[FlaPatsFan]

I will be installing AA headers on my 2011 328i e91. My question is do I need to immediately get a tune after install? Or am I ok driving the car a bit (not long) before getting it re-tuned. I already had the AA tune done after the 3SIM. Or should I go with a different tune? Any input is appreciated. I figured it’s best to have install and tune done at same time...yes?

[FlaPatsFan]

Anyone?

[desertman123]

Originally Posted by FlaPatsFan

Anyone?

You posted at 2am EST, let people wake up lol.

No you don't need a tune right away unless the SES light bothers you (you should be getting P0420 Catalyst Inefficiency... because there is no cat )

But yeah it is optimal, don't quote me but I'm sure AA has adjusted the maps to accommodate the headers.

[FlaPatsFan]

Lol, when you’re up with a 4month old at 2am time drags!

Thanks, I’ve heard different answers so just want to plan accordingly. Will the power curve not be as prevalent without the re-tune?

[BOOSTLEE]

Originally Posted by FlaPatsFan

I will be installing AA headers on my 2011 328i e91. My question is do I need to immediately get a tune after install? Or am I ok driving the car a bit (not long) before getting it re-tuned. I already had the AA tune done after the 3SIM. Or should I go with a different tune? Any input is appreciated. I figured it’s best to have install and tune done at same time...yes?

you will need to get a custom off-road tune from AA, it turns off the O2 sensors making the ECU think they are working. you car will run ok, your fuel mileage will suffer from running rich all the time. I had super sprint headers and AA off-road tune on my 330i before =

[FlaPatsFan]

Thanks guys, trying to figure out best way to do this. Not many options for Performance Shops in my area that can do both install and tune.

[ctuna]

There is a Engine Sub forum for each Engine type.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=378

in which they discuss mods as the only topic.

[desertman123]

Originally Posted by FlaPatsFan

Thanks guys, trying to figure out best way to do this. Not many options for Performance Shops in my area that can do both install and tune.

If you're near Orlando, I know Precision Sports Industries will do both (I have personally spoken to them about it!)

Or make a trip out of it and visit Active in Pompano

[FlaPatsFan]

I’m in the Sarasota area, not many options like i said. I’m most likely going to have to road trip it. I was considering going to AA, but prices were a bit high. Id like to have both done at same time. Orlando is closer then Miami area. There’s also a place north of Tampa called Tuning Dynamics. I wasn’t happy with their work last time i was there tho.

[W37V]

Originally Posted by FlaPatsFan

I’m in the Sarasota area, not many options like i said. I’m most likely going to have to road trip it. I was considering going to AA, but prices were a bit high. Id like to have both done at same time. Orlando is closer then Miami area. There’s also a place north of Tampa called Tuning Dynamics. I wasn’t happy with their work last time i was there tho.

No!

Reach out to AA. Pay the upgrade price for tune (I think it’s $100). Drive happy. Their newly updated tune is rather good.

You don’t need to tune it immediately. Having no tune will cause having check engine light. Also, your car would not be as optimized, so you will not get full potential of the headers.

If you really want different tune, so with BPC. More tq down low than AA. Both off the shelf tunes appear to make same power.

[FlaPatsFan]

Originally Posted by W37V

No!

Reach out to AA. Pay the upgrade price for tune (I think it’s $100). Drive happy. Their newly updated tune is rather good.

You don’t need to tune it immediately. Having no tune will cause having check engine light. Also, your car would not be as optimized, so you will not get full potential of the headers.

If you really want different tune, so with BPC. More tq down low than AA. Both off the shelf tunes appear to make same power.

AA quoted me 750 for install and 100 for retune, not to bad of a price. I know the headers are a big job. Another forum member mentioned Meister Motoring and EMP tuning over in the Pompano area. Anyone have experience with either?

[W37V]

Headers are not big job. I swapped them out 4 times in past 2 months. (Had to pass inspection and slight issue with sensors).

If you are capable to turn the wrench (and I haven’t met anyone who isn’t yet), you can do it. Just be patient. If you want cheaper rate, look for local shops who can do it for you. Axiom is in Tampa. Reach out to him and see which shop he uses.

[FlaPatsFan]

Originally Posted by W37V

Headers are not big job. I swapped them out 4 times in past 2 months. (Had to pass inspection and slight issue with sensors).

If you are capable to turn the wrench (and I haven’t met anyone who isn’t yet), you can do it. Just be patient. If you want cheaper rate, look for local shops who can do it for you. Axiom is in Tampa. Reach out to him and see which shop he uses.

Thanks! I have gotten mixed info on the headers, some say big all day job and others said not so much. I do know the fitment with the AA headers is great so that should help speed up install. I can and have done alot of work on my car, however this may be above my pay grade. I am still looking into it, for a more local option. I will try Axiom.

[Biginboca]

Originally Posted by FlaPatsFan

Thanks! I have gotten mixed info on the headers, some say big all day job and others said not so much. I do know the fitment with the AA headers is great so that should help speed up install. I can and have done alot of work on my car, however this may be above my pay grade. I am still looking into it, for a more local option. I will try Axiom.

With a friend’s help, and using only hand tools you would have in a normal mechanics tool, set it took a friend and I about 4-5 hours to install my AA headers. Really not hard just a time consuming operation. I would definitely recommend doing it with a friend.

[FlaPatsFan]

Originally Posted by Biginboca

With a friend’s help, and using only hand tools you would have in a normal mechanics tool, set it took a friend and I about 4-5 hours to install my AA headers. Really not hard just a time consuming operation. I would definitely recommend doing it with a friend.

Good to know. I have plenty of tools, and a friend with a lift. How did you handle cutting the exhaust and attaching the new pipes? I’m guessing it’s all bolt on stuff?

[Biginboca]

Originally Posted by FlaPatsFan

Good to know. I have plenty of tools, and a friend with a lift. How did you handle cutting the exhaust and attaching the new pipes? I’m guessing it’s all bolt on stuff?

All bolt on. I started a thread here last month for pointers it’s in the NA section, I’ll see if it can find it there’s good info there...

[Biginboca]

Here you go, this should pretty much cover everything you need to know...

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1442984

[Taskmaster]

I would request a dyno tune to get the most out of it. It’s what I have now, and it’s definitely better, but may cost more.

[FlaPatsFan]

Originally Posted by Biginboca

Here you go, this should pretty much cover everything you need to know...

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1442984

Awesome thank you!!!

[FlaPatsFan]

Originally Posted by TheAxiom

I would request a dyno tune to get the most out of it. It’s what I have now, and it’s definitely better, but may cost more.

Ok, i was planning on a before and after dyno run. Axiom you’re in the Tampa area correct? Where do you get your work done? Reputable Performance shops? I tried Tuning Dynamics, but wasn’t very happy.

[Taskmaster]

Originally Posted by FlaPatsFan

Ok, i was planning on a before and after dyno run. Axiom you’re in the Tampa area correct? Where do you get your work done? Reputable Performance shops? I tried Tuning Dynamics, but wasn’t very happy.

I do it myself with the help of a friend.

You can try Proven Power in Tampa, one of the guys there has a 128i, and they also have a 535. They are quite familiar with with the E9X chassis - oh, and it's my "Home" dyno.

[FlaPatsFan]

Originally Posted by TheAxiom

I do it myself with the help of a friend.

You can try Proven Power in Tampa, one of the guys there has a 128i, and they also have a 535. They are quite familiar with with the E9X chassis - oh, and it's my "Home" dyno.

Ok great! I’ll check them out