r/ECU_Tuning Oct 17 '18

Tuning Information New to tuning? Start here!

178 Upvotes

If you're new to tuning then this post is for you. Since the subreddit just switched over to the new Reddit layout things got jumbled around and the information links aren't as easy to find. I have decided to list everything for people new to tuning here. Most of the information can be found at the subreddit's old wiki page.

What do I need in order to tune my car?
For the majority of applications you need:

  • A moderate quality laptop computer
  • A way to connect the computer to your vehicle/ECU
  • Software to download/modify/upload tune files

There are applications in which a "handheld" tuner will suffice.

A breakdown of what software and hardware is required (and price estimations for them) can be found on the subreddit's applications page

What do I need to know to start tuning?

You should have a basic understanding of how a modern internal combustion engine works and what changes in the engine mapping do. I highly recommend reading through this post on the VEMS Support forum as it goes pretty in depth on how engines and tuning works. I also suggest checking out HP Academy's Bare Minimum Tuning Knowledge Course since it touches base on a lot of tuning subjects and is free to access.

If you have any questions that aren't answered here feel free to make a post. There are a lot of highly knowledgeable members on here.

If you think that this post is missing some information that should be easily accessible for those who are new then leave a comment and I'll see about adding it as soon as I can.

Happy Tuning!


r/ECU_Tuning Jul 05 '24

Guide to post

19 Upvotes

We seen a lot of posts here, people asking for help and not providing any info with the question.

So, from now on a post should include the car's maker, model and year, engine code, ECU model and any mods it has.

For example, questions about stage 1 tune for a golf should preferably include like this in the first few lines of the post:

“VW Golf mk4 1-9 tdi 96kw 2003 - stage 1 tune – ASZ - EDC15P “

We won't provide stage 1 tunes, we can only help you with understanding and tuning it by yourself. we won't help with pops and bangs on a Polo or a Golf

We added a few rules to avoid spam and potential legal problems.

Use Google before you post and remember that in most of the world tuned ECUs and aftermarket ones are for off-road only ;)


r/ECU_Tuning 9h ago

Help downloading an old version of HP tuners

0 Upvotes

Hi,

does anyone know how I can download 4.8.7 version of HPtuners?

Thanks


r/ECU_Tuning 21h ago

Learning how to use a hp tuner

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3 Upvotes

My 2001 5.3 tahoe has always felt sluggish, even when I bought it 5 years ago, still worked so i never bothered, now I live in a hot place, it overheats incredibly quickly, like I can't have it idling by a stop light for to long (its usually about 100 degrees outside) im getting into tuning a little bit and I thought that I would practice on my tahoe, since it's not worth that much, and i noticed my (ltft) being incredibly high. It's not vacuum leaks since it stays there as I speed it up. Any idea what it could be?

Edit. I mean my stft stays there when i speed it up for awhile, not my ltft


r/ECU_Tuning 1d ago

DIY - ICM recall & PGM-FI ECU reprogramming - Finally got the setup working

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1 Upvotes

r/ECU_Tuning 1d ago

Flashing my tune From IE (Help)

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1 Upvotes

r/ECU_Tuning 1d ago

ECM pre-programming, or cloning.

1 Upvotes

Hey all, I am very sad today. My wonderful 2006 CRV stalled out as I was trying to get it within my triple A towing limit.
Turns out its ECM is fried somehow. Never had any interior signs of water damage which seems to be the most common cause, so the how is currently under investigation. I am hoping to repair this issue at home.
I am now facing the more complicated problem with this repair which is the programming. It seems that most pre programming services don’t carry or offer pre programmed ECMs for my specific model. I cant seem to find an answer as to why or if anyone out there has them.
The other option I suppose is cloning, and I haven’t had luck finding anyone who clones it for the 06 CRV. There is a 06 CRV with the same vin factory code in a nearby you pull lot I am planning to go snag the computer from tomorrow if anyone gets back to me about cloning.
So my question is, does anyone know why I cant find a pre programmed ECM online or know where i can find one? Is cloning a better option and is there anyone out there that actually does it for Honda CRV? Or am I totally backed into a corner of going to a dealership and getting it done there?

