Tuner Review Thread
06-21-2012, 03:28 PM
#101
Senior Member
07-11-2012, 05:52 PM
#105
Tuner: Scott @ SGM Tuning Concepts (BlueStreak362)
I highly recommend Scott. He re tuned my TVS setup today and now it is running flawless. Took the time to ride around and fix the issues that needed fixed to get the tune right where it should be as well as explained to me everything he was doing. Great guy and tuner, if anyone in the central pa area and northern md area need a tune definitely get in touch with Scott and he will take good care of you.
I highly recommend Scott. He re tuned my TVS setup today and now it is running flawless. Took the time to ride around and fix the issues that needed fixed to get the tune right where it should be as well as explained to me everything he was doing. Great guy and tuner, if anyone in the central pa area and northern md area need a tune definitely get in touch with Scott and he will take good care of you.
07-12-2012, 07:30 PM
#110
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If anyone else is interested in tuning/porting or any kind of installs check us out at SGM Tuning Concepts | Facebook . While your there "like" us! Also have more testimonal's there.
07-15-2012, 01:23 PM
#111
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My tuner review for James (chevycobaltss3)
I've been tuned on E85 by ccss3 for just over 6000 miles at this point. Overall I'm completely satisfied and I feel the money and time I put into getting my SS/TC tuned was well spent. James is a great stand-up guy and probably one of the easiest people I've ever dealt with in anything relating to tuning.
I first contacted James to get a 93 octane tune for my car. I was GMS1 with a few bolt-ons (DP,CAI,FMIC) at this point and was looking to take the next step and make some real power. Knowing I was getting tuned, I wanted to make sure my car was running top notch prior to starting the tuning process. I seafoamed the **** out of it, replaced the plugs with new OEM AC Delcos, and replaced the dirty filter on my Hahn CAI. I think it took about 15 log sessions to get everything fully dialled-in perfect. The car felt like it picked up a ton of torque, but it only felt a little faster. My assumptions were proven correct when I was at a local dyno day and another Cobalt with GMS1 and full bolt-ons laid down 2whp less than my tuned car running 25psi.
Dyno:
Cobalt SS/TC Dyno - YouTube
Comparison from GMS1 to CCSS3 93 octane tune:
Cobalt SS/TC Turbo GM Stage 1 / Bolt-Ons Vs CCSS3 Custom Tune / Bolt-Ons - YouTube
Feeling like I was leaving alot on the table, I contacted James and asked about doing E85 instead. He thought I would be better off mixing and doing E47 because he was worried I would run out of pump pressure on straight E. I didn't want to mix fuels because this car is my daily. However, because I'm at 6000ft above sea level, I knew I would be ok to run straight E85 and James agreed to give it a go. The car HATED E85 for about 5 revisions and would go into reduced power mode and run like total ass. I attribute part of this to being the 1st person James had tuned on E85 at extremely high altitude and the obvious situation regarding not knowing the exact ethanol content of the fuel at my particular station. It took another 12 log sessions or so and some adjustment of the wastegate rod for more preload, James got the tune dialled in perfect. We left boost at 25psi, however were able to add as much as 12-13* of timing over the 93 octane tune. LTFTs never get more than 2.3% off either way. The power increase over the GMS1 and James' 93 octane tune is HUGE. My sedan has become a true tire shredding, Vette killing sleeper.
Comparison of GMS1 Vs ccss3 E85 (only about 50% dialled-in here):
Cobalt SS/TC Turbo GM Stage 1 + Bolt-Ons Vs CCSS3 E85 Tune + Bolt-Ons - YouTube
Best pass at Bandimere on GMS1+ Bolt-ons (5800ft above sea level , DA over 8000ft):
2009 Cobalt SS/TC GM Stage 1 + Bolt Ons 1/4 Mile Bandimere - YouTube
Best pass at Bandimere on CCSS3 E85 + Bolt-ons (8600ft DA):
Cobalt SS Turbo - Bandimere 7/11/12 - E85 Tune + Bolt-ons - New Personal Best - 13.1 @ 110.5 - YouTube
Some of my most spectacular kills since E85 tune: C6 LS2 Vette, 2006 Yamaha R6, 2011 CTS-V, 2001 Mustang with 2.1L Kenne Bell, 2009 GT500, 2011 C6 GrandSport, S/C LS6 CTS-V, 2004 S/C Saleen S281 Mustang.**
** These results are not typical - due to my high altitude, I have a large advantage over N/A and S/C cars because of being turbo. My best 1/4 mile pass calculates to approx a 12.4 @ 116mph at sea level assuming a 0ft DA.
