Need advice to tune bolt on 2018 ZL1

[GT-ER]

I used to be a pretty proficient user of HP Tuners back in 2008 or so but have been absent from tuning for the last 10 years and now want to get back to tuning my new 2018 ZL1. The last car I tuned was a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix that I turbocharged and, while the GP worked great and ran like a bat out of hell, I fell whatever I learned from that experience is not translating well for my ZL1.

First, the mods:

9.10" Balancer
2" Catless LT's
Fabtech Intake
1 step colder plugs
Small reservoir added for intercooler
Wideband O2 sensor connected through an Aeroforce gauge. Sensor installed in place of rear O2 sensors (factory rear O2 sensors deleted along with associated DTCs)

Off the bat I noticed my running what appeared to be super rich at WOT (low 11's to high 10's) and pulling around 2-3* of KR. My LTFT's are also around -15 for both banks.

Because this is how I did it on my GP, I pulled 3* off my high octane timing table from 2000rpm and up and went to my MAF calibration table and dropped the whole table about 2%.

After this, my LTFT's were around -7 to -8, my WOT A/F ratio was mid 11's (starts at 11.8ish and goes down to 11.5ish) and my KR stayed at 0* with total timing being around 17-18* at WOT. Ambient air is mid to high 90's (95-98*F).

What I find, however, is that I barely feel the car any quicker and am wondering if maybe I'm approaching this wrong. If I lean it out any more I get KR and if I add anymore timing I get KR.

Am I doing this right? Or am I missing something that might explain why I just don't feel it that fast. I've seen some ZL1's on YouTube dynoing on 93oct and the A/F ratio being in the high 12's/low13's which makes me cringe...is it really supposed to run THAT lean? I understand DI can run leaner mixtures but damn. I don't know, any help would be appreciated.

[TriPinTaZ]

Turn off Cat Overtemp. You need to tune your MAF properly for the intake. You shouldn't have to reduce timing. Then you can tune your PE table. 12.0-12.2 is perfectly safe for the street, up to 12.5 is even good. If you have more boost then you likely need to increase your peak torque table. your DD table, and maybe Virtual Torque.

[GT-ER]

Turn off Cat Overtemp. You need to tune your MAF properly for the intake. You shouldn't have to reduce timing. Then you can tune your PE table. 12.0-12.2 is perfectly safe for the street, up to 12.5 is even good. If you have more boost then you likely need to increase your peak torque table. your DD table, and maybe Virtual Torque.

I reduced the timing because I was getting KR. I also have trouble going any leaner, if I do, I also get KR. Or are you saying that by modifying those other tables instead the car will figure out proper timing and fueling?

[GT-ER]

And by tuning maf properly, I'm assuming you mean because of the LTFT?

[GT-ER]

Also, I'm willing to pay if anyone wants to just make me a file. It'll help me figure it out either way.

[Ben Charles]

Just did a 18 zl1... nothing new compared to prior DI lt4 motors..
PM me