What do you look for in a tuner?
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Portland, OR, USA
What do you look for in a tuner?
I was reading an EMS book last night that had a few pages dedicated to finding a tuner and it got me thinking, what do you guys look for in a tuner? I already know who I am going to and the more I think about it I think I mostly decided based on three things.
1. Professional shop. Expensive tools, big building, clean floors...don't get that chop shop feeling. Some "lower budget" (for lack of a better term?) shops probably do great work, but I just feel more comfortable going to places that seem like real auto shops that just happen to specialize in high performance. Not sure if that makes sense but I think you know what I mean.
2. Reputation. This is a tough one with all the bandwagon stuff floating around and I am not blind to the fact that a single incident can ruin a reputation on the internet...but I still feel better about going to a shop that doesn't seem to have too many complaints vs. one that you are constantly hearing **** about.
3. Familiarity with the car/setup/EMS. I have an AEM so I want to go somewhere that works with AEM. I have a Honda so I want to go somewhere that works with Hondas, or at least something besides carbed v8s
Just curious tho...what do you guys think? When you show up to a potential shop what do you want to see?
ASE certifications?
Certain dyno/wideband equipment?
Portfolio of past cars?
Length of time in business?
Price?
Basically I am bored at work so I love coming up with these kind of questions...I am not looking for a tuner reccomendation or anything, I am only speaking in general terms.
1. Professional shop. Expensive tools, big building, clean floors...don't get that chop shop feeling. Some "lower budget" (for lack of a better term?) shops probably do great work, but I just feel more comfortable going to places that seem like real auto shops that just happen to specialize in high performance. Not sure if that makes sense but I think you know what I mean.
2. Reputation. This is a tough one with all the bandwagon stuff floating around and I am not blind to the fact that a single incident can ruin a reputation on the internet...but I still feel better about going to a shop that doesn't seem to have too many complaints vs. one that you are constantly hearing **** about.
3. Familiarity with the car/setup/EMS. I have an AEM so I want to go somewhere that works with AEM. I have a Honda so I want to go somewhere that works with Hondas, or at least something besides carbed v8s
Just curious tho...what do you guys think? When you show up to a potential shop what do you want to see?
ASE certifications?
Certain dyno/wideband equipment?
Portfolio of past cars?
Length of time in business?
Price?
Basically I am bored at work so I love coming up with these kind of questions...I am not looking for a tuner reccomendation or anything, I am only speaking in general terms.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 12,978
Likes: 1
From: Reading, PA, usa
Re: What do you look for in a tuner? (bomber)
i go more by rep to get the initial interest started then i will talk to the person to get an idea of what they really know and proven knowledge. You wouldnt believe how much you can learn about a person in a few minutes of convo.
Usually if they are a little cocky, i couldnt care if they were the best tuner in the world. wouldnt get my money.
But its all about who you trust. I got hooked up with my tuner from meeting him on here a few years ago and him offering to help me as a favor before his went big time. Ever since i havent let anyone else touch the car. Ive been more than pleased with his work and his attitude and support to me and my work.
Usually if they are a little cocky, i couldnt care if they were the best tuner in the world. wouldnt get my money.
But its all about who you trust. I got hooked up with my tuner from meeting him on here a few years ago and him offering to help me as a favor before his went big time. Ever since i havent let anyone else touch the car. Ive been more than pleased with his work and his attitude and support to me and my work.
Re: What do you look for in a tuner? (bomber)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bomber »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I was reading an EMS book last night that had a few pages dedicated to finding a tuner and it got me thinking, what do you guys look for in a tuner? I already know who I am going to and the more I think about it I think I mostly decided based on three things.
1. Professional shop. Expensive tools, big building, clean floors...don't get that chop shop feeling. Some "lower budget" (for lack of a better term?) shops probably do great work, but I just feel more comfortable going to places that seem like real auto shops that just happen to specialize in high performance. Not sure if that makes sense but I think you know what I mean.
2. Reputation. This is a tough one with all the bandwagon stuff floating around and I am not blind to the fact that a single incident can ruin a reputation on the internet...but I still feel better about going to a shop that doesn't seem to have too many complaints vs. one that you are constantly hearing **** about.
3. Familiarity with the car/setup/EMS. I have an AEM so I want to go somewhere that works with AEM. I have a Honda so I want to go somewhere that works with Hondas, or at least something besides carbed v8s
Just curious tho...what do you guys think? When you show up to a potential shop what do you want to see?
