Which file to flash? What are my tuning options?
 

I'm getting an EcuTek tune from Seb at Specialty Z and he sent me two tunes and I'm not sure which one to use. One is the base tune I need to flash and the other is the stock tune to save for later. I asked him which one to flash but he just repeats what he said before which wasn't worded clearly. He says "Attached is the base tune and stock tune (stock tune is for safe keeping on your laptop). The SZ tune has SZ in the name. You have both tune files."

Is the SZ tune the Specialty Z base tune I need to flash or is it the Stock Z tune? I haven't heard from him for two days and I was wanting to get the flashing of the base tune and the logging done this weekend so I thought someone who had done it here would know.

Does anyone know what kind of choices I can make as far as what kinds of maps to get? Do I need to tell him I want an aggressive tune or a smoother more economical one? I asked him and he didn't respond about it.

I have K&N drop in intakes, fast intentions resonated test pipes and a nismo catback exhaust on a base model Z. The stock tune he sent me is for the base exhaust but I won't ever be going back to a base exhaust, but I might go back to stock cats at some point while leaving on the nismo catback. Could I get a stock Nismo map or tune or is that something that has to be tuned after all hardware is in place?

Seb is extremely busy but I'm sure he'll get back to you.

You'll want to flash the "SZ" tune. You'll then do some pulls, record the logs and send those to him. He'll make adjustments to the tune from those logs. You need to tell him if you want an aggressive tune or economical tune.

As far as maps, you can go on Ecutek's website to see what Racerom maps are available. I'm not sure what are available for an automatic. Depending on the year of your car, the ecu could limited on how many maps are available for customization.

You'll need to talk to him regarding your exhaust set up.

The one with SZ tune in the file name is the one you are paying Seb to custom build for your car. Funny that Stock Z can also be abbreviated the same way though - your confusion makes sense at least.

Your choices are virtually unlimited. Seb can build any map you want, so you can have a variety of maps customized to your liking. You just have to tell him what you want.

Once you have a base tune with the mods installed, then you can do some logging for Seb. That way he is customizing the tune for your Z instead of giving you a generic tune that doesn't necessarily take advantage of the go-fast parts you have installed.

tune maps
 

Thanks for the responses guys. I'm reading the EcuTek website now. I didn't know there was so much there. What kind of maps do y'all use and how many maps do you get? I know I will have to check with Seb about what can really be done, but do you think it is reasonable to ask for the following maps?:

Map 1 normal daily driver performance mode, linear power delivery gear 2-7 can Rev 250rpm over redline if engine won't be damaged. Leave gear one redline alone since second gear is short. Improved throttle response. Shifting should stay about like stock since speed and smoothness are good already.

Map 2 comfort mode, designed for when I have easily upset passengers who don't like going fast.with smooth shifting, non linear power delivery for ease of driving slowly, but still with full power available and able to do half power without trouble. reduced throttle response.

Map 3 same as map one but for 91 Octane

Map 4 same as map one, but set up for k&N drop in intakes, stock cats and nismo catback.

Map 5 valet mode. Speed limited to 55 mph. Power reduced by about half.

Map 6 security mode, car won't start in this mode

additional feature:
If changing maps should only be done while stopped, can you make it so maps can't be changed while moving? Either require speed to be 0-1mph or be in park gear or pull handbreak. Any would be fine but I prefer map changing lockout to be based on the speedometer for ease of use.

Im forced induction and he sent me a base map along with what parameters to monitor, just save the stock map to your computer and up load the specialty z tune.

It's your money, and chances are Seb will do whatever you ask him (*pay him*) to do...

That being said: what you're wanting for maps 1, 2, 4 and your "additional feature" sound like a waste of time and money because: 1) If you have easily upset passengers, simply don't drive fast, 2) I doubt Seb would set your transmission to shift harder/faster or redline higher than what's necessary, 3) it seems like a waste to tune a car for only test pipes with all other things being similar and 4) simply don't change maps while driving (most people don't play with those buttons in that manner while when the car is in motion anyway). Also, if you're worried about someone else doing it, most people wouldn't know how to switch maps unless you show them or they're familiar with Z-specific tuning software. Lastly, you can get the bluetooth dongle and turn off your fuel pump so the car won't start, but if you want a map for that then go for it.

I'd do a map for your regular gas octane (I'm guessing 93 unless you're running E/flex), one for 91 octane, and a valet map. If you're running boost then I'd make use of multiple maps that way.

Just my opinion

It actually takes a bit of effort to not launch off too fast while stopped and to drive slowly. The gas pedal is very sensitive now especially at low speed with the base tune on a 93 octane map. I like that most of the time but it isn't good in parking lots and driveways so I am getting him to back off a little. The main difference between map 1 and 2 would be how much the gas pedal opens and closes the throttle. I'm not sure really what else he can do in regard to shifting or other things that I would notice. I would have the sport mode on map 1 shift the same as it does stock, but in comfort mode I would like it a bit slower and smoother.

Is it a bad idea to raise the redline a little? I'm thinking only 200rpm higher would help keep me in the power band when shifting without hurting reliability.

I get 4 maps right? What kind do y'all think are best to get? I've narrowed it down to sport, comfort, reduced power and anti-theft. I think a 91 octane map isn't necessary because the car can run on it anyway. It is already understood the car wouldn't be at its best on it and only something to do only when you have to. Is it required to have valet mode? I don't like it because it turns on and off differently than the other maps and is on map 8 for some odd reason.

I don't think it was a waste to get the tune done. I have only the base map done so far and there is a definite improvement across the whole rev range. $850 is kind of steep but this is something that I should enjoy everyday for 5-10 years. I don't want to leave the bluetooth dongle in because it limits key fob range to about a third of what it is normally.

You will get used to the throttle and after that it won't be so bad. Now when I jump in my daily I find it frustrating that the throttle doesn't respond.

With Racerom you can set up adjustable "throttle response".

I'm in the boat that would keep it simple.
I currently have
Hot weather
Cold weather
Cold weather + RR TC
Cold weather + RR TC + 93+ Octane (I live in CA)

Valet

Really, the extra cold weather tunes are highly situational for me. I don't touch valet because I literally would never hand my keys to someone else.

This car really doesn't cater to creature comforts, and so I see a tune serving the purpose of optimizing the engine performance