How Much To Custom Tune

[rs2000]

as the title states, I am interested in getting a custom tune on a stock n/a ford territory rwd-4 speed auto. I would like to know what other people have payed/been quoted for there n/a vehicles. also is it a necessity to change the thermostat as part of the tune.

Thanks

Edited 13/12/10 02:55 AM by rs2000

[MiKa]

Do u have an Xcal?

Tunes are around $500 to anywhere near $1000, plus the cost of an Xcal if you dont have one already.. Might cost less cause its an n/a but I dunno. No its not a necessity to change the thermostat.

If your gonna tune yours I'd recommend doing a few mods, as the difference of a tune in n/a form isnt much, plus, if you just get the tune, then add mods you'd need another tune to get the most out of the mods.

[rs2000]

I do have a xcal3,the thermostat is one of those items that seems to be pushed as a necessity by some(most)tuning houses.

I have considered 4490 pacemakers & 2.5" catback system but when quoted nearly 1k for tune & thermostat I nearly fell over.

[kartman]

We charge $700 for a tune of that type if you have your own Xcal. It sound like a lot, perhaps, but we have $180k worth of 4wd dyno, and I have over 15 years operating a dyno amongst other things. The reality is mechanics get the lowest hourly rate of most trades, due to a lack of lisecensing amongst other things. No one seems to bat an eyelid at a plumber or electrician who charges $100 per hour plus call out and they keep thier tools in a $30k van and don't have rent and the overheads of mechanics, especially specialist mechanics. The government is trying to get more people into mechanics as apprentices yet they still havent realized that most leave the industry for more money not because they don't enjoy it. I have mates that were mechanics who now service Coke machines and Geri's as the money is so much better.

[rs2000]

I appreciate your honest response, but prior to purchasing my xcal3 I spoke to a number of tuning shops and was quoted $1600-$1700 for box & tune.it was around 1k for the box and the rest was taken up in the custom tuning, so no problems there.

now after purchasing a xcal3 independent to a tuning shop and running around with a generic tune for the last 6 weeks or so I thought it was time to get a custom tune and now after speaking to the same tuning houses the costs have now suddenly risen to nearly 1k which is ott. kartman are you a melb based tuning shop, if so, can you send me a pm with your contact details.

also what gains have you seen when custom tuning my type of vehicle, not so much outright kw's but more about throttle and driving responses.

thanks

[berzerker]

The flash box shouldnt be anywhere near $1000.. rrp is $795. I think CV Performance are selling them for $695

[spoolxr6]

As with everything you will get what you pay for. In Sydney tunes range from about $ 400 upto $ 1200. I have experienced both ends of the scale and can tell you from experience that I now stick with the dearer end of the scale. Generally the cheaper end of the tunes start off with a base map off another vehicle that is then tweaked to suit yours. A few power runs later and checking of your wide open throttle mixtures there you have a half an hour later a WOT cheap tune. A more comprehensive tune begins with downloading your map from the ECU and then data logging the vehicle and making necessary changes as you go along. Power, crispy acceleration and economy can then be achieved through the entire RPM range. This is a timely procedure if done right. I am not trying to start any debates or bag any tuners but am just voicing my personal experiences. Good luck with it mate.

[RIP85]

150 an hour best tune's I have had yet and no bullsh*t that usually comes with the big dollar tunes

[rs2000]

The flash box shouldnt be anywhere near $1000.. rrp is $795. I think CV Performance are selling them for $695

I did pay $695 through capa...

[Henz]

Spool and kartman hit the nail on the head.

Are you going to do anything else before the tune? Exhaust or intake?