I've been tuned on E85 by ccss3 for just over 6000 miles at this point. Overall I'm completely satisfied and I feel the money and time I put into getting my SS/TC tuned was well spent. James is a great stand-up guy and probably one of the easiest people I've ever dealt with in anything relating to tuning.
I first contacted James to get a 93 octane tune for my car. I was GMS1 with a few bolt-ons (DP,CAI,FMIC) at this point and was looking to take the next step and make some real power. Knowing I was getting tuned, I wanted to make sure my car was running top notch prior to starting the tuning process. I seafoamed the **** out of it, replaced the plugs with new OEM AC Delcos, and replaced the dirty filter on my Hahn CAI. I think it took about 15 log sessions to get everything fully dialled-in perfect. The car felt like it picked up a ton of torque, but it only felt a little faster. My assumptions were proven correct when I was at a local dyno day and another Cobalt with GMS1 and full bolt-ons laid down 2whp less than my tuned car running 25psi.
Dyno:
Cobalt SS/TC Dyno - YouTube
Comparison from GMS1 to CCSS3 93 octane tune:
Cobalt SS/TC Turbo GM Stage 1 / Bolt-Ons Vs CCSS3 Custom Tune / Bolt-Ons - YouTube
Feeling like I was leaving alot on the table, I contacted James and asked about doing E85 instead. He thought I would be better off mixing and doing E47 because he was worried I would run out of pump pressure on straight E. I didn't want to mix fuels because this car is my daily. However, because I'm at 6000ft above sea level, I knew I would be ok to run straight E85 and James agreed to give it a go. The car HATED E85 for about 5 revisions and would go into reduced power mode and run like total ass. I attribute part of this to being the 1st person James had tuned on E85 at extremely high altitude and the obvious situation regarding not knowing the exact ethanol content of the fuel at my particular station. It took another 12 log sessions or so and some adjustment of the wastegate rod for more preload, James got the tune dialled in perfect. We left boost at 25psi, however were able to add as much as 12-13* of timing over the 93 octane tune. LTFTs never get more than 2.3% off either way. The power increase over the GMS1 and James' 93 octane tune is HUGE. My sedan has become a true tire shredding, Vette killing sleeper.
Comparison of GMS1 Vs ccss3 E85 (only about 50% dialled-in here):
Cobalt SS/TC Turbo GM Stage 1 + Bolt-Ons Vs CCSS3 E85 Tune + Bolt-Ons - YouTube
Best pass at Bandimere on GMS1+ Bolt-ons (5800ft above sea level , DA over 8000ft):
2009 Cobalt SS/TC GM Stage 1 + Bolt Ons 1/4 Mile Bandimere - YouTube
Best pass at Bandimere on CCSS3 E85 + Bolt-ons (8600ft DA):
Cobalt SS Turbo - Bandimere 7/11/12 - E85 Tune + Bolt-ons - New Personal Best - 13.1 @ 110.5 - YouTube
Some of my most spectacular kills since E85 tune: C6 LS2 Vette, 2006 Yamaha R6, 2011 CTS-V, 2001 Mustang with 2.1L Kenne Bell, 2009 GT500, 2011 C6 GrandSport, S/C LS6 CTS-V, 2004 S/C Saleen S281 Mustang.**
** These results are not typical - due to my high altitude, I have a large advantage over N/A and S/C cars because of being turbo. My best 1/4 mile pass calculates to approx a 12.4 @ 116mph at sea level assuming a 0ft DA.
07-21-2012, 12:24 AM
#112
Today I got tuned at Performance Autowerks. It was a really cool experience, even though every day I'm reminded how little I know about this platform.
Dave (Tuner at Pwerks) does a fantastic job tuning. The only qualm I could possibly come up with is that he saw that I had a CEL code from the 02 sensor. I told him I got that after I got the downpipe, and that I since plugged the open bung and reset the CEL. I would have blocked the code it was throwing, but that honestly not a big deal whatsoever.
Here are my number Stock (w/ negligable mods: Intake & MPx Turbo-Back)
Once Dave got everything straightened out these were my stats:
I would highly recommend pwerks, especially because of what happened straight after the car got off the dyno... Dave went ahead and took it on a little cruise on the real streets and then did even more adjusting. (Which should be done for good measure, but surprisingly a lot of tuners don't do this... or so I'm told.)
