The PC3 for the R3 is one of the easiest units to install. The PC5 shouldn't be much more difficult - if at all. Adding the wideband unit is simple as well. The provided instructions make installing these a breeze. Tuning a PC3/PC5 is simple, and many shops know how to do it. The results can be decent if you start with a base map in the ECU with the correct changes from stock, and use the PC3/5 in advanced mapping mode to tune to best output, not a set AFR. Give the engine what it wants, not what you think it wants.
As for the "autotune" feature, this is only as good as what you tell it to do, and how well you understand how a Lambda sensor works. I been working with the Bazzaz "autotune" and Dynojet Wideband Commanders for a while now, and the PC5 "autotune" since 2009 on some models. As much as I woud like them to work well, they don't always work as advertized - for many reasons to numerous to detail here. You need to know what Lambda is required at different points in the map for best output. I do mean Lambda, not AFR. AFR changes with fuel used, Lambda does not. And I find it interesting that many do not realize that the stoichiometric ratios for pump gas change several times a year, and differ greatly with ethanol added from when it is not added. Stoich for pump gas varies from 14.57:1-14.1:1. This means that the power producing AFR changes as well. Lambda is a much better way of determining mixture, but still not perfect if a wideband Lambda sensor/meter is used.
You need to know when the Lambda sensor is incorrect, and leading you astray. Some sensors and meters do this much more than others.
Learn to read plugs as a minimum. Reading "pump gas" is not like it used to be, as "pump gas" differs region to region, and changes several times each year. Get a jewlers loupe and cut apart a few plugs to inspect the ceramic base.
FWIW, just this week, I had a bike come into the shop (from a different shop 40 miles away, that could not determine the problem). The rider noticed that the bike was down on power, and was blaming the clutch and possible valve clearance (which were all fine when we checked). I had to disable the "autotune" unit on a Bazzaz Z-Fi and completely retune this ZX-14 that was running so lean that is was causing detonation at high rpm. This is hard to do on these engines, yet somehow, the "autotune" unit had managed to do so (easier to understand if you know how a Lambda sensor works in different conditions). All plugs showed specs of aluminum, and oil, and the headers showed WHITE carbon traces at the ports. Not good. We are eventually going to have to replace the rings in this engine to fix the ring seal that was reduced by the detonation micro-welding the rings to the bores and tearing it away, and melting the ring edges while hammering the ring lands and bearings. This is an extreme example, but something to be aware - especially when you start altering ignition advance, as had been done by a previous shop.
I hope this helps.
