[427]

DISCLAIMER: I have no affiliation nor have I been promised anything in return for posting this info.

Sorry I haven't been active in the forum lately ... Unfortunately, family health issues severely limit my "free" time. Recently, I just started a well deserved vacation and I've been exploring the potential for custom dyno tuning my XLR. There are mixed results in the forum search, but I seem to have located a very talented & experienced individual willing to help our community.

I first noticed these great reviews on the DigitalCorvettes website:
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/forums/showthread.php?p=585161
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54186
There are other rave reviews all over the web ... From CorvetteForum to LS1Tech.

Upon emailing (long delay) and eventually talking to Jeremy, he is very anxious to see what magic he can tweak out of the XLR or XLR-V. In his words, "I do have the software to do them. Essentially all it really comes down to is timing and fuel. However the way GM has parameters set there is too little timing under certain conditions and too much fuel in other areas. There is also torque management that seriously limits the amount torque applied to the rear wheels." He also indicates that tweaks to the throttle body and manifold can easily yield serious "seat of the pants" performance.

Right now, he is looking for one person in the Tampa, Florida area interested in a custom dyno tune. Since he has not worked on a XLR previously, he does not have any hard figures to publish. His basic rates are as follows:
Custom Tune = $375
Throttle Body Porting = $150 (optional)
Manifold Porting = $300 (optional)
Package Deal = $775
This does not include any dyno time ... That is usually $65/hr

For the first person in the Tampa area stepping up to have their XLR tuned by Jeremy, he is willing to give you a couple hundred dollar discount. Details can be arranged by calling him @ 813-476-7364 (home). Unfortunately, I live in New England and can't take him up on his offer ... But if someone does, PLEASE keep us informed as to your results.

BTW- When we talked today, he was returning from tuning three Z06's. He also indicated he has done is magic on 800+ late model GM vehicles and handles all of them with kid gloves and with proper respect to the car and owner alike.

BTW #2- I also mentioned the upcoming Rendezvous and he was enthused at the possibility of attending if there was enough interest ... But first, he wanted to get a look at one XLR and see what he could do.

 

[Guest]

good job..............you guys in that area should be fighting or standing in line like American Idol to get this done. Take a chance, Columbus did.
I hope you told him about our forum
Bob

DISCLAIMER: I have no affiliation nor have I been promised anything in return for posting this info.

Sorry I haven't been active in the forum lately ... Unfortunately, family health issues severely limit my "free" time. Recently, I just started a well deserved vacation and I've been exploring the potential for custom dyno tuning my XLR. There are mixed results in the forum search, but I seem to have located a very talented & experienced individual willing to help our community.

I first noticed these great reviews on the DigitalCorvettes website:
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/forums/showthread.php?p=585161
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54186
There are other rave reviews all over the web ... From CorvetteForum to LS1Tech.

Upon emailing (long delay) and eventually talking to Jeremy, he is very anxious to see what magic he can tweak out of the XLR or XLR-V. In his words, "I do have the software to do them. Essentially all it really comes down to is timing and fuel. However the way GM has parameters set there is too little timing under certain conditions and too much fuel in other areas. There is also torque management that seriously limits the amount torque applied to the rear wheels." He also indicates that tweaks to the throttle body and manifold can easily yield serious "seat of the pants" performance.

Right now, he is looking for one person in the Tampa, Florida area interested in a custom dyno tune. Since he has not worked on a XLR previously, he does not have any hard figures to publish. His basic rates are as follows:
Custom Tune = $375
Throttle Body Porting = $150 (optional)
Manifold Porting = $300 (optional)
Package Deal = $775
This does not include any dyno time ... That is usually $65/hr

For the first person in the Tampa area stepping up to have their XLR tuned by Jeremy, he is willing to give you a couple hundred dollar discount. Details can be arranged by calling him @ 813-476-7364 (home). Unfortunately, I live in New England and can't take him up on his offer ... But if someone does, PLEASE keep us informed as to your results.

BTW- When we talked today, he was returning from tuning three Z06's. He also indicated he has done is magic on 800+ late model GM vehicles and handles all of them with kid gloves and with proper respect to the car and owner alike.

BTW #2- I also mentioned the upcoming Rendezvous and he was enthused at the possibility of attending if there was enough interest ... But first, he wanted to get a look at one XLR and see what he could do.

 

[427]

Bob- I agree ... This would be a great opportunity for many of us who have expressed interest in performance enhancements to our beloved XLR. As a matter of fact, Jeremy told me he has already tuned an STS-V and was very impressed with the results. And yes, I did mention our forum and obtained his permission to post his phone number. Unfortunately, he seems too busy to partake (in the many forums he is mentioned) a regular basis.

good job..............you guys in that area should be fighting or standing in line like American Idol to get this done. Take a chance, Columbus did.
I hope you told him about our forum
Bob

 

[1_XLR]

D3 here on the west coast wanted to use my V to experiment with tuning, at no charge, and I wasn't willing to take the chance. They have since found another mule and it sounds like they are doing some really great things. Even though DigitalCorvettes has been sucessful with corvettes, the northstar is a different animal. I understand why guys are not lined up for this opportunity, but I hope someone is willing to step up to the plate.
Thanks for the post

 

[XLR I FL]

I agree with 1 XLR!!!

