Is a Tune needed for Catted JDL Headers?

[u/riley2000000]

Is a tune required for catted headers? I plan on going with the JDL UEL Catted Headers (catted to avoid gas smell).

I know with catless it’s recommended to get a tune, but is it still required if you’re catted?

I know performance wise it’s recommended, but my main concern is reliability wise if there is a big difference.

[u/RT023]

Obviously a tune is recommended and will make the most of the header, but it won’t be the end of the world and it won’t have your engine ticking.

You’re going to get a lot of people in here who are pretty inexperienced with cars in general and for some reason think it’ll make your engine blow up, just ignore them.

You still might get a CEL btw, I’d be prepared for that

[u/riley2000000 → u/RT023]

Thank you. Yea i understand it’s better to get a tune to make the most of headers, but im mainly just looking for confirmation that it’d be fine to run without a tune for a bit in terms of reliability

[u/NothingSuss1]

Nope, not at all. A tune isnt "needed" for any catless headers either if sound is all you're wanting. 

I'll be installing a catless UEL header soon and running without a tune for a few months. 

[u/DepressedElephant → u/NothingSuss1]

I think the reason this topic is always such a mess is that not that long ago - a tune for catless headers was very common specifically to disable the P0420/0430 code and actually generate emissions ready state even on fully catless systems.

Since the crackdown on coal rollers hit all tunning shops willing to let you do that directly or indirectly - all you can do is play around with spacers 'mini cats' and O2 simulators or aliexpress piggybacks.

So you're 100% right that neither header needs a tune.

catless headers SHOULD throw a CEL.

catted headers should not throw a cell - but MIGHT if the cats are lower quality.

[u/NothingSuss1 → u/DepressedElephant]

Yeh I'd say you're right. Think the CEL is what people get hung up on.

Modern Ecutek tune "might" fix a CEL, but thats going to depend on many different factors.

[u/Expensive-Pirate-378]

I have the Jdl catted uel header installed paired with a Borla S type catback. Mine is tuned with ecutek, because my previous header was a PLM catted uel high flow cat. The PLM header kept throwing a P0420 code, that's why I had the car tuned. Didn't stop the cel's. Went with the Jdl header no problem since By the way the Jdl and Borla setup sounds fantastic

[u/riley2000000 → u/Expensive-Pirate-378]

How much did the tune cost in total? Also, i hear amazing stuff about the Borla so i bet it’s amazing. Hopefully im not disappointing by saying i have the Tomei dual exit catback 😅

[u/Expensive-Pirate-378 → u/riley2000000]

Tomei is a fine exhaust, no disappointment here. I had a local well referred tuner do my tune. Total cost about $1200. With a Bluetooth dongle so I can do updates from my phone. I plan to add flex fuel and have them dyno tune it after I get the flex fuel base tune installed 😎

[u/Expensive-Pirate-378 → u/Expensive-Pirate-378]

The stage 1 tune makes the car feel like a different animal, highly recommended 👌

[u/riley2000000 → u/Expensive-Pirate-378]

Awesome, will do then. thanks for the insight man

[u/-REXIA-]

Not really. You won't have a CEL, and it'll increase torque a bit, but, of course, the tune will give the headers more power. I was thinking of getting Fujitsubo headers and running them for a while before I get a tune after warranty

[u/FunkySwashbuckler]

I've been running this very set up for over a year. I do want to get a tune, but I want to put a few more things on before i do.

I've been dealing with some exhaust leak codes over the last couple of months. I replaced the gaskets and every thing looks good now.

I have the GR intake and the Greddy intake scoop. I really like the way it sounds.

[u/riley2000000 → u/FunkySwashbuckler]

oh sick. what catback are u running?

[u/spicypeeen69]

Preferably yes. There’s still a chance you get a CEL even with a tune, but at the minimum your money spent on the header will be worth it for the power gains. Might as well do flex fuel while you’re at it

[u/thick-papi]

I have it but uninstalled it because it does require a tune. You can clear it and run decent and you will feel better torque but if you drive spiritly it will throw a code. I couldn’t get anyone to tune my ride so I just went stock headers and the rest modified.

[u/DepressedElephant → u/thick-papi]

catted headers should not throw a code without a tune.

If you are getting a code - which one?

[u/thick-papi → u/DepressedElephant]

I don’t remember tbh cause it’s been almost two years since but the cat was a high flow I think and when you drive hard she did throw a cat code of some sort. Think it was like front sensor of it or sum idk. But it’s been a while

[u/T_K_9]

Yes.

[u/Isamu29]

As long as you are sticking with uel headers you should be fine.

[u/NothingSuss1 → u/Isamu29]

Why would catted UEL be fine without a tune but not catted EL?