ASE certifications?
Certain dyno/wideband equipment?
Portfolio of past cars?
Length of time in business?
Price?
Basically I am bored at work so I love coming up with these kind of questions...I am not looking for a tuner reccomendation or anything, I am only speaking in general terms.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
it doesnt matter if they have a professional looking shop with expensive tools and what not, if they can't tune, they can't tune... expensive tools wont help u tune better (tools as in like boring machine etc, not egt gauge etc)
that's like... shop rice man...
just talk to whoever u plan on going to, talk to previous customers and have an idea of where u want to go and what kind of numbers u want to put down yadda yadda
dont get swindled by bs sweet talk and sky high pricing.
1. Professional shop. Expensive tools, big building, clean floors...don't get that chop shop feeling. Some "lower budget" (for lack of a better term?) shops probably do great work, but I just feel more comfortable going to places that seem like real auto shops that just happen to specialize in high performance. Not sure if that makes sense but I think you know what I mean.
2. Reputation. This is a tough one with all the bandwagon stuff floating around and I am not blind to the fact that a single incident can ruin a reputation on the internet...but I still feel better about going to a shop that doesn't seem to have too many complaints vs. one that you are constantly hearing **** about.
3. Familiarity with the car/setup/EMS. I have an AEM so I want to go somewhere that works with AEM. I have a Honda so I want to go somewhere that works with Hondas, or at least something besides carbed v8s
Just curious tho...what do you guys think? When you show up to a potential shop what do you want to see?
ASE certifications?
Certain dyno/wideband equipment?
Portfolio of past cars?
Length of time in business?
Price?
Basically I am bored at work so I love coming up with these kind of questions...I am not looking for a tuner reccomendation or anything, I am only speaking in general terms.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
it doesnt matter if they have a professional looking shop with expensive tools and what not, if they can't tune, they can't tune... expensive tools wont help u tune better (tools as in like boring machine etc, not egt gauge etc)
that's like... shop rice man...
just talk to whoever u plan on going to, talk to previous customers and have an idea of where u want to go and what kind of numbers u want to put down yadda yadda
dont get swindled by bs sweet talk and sky high pricing.
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 840
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR, USA
Re: What do you look for in a tuner? (Toda Party)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Toda Party »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
it doesnt matter if they have a professional looking shop with expensive tools and what not, if they can't tune, they can't tune... expensive tools wont help u tune better (tools as in like boring machine etc, not egt gauge etc)
that's like... shop rice man...
just talk to whoever u plan on going to, talk to previous customers and have an idea of where u want to go and what kind of numbers u want to put down yadda yadda
dont get swindled by bs sweet talk and sky high pricing.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Shop rice
I certainly agree that a shop in itself means nothing (other than the owner has enough money to buy stuff) but some of these places are like dirt floors with a dynojet in the corner. Professional appearance may be nothing more than appearance, but I still think it means something...if nothing else it at least means the owner is taking his business serious on at least some level.
Let me give you an example...there is this one place that mostly sells parts, but they do street tuning (they dont have a dyno in-house) and installation and whatnot. You go out back to the shop and its a total mess. Parts laying around in the corners, grease everywhere, etc. Then you look at the mechanics tools...its one of those $400 craftsman boxes with **** just piled on top of it. You are right, maybe he is the best tuner money can buy...but he sure doesnt seem like he is taking it too serious when he cant even be bothered to invest in some quality tools (btw, I certainly wouldnt care if they had machine shop stuff like a boring machine either).
I guess its sorta like going to the hospital...having all that fancy equipment doesnt make the doctor, but I sure wouldn't trust a doctor without it
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DC2 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">-If he's an old guy
-If they're certified
-If their track record consists of working with winning cars</TD></TR></TABLE>
What kind of certifications would you look for? Something like the EFI101 classes? ASE certs?
it doesnt matter if they have a professional looking shop with expensive tools and what not, if they can't tune, they can't tune... expensive tools wont help u tune better (tools as in like boring machine etc, not egt gauge etc)
that's like... shop rice man...
just talk to whoever u plan on going to, talk to previous customers and have an idea of where u want to go and what kind of numbers u want to put down yadda yadda
dont get swindled by bs sweet talk and sky high pricing.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Shop rice
I certainly agree that a shop in itself means nothing (other than the owner has enough money to buy stuff) but some of these places are like dirt floors with a dynojet in the corner. Professional appearance may be nothing more than appearance, but I still think it means something...if nothing else it at least means the owner is taking his business serious on at least some level.
