Hello, i recently moved to Denver, CO and own a 2003 Evolution 8 with quite a few mods; i have my EVO still back in Wisconsin (at sea level, tuned for sea level with current mods).

I am going to be bringing the car out in the next few weeks and am assuming i will need to get the car re-tuned for the altitude....is this correct? I was thinking of either having AMS tune it for the altitude and then shipping it out; or ship/drive it out and THEN tune it out here in Colorado at a local shop or on the way.

Any thought, opinions or recomendations greatly appreciated!


-Chris

 

It would be a good idea to re-tune your car when you get it here. There are a few awd dyno's around here, what EMS do you have?

 

Yea tune it when you get here..Carz Custom does great tunes.

 

Here are my mods currently; i have the stock ECU that was retuned by AMS while on the dyno.
I also have (but NOT installed) an apexi SAFC 2....maybe installing that would help with tweaking the car in the altitude after its tuned out in CO.

Engine/power mods:
1: HKS 272/272 intake and exhaust camshafts
2: HKS EVC V electronic boost controller
3: AMS front-mount intercooler
4: Samco intercooler hose kit
5: 10.5 turbo hotside - single flapper
6: RS-R turbo-back exhaust
7: Walboro fuel pump
8: AMS front motor mount
9: ARP headstuds
10: APS dual vent blow off valve
11: Works air intake filter
12: HKS Type-0 turbo timer
13: AMS custom tune on the dyno


Will the drive out (slowly going up in altitude) have an adverse or damaging effect on my car?
I am assuming the only thing would be it running more rich (less air in altitude) and possibly a rougher idle.

 

It was my understanding that a sea level tune, while not ideal, shouldn't damage your engine at high altitude provided you go a little easy on it. The SAFC would help a little, in at least giving you an idea of how rich/lean your car is running. Of course, when you get the chance, get in for a tune.

Clean looking car What part of Denver are you in?

 

I am right near Denver campus, going back to school at Denver University. Here are a few more pics of my car, already has 50k on her and its doing great! suprisingly i am still on my FIRST stock clutch, but before i bring the car out here i will DEFINATELY need a new clutch (got some clutch chatter before i left).





And one of the celica i used to have, loved that lil car

 

I would get it re-tuned once you get here to CO. Every tuner I have talked to said, it's better to actually bring it up here and get it tuned. Driving up here will not have and adverse affects. You will obviously notice a power loss once you get here, but you won't do any damage.

However I would not wait very long to get your car tuned. And if you have to wait, just drive it around like a granny, as to not hurt anything.

P.S. Welcome to Colorado. Glad to have ya

 

Get it retuned. It does have a pretty big effect, bigger than most would think. Density of air has a lot to do with turbo cars, if it didnt why would they have intercoolers?
Go to the guys at Super Repair in Boulder. Harvery is very good with Ecutek and can get you all tuned out. If not I am from Fort Collins and come back every once in awhile. I can get you tuned out if you need it.
Mitch Mckee

 

/\ agreed

 

Thanks for the input!
So which are the shops most all of the Colorado guys go to for reputable and knowledgable tuning? All the suggestions make it hard to know which is the best choice; is there a difinitive shop that all CO evo owners say is "the place to go"?
I just want to make sure my car is in the right hands with the correct tune and no knock, f-ed up a/f ratios, etc.

 

Chris,

I'm trying to organize a Boulder Dyno Day with Vishnu. Logic Imports here in Boulder is a cool shop that has a Dyno Dynamics Dyno that we can use. There are 7 guys on the list right now. If I can get a 1 or 2 more people I'll be able to set dates and prices with Vishnu. If you are interested go into the vishnu performance forum on evom. Let us know if you want a shiv tune.

Welcome back to Colorado.

 

Al from DynoFlash will be in CO Springs on Nov 4th and 5th also. You can check the DynoFlash section to sign up. Just another option...

 

Welcome to Colorado!!!!!

 

There isn't really one Shop. There used to be, and everyone went to MAC Autosports. But that got a little hectic so people started spreading out.

I still go to MAC cause I don't trust anyone other than Nick to tune my car. But everyone has their own preferences. Some people just tune it themselves. Wish I knew how