Opinions on tune up by Chuck CoW from Corvettes of Westchester??

[vette99coupe]

I see that Chuck CoW from Corvettes of Westchester NY is coming to Carlisle next weekend. I called them and they highly recommended that I have them tune my 99 A4 coupe since it's never been tuned. I also told them about the seven times I've been screwed by GM when they tried to fix the column lock problem only to have it continue to plague me. In fact right now it sits in the garage unable to get it out because of the damned 2mph fuel shut off that happens because the problem still exists after seven visits to GM dealers.

I would like to know if any of you have had your vette tuned by Chuck and what your recommendation is. Details would be also acceptable.

Thanks

[leadfoot]

Had my 99 A4 coupe tuned at Carlisle last year. Best mod to date. Had a chronic code in trans which was corrected by tune. No dyno $125 show special. I couldnt be happier and encourage all to get their PCM tuned. Only problem it wasn't done by Chuck!
The performance improvement is huge and they synch all the components and maximize your mods... I highly recommend new plugs and wires and finish any mods you have to do before you go to Carlisle.
Check other vendors mine was done by the Vette Doctors.. many offer the service with a great discount. You might shop around for best price. I dont miss dyno runs my cars couldnt run better.. Best of Luck you have the best year imho See you at Carlilse

[vette99coupe]

Hey Leadfoot,

I've spent part of the day talking to two of the "tuner" vendors that will be there next week. Chuck CoW from Corvettes of Westchester and Mike from East Coast Superchargers (ECS). Chuck charges $399 and ECS charges $99. ECS insists that what they do is exactly the same thing as what Chuck does...for less. Can that be?

I talked to Chuck for 1/2 hour today and he tells me that what he does exceeds what other vendors do. That his software is specifically set up for a c5 automatic the year that I have. Called ECS and they told me that the software is the same that all tuners use and that what they use is no different than what Chuck uses.

Being totally a novice at this "tuning" process I have no idea what to think...yet.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Al

[leadfoot]

I do not know what either vendor does nor do I know them other than have seen their promo material. Both have good reputations. I would not pay $200 for a tune by anybody. I suggest you pocket the 300 and get the ECS tune. There is only so much that can be accomplished and the tune is done through software that both vendors use. the tune isnt "canned" in that your cars condition and function is considered in the setting of the operating parameters.
If it were mine this is what I would do:
Schedule ECS or other vendor for tune not more than $150 do not need dyno time.
Seafoam the engine's internals
New wires and plugs
Change the oil and trans fluid and the filters including air and fuel
Add any mods I have been wanting to do like an intake whatever
Roll it over to the fair grounds and have it tuned.
With this scenario you might still have money for buying C4C5 a cup of coffee at the show!
In addition your 99 C5 will be in peak form and be able to maximize the many benefits of a tune. I'd also flush the brake fluid but that might put you over what Chuck wants for the tune alone. See you on the turnpike

[leadfoot]

I would also drop a new battery in or at least make sure it is fully charged as tuning takes time with the key on and doors open etc you do not wanna have to deal with a battery failure. Best of Luck it is worth the time and reasonable money as there is ALOT of performance left out of the stock settings