Let me give you an example...there is this one place that mostly sells parts, but they do street tuning (they dont have a dyno in-house) and installation and whatnot. You go out back to the shop and its a total mess. Parts laying around in the corners, grease everywhere, etc. Then you look at the mechanics tools...its one of those $400 craftsman boxes with **** just piled on top of it. You are right, maybe he is the best tuner money can buy...but he sure doesnt seem like he is taking it too serious when he cant even be bothered to invest in some quality tools (btw, I certainly wouldnt care if they had machine shop stuff like a boring machine either).
I guess its sorta like going to the hospital...having all that fancy equipment doesnt make the doctor, but I sure wouldn't trust a doctor without it
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DC2 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">-If he's an old guy
-If they're certified
-If their track record consists of working with winning cars</TD></TR></TABLE>
What kind of certifications would you look for? Something like the EFI101 classes? ASE certs?
Re: What do you look for in a tuner? (bomber)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bomber »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
asdas
</TD></TR></TABLE>
i hear ya, im just saying dont be blinded by fancy shops and sweet talking business/salesmen that are "enthusiasts," but all they really want to do is take as much money from u as possible by giving u shitty tunes and having u come back etc is all im saying
boring machine was a bad example
asdas
</TD></TR></TABLE>
i hear ya, im just saying dont be blinded by fancy shops and sweet talking business/salesmen that are "enthusiasts," but all they really want to do is take as much money from u as possible by giving u shitty tunes and having u come back etc is all im saying
boring machine was a bad example
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Re: What do you look for in a tuner? (Toda Party)
Experience and knowledge, not some young guy who thinks he is a know-it-all, not saying young people can't tune well, but experience counts in this field. And professionalism, if I see a tuner on here dissing another tuner, the immature would never get my business in a million years.
Re: What do you look for in a tuner? (5thgencivic)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 5thgencivic »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Somebody who smokes a fat blunt before tuning....
J/K
For me it was word of mouth, checking out the shop and talking to the guys.</TD></TR></TABLE>
aint nothing wrong with that, it helps them concentrate
J/K
For me it was word of mouth, checking out the shop and talking to the guys.</TD></TR></TABLE>aint nothing wrong with that, it helps them concentrate
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 840
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From: Portland, OR, USA
Re: What do you look for in a tuner? (RotiEatter)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RotiEatter »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Experience and knowledge, not some young guy who thinks he is a know-it-all, not saying young people can't tune well, but experience counts in this field. And professionalism, if I see a tuner on here dissing another tuner, the immature would never get my business in a million years.</TD></TR></TABLE>
BAM!
I was hoping someone would touch on that. I don't understand how some people don't take the business side of things seriously...stupid comments you make, talking ****, etc. all reflect not only on you as a person, but on your business as well (even if it is on the internet).
I don't understand how some shops think talking **** about their local competitors is going to be helpful in the long run. I don't really mean EMS tuners here, I mean in general...it seems the 'import performance' world has a problem with this kind of behavior. I used to work in a caraudio shop and there would be plenty of times someone would bring their car in with hacked up wiring...you wanted to say "why the **** did you go to that shop!@??!?" but its just common sense that you keep that kind of thing to yourself.
Maybe the problem is that a lot of 'tuner shops' are ran by very young people like a couple of you guys side.
Actually this is completely off track I hijacked my own thread.
BAM!
I was hoping someone would touch on that. I don't understand how some people don't take the business side of things seriously...stupid comments you make, talking ****, etc. all reflect not only on you as a person, but on your business as well (even if it is on the internet).
I don't understand how some shops think talking **** about their local competitors is going to be helpful in the long run. I don't really mean EMS tuners here, I mean in general...it seems the 'import performance' world has a problem with this kind of behavior. I used to work in a caraudio shop and there would be plenty of times someone would bring their car in with hacked up wiring...you wanted to say "why the **** did you go to that shop!@??!?" but its just common sense that you keep that kind of thing to yourself.
Maybe the problem is that a lot of 'tuner shops' are ran by very young people like a couple of you guys side.
Actually this is completely off track
I hijacked my own thread.
Re: What do you look for in a tuner? (RotiEatter)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RotiEatter »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">not some young guy who thinks he is a know-it-all...And professionalism, if I see a tuner on here dissing another tuner, the immature would never get my business in a million years.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Hmmm...I wonder who this could be?
Hmmm...I wonder who this could be?
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