what to do before going for tuning?

[FLounder]

ive got a b20/vtec (b20z/b16a) that i may bolt a jrsc to eventually. so that being my eventual goal, i want to get this thing running as well as possible in the mean time. i want to get it dyno tuned, but im wondering what all should i get before putting up the dough for a good tune?

right now i have a 4-1 no name ss header, test pipe, 2.25 exhaust, intake, type r throttle body, gsr cams, omni springs and retainers, chipped and socketed ecu basemapped for my motor. i also have some adjustable cam gears that i need to put on. im not getting into internals on this engine, so is there anything really worth getting before tuning? a better header? intake manifold? anything else? thanks

 

[eg6sir]

a better header (meaning $1000+ unless you go with a Hytech rep off ebay, which isnt bad) and ITR IM

 

[FLounder]

ok so im not going to spend $1k on a header right now.... would a 4-2-1 header be better for b20vtec?? when i installed this 4 into1 it felt like i lost some of that nice down low torque that i love.

 

[YBLEGAL]

evans tuning :: efi pre-tuning checklist

Not a list of parts, but a list of things to do to prepare for a tuning session...

I saw the title and got the link anyway lol

 

[B16RacerN2NR]

when i installed this 4 into1 it felt like i lost some of that nice down low torque that i love.

The 4-1 will yield more top end over the 4-2-1. I'm sure you lost a bit of low end with the 4-1 but while you race your motor never sees the low end so it shouldn't really be that big a deal anyway.

evans tuning :: efi pre-tuning checklist

Not a list of parts, but a list of things to do to prepare for a tuning session...

I saw the title and got the link anyway lol

Good list but i'd add a tow truck to that list lol. Tow that shit to the tuner, do not drive it...

 

[George777]

i'd add a tow truck to that list lol. Tow that shit to the tuner, do not drive it...

aaa ftw

 

[99sidude]

If you are for sure planning on jrsc in the future, then get a kamikaze 2.5" header. They outperform even the tri-y designs from hytech on S/C applications. Edyne (honda gods) verified this. Not only does it make the most power (on s/c motors only), its fairly inexpensive.

If you are going to go s/c for sure, i wouldn't spend any money on a new intake manifold as it will be replaced by a jrsc one.

Does your motor have arp hardware in it? Such as head studs, and more importantly in your case, rod bolts. It's always nice to have that extra insurance as the rod bolts on b20/b18a,b's are known to be a weak spot.

Before tuning, I'd check/ bring a number of things:
-Many tuners like to have a few sets of new plugs, because they can read the condition of the tune by inspecting the plugs.
-Make sure that base timing is set to stock
-Make sure there are not any vacuum leaks
-Set fuel pressure where you want it to be (stock)

 

[FLounder]

good advice everyone....

i drive mine almost every day to work with just a base mapped ecu for b20vtec. it runs great. and as far as that checklist goes.... i have no problems whatsoever.

i have arp head studs but thats it. the block is stock internally. the head has some work. im pretty confident in taking my car to tune after reading this. time to install my adjustable cam gears and pick up a new header

 

[HonCiv99]

Good luck with the build bro..Post pics!