ECU Tuning - DIY
 

Hey guys,

Im looking for info on tuning my link ECU.

i am not looking to tune my car right away, i just want to get a better understanding of what the tuners actually do.

Does anyone have any links to websites or info saved anywhere on how to tune a car?

Thanks, Steven.

I would just get my tuner of choice to do it.

There are lots and lots of variables to take into consideration which takes tuners years to learn. When you are playing around without much knowledge there is a good chance you can pop your motor causing big $$$.

In saying that, if you are keen to learn, I would suggest going to tuning courses that are advertised rather than reading some google links.

[url]www.efi101.com[/url]

efi101 is very good. Despite what some people may tell you, tuning cars is a science and not a black art. Whilst experience is a good thing and can make you quicker, tuning cars is not a difficult process, they want fuel and spark, give them the right quantities of both and your golden.

Cheers for the reply's guys.

i will be leaving the tuning to a professional, but i would love to learn myself eventually.
i dont like not knowing how stuff works, im a hands on kinda bloke.

The professionals had to learn somewhere...

Steve

[QUOTE=Jim621]
The professionals had to learn somewhere...
[/QUOTE]

somehow, i think they didn't use the interweb...

my understanding is, its not something you can just read an online manual, then hop in a car and go, ok lets go!! I think it takes time, practice, and skill and knowledge...

best of luck tho!

[QUOTE=foxey]efi101 is very good. Despite what some people may tell you, tuning cars is a science and not a black art. Whilst experience is a good thing and can make you quicker, tuning cars is not a difficult process, they want fuel and spark, give them the right quantities of both and your golden.[/QUOTE]

The science part is right, but its a little wrong too..

I still think its a bit of a dark art as its a very fine line between power and rattle.

Having the right tools help, however sadly only very few go out and buy those tools required to tune a car correctly. One of the more expensive tools (a dyno) is usually out of reach to the common car enthusiasts, however road tuning is possible..

Dyno seems to be a much easier way to get consistent load and repeatability instead of risking other road users.

Its always good to learn the inside of your ecu, how various tables work, and features of your ecu such as logging. Helps also with communicating with your tuner about various parts of your tune. I personally wouldnt dare touch the parameters of my tune but its alot of fun learning how it all works.

I do agree it is a lot more difficult without the right tools. A dyno and a wide band (with EGT compensation) are tools that should, nay must, be used when tuning an engine to it's limit.

Another thing that makes it all very interesting is the different ways that ECU's are tuned, i.e. MAF, MAP (speed density), Volumetric Efficiency, you need to have an understanding of how each is different before you can begin.

Too much timing will kill an engine before bad AFR's, and timing equals power, rather than leaner AFR's, which have very little effect.

Yeah, i definitely agree, reading can only take you so far.

but, id like to not have to go running back to a tuner if i get a knock. instead just hook up my laptop, and dial back a degree of timing or add more fuel...


i think that EFI101 website would be an awesome idea - if only they had some people in australia running courses.


thanks again for the response guys.
Steve

There have been EFI101 courses in Perth before, dont know when they are due to come back. I think TUNA attended the last one, dont know if any other members went.

i found a good basic guide to the WRX ECU on scoobypedia

[url]http://www.scoobypedia.co.uk/index.php/Knowledge/ECU[/url]

If you're going to start tuning yourself, get a good digital lean/rich meter. Another handy tool is a G-tech meter. You will also need to get you head around fueling, ignition timing and if tuning a later model, cam timing as well. There are some excellent books available from places like Pitstop Bookshop.
I've found a lot better tune can be achieved than certain "reputable" tuners in town.
The Link I've been involved in tuning now gives far better economy, throttle response, torque and hp.......very noticibly so in all area's.
It's a very satisfying thing to do if you can, but DONT attempt it without educating yourself first.

[QUOTE=foxey]efi101 is very good. Despite what some people may tell you, tuning cars is a science and not a black art. Whilst experience is a good thing and can make you quicker, tuning cars is not a difficult process, they want fuel and spark, give them the right quantities of both and your golden.[/QUOTE]
They actaully need Air, fuel, spark and timing

spark and timing ? crikey! wormholes

Well ive gone out and bought myself a tuning book from the pitstop bookshop titled - Engine Management, Advanced Tuning. and so far (1/4 of the way though) is a great purchase.

the author starts right from the beginning, going through AFR's, Lamda, timing etc but also alludes to alot more detail later on in the book.

ill let you know how the rest of the book is - its my 'bus ride' reading....

Steve

pdf!

Yeah, spark and timing. As far as I know tuning will also not get more air into the engine.....

Matt, I've got the EFI101 training book, you can borrow it/pdf it if you like but I'm far to lazy to do it myself.