BTW: I'm willing to do BRAIN SURGERY on anybody that is willing to let me cut their heads open. I've never done it before but I'm willing to learn.

We see this all of the time on a variety of platforms.

I have a V-Rod that has an "enhanced motor". I am always hearing from people "let me tune it up for you". It will only cost $400 -$500 dollars on a Dyno that I am learning to use.

They have virtually NO IDEA how to optimize the performance but are willing to put my vechicle at risk while they learn.

I suggest you get one and show us what you can do --consistantly and then I'll decide if I want to do businees with you.

 

[Guest]

http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZS :iagree You landed that baby right on the numbers 14Right. Whe I had a double bypass, the doc said "Do you want to go home or shall I call the funeral director? I've done over 300 bypasses with a 99% success rating."

That was a no brainer...........I'm here after 7 years and sassy as ever.
Bob

I agree with 1 XLR!!!

BTW: I'm willing to do BRAIN SURGERY on anybody that is willing to let me cut their heads open. I've never done it before but I'm willing to learn.

We see this all of the time on a variety of platforms.

I have a V-Rod that has an "enhanced motor". I am always hearing from people "let me tune it up for you". It will only cost $400 -$500 dollars on a Dyno that I am learning to use.

They have virtually NO IDEA how to optimize the performance but are willing to put my vechicle at risk while they learn.

I suggest you get one and show us what you can do --consistantly and then I'll decide if I want to do businees with you.

 

[427]

With all due respect, I disagree with your analysis. First of all, do you do brain surgery for a living ... Were you trained to do it? Mr Formato seems to have a fantastic track record when it comes to tuning late model GM vehicles ... Does that prohibit him from looking at a new vehicle and determining if the calibration codes can be tweaked? Can he be allowed to look at the throttle body or manifold to see if porting would help? What harm would an appointment be to analyze the XLR for performance potential? At some point in time, there was the first tune to an LS1, Z06 ... Need I go on?

BTW- I hope you still don't read by candle light ... Would you risk using an electric bulb? And if this is your first time driving to Bowling Green, please alert the nation to the danger they will be in as you navigate uncharted roads. Sarcasm mode off.

Sir, I know little of Mr Formato other than the online research I've done (and it was very positive). I was simply posting info for those that wanted to take advantage of his custom tuning talents. I find it somewhat offensive to degrade a person without fully knowing the situation ... And with that said, I apologize to you for the previous paragraph.

Feel free to remove or lock this thread ... I'm afraid of the damage similar comments may do to his reputation and/or business.

I'm willing to do BRAIN SURGERY on anybody that is willing to let me cut their heads open. I've never done it before but I'm willing to learn.

 

[Guest]

Knowing GM, I think that everyone is tentative about messing with our warranty, especially a V. If they refuse to work on it because they see codes that tell them the engine has been tweaked. We are all in a peck of trouble paying for work every time we have an issue............That said, Let your conscience be your guide.
I have about 460HP just switching to the Volant Cold air filters and have ram aired those in my V and really, If I want more I should buy a faster car.
Bob

With all due respect, I disagree with your analysis. First of all, do you do brain surgery for a living ... Were you trained to do it? Mr Formato seems to have a fantastic track record when it comes to tuning late model GM vehicles ... Does that prohibit him from looking at a new vehicle and determining if the calibration codes can be tweaked? Can he be allowed to look at the throttle body or manifold to see if porting would help? What harm would an appointment be to analyze the XLR for performance potential? At some point in time, there was the first tune to an LS1, Z06 ... Need I go on?

BTW- I hope you still don't read by candle light ... Would you risk using an electric bulb? And if this is your first time driving to Bowling Green, please alert the nation to the danger they will be in as you navigate uncharted roads. Sarcasm mode off.

Sir, I know little of Mr Formato other than the online research I've done (and it was very positive). I was simply posting info for those that wanted to take advantage of his custom tuning talents. I find it somewhat offensive to degrade a person without fully knowing the situation ... And with that said, I apologize to you for the previous paragraph.

Feel free to remove or lock this thread ... I'm afraid of the damage similar comments may do to his reputation and/or business.

 

[Galen]

Bottom line is, if he flashes the chip, tuning time and dyno time for a total of close to a grand, would there be a way to "save" this tune? Or is it erased the next time its taken into a service center? My F250's chip is flashed and the stock program is saved on the hand held programmer. When I take it in, I just put the stock program back into the chip. Sound pretty costly for what I call a custom short term "tuning".

