What is the correct order of operations for a first LS tune?

A sensible order, drawn from HP Academy, LSX Magazine, PCM of NC and Holley:

1. Mechanical health first. No tune fixes vacuum leaks, bad ignition timing or worn parts (Holley). PCM of NC suggests smoke-testing for leaks when the fuel trims differ a lot bank to bank.
2. Enter the hardware correctly: injector data (flow, offsets, short pulse), fuel pressure reference, and tire size and gear ratio. HP Academy calls injector setup one of the first steps, because the whole fuel model depends on it.
3. Save the stock file, then make your first changes.
4. Drivability before WOT. LSX Magazine's rule: wide-open throttle is the last thing you tune, because idle, cruise and part-throttle driving show whether your inputs and the computer's math are right.
5. Log properly. PCM of NC wants logs of 15–20 minutes covering cold start, idle, cruise, part throttle and, where safe, WOT.
6. Aim for small trims. HP Academy's target is fuel trims within about ±3%, with ±5% tolerated.
7. WOT last, with a wideband, carefully.

Want to do it yourself? See who tunes it, and how to learn.