Pwerks rocks
Dave (Tuner at Pwerks) does a fantastic job tuning. The only qualm I could possibly come up with is that he saw that I had a CEL code from the 02 sensor. I told him I got that after I got the downpipe, and that I since plugged the open bung and reset the CEL. I would have blocked the code it was throwing, but that honestly not a big deal whatsoever.
Here are my number Stock (w/ negligable mods: Intake & MPx Turbo-Back)
Once Dave got everything straightened out these were my stats:
I would highly recommend pwerks, especially because of what happened straight after the car got off the dyno... Dave went ahead and took it on a little cruise on the real streets and then did even more adjusting. (Which should be done for good measure, but surprisingly a lot of tuners don't do this... or so I'm told.)
Pwerks rocks
07-21-2012, 06:36 AM
#113
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James tuned my GF's Half-way bolt-on 2008 SS till the point she gave me kick from a 30 roll and she was passing me by 100. >_>
I have a bolt-on/tuned C5 Z06.
I wasn't pleased.
But was happy for her.
I'll buy James a stripper/lapdance next time I see him.
The car is her daily and she's had no issues thus far. +1
<3
-Hippo
P.S. AND WTF is this **** about James getting banned????? He was on Vacation, were there was no wifi... HENCE HIM NOT RESPONDING TO MESSAGES.
I have a bolt-on/tuned C5 Z06.
I wasn't pleased.
But was happy for her.
I'll buy James a stripper/lapdance next time I see him.
The car is her daily and she's had no issues thus far. +1
<3
-Hippo
P.S. AND WTF is this **** about James getting banned????? He was on Vacation, were there was no wifi... HENCE HIM NOT RESPONDING TO MESSAGES.
07-21-2012, 02:39 PM
#116
06blackg85ss doesn't usually travel and i had no way off getting hpt or any knowledge of using the software
had his number for a while shot him a text and we came to a price agreement
came to my house got it idling correctly and within 2 pulls the car was solid and he got the tune on point
06blackg85ss is IMO one of the best tuners with more experience then most tuners on here
thanks again
11-03-2012, 02:15 AM
#117
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Need a Tuner in Pennsylvania!!!!
Looking for a tuner in Stroudsburg/Tobyhanna/Scranton/Wilkes-barre/Allentown/Pittston
basically anywhere in PA... 06 LSJ SC
Need a tumer asap before I really consider trading her in for a VW or STi
basically anywhere in PA... 06 LSJ SC
Need a tumer asap before I really consider trading her in for a VW or STi
11-03-2012, 03:35 PM
#118
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James would be close for you to use if you have hpt. ^^^^^ otherwise look for a trifecta dealer near you, go to the web page it has a map
Vahdyx, I believe I commented on the thread you made awhile back, if you go through a dealer there is minimal delay if any. the tune is custom made to handle what the car can currently safely, it makes no sense to make a tune the car cant handle, but you can ask for whatever you want. And it only takes a log or two for me when i load the tunes up if its even needed to do more than one. Finally, i'm sick of this bullshit of trifecta being unsafe!!! I've talked with a couple ppl who had issues and they were PART FAILURES not the tune. I understand that ppl who arent dealers and dont talk to him on regular basis dont know certian things, im not saying i know how to "tune" a car, but a guy who has a computer engineer and programming degree sure does, and if microsoft seemed him fit to work thier as a engineer than idk who would be(yes James I know you have schooling as well bud) also the fact he has had 15,000 plus ppl take their business to him says something and 3,000 cobalt owners as well. END OF RANT!
Listen im not saying you need schooling at to master or be good at tunning, nor am i knocking anyone who has schooling and so fourth, and no ill will towards anyone or any tunners on here. ALSO I'M NOT PROMOTING TRIFECTA as a better tune source BOTH HPT and TRIFECTA are great solutions for tunning
Vahdyx, I believe I commented on the thread you made awhile back, if you go through a dealer there is minimal delay if any. the tune is custom made to handle what the car can currently safely, it makes no sense to make a tune the car cant handle, but you can ask for whatever you want. And it only takes a log or two for me when i load the tunes up if its even needed to do more than one. Finally, i'm sick of this bullshit of trifecta being unsafe!!! I've talked with a couple ppl who had issues and they were PART FAILURES not the tune. I understand that ppl who arent dealers and dont talk to him on regular basis dont know certian things, im not saying i know how to "tune" a car, but a guy who has a computer engineer and programming degree sure does, and if microsoft seemed him fit to work thier as a engineer than idk who would be(yes James I know you have schooling as well bud) also the fact he has had 15,000 plus ppl take their business to him says something and 3,000 cobalt owners as well. END OF RANT!
