Well, I just found out about the tuning packages from Velocity Automotive Performance. It looks like the basic tune with just the ECU remapping can be had for $995, and will take my base 340 hp up to 416 hp. This would be more than satisfactory to me, having got used to my 2005 Maserati which has around 410 hp since I tuned it.

Does anyone have experience doing the basic tune without changing any pulleys? I have a wife acceptance factor to consider...

 

the remap is ok but after you get it your going to want more ,i would do stage 2 and be done , but then your going to want stage 3, its quite fun when you take out a M5

 

On my F-Type V6 S (380 PS rather than 340 PS) I went with the tune only to start with and that was OK but not great.
A year I so later I went to stage 2, larger crank/lower pulley plus tune - 450 PS - and it was much better, a much more noticeable boost in mid-range torque, throttle response and general driving enjoyment.
I have considered stage 3 (smaller upper/SC pulley on top of the larger crank pulley plus tune) but the increase of 25 PS just isn't worth it to me.
Also with stage 2 (and stage 3) you get a big increase in SC whine while stage 1 gives such a small increase it is barely noticeable.
So I agree with Dennis, go straight to stage 2 and pass Go, pity you don't get to collect $200!

 

i did do the transmision tune also that made it more snappy when you need it, but smooth when cruising

 

How much work for stage 1 and 2 has to be done by a shop?

 

No work at all for stage 1 (tune only) as it's DIY.
For stage 2 you need some work done to replace the existing pulley with the larger one and to fit a new SC drive belt.
Not a huge job, any shop which has done it before should take no longer than one or two hours. Then you DIY the tune install as per stage 1.

 

There is no reason you need a shop as this is a simple and quick install? The pulley is bolted on and you need to remove and replace the SC belt with the one from VAP.
For the HP you get I have NEVER seen results like this!

About 45 minutes for me to install and then WOW!
I have the XJR but still it was very surprising as I have been tuning and modding cars a long time and you just don't get that much bang for your buck with after market mods!
I think after the install you will have a hard time wiping that big smile off your face!
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I see you're located in California. As a reminder, California's smog test is designed to detect if a ECU is running an aftermarket tune even if you reflash back to stock. VAP has been a bit elusive when it comes to answering if their tune will pass California's emissions testing. Just an FYI.

 

Just a note but all tunes leave a record that can't be erased. At least by SDD. We have had people claim they can get rid of it but never any further information. I can see it in SDD and with at least one of my after market scanners too. As posted above going back to stock will only add to the number times the ECU has been flashed. So even if you don't have an after market tune anytime Jaguar re-flashes the ECU that code is set.

Interested to hear if anyone has got involved with this? I am not in Ca. but using the dealer under warranty and several smog checks after I got my tune nothing was mentioned or done to the car.
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Oof that's not so good. I already did a custom tune on my Maserati ECU I wonder if it will pass smog now.