What mods do and do not require a tune?

[KDMCozy]

I just bought a 2020 3.3T stinger. I’m new to car modification and want to be sure everything is done right, I’m about to order some AFE cold air intakes, Velossa tech big mouth ram air ducts, and a twin catch can setup. I haven’t heard anyone talk about needing a tune for these but I just watched a video that said anything changing the amount of air or fuel to the engine definitely requires a tune. So with that being said here is my desired mod list in order of installation so far, and my question is at what point will I need a tune or will I not need one?

Add w1 twin catch can setup
AFE cold air intakes
Velossa tech big mouth ram air ducts
Mishimoto front mount intercooler
Undecided brand of downpipes
And last but not least,
Jb4 piggyback tune

 

[Daniel @ K8 Stinger Store]

Most mods will not require a tune unless you are switching out the cats on the primary.

Even then, HFC (High Flow Cats) usually will not throw a code but we still recommend getting a tune if you go that route.

If you switch to catless primaries you will definitely need a tune.

We carry all of the parts you mentioned on our website at www.K8StingerStore.com.

Feel free to reach out if you would like a discount or if you have questions about any products that we carry!​

 

[KDMCozy]

Most mods will not require a tune unless you are switching out the cats on the primary.

Even then, HFC (High Flow Cats) usually will not throw a code but we still recommend getting a tune if you go that route.

If you switch to catless primaries you will definitely need a tune.

We carry all of the parts you mentioned on our website at www.K8StingerStore.com.

Feel free to reach out if you would like a discount or if you have questions about any products that we carry!​

That’s actually where I planned to buy them all from haha

 

[GennyGuy]

I just bought a 2020 3.3T stinger. I’m new to car modification and want to be sure everything is done right, I’m about to order some AFE cold air intakes, Velossa tech big mouth ram air ducts, and a twin catch can setup. I haven’t heard anyone talk about needing a tune for these but I just watched a video that said anything changing the amount of air or fuel to the engine definitely requires a tune. So with that being said here is my desired mod list in order of installation so far, and my question is at what point will I need a tune or will I not need one?

Add w1 twin catch can setup
AFE cold air intakes
Velossa tech big mouth ram air ducts
Mishimoto front mount intercooler
Undecided brand of downpipes
And last but not least,
Jb4 piggyback tune

If you change primary downpipes, you should tune for it. Everything else is fine.

 

[turboAWD]

I don't see spark plugs mentioned? Any kind of jb4 / tuning, spark plugs are a must past stage 1. Go for HKS - Densos seems to only last ~7K miles.

Also, there have been several reports of issues with pipes:
-fully catless (IIRC) leads to such a pressure drop, the turbo seals leak oil. Not sure if this can happen only with downpipes. HFC pipes are recommended for both, IIRC
-quite a few people have reported breaking the studs on the turbo when trying to swap downpipes. Even when taking what I consider extreme measures because they knew it might be a possibility, like penetrating oil, blowtorch, etc.

Are you dead set on pipes? They seem by far the most troublesome mod for these cars. They do have some gains, but, for example, while someone tested +15 whp on stock ECU with downpipes, after intakes, jb4, etc, there was effectively no difference with and without downpipes. I.e. If you use jb4 and do intakes, downpipes don't really do much. Main pipes can, but then you run into oil issues. Plus, the chances of breaking a stud.

Just FYI..

 

[GennyGuy]

I don't see spark plugs mentioned? Any kind of jb4 / tuning, spark plugs are a must past stage 1. Go for HKS - Densos seems to only last ~7K miles.

Also, there have been several reports of issues with pipes:
-fully catless (IIRC) leads to such a pressure drop, the turbo seals leak oil. Not sure if this can happen only with downpipes. HFC pipes are recommended for both, IIRC
-quite a few people have reported breaking the studs on the turbo when trying to swap downpipes. Even when taking what I consider extreme measures because they knew it might be a possibility, like penetrating oil, blowtorch, etc.

Are you dead set on pipes? They seem by far the most troublesome mod for these cars. They do have some gains, but, for example, while someone tested +15 whp on stock ECU with downpipes, after intakes, jb4, etc, there was effectively no difference with and without downpipes. I.e. If you use jb4 and do intakes, downpipes don't really do much. Main pipes can, but then you run into oil issues. Plus, the chances of breaking a stud.

Just FYI..

Yeah, I have catless DPs and I just don't suggest going through the hassle. Every car is different, so maybe your particular Stinger sees a pickup of power, but it'll most likely be small and you risk an expensive fix. Car sounds great though. But I would suggest a cat back or a combo of secondary DPs and exhaust mods.

Maybe there's a gain on the big HP applications like hybrid turbos and big turbo cars, but I haven't seen the data.

 

[nhcowboy28]

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[TTKStinger]

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Everyone knows each sticker is another 5+ hp

 

[winjury]

That’s actually where I planned to buy them all from haha

dear lord. You can always tell who the parts changers are... take them for who they are: they sell parts, nothing more.

Just because it doesnt "throw a code" doesnt mean it doesnt need a tune. Ask all those kids that have blow by, or overheating engines, bad engines or slipping transmission etc why they are having issues but never saw any codes until the clearly obvious problem started. A code is thrown when a signal fails (laymen terms) to meet the specified parameters, however not everything is monitored and lets say that you put after market primary cats and on hard acceleration your afr is 18 but you have no idea and no knock is registered due to being lean. Broken valves due to overheating and a blown head gasket, but at least it finally showed you a code becasue its overheating now, right?

Take what these part changers say with a grain of salt, do your do diligence and talk with the tuners themselves (not the sales guys) and find out what they would recommend and when, monitor the vitals and log after each new part and send it in to tuner at the very least so they can verify that its good.

I have probably done 50+ logs and tunes on the 3 vehicles i have in my garage (all e tunes), it takes time, but when you get it right, the vehicles will run great and itll cost you less in the long run.

Best of luck.