Tuning software/devices

[MAranger]

In reading around the forced induction forum, i'm seeing alot of mention and discussion about proper tuning. I've seen a few builds tuned, and recomended to tune with tuning software such as Sniper or SCT. I am wondering what the engine management/diagnostic system requirements are for these programs; OBDII EECIV/V etc?

Also interested in the process. As I understand you "datalog" by running the truck and import the info into the software, then make corrections to AFR and timing, etc. So, do you have your laptop plugged into the diagnostic port?

 

[disciplerocks]

I dont have a lot of experience, but what I do was with my SCT for my Focus. It requires OBDII. I had someone remote tuning it. If you are looking to tune yourself, you'll need the software for it and it aint cheap.

 

[MAranger]

Alright thanks for clearing up the OBDII requirement. Waht sort of mods were you recalibrating for on the focus, turbo i assume?

As far as "remote" tuning, how does that work? Do you tell them the setup your running and they give a one size fits all approach, or is it datalogged (by you) and corrected (by them)a couple times? what do these remote tunes cost?

 

[Bent Bolt]

I haven't used these guys yet

http://www.moates.net/product_info.php?products_id=199

but heard good things. The only thing really holding me back was the software as I have NO experience in such things.

And no , it doesn't have to be ECC V . They have stuff for ECCIV but mostly Mustangs.

 

[Davis]

I have used moates stuff and it is awesome. If I had the $$ to blow, I'd definitely get the Quarterhorse.

I use the moates Burn1 with Clint Garrity's Binary Editor software and an Innovