[JLL]

I have been seeing a lot of questions lately among members about the various tuning options available for the Cruze. I'm creating this thread to aid those who are trying to make the decision of whether or not to tune their Cruze AND if they decide to tune it, which option they want to go with. If you wish to post in this thread, please only post about YOUR OWN experience with a particular tuning service or personal tuning experience.

In your post, please include the following information:

Vehicle Year, Make, Model, Trim
Engine Size with RPO code (if you know it)
Transmission Type (automatic/manual)
Vehicle Modifications (if any)
Name of Tuner/Tuning Software
Review of YOUR OWN experience with the Tuner/Tuning Software
Cost for Tuning
Dyno Sheet (If you have one) OR Screenshot of power numbers

I hope this thread is helpful.

 

[JLL]

THIS IS A COPY AND PASTE OF A MUCH LATER POST IN ORDER TO TRY AND GROUP SOME PERTINENT POSTS
This post is by @72chevman

Tim at ZZP did a great job on my 16 Limited. We went back and forth seven times before he was 100% happy with the tune.
It was so weak when I bought it. With my scangauge I never saw more than 13PSI. Now I've seen 20. The car was just plain lackluster, It's now actually fun to drive.
I added their Downpipe at the same time as the tune. I did one step colder plugs, AEM cold air and Magnaflow muffler prior to tune and ZZP mid-pipe afterwards.
The trans shifts so much quicker all the time, not just when driving hard. It will now bark the tires when it hits 2nd gear when you are really in the gas pedal.
I just got 35MPG average on a 1800mile trip (No A\C). I try and use ethanol free 91 when I can, which is found at Caseys in the midwest. Most of this trip was 65-75 MPG. I'll get over 40 if running 60-65 which we do in Rural WI where speed limits are 55 thru the hills, trees and around all the lake communities.
On our trips across Kansas to Colorado at 80MPG I get 32MPG, 30 if AC is on.
In the Flint Hills of KS and the Mountains of CO, this car never loses more than 1MPH going up steep grades, and thats without it downshifting. Boost is a wonderful thing

2016 Limited LT, ZZP Tune, ZZP DP, ZZP Mid Pipe, AEM Cold Air, Magnaflow muffler, 35% Ceramic tint, 215/55/17 W Rated Continental tires on DR-33 wheels, added OEM Driving lights
2013 Cruze LS 35% Ceramic Tint, 2016 16" 5 spoke Alloy Wheels

The original post: Gen 1 Tuning Comparision Thread

 

[JLL]

This is a tune review for Vermont Tuning.

Car Details:
2015 Chevrolet Cruze LT
1.4L RPO Code: LUJ
Automatic Transmission
I don't have any concrete power info yet.

Current Engine Modifications:
Vermont Tuning E85 Flex Fuel Tune
Injen Cold Air Intake
ZZP Intercooler Package
ZZP Throttle Body Spacer
460cc Deatschwerks Fuel Injectors
Ported Intake Manifold
Mishimoto Oil Catch Can
MSD Ignition Coil
ZZP Downpipe
ZZP Catted Mid Pipe
Magnaflow Stainless Catback Exhaust

I have been tuned by Vermont Tuning for 7 months. They are one of the lesser known options for tuning. I originally choose Vermont Tuning because they offered tuning/scanning from a handheld, called an Autocal, as I "traded in" my 12 year old laptop for a new desktop last spring.

In the beginning, things were a bit rocky. Mainly technical issues on my end involving my new PC. However this is how I discovered how great Vermont Tuning's customer service is. Brian, the owner/tuner, sat through countless troubleshooting conference calls with me on weekdays, evenings and even on the weekend!
He has always responded to my emails within hours. Even when a tune update is required.

As for power, there is no comparison versus the stock tune. Stock boost was around 15 psi. Right now I run 20 psi without a problem. I don't have any dyno numbers yet, but it will plant you in your seat and spin the tires through 1st and into second. (With traction control off of course)

As for fuel economy, before I switch to E85, my highway fuel economy actually increased by 6 MPG.

Cost for tune and Autocal: $550

I hope this review is helpful.

 

[Thebigzeus]

I like this idea, I think we should also post cost as that can be a big determining factor.

I want to start this off by saying this is my opinion and an unbiased and honest review.


BNR Autocal Tune $600: BNRTUNE-CRUZE14-BNR Tune 2011-2016 Limited Chevrolet Cruze 1

2013 Cruze 1LT
1.4L
Automatic
195HP on auto cal, assumed 170WHP
ZZP downpipe | Forge wastegate actuator | Forge atmospheric bypass valve | MSD Coil | ZZP Big 3 kit

I have the older BNR EFILive BNR tune, they now offer HP Tuners. They are the same tune, but different technologies. To start off with, they send you a base tune. You flash this onto your vehicle and gather a log to send back to them. They will then analyze the log and make changes if needed. I didn’t need to have any done. The base tune makes a ridiculous amount of power over stock and your butt dyno will immediately know.

