Tuning Sub Forum?

[Blown]

I think a tuning sub-forum would be of use in the "Engine and Transmissions" section.

I can help with my knowledge of the Tweecer.
http://www.tweecer.com/

Perhaps someone can step forward who is familiar with the Moate's system???
https://www.moates.net/

Perhaps someone can step forward who is familiar with the SCT Tuner???
https://www.sctflash.com/

What do you think???

 

[Mightyfordranger]

I agree that would be super helpful I know a lot of people including myself ask a lot about tuning and which system to use best for their setup

sent while bored

 

[Mightyfordranger]

Moderators?? Is this a possibility? ?

sent while bored

 

[Blown]

Maybe I should have sent a note to Oaks?

Anyway, it blows not to receive a response or any interest. I was volunteering some time here.

 

[Jim Oaks]

Is there any benefit to it being it's own forum, versus say a sticky thread in each engine forum on how to tune that engine? My concern is that people will start asking all kinds of engine questions there, instead of the specific engine forum.

 

[Blown]

I got you regarding off topic questions, however I think it could be kept to tuning questions. A Sticky at the top of it could explain what is appropriate and I can alert a moderator or moderate it myself to move the post to the appropriate place. I'd do a quick sticky write-up for your approval. I also don't want it to get to a BS competition between tuners, but what works based on fact for folk to make their own decisions.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Stock Ranger engines are not really responsive to tuning. No boost, no variable valve timing... not really a whole lot to tinker with. Shift points and characteristics is about it.

For boosted engines and V8 swaps they are kind of relevant to that... but it kind of fits in the respective subforum. I don't do much in the boosted section but most of the "tuning" in the V8 swap "tuning" is killing PATS on the Explorer engines. It is kind of part of the swap or upgrade and it more or less fits in that subforum IMO.

HOWEVER, the new Ranger/Bronco could change everything in that regard, especially if they go Ecoboost and/or diesel (and I don't know why/how they wouldn't go at least Ecoboost) Tuning Ecoboost Mustangs and F-150's (and of course diesel trucks) is huge, I bet it will be similar for Rangers and Broncos as well.

So IMO there isn't really a huge need right now but there could be a big need coming down the pipe.

 

[Blown]

Great, wow, i disagree. What tuner do you use to tune with or have you used one? Very pointed question, but tuning is complex enough that most people do not know what really can be done or have tuned.

With tuning, You can get horsepower and torque without any parts or mechanical changes on a stock engine, then add a change in shifts and it is noticeable. Though I will admit there may be parts that will net more power than a tune, if you add those parts and then tune to them, you will get more out of the parts.

Who would want to shift into OD sooner at low load and RPM to save gas? Or drop into the next lower gear or 3rd to 1st a bit earlier when you stomp on it? I also hate it when it shifts later, at higher RPM and carries more horsepower and torque into the next gear!

Secondly, Boost requires electronic tuning to get it right, not just slightly relevant.

On the 302, 347, 351W, 393W etc, most performance work will benefit from a tune or a tune will be necessary. A cam change with heads will benefit from a tune on a 302.

The Ranger Station is way behind on this.

 

[Jim Oaks]

I don't think he's saying anything against tuners, just that they don't make much of a difference on a stock Ranger. I had a JET module on my 4.0L Ranger. You'd never know it. If I put a programmer on my 6.4L Super Duty....you'd know it.

You obviously have experience with the 4.0L. If you wanted to write something up in the 4.0L forum about your experience tuning the 4.0L, I'll make it a sticky. Then we can go from there. The only other forum that would probably see any 'tuner' activity would be the V8 forum.

I agree that it's a topic that should be covered, but I still see it as one that should be pinned to the specific engine forums. If we see enough activity, we can re-consider making it a topic specific forum.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Great, wow, i disagree. What tuner do you use to tune with or have you used one? Very pointed question, but tuning is complex enough that most people do not know what really can be done or have tuned.

I have a Superchip tuner in my F-150. SOHC V8, about the same level of sophistication as a RBV engine. You can only play with timing and fuel trims so much.

It shifts better, which is why it was worth $100 used to me. Also borrowed and Edge tuner, did pretty much the same thing.

I only use tow/haul because I don't want to run premium.

 

[Blown]

I have a Superchip tuner in my F-150. SOHC V8, about the same level of sophistication as a RBV engine. You can only play with timing and fuel trims so much.

It shifts better, which is why it was worth $100 used to me. Also borrowed and Edge tuner, did pretty much the same thing.

I only use tow/haul because I don't want to run premium.

There is more to tuning than timing and fuel ratio with a Tweecer or Moates. Used units can be had cheap, offer more variables to tune, and can be used to tune any power adder you want to add down the road. The transmission changes I have made should give a little bit better economy and definitely more performance. My rig is more enjoyable to drive with the transmission changes.

Jim,
I'll agree the old Jet chips had little to offer for a stock engine. The addition of electronically controlled transmissions which you can tune, allows for more gains. A used Tweecer or Moates can be had relatively cheap.

That written, I do have a difference of opinion than you all. I also just got hammered with a new job contract and will be much busier than usual. Good news for the finances. I'll answer PM's that I can get too if anyone is interested in tuning, Thanks!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

There is more to tuning than timing and fuel ratio with a Tweecer or Moates.

Like what?

 

[Blown]

It is painfully obvious that you have only used a hand held tuner.

Like This:
Throttle Position for Open Loop
WOT Break point vs RPM
Accelerator pump for tip-in
Warm-up Time
Idle speed Neutral
Idle Speed in Gear
Rev Limit in Gear
Rev limit in neutral
Speed Limiter On
Speed Limiter Off
Torque Control RPM Limiting
Torque Control RPM Limiting Off
Torque Reduction for Shifts


Tire and Gearing changes:
Revolutions per mile
Gear Ratio

Transmission, well, there are more tweeks to be done than listed above for the engine. i won't list them all here. I made changes to which a stock Ranger would benefit as well, this is what I did:
It shifts quicker and firmer from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd during hard acceleration.
Shifts at higher speed/RPM during hard acceleration (red-line @ WOT).
It downshifts at higher speed/RPM to initiate hard acceleration.
It shifts into 4th and 5th at lower MPH/RPM and the Torque Converter (TC) has been made to lock earlier in 4th and 5th gears for economy, both changes at less than 1/3 throttle.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Speedometer correction for tire size and gearing is an option on my tuner. I can't kill the speed limiter but I can move it to a speed I can't touch... never bothered and have never hit it. Kinda forgot about that.

Shift points and firmness I did mention. Mine were vastly improved on tow-haul. Aside from speedo correction (which was just fine tuning, it was already pretty close) it is all I really notice. Of course you have to go thru reteaching the adaptive shift strategy how to shift so by the time that is done you don't really remember what it was like for much of a side by side comparison.

I can check codes with it too which is nice.

 

[Mightyfordranger]

Well this escalated quickly but I was just interested in learning about tuning and 2.3t tuning but as for how it should be done it's not for me to say.

sent while bored