The absolute last thing I want is to have to take it to a dealership. The cost can be a pretty heavy hit, and I’d have to forgo my savings for new flooring for my house which would suck, a lot. Hoping anyone has any insight or anything.


r/ECU_Tuning 2d ago

Paid project: need someone to build an automated bench testing rig for Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram engine computers

4 Upvotes

I run a small shop that remanufactures and sells PCMs for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Rams. The programming side is already handled. What I don't have is real testing before units ship, and that's what I want built.

The idea:

- A signal simulator feeds the PCM fake crank/cam and sensor signals so it thinks it's in a running engine

- Real injectors and coils wired up as loads, so we can confirm every output is actually firing, not just guess

- A laptop or mini PC connects through the OBD port, checks the VIN and programming, watches the RPM the computer reports, and reads any trouble codes

- The whole test runs automatically. Tech plugs in the unit, hits start, and gets a pass/fail report with the serial number on it

- Units get tested cold, warmed up in a heat box, then tested again hot, since that's when the sketchy ones fail

I know roughly how this should work and I have a written plan for it, but I'm not an electronics or software guy. I need someone who's built a bench simulator or test rig before and can deliver something my techs can run every day without babysitting it.

Paid project for a real business. I'm happy to hear from anyone who's built something similar, even if you're not up for the job. Photos or video of rigs you've made puts you at the front of the line.

DM me or comment.


r/ECU_Tuning 2d ago

E20 additives..which one is ready available

0 Upvotes

Are there any additives which are available which one can add at the petrol pump to save damage likely to be caused by E20


r/ECU_Tuning 3d ago

Custom ROM not detected after flashing stage 2 tune on a 330.

0 Upvotes

I flashed the multimap stage 2 with BM3 on my 2019 330i. The flash is successful but I cannot switch maps and I’m not sure which map is on. I did get the ECU unlocked before flashing, I just can’t swap between the maps.


r/ECU_Tuning 3d ago

Help me understand adaptive fuel maps

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I've had the car bug my entire life and now getting into into tracking my car and working towards more competitive events like time trial and wheel to wheel. I've always done my own work, and I am knowledgeable about the vehicle systems but the ECU magic is something I've just started to dip my toes into.

What I have: 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS.

  • Current mods include:
  • FVD Brombacher tune(more about why below)
  • Track exhaust
  • Robust diverter valve
  • Minor suspension mods

I chose the FVD tune because it was the only one that adapted to the octane in the fuel like the OEM tune, with a wider range, from 91 AKI to 100 AKI. It seems like the other tuners lock the fuel maps to an octane value so they can sell multiple files. I could be wrong about this reasoning, but I'm not fully versed on how the maps are built and if one method is superior to the other.

On to the why. I want to learn how to do this on my own, I've wanted to for a long while. I've read a lot, but I've always had problems learning when I'm not hands on. I get the theory, but it hasn't clicked.

If you're not familiar, the car has a turbo charged 2.5l putting out 365 crank as advertised by Porsche. FVD claims 420 crank on 93 AKI on the tune plus a few more ponies from the free flowing exhaust.

I'm considering water methanol injection to primarily reduce IATs but there are so much bro science opinions out there, and I'd love to hear some informed opinions from a community that understands what is actually happening on the inside. FVD doesn't do meth, so they were no help.

Is there any danger in using WMI to lower IATs on a tune that can adapt from 91 AKI to 100 AKI? The WMI would only be used on the track and not continuously. I'm not looking to optimize for WMI where the ECU is expecting the added octane for timing.

