kingmike06

Ok. Im a complete idiot, what does tuning mean. I hear it alot how could it help my car, and how much does it cost and is it worth it?

NJHK

It's basic meaning is Adjusting/Changing.

Tuning is usually referred to Changing either computer parameters (PCM programmers) or changing voltage signals (piggybacks). Typically people refer either to Fuel Management or Ignition Timing changes.

If you want to learn more about it, read How To Tune and Modify Engine Management Systems.

Halfcent

To expand on that. There are two way to think of it. One is more slang, and refers to modifying a car from it's stock form in some way to achieve an increase in performance. The other is more technical, and deals with changing the control program of your engine control module computer. As Adam said, you change the fuel and ignition parameters.