Worth dropping 5k on a tune? Looking for real-world opinions

[Topperino]

Hey guys,


I’m about to book an appointment with the go-to Supra/BMW tuner in my country. I’ve got a Euro-spec 2023 Supra with the 6-speed manual, 340 hp, in Nitro Yellow. So far, the engine is completely stock – just a few visual mods here and there.


The plan is to send the ECU to Femto, install a 200-cell catted downpipe, and get it tuned to around 480 hp and 670 Nm (493 lb-ft). The whole package – including parts, install, tuning, and paperwork – comes out to roughly 5,000 euros. Unfortunately, there’s no cheaper legal option here.


I’m also considering adding a BMS cone intake purely for the sound, but still doing some research to make sure it doesn’t negatively impact performance or engine health.


Now, even in stock form, the Supra is by far the fastest car I’ve ever driven. I’ve never owned a tuned car before, so I don’t really know what to expect – but I’ve always loved the tuner culture. I plan on keeping the car long-term, so resale value isn’t a priority for me – reliability is. The B58 seems like a solid platform, and 480 hp feels like a pretty conservative upgrade.


So here’s what I’m wondering:
Do you think the tune is worth it?
5k is a fair chunk of money, I’d be giving up the warranty, and I’m unsure about long-term reliability. I also can’t really imagine what a jump of ~140 hp and ~170 Nm would feel like – so I’d love to hear your experiences or opinions: is it worth it to you?


Already got some great advice here on other topics – appreciate it a lot, guys!

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[kyle9]

If you're asking this question, I'd say to save your money and just enjoy your car as is.

 

[DisMahhhlon]

I'd try to find someone near you that has the tune and go for a ride.

 

[Topperino]

I'd try to find someone near you that has the tune and go for a ride.

There are not many supra owners in my country, even less with a MT, and probably almost 0 with MT + tune, unfortunately

 

[PaulFRDE]

Hey guys,


I’m about to book an appointment with the go-to Supra/BMW tuner in my country. I’ve got a Euro-spec 2023 Supra with the 6-speed manual, 340 hp, in Nitro Yellow. So far, the engine is completely stock – just a few visual mods here and there.


The plan is to send the ECU to Femto, install a 200-cell catted downpipe, and get it tuned to around 480 hp and 670 Nm (493 lb-ft). The whole package – including parts, install, tuning, and paperwork – comes out to roughly 5,000 euros. Unfortunately, there’s no cheaper legal option here.


I’m also considering adding a BMS cone intake purely for the sound, but still doing some research to make sure it doesn’t negatively impact performance or engine health.


Now, even in stock form, the Supra is by far the fastest car I’ve ever driven. I’ve never owned a tuned car before, so I don’t really know what to expect – but I’ve always loved the tuner culture. I plan on keeping the car long-term, so resale value isn’t a priority for me – reliability is. The B58 seems like a solid platform, and 480 hp feels like a pretty conservative upgrade.


So here’s what I’m wondering:
Do you think the tune is worth it?
5k is a fair chunk of money, I’d be giving up the warranty, and I’m unsure about long-term reliability. I also can’t really imagine what a jump of ~140 hp and ~170 Nm would feel like – so I’d love to hear your experiences or opinions: is it worth it to you?


Already got some great advice here on other topics – appreciate it a lot, guys!

Hi Topperino,
I'm also in germany and kept mine stock power. I would say it depends what you want to do with your car.
For only driving on the road, we have already too much power and grip to my mind and I find this car a bit boring without terrorizing the locals.
If driving on the track it might definitely be worth it but I didn't do it, as the car is very potent with minor changes.
Also keep in mind most nice tires our USA colleagues have in the rear are forbidden in europe, and the b58 is no joke concerning torque.
If it's about Autobahn, I have no clue as I drive 120km/h on unlimited portions ?

 

[Timmy_Jones]

If you're asking this question, I'd say to save your money and just enjoy your car as is.

Absolutely this. Downpipe is cheap, especially a 200 cell one. Install is relatively straightforward. Tune should be 1/5 of that price to run an OTS stage 1 or 2 tune.

 

[razorlab]

Absolutely this. Downpipe is cheap, especially a 200 cell one. Install is relatively straightforward. Tune should be 1/5 of that price to run an OTS stage 1 or 2 tune.

Need to use TUV approved parts in Germany.

 

[rottmore]

5k for a tune? I doubt even MoTec tuners would charge that much. Since you're new to the platform i think this guy was trying to rip you off.

 

[razorlab]

5k for a tune? I doubt even MoTec tuners would charge that much. Since you're new to the platform i think this guy was trying to rip you off.

Reading comprehension.

Femto + DP + install + tune.

TUV parts cost more than what we are used to in the states.

So approx pricing, in same order:

$1200 (Femto) + $1500 (DP) + $450 (Install) + $600 (Tune license) + $500 (custom tune?) = $4,250

 

[rottmore]

Reading comprehension.

Femto + DP + install + tune.