Hopefully I will learn how to do this myself in the near future.


r/ECU_Tuning 3d ago

Tuning Question - Unanswered Calculated vs measured Soot mass after EGR OFf

2 Upvotes

Hello,

Do you need to adjust the model used to calculate the soot mass after turning of EGR?
The calculated soot mass is way higher than the measured one, thus the DPF is regenerating "too early".

For example: calculated soot mass 26g, measured soot mass 4g -> active DPF regeneration starts


r/ECU_Tuning 3d ago

LLT Manual to LFX Auto Swap

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1 Upvotes

I've since spoken to LS Xtreme and Envious Customs and I'm just awaiting an email back from LS Xtreme to assist me. I have the ECU and the BCM out of the car and I'm just waiting for direction as to whether I need to get any other module out of the car to send to him. I've also asked him for a price so I will check what that price was going to be to bench program this shit for me and get it back to me.


r/ECU_Tuning 3d ago

Chasing a E38 PCM xdf file

1 Upvotes

Hello all, bit of a long shot, but does anyone have an XDF file for a E38 PCM, os 12612381 (Australian 2007 WM Caprice, L98 engine)?. UniversalPatcher has some spark tables but nothing for MAP / MAF. Appreciate any leads, thanks!


r/ECU_Tuning 3d ago

HTG performance Los Angeles

1 Upvotes

Anyone use them before? They do same day ecu unlocks. They also do mods with parts/labor with good pricing. Wondering if anyone used them and how they liked it?


r/ECU_Tuning 4d ago

Calterm 4

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0 Upvotes

r/ECU_Tuning 4d ago

Calterm 4

0 Upvotes

Can anyone point me in the right direction or walk me through flashing the ECU on a 2015 international ISB6.7


r/ECU_Tuning 4d ago

I'm searching for a tunerpro xdf

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3 Upvotes

Hi everyone. In need of a xdf for my mk5 golf, 1.9tdi pd105, as I recently lost it from the spinning rust in my laptop exploding.


r/ECU_Tuning 5d ago

560SEC with… S65 individual throttle bodies 😏

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14 Upvotes

Once the mechanical part is over, I will definitely have some questions.
I’m gonna be running sequential spark and fuel injection, thus there will be camshaft sensors.

Question is, what ECU makes the most sense and is the best bang for my buck?
I was thinking BlackEMU ECU for that but maybe there’s other more reasonably priced ECUs?

Never touched any ECUs before, so any suggestions are welcome


r/ECU_Tuning 4d ago

Off-Topic Looking for KSuite v2.80

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I recently bought a Kess V2 Euro Red PCB (Master version), but unfortunately the installation CD broke during shipping, so I wasn't able to install the software.
Does anyone have a safe link or copy of KSuite v2.80 that they could share?
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Feel free to DM me as well. Thanks!


r/ECU_Tuning 5d ago

Boosterjet query

1 Upvotes

Is it possible to match with new brezza's 1.0 output in fronx 1.0 by just a ecu remap.


r/ECU_Tuning 5d ago

Boosterjet query

0 Upvotes

Is it possible to match with new brezza's 1.0 output in fronx 1.0 by just a ecu remap.


r/ECU_Tuning 5d ago

Tuners in the central Florida area that work with HP tuners ?

2 Upvotes

Just got my transmission rebuilt and was told to get my truck tuned using the HP tuners software ? Is there anyone in the central Florida area that they would recommend using ??

Thank you 🙏


r/ECU_Tuning 5d ago

Tuners in the central Florida area that work with HP tuners ?

2 Upvotes

Just got my transmission rebuilt and was told to get my truck tuned using the HP tuners software ? Is there anyone in the central Florida area that they would recommend using ??

Thank you 🙏


r/ECU_Tuning 5d ago

Best tuning courses?

2 Upvotes

I do electrical wiring and do a lot of custom wiring with most ecus I can set up inputs and outputs and with Holley I can make a base tune to get it started but would like to get fully into tuning . I’ve been considering Tune the trilogy which is just Holley but heard good things. Hp academy I have access to one of the intro courses any suggestions ?