We can change pipes with out an tuner. So drilling pipes isn't an issue. I think no matter what it will run better with a tuner. Cobra makes a manual tuner and an auto. Auto does everything for you plug and ride. the manual one you have to set to how you want it to run. Power Commander makes both too. there manual one you need to dyno your bike and create a map for it. the auto one from my understanding is pretty much the same as the cobra but you have to buy the standard power commander then add the auto tune to it.