Noobish exhaust/CAI question
 

So, this might be a bit noobish, but here's to giving it a shot.

I've looked around on several forums, and I've read a few different answers.

If I replace the exhaust and CAI, am I going to need an ECU tune? I've read in some places that it adjusts after a little while driving, but in others that it could run lean.

I know that when you add a large amount of power you will, but will you really be that affected by 8-15 freed up horses?

I'm hoping that the former happens, or that I at least am able to avoid the latter, but will can anyone confirm/debunk these?

There is no definite answer to whether you "need" a tune. It will certainly be better with a tune, more optimised but what combination of CAI and exhaust you use will determin whether you "need" a tune.

Alright! Thank you! Torn between Greddy exhaust/intake and Perrin exhaust/intake.

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thin...l&tid=36760469

You'll get gains, but your engine won't run at its potential. You can even increase your MPG while increasing power when tuned properly with bolt ons. You aren't forced to do a tune, but I recommend it if you are doing header+exhaust+CAI. If you are already putting that much money into bolt ons, you can get a tune.

I refer you to the picture in my prior comment! Thank you!

Some poorer quality intakes (and even some expensive ones) will mess up the MAF readings causing the car to run rich or lean, and likely throw a check engine light. When you select your intake make sure to purchase it from a company that supplies air/fuel ratio charts or their own adjustment tune.

The ECU can learn using other inputs but to what end I do not know. The air-fuel ratio is very important especially for long term engine health.

Perrin/Motiv/Nameless/JDL/FT86 Speedfactory are high quality companies for exhausts. I'd stick with them before going to the others.

Alright, thanks for the heads up. Perrin is already at the top of my list!

If you aren't getting a tune, do yourself a favor and invest in at least monitoring the AFR since you won't know how rich/lean the engine may run..

If you have an Android phone, it's dirt cheap to do this with an [ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008U1MOM8/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1"]ELM327 Bluetooth OBDII connector[/ame]. Then download the Torque Pro app ([ame]https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en[/ame]) to your phone, and you can see what the AFR readings are. :thumbsup:

I will probably end up getting a tune, and sadly I don't have a smartphone at all! I have an "ancient" flip phone! But thanks for the handy hint! I will keep that in mind! :D :thanks:

As stated above, bolt ons won't be able to reach their full potential without a tune accompanying them. Personally, I don't even consider the bolt-ons like that until I can get a tune the same exact day they're all installed. Which is why this Saturday my FR-S is getting retuned directly after installing my intake and exhaust setup ;D

That picture made my day.

Definitely would be my plans :D what exhaust/intake did you get?

Great! :thumbsup: :D

[QUOTE=NorseLegend;772285]Definitely would be my plans :D what exhaust/intake did you get?

For intake, the Perrin Inlet Hose and WORKS Drop in filter. *oiled*

For exhaust, Berk Catted Front Pipe and Invidia N1 Catback with Titanium Tips.

I haven't found a header solution I like but there is a very good shop down here called RPM (Richard's Performance Muffler) that I will most likely pay to fabricate me a high quality header that meets my requirements. I'll probably have it designed to replace the factory overpipe as well since some of the better header options seem to be going that route.