Absolutely zero evidence that it hurts the engine. It would make no sense to think that it would, the engine is designed to do that hence why there is no limit to prevent it from having overlap at idle. Most of the v8s throughout history had a choppy cam at idle with no engine damage. This is no...
Even if it is a mod that's considered wasted money. At least it still nets you better traction. Assuming you're pairing the wheels with a good sticky tire.
I have no idle issues whatsoever. My only issue was warm starts, starting and dropping to around 500 rpm then back up to my set idle. Only on warm starts. Seems I fixed it though. Didn't do it today after making an idle change. There's a table that controls start up cool down that can be changed...
A good tune will net you better performance with stock parts if you're going to run good fuel. 93/e85. The stock tune is based on 87 octane and can be made a bit more aggressive with better fuel in the car. So there will be a difference.
As far as a CAI gaining power by itself. It probably isn't...
I blocked mine at the firewall. Its doable, just tedious because there isn't much room. I didn't want some ugly things hanging around in the engine bay. I figured I'd get rid of it once and for all
If you're trying to read someone else's tune, then they probably have it locked and it won't read shit. If its an unlocked tune, then it should read. Otherwise, stock is all you have.
Drive it or Sell it.
I also bought mine brand new off the lot with 7 miles on it. 2 weeks later I was modding it. 5 years later it is boosted with 30k miles on it. No issues here. Either stop reading the horror stories and enjoy your car or sell it and buy something else you won't worry about...
It's a tough crowd here dude. You may as well just post a picture with the car and window sticker and any other evidence you can provide. Also, don't forget hold up a spoon in the picture so we know it's real.