TUV parts cost more than what we are used to in the states.

So approx pricing, in same order:

$1200 (Femto) + $1500 (DP) + $450 (Install) + $600 (Tune license) + $500 (custom tune?) = $4,250

oh lol, i just saw the title and was like wtf? TLDR

 

[swrdply400mrelay]

As someone mentioned you seem pretty hesitant. If I were you I'd get a downpipe and JB+, call it a day.

 

[Timmy_Jones]

If it's about Autobahn, I have no clue as I drive 120km/h on unlimited portions ?

Are you saying you drive slow?? We have speed limit roads around here probably equivalent to that (75 mph).

 

[Topperino]

Hi Topperino,
I'm also in germany and kept mine stock power. I would say it depends what you want to do with your car.
For only driving on the road, we have already too much power and grip to my mind and I find this car a bit boring without terrorizing the locals.
If driving on the track it might definitely be worth it but I didn't do it, as the car is very potent with minor changes.
Also keep in mind most nice tires our USA colleagues have in the rear are forbidden in europe, and the b58 is no joke concerning torque.
If it's about Autobahn, I have no clue as I drive 120km/h on unlimited portions ?

Hey Thanks for your input — always cool to see another German Supra owner!


If I remember correctly, we're allowed up to 285 or 295 in the rear, right?


I definitely wouldn’t go above around 480 HP, exactly for the reasons you mentioned — traction and overall drivability.


It’s not that I think the car is slow — it’s actually pretty quick, and like you said, sometimes even a bit scary in the corners.


Honestly, the main reason I’m even considering tuning it is kind of “cringe” — but I grew up with Need for Speed and The Fast and the Furious, and it’s always been a dream of mine to own and modify one of those “cool” cars. And let’s be real: this might be our last chance to do that in Germany with all the TÜV restrictions, Euro 6 regulations, EV push, and so on


I’ve already got a nice spoiler installed, along with a front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, mirror caps — the full package. It’s not riced out, but I do want it to be as fast and sound as good as it looks. And honestly, the EU-spec Supra is pretty tame — I really miss the pops and burbles. Every Hyundai i30N (or Veloster N for the Americans) sounds better!


I already made the more “sensible” decision by not buying a late-90s MK4 Supra — a 30-year-old car that costs as much as a new MK5. So maybe it’s okay to make the less sensible choice now and tune a car that’s already fast, right? lol


But yeah, I don’t know. People say if I have doubts, it’s probably not worth it — but I’m just an overthinker. If I could switch my brain off, I’d do it in a heartbeat.

 

[Topperino]

Reading comprehension.

Femto + DP + install + tune.

TUV parts cost more than what we are used to in the states.

So approx pricing, in same order:

$1200 (Femto) + $1500 (DP) + $450 (Install) + $600 (Tune license) + $500 (custom tune?) = $4,250

Yeah thats correct, TÜV parts way more expensive and restricted. We have exactly 2 downpipes that you are allowed to install one is 1,5k euro and the other 2,3k.

Don't get me wrong, the guy is one of 2 tuners for supras in germany and he makes a hefty profit from it but what can you do.

As someone mentioned you seem pretty hesitant. If I were you I'd get a downpipe and JB+, call it a day.

I would actually do a jb4 since its very easy to install, close to my HP goals and even street legal in germany but I asked in another thread and people say its very jerky for the MT since its made for the AT.

 

[FLtrackdays]

Hi Topperino,
I'm also in germany and kept mine stock power. I would say it depends what you want to do with your car.
For only driving on the road, we have already too much power and grip to my mind and I find this car a bit boring without terrorizing the locals.
If driving on the track it might definitely be worth it but I didn't do it, as the car is very potent with minor changes.
Also keep in mind most nice tires our USA colleagues have in the rear are forbidden in europe, and the b58 is no joke concerning torque.
If it's about Autobahn, I have no clue as I drive 120km/h on unlimited portions ?

Well said! I have a JB4 that I turn on in town with the stock tires. What a waste… they spin so easily. I guess if someone wanted to practice throttle modulation on the streets, lol, but otherwise…. No bueno (Nicht gut - in your neck of the woods). And like Bryan mentioned, it ain’t cheap doing the unknown abbreviation upgrades. And when doing mods to the car other stuff inevitably comes up when you do. Without his lab or knowledge, it can = more down time for us less mechanically inclined/ unedjumukated folks.

Yeah thats correct, TÜV parts way more expensive and restricted. We have exactly 2 downpipes that you are allowed to install one is 1,5k euro and the other 2,3k.

Don't get me wrong, the guy is one of 2 tuners for supras in germany and he makes a hefty profit from it but what can you do.

I would actually do a jb4 since its very easy to install, close to my HP goals and even street legal in germany but I asked in another thread and people say its very jerky for the MT since its made for the AT.

Good luck with getting some of those laws changed. The burbles & sound are extreme with a catless downpipe & AWE track exhaust. You’d love it!!

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