with any warranties. Oh, and how about removing weight? Getting rid of onboard mass has a similar effect to adding more power, and again doesn't violate any warranties (well, depending on what you remove to get the weight down...)
There are other mods you can do that increase power, but since you are unwilling to tamper with the computer, you won't see that increase, because the stock tune is set up to reduce the power the car provides down to the lowest common denominator.
This also means you get no more power on cold days than you do on warm ones... this is a deliberate decision by the GM engineers, to provide a stable predictable amount of power. If we're feeling unkind, it is so people don't buy the car in winter and then bring it in for "repairs" in the summer due to loss of power.
If you're firm on not getting a tune, and you're already using 93, there isn't much else to do for power. Try... getting new tires. The stock tires are not very good, and you can replace them without interfering with any warranties. Oh, and how about removing weight? Getting rid of onboard mass has a similar effect to adding more power, and again doesn't violate any warranties (well, depending on what you remove to get the weight down...)
Rockcrusher
Member
I'm in the same boat. I have a catback but that really only affects sound. While I haven't acted on it yet, I theorize, that a larger midpipe, 2nd cat delete and the addition of silicon charge hoses may help with throttle response. The computer may have the final say on final engine torque output but the listed mods may make the engine a feel bit "snappier".
ss2000slp
New member
I can't speak from first hand experience how it would be on a stock non-tuned engine, (I'm sure others can) but grinding the tumblers out of the intake manifold made the biggest seat of the difference on mine (other than the tune). Read the loooooong thread on it, and others have had good results with no tune.
Been looking at many posts. Can't find a total answer. Want to up the power just a bit, Not looking for extremes. Don't want to mess with the computer. I can swing a couple hundred bucks. No extreme mechanical work either. Well... I can do some. Suggestions welcome.
Why not buy the GM performance parts cat back exhaust. Unlike all the other
exhausts, it includes a GM supplied tune which keeps the factory warranty, adds hp and 15 ft # of torque. 15 ft# is enough to feel easily which matches your needs and you keep your warranty.
Part number is 1900529
frank
retired motorsports engineer
As stated your not going to see any more power unless tuning is done.And sure the use of 93 octane will increase power slightly.But a Vtune or Trifecta tune will increase out put by at least 25%.To say the least it is very noticeable.Driven normally the tune really wont hurt the engine at all.And it makes the car a lot more torquey pulling out from red lights or passing on the highway.Keep in mind a lot of guys are comeing close to adding 50% more power than stock and the engines seem to hold up find.So a good 93 octane tune is not going to hurt anything driven normally and sanely.
