CAI and tuners

[OHHitsKB]

I have an '08 V6 automatic I'm going to start work on soon, and one of the first parts I plan on getting is cold air. A lot of intakes say you need a tuner for them to work properly. I'm pretty new to everything about cars and I know next to nothing about tuners. Can anyone explain to a complete beginner about using a tuner/ which one to buy or give me a link to a thread about them that a beginner could understand?

 

[SpartaPerformance]

In basic terms. You're emissions control devices "Expect" a certain amount of air/fuel mixture so when you change that ratio with more air via a CAI, then you need to compensate with more fuel and different timing curve. Tuners from the company SCT are the most popular for late model Mustangs.

 

[OHHitsKB]

Okay, I get it. So the tuner adjusts those settings to whatever is required to run that new part. Simple enough! Next question, how (beginner) user-friendly are most tuners?

 

[SpartaPerformance]

Friendly as far as doing what? You can make certain adjustments with one but you will need a complete tune when adding parts. When purchasing a hand held tuner the shop should ask for a list of modifications so it can upload the proper tune before they send it to you. When you get the tuner it's cake to upload it into your car.

 

[OHHitsKB]

Okay, so as far as making adjustments for nee parts goes, its not something I'd need someone else to do if I'm still pretty new to all of this? Also, would I be in good shape if I looked for one on craigslist or ebay? I can't really afford to shell out $500