Hey guys, I was quoted $1000 for a custom tune. Tune guy (tassie) explained part of the first time cost was because they need to pay an initial license fee for each and every car they tune but then after the initial tune u can go back and there is no need to pay that part of the cost? has anyone heard that before?

I read elswhere on the forum that tuners keep files from previous tunes? (I know this guy has tuned my mates car almost identical in mods)any chance they just use these files on my tune and charge for time not actually spent?

I assume you already have an xcal mate or is this tuner not using SCT software? The reason I ask is 1k for just a performance tune is on the high side. Most charge between $650 - $850 for a custom tune if you already have a flash tuner.

If you have an auto you may be up for extra if you want the ZF tuned as well.

Edited August 7, 201115 yr by bomber

It sounds like the tuner is using VCM suite, if so he is correct, licence fees have to be paid when a tune is modified to used on a car.

Anothers car tune may be totally different from what is required on your car and may not be any quicker doing it that way if tuning correctly as opposed to starting from scratch

Its possible, but he'll have to modify it to suit your car..

A proper tuner would start from scratch, but how would you know?

The initial tune is always the more expensive, I've always been told its because the tuner has to start from scratch and takes more time, and re-tunes are just touch-ups which don't take as long..

Does this tuner have a good rep? Is your mate happy with his tune, the service etc... If so then go for it, for just a tune though its on the expensive side..

Probably not expensive if VCM as correct me if I'm wrong but no flash tuner outlay. No you can't hop between tunes and clear codes etc but how many actually do that? I suspect most would have the flash tuner sitting in it's original box until the next tune - I know mine does.

Edited August 7, 201115 yr by bomber

Hey guys

I only inherited a sh*tty cappa tuner which I think is just about useless now (probably always was). Personally not knowing much about re tune I assumed he would purchase a SCT and do it that way but from what Ratter said VCM Suit might be the way he's going. (cheers for that)

I got the 5 speed manual and yeah my mate was totally wrapped. (he kept up with me on the highway starting in second with 4 blokes in the car im running 10psi but actually getting up near 16psi boost issues - runnning rough hence the re tune and his tune was 8psi with a bigger intercooler, alot more responsive, better fuel economy etc)

I like the bloke and my gut says its money well spent, was thiking it was abit on the expensive side but then again here in Tassie beggers cant be choosers lol I think theres only 3 tuners and one doesnt want to do it so truck him and the other doesnt really touch fords much so... Go to Melbourne maybe. thatll be around $700 in petrol, accom and the spirit... maybe il stick with him.

cheers for that bomber

Edited August 9, 201115 yr by Dagabond

Ive heard some tuners are charging around $500 just for the ZF calibrations on top of a tune price, Is that correct?

It's new so the 'market' is yet to be tested. I think once tune shops have created some generic files the price will taper off. I wouldn't pay $500 - the trans aint that bad.

yay. im of to ChipTorque for tuning tomorrow..

yay. im of to ChipTorque for tuning tomorrow..

Mark,

do they tune with SCT Xcal ? or something else ?

cost ?