They offer retunes for no cost as well as for mods. My experience when requesting custom tunes has been about 50/50. I requested a higher PSI tune and it worked ok, but went into limp mode/overboost a lot. Enough to not be drivable enjoyable. The Eco tune I requested though is great! I noticed quite the increase in misfires on their tune versus stock, I assume this is due to timing and them advancing it to get more power, they assure me it is no issue. It’s usually under mid acceleration or after letting off the throttle from wide open.

I get better MPG on all of their tunes versus stock, even pushing 20PSI. I currently am running their normal canned base tune and it’s fine. If you floor it, it will spin the tires a bit in first and bark the tires when shifting to second (2nd gear scratch). Which to an automobile nut, is quite desirable 😃

Their response time on tunes is normally at least 2 weeks and all the way up to a month. To some this is an acceptable window, but to me it really isn’t. I love the power, but the tune replies are pretty much rushed and lacking. You can’t ask quesitons and just receive a new file and are told to load it up. I get it they’re busy, but a little more smoothness around the edges would be nice; as well as a faster response time. If you are marketing yourself as offering updates for free, they should be a bit more timely.

In the end they get the job done, and that is how some companies operate. I am not disappointed in any way.

 

[cruze991]

Trifecta tune
2012 eco 1.4L
Automatic

I was first just planning on getting their canned tune and not doing any upgrades. After the tune I wasn’t really satisfied and wanted more power. I paid the $180 to upgrade to their elite tune then got started on my mods. Downpipe, wastegate actuator, coil pack, and intake. Trifecta is great with their response times (usually a couple days). Don’t have dyno sheets but based off my MAF readings I peaked 185 whp or 220 at the crank. I asked for an aggressive tune but I’m not sure if that would change anything. My peak boost is 22 and it holds it all the way to redline.

Forgot to mention but I got a best 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds. Tested again yesterday but best I could get was 7.3 not sure what changed. Stock I’d get about 9.5 so it’s still a huge improvement.

 

[JLL]

I like this idea, I think we should also post cost as that can be a big determining factor.

Good idea. I edited the original post to include cost.

 

[Blasirl]

I have been seeing a lot of questions lately among members about the various tuning options available for the Cruze. I'm creating this thread to aid those who are trying to make the decision of whether or not to tune their Cruze AND if they decide to tune it, which option they want to go with. If you wish to post in this thread, please only post about YOUR OWN experience with a particular tuning service or personal tuning experience.

In your post, please include the following information:

Vehicle Year, Make, Model, Trim
Engine Size with RPO code (if you know it)
Transmission Type (automatic/manual)
Vehicle Modifications (if any)
Name of Tuner/Tuning Software
Review of YOUR OWN experience with the Tuner/Tuning Software
Dyno Sheet (If you have one) OR Screenshot of power numbers

I hope this thread is helpful.

Vehicle Year, Make, Model, Trim:
2014 Chevy Cruze LT Fleet

Engine Size with RPO code:
Stock GM 1.4 Liter Turbo I4 Ecotec LUJ Engine

Transmission Type (automatic/manual)
Stock Automatic

Vehicle Modifications (these are the relevant ones)
93 octane fuel
Iridium plugs gapped to .024"
LTZ 18" rims (these are heavy)
Magnaflow Cat Back dual exhaust
TTR trans mount
DDMWorks Throttle Body Spacer
Cruze Kit V1.1
Trunk Junk

Name of Tuner/Tuning Software
Trifecta Performance / Trifecta Elite

Review of YOUR OWN experience with the Tuner/Tuning Software
Vince and Michael have provided me excellent customer service. I started corresponding with them fairly frequently in November of 2019. Aside from a weekend or holiday, the responses have been timely and they answered my odd questions as best as they could and they did not get frustrated with me as I tried to clarify what I was asking.

When I first drove the Cruze with the Trifecta Advantage (the "Stock" tune) I thought , this isn't bad, a little bit more according to the butt dyno. It was when I flipped the switch that things changed. I thought Wow!, I'm going to be getting more tickets I think.

I did have them change my speedo by 1mph to match the GPS speed readout on my radar detector so I wouldn't be speeding more than I wanted to. I am glad to have spent the money on this even though 80% of the time I run the stock tune. I purchased my tune 0n 01DEC2019 but did not install it until 29JUN20 and haven't looked back since. It took me so long as I wanted to also document the car at the track as I went along. Remember this also entailed waiting for three tankful's of premium to change the stock fuel tables.

Cost for Tuning:
$398.00 for a 2011--2015 Chevrolet Cruze / 2016 Cruze Limited - 1.4L Turbo Elite
There is a cheaper tune for those who want to stay stock, it is $298.00


Dyno Sheet (If you have one) OR Screenshot of power numbers

Chevy Stock Tune on 87 Octane:
Iridium plugs gapped to .024"
LTZ 18" rims (these are heavy)

Chart on 87 octane fuel explained.

