Getting started in self tuning... Qusetions...

Ok so I want to get started learning how to tune my car by myself. Just a few questions before I start...

Ok what all will I need in order to get started, I already have a compatable IBM laptop and the ALDL cable...

What type of literature would you recommend on reading prior to messing around with my computer...

What tuner system is the easiest to use/ most user friendly? LT1 edit, Tuner cat...

Will I need a data logging program? Which one would you chose in order to work with...

Thanks!

I am looking at Tuner Cat, what all will I need to order from them, what system, the RT, or just the regular, I am confused a little... It is a 95 obd1

ttt, anyone have any insights?

Pretty much need: Tunercat for programming and flashing the pcm. Datamaster for monitoring the engine and a wideband O2 settup like the one made by innovative technologies. Their are some basic how to's on the net somewhere but most of the stuff can be found seaching this forum. It just takes time

The other alternative for OBD-I is LT1_Edit. It comes with a scanning program - pcmcomm.

http://carputing.com

The other alternative for OBD-I is LT1_Edit. It comes with a scanning program - pcmcomm.

http://carputing.com
Ive looked over your scanmaster site over and over and have learned alot. What would be the next step to learning how to tune my car with LT1 Edit or Tunercat?

I am looking at Tuner Cat, what all will I need to order from them, what system, the RT, or just the regular, I am confused a little... It is a 95 obd1

You need the regular program (not RT) and the $EE definition file.

Injuneer's being modest, he's got one of the best if not the best source of information in learning how to tune your car - check out the scaner reading information. He's got as I remember, expected (normal) data parameters and excellent explanations of all the data that pours out of the ALDL.

However, rather than use the pcmcomm with LT1 edit I'd use, and do, Andy Whitacre's freescan.

Tunercat is cheaper and is not locked to one VIN (one computer).

Freescan is in no way linked to LT1 edit. You could log data right now since you have the cable.

The next step is to log data and make small changes based on what you see.

Injuneer's being modest, he's got one of the best if not the best source of information in learning how to tune your car - check out the scaner reading information. He's got as I remember, expected (normal) data parameters and excellent explanations of all the data that pours out of the ALDL.

I agree that it's a great starting point. Just I wish there was a part 2 that goes deeper.

Maybe you can convince him to write a "part 2!"

If you ever find something even close let me know.

I think he's done all he can. He gives you all the tools you need (abstract) the rest is application specific and up to you.

In the begining I spent considerable time making small changes then looking at five runs of data to verify the results of the change.

That was one of my biggest complaint's with the Editor. They provide little to no informaiton on what the effects of any changes may be.

So how 'bout it Injuneer a part 2?

Ok so which one should I go with, LT1 Edit or Tuner Cat, what are the pros and cons of both, i know TC isnt vin locked, just not sure which to go with. Which one is more user friendly?

It looks like you can still download Tunercat for free and use it for 30 days. I'd go that route.

The "windows" based LT1 edit isn't necessarily that much more user friendly. I'd go with Tunercat especially with the cost and locked VIN considerations.

My guess is you are going to spend a couple hundred hours learning the software, tuning, and testing either way, so you may as well save a few bucks and have the ability to change ECMs or tune your friends car.

There won't be "part 2" because I never tuned my stock PCM..... I run a MoTeC M48Pro ECU. My learning on the stock PCM hit a brick wall in 2000 when I changed over. I still have the stock PCM for VSS interface and IAC, but that's all I use it for.

It's never to late, and you'd be a good man for the job. Thanks for the primer!

Here is the first book you should get, Corvette Fuel Injection and Electronic Engine Management (http://www.themotorbookstore.com/corvette-fuel-injection.html). This book will tell you everything you need to know from sensors to how the computer processes inputs. You should learn everything about your engine in this book before you want to tune and be very comfortable with it. It is a great book for not only our engines but for basic understanding of fuel injection and OBD-I, II emissions equipment.

The other book I would recommend is How To Tune & Modify Engine Management Systems (http://www.themotorbookstore.com/engine1.html). It covers some of what is in the other book but it also explains about basic tuning, running aftermarket ECU's, and gives good details about aftermarket systems.

Although I had learned most of the basics of tuning before reading both, they still have taught me a lot along with stressing the basics. Another point is that both go through the basics but do have a good bit of advanced information (chemistry, electronics, etc.), which I like a lot.

I by no means am an expert but I have done tuning on an alpha-N setup for the University of Akron Formula 1 team (we also run a Motec ECU like Injuneer but the M4 unit). Tuning a street car is a whole new ballgame with emissions, driveability, and much more complex systems compared to a race car made for running balls out. I own and have read both, worth every penny.

For logging I got the GM Enhanced version from Ease Diagnostics (obd2.com). You can read and log all GM sensors and has bi-directional controls (i.e. send a command to turn a fan on). You can also get basic parameters on other make auto's. I like it but I still have yet to find time to really learn it and use the full potential, hopefully this summer.

Good luck and never hesitate to ask first, sure has saved me. :D