 

[427]

Standby: Lookz like you and Columbus have turned the ships around and are headed back to Spain. No problem ... Just posting info for people to consider.

Galen: According to Mr Formato, it is my understanding he could program the tune one of two ways (depending on the owners wishes) ... Either temporary (which can be reflashed) or permanent (it can not be altered during a reflash). But in all honesty, I have little knowledge of this entire procedure.

 

[Galen]

Thanks 427.

 

[Caly]

Feel free to remove or lock this thread ... I'm afraid of the damage similar comments may do to his reputation and/or business.

The whole point of a forum is to discuss things of interest. Discussions inculde points of view that are not shared by all. As long as we refrain from making these discussions personal, I think we are doing what we are here for.

 

[427]

The whole point of a forum is to discuss things of interest. Discussions inculde points of view that are not shared by all. As long as we refrain from making these discussions personal, I think we are doing what we are here for.

Caly- I totally agree that pertinent information and intelligent discussions are the hallmark of a good board. Unfortunately, blanket statements such as "They have virtually NO IDEA how to optimize the performance but are willing to put my vechicle at risk while they learn." are gross misrepresentations and malign the good reputation of people that do quality work.

If someone had first hand knowledge of specific problems regarding this tuner, then they can legitimately put that information forward for others to consider. It makes no sense to me when someone (especially a well established mod) would trash an individual without cause ... I am therefore forced to defend the person in question (even though I know little of him).

 

[Pegasus]

If someone would like to have an intellegent discussion about performance tuning for the XLR-V then I suggest you do a search and read some of the posts that have been made on this topic in the past. I, for one, have made numerous posts on the topic. (See http://www.xlrforum.com/showthread.php?t=1856&highlight=tuners for example.)

Performance tuning is, by definition, an iterative process. Each engine and vehicle type is unique and has to be tuned the first time by a trial and error process (hence the need for multiple dyno runs). Even for vehicles that are seemingly the same in terms of engine, transmission, etc. (e.g., all C6 ZO6's) they are not the same when it comes to performance tuning and there still must be a trial and error approach. Nevertheless, an experienced tuner, using the proper software, will understand the interplay bertween the key variables that influence engine/vehicle performance and should be able to successfully achieve the "right" combination for ultimate performance. (Ultimate performance is, of course, defined by the vehicle's owner and driver as there are tradeoffs for everything - - hp vs. full economy, for example).

If someone on this forum has knowledge about a tuner or the tuning process that can benefit other members who are interested in this topic then we should be appreciative of his or her input. Just like we are when members talk about wanting heated/cooled cup holders or bluetooth and MP3 connectivity.

If you're satisfied with 446hp then you won't need to do a tune. But the V is a tremendous performance vehicle and comes from the factory in a less than optimized mode. If you want to achieve more of its full potential and push the hp beyond 500 then maybe a tune is for you.

Again, thanks to those members who want to contribute to this discussion in a postitive way.

 

[Jetboyphx]

If someone would like to have an intellegent discussion about performance tuning for the XLR-V then I suggest you do a search and read some of the posts that have been made on this topic in the past. I, for one, have made numerous posts on the topic. (See http://www.xlrforum.com/showthread.php?t=1856&highlight=tuners for example.)

Performance tuning is, by definition, an iterative process. Each engine and vehicle type is unique and has to be tuned the first time by a trial and error process (hence the need for multiple dyno runs). Even for vehicles that are seemingly the same in terms of engine, transmission, etc. (e.g., all C6 ZO6's) they are not the same when it comes to performance tuning and there still must be a trial and error approach. Nevertheless, an experienced tuner, using the proper software, will understand the interplay bertween the key variables that influence engine/vehicle performance and should be able to successfully achieve the "right" combination for ultimate performance. (Ultimate performance is, of course, defined by the vehicle's owner and driver as there are tradeoffs for everything - - hp vs. full economy, for example).

If someone on this forum has knowledge about a tuner or the tuning process that can benefit other members who are interested in this topic then we should be appreciative of his or her input. Just like we are when members talk about wanting heated/cooled cup holders or bluetooth and MP3 connectivity.

If you're satisfied with 446hp then you won't need to do a tune. But the V is a tremendous performance vehicle and comes from the factory in a less than optimized mode. If you want to achieve more of its full potential and push the hp beyond 500 then maybe a tune is for you.

Again, thanks to those members who want to contribute to this discussion in a postitive way.

:iagree :lurk

 

[427]

Pegasus- Thanx for the refreshing attitude ... It is much appreciated. BTW- Before posting this info, I did do some forum searching (and noticed that I even replied to a previous thread). Since the tuner was not specifically looking for a XLR-V (even though he's been successful with an STS-V), I figured the "Technical Area" might be an appropriate place to list this info. There has been much interest in the past (including Florida) and Mr Formato indicated he does travel on occasion (I recall PA & NY) ... So I see the potential of a few people contacting him.

Just trying to help the XLR community,
427