Listen im not saying you need schooling at to master or be good at tunning, nor am i knocking anyone who has schooling and so fourth, and no ill will towards anyone or any tunners on here. ALSO I'M NOT PROMOTING TRIFECTA as a better tune source BOTH HPT and TRIFECTA are great solutions for tunning
03-05-2013, 08:40 AM
#121
I've been Term tuned for about 6000 miles so far and its been great. Took about 6-7 logs to get me dialed in and the car felt like a night and day difference. the chugging i had with my mods and stock tune was horrible, that was all smoothed out. my A/F ratio which kept bouncing all over the place was smoothed out and it pulls like a beast. I am getting dynod on Saturday.
He always emails back about random questions i throw at him, which im sure he is probably like "not this guy again"
Recommend 100%
He always emails back about random questions i throw at him, which im sure he is probably like "not this guy again"
Recommend 100%
05-07-2013, 09:59 AM
#123
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A review for terminator
Took a trip out to his place about a week ago and due to a scheduling and communication issue on both sides.
With suggestions from the forums I did take another trip back up to him. I have done quite a few mods on the car and he seemed to know his stuff but anyone reading through this thread has probably seen Term seems to know his stuff and that was very much my experience.
Outside of knowledge he's a friendly guy and real chatty whether it's talking about the forums, the cars, or just mumbling to himself about the tune he always has something to say. I being a rather quiet guy in most cases didn't mind this at all as it would have just made for a boring experience otherwise.
He spent about an hour and a half with me putting my car through the ringer as he called in giving me instructions on what he needed done and also talking about why he was doing it and showing me the program without me even asking which was also a rather interesting experience.
Now being rather new into the car modding game this will be the first tune I will have had on the cobalt since my GMS1 so I was not quite sure what to expect but term seemed a step ahead of me every time. The car feels a heal of a lot better and Term even game me some tips like swapping out my plugs and a few other minor things that could make the tune perform better.
Now for the downside. I don't think anything can really prepare you for how in the middle of nowhere term actually lives. This leaves us with good room to do some "spirited driving" but in that same note finding his place is not easy depending on the direction you come from. My google maps was giving me roads to drive down that did not even exist. Coming from the other direction however good ole google maps was able to find it without any problems
I think that's enough of my unstructured incoherent rambling to make for a shoddy review. All in all I would do it again.
Took a trip out to his place about a week ago and due to a scheduling and communication issue on both sides.
With suggestions from the forums I did take another trip back up to him. I have done quite a few mods on the car and he seemed to know his stuff but anyone reading through this thread has probably seen Term seems to know his stuff and that was very much my experience.
Outside of knowledge he's a friendly guy and real chatty whether it's talking about the forums, the cars, or just mumbling to himself about the tune he always has something to say. I being a rather quiet guy in most cases didn't mind this at all as it would have just made for a boring experience otherwise.
He spent about an hour and a half with me putting my car through the ringer as he called in giving me instructions on what he needed done and also talking about why he was doing it and showing me the program without me even asking which was also a rather interesting experience.
Now being rather new into the car modding game this will be the first tune I will have had on the cobalt since my GMS1 so I was not quite sure what to expect but term seemed a step ahead of me every time. The car feels a heal of a lot better and Term even game me some tips like swapping out my plugs and a few other minor things that could make the tune perform better.
Now for the downside. I don't think anything can really prepare you for how in the middle of nowhere term actually lives. This leaves us with good room to do some "spirited driving" but in that same note finding his place is not easy depending on the direction you come from. My google maps was giving me roads to drive down that did not even exist. Coming from the other direction however good ole google maps was able to find it without any problems
I think that's enough of my unstructured incoherent rambling to make for a shoddy review. All in all I would do it again.
07-01-2013, 06:56 PM
#124
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I have been using John(09Cobaltss1) for my Tuning needs and he is by far the BEST and most Knowledgable Tuner I have ever delt with! Just a excellent stand up guy and I recently traded in my t/c for a STI and will have him Tune that as well. THANKS JOHN!!
