DFW01E55

If you add headers, is it required to have the ECU tuned?

Doesn't the ECU adapt to the improved flow?

Or would the addition of headers make the engine run lean without ECU tuning?

2QUIK4U

That's a good question. I was actually wondering the same thing. Presumably it's not pivotal to tune the ECU since company's like Super Sprint sell exhaust systems for our cars but do not offer any sort of ECU tuning. However, tuning the ECU probably allows you to maximize the full potential of the headers.

jangy

You do not HAVE to do it, BUT....you do want to.

Keep in mind that the ecu has predetermined targets at each point in the map. The problem isn't the the ECU can't compensate, it is that the ECU will constantly be trying to make a ratio that is no longer optimal. The computer will always assume that its capacity is LESS than it really is and you will be lean (as you said).

Add to that, the fact that boost, etc. is also affected and you will want it re-mapped. Even then, some tweaking to it can actually gain you some more efficiency in certain areas. I had friends that were into burning their own chips. It is all fun and games until you get some static in there to mess it up.

Jrocket

Required,I doubt it.Recommended? Yes probabaly best to do so.From what I know these cars run on the rich side or the fuel tables.The ECU should be able to compensate for extra air flow.

DFW01E55

Thanks guys.
Is anyone aware of a shop in the Dallas area that can reliably tune the car on a dyno?

2QUIK4U

I would call Autoscope (www.autoscope.net), they are the only performance oriented shop that I know of in the Dallas area. I personally don't have any experience with them, but if they don't do dynos I'm sure they could point you in the right direction.