Stock Chevy Tune on 93 octane fuel:

Iridium plugs gapped to .024"
LTZ 18" rims (these are heavy)

Trifecta Advantage Tune on 93 octane:
Iridium plugs gapped to .024"
LTZ 18" rims (these are heavy)
TTR trans mount
ZZP Throttle Body Spacer
Cruze Kit V1.2

COMING SOON _ I HAVE TO REMEMBER WHER I STUCK IT!!


Trifecta Elite Tune on 93 octane:
Iridium plugs gapped to .024"
LTZ 18" rims (these are heavy)
TTR trans mount
ZZP Throttle Body Spacer
Cruze Kit V1.2

Trifecta Elite Tune on 93 octane:
Iridium plugs gapped to .024"
LTZ 18" rims (these are heavy)
Cat Back dual exhaust
TTR trans mount
ZZP Throttle Body Spacer
Cruze Kit V1.2
Trunk Junk

Coming this May...

 

[JLL]

Being re-edited

Thank you

 

[Blasirl]

Trifecta tune
2012 eco 1.4L
Automatic

I was first just planning on getting their canned tune and not doing any upgrades. After the tune I wasn’t really satisfied and wanted more power. I paid the $180 to upgrade to their elite tune then got started on my mods. Downpipe, wastegate actuator, coil pack, and intake. Trifecta is great with their response times (usually a couple days). Don’t have dyno sheets but based off my MAF readings I peaked 185 whp or 220 at the crank. I asked for an aggressive tune but I’m not sure if that would change anything. My peak boost is 22 and it holds it all the way to redline.

If you can, I would post the calculations you used to get those numbers.

 

[cruze991]

If you can, I would post the calculations you used to get those numbers.

I get a maf reading in grams, and multiply it by 1.25 which gives me the horsepower at the wheels. I get about 140-145 g/s depending on the run but it adds up to 175-180 whp. I even asked trifecta for how much power I’m making based on the data logs and I got the same numbers. Not sure how accurate this calculation is but I’ve read it should be pretty close to a dyno.

 

[JLL]

I get a maf reading in grams, and multiply it by 1.25 which gives me the horsepower at the wheels. I get about 140-145 g/s depending on the run but it adds up to 175-180 whp. I even asked trifecta for how much power I’m making based on the data logs and I got the same numbers. Not sure how accurate this calculation is but I’ve read it should be pretty close to a dyno.

How does that work? By that theory you would be making horsepower at the wheels by reving it in park...

 

[Thebigzeus]

How does that work? By that theory you would be making horsepower at the wheels by reving it in park...

Look at this wise guy here

 

[JLL]

Look at this wise guy here

I do have a BSMET. I've never practiced it, but I have it.

 

[cruze991]

How does that work? By that theory you would be making horsepower at the wheels by reving it in park...

Not sure lol but you can look it up it’s a thing. It’s not always at 180 whp its the peak and the number changes at various rpms. Mine makes peak power at third and fourth gear then drops off.

 

[JLL]

@Cruzin2011

Would you be interested in sharing on ZZP tuning?

 

[Cruzin2011]

@Cruzin2011

Would you be interested in sharing on ZZP tuning?

Right now I don’t have much time but in the future sue.

 

[Blasirl]

I do have a BSMET. I've never practiced it, but I have it.

I am 4 or 5 classes away from the same degree, but I will probably never finish it.

 

[Blasirl]

Not sure lol but you can look it up it’s a thing. It’s not always at 180 whp its the peak and the number changes at various rpms. Mine makes peak power at third and fourth gear then drops off.

These are a few posts from the internet:

Easy way to calculate HP? My MAF G/S is 382
So after a little bit of digging it turns out that G/S MAF measurement gives a relatively good HP Estimate
This is what I found on the net
N/A and Turbo Engine HP= MAF (g/s) * 1.25
Supercharged Engine HP=MAF (g/s) *1.1
N/A and Turbo Dynojet WHP manual= MAF (g/s) * 1.1
Supercharged Dynojet WHP manual =MAF (g/s) *0.95

Using the 1.1 ratio I get 420 hp flywheel hp or 362 at the wheels on Dynojet
wow just as my car stock hp rating

Please share your results!
__


MAF vs engine HP

I did analysis from my dyno puls vs logs and I got very consistent results with this math (this is average from many cars):

N/A and Turbo Engine HP= MAF (g/s) * 1.25
Supercharged Engine HP=MAF (g/s) *1.1

N/A and Turbo Dynojet WHP manual= MAF (g/s) * 1.1
Supercharged Dynojet WHP manual =MAF (g/s) *0.95

I have found that the #/min airflow is pretty telling. Take the value x 10 and its pretty close to what the flywheel HP would be. Not exact science, but it is in the ballpark.

 

[Mr_Pat]

@Cruzin2011

Would you be interested in sharing on ZZP tuning?

I'd still like to hear back on this one myself.

 

[JLL]

I'd still like to hear back on this one myself.

He's MIA....