hwertz
Posts: 522 +276
On the one hand, this is pretty lame -- and I'm not sure it's legal (there are some late 1970s-era rules to the effect that car companies are not supposed to be able to block aftermarket modification and parts, but I suppose they'll claim tuning the existing components is not installation of aftermarket parts?)
On the other hand, these newer models come in a MUCH higher state of tune from the factory than they used to, there's less power to "unlock" and more risk of engine damage if you do. For example, a 1989 5.0L mustang made 225HP and 300 foot pounds of torque, that leaves a fair bit of headroom for a tune to unlock some additional HP and torque. The 2023 already makes 450HP and 475 foot pounds from the factory.
I have a 1.4L Chevy Cruze that already makes 135HP (150HP on premium) and about 150 foot pounds of torque -- with at least 90% of the torque avaiable from 1200-6000RPM (I've never had a car where the torque extended down that low, that's turbos for you.) I "could" get a tune for 190HP, the tuners point out at about 200HP both the fuel injectors and the turbo completely max out so they backed off a little for some margin of safety. But other than seeing the vehicle didn't immediately blow up, they are still are not sure how long the components (fuel injectors, turbo, and engine) would last at 190HP (of course, if you got the tune but stayed out of the extra power it wouldn't affect longevity, but what would be the point of getting a tune if you never use the additional power?)
On the other hand, these newer models come in a MUCH higher state of tune from the factory than they used to, there's less power to "unlock" and more risk of engine damage if you do. For example, a 1989 5.0L mustang made 225HP and 300 foot pounds of torque, that leaves a fair bit of headroom for a tune to unlock some additional HP and torque. The 2023 already makes 450HP and 475 foot pounds from the factory.
I have a 1.4L Chevy Cruze that already makes 135HP (150HP on premium) and about 150 foot pounds of torque -- with at least 90% of the torque avaiable from 1200-6000RPM (I've never had a car where the torque extended down that low, that's turbos for you.) I "could" get a tune for 190HP, the tuners point out at about 200HP both the fuel injectors and the turbo completely max out so they backed off a little for some margin of safety. But other than seeing the vehicle didn't immediately blow up, they are still are not sure how long the components (fuel injectors, turbo, and engine) would last at 190HP (of course, if you got the tune but stayed out of the extra power it wouldn't affect longevity, but what would be the point of getting a tune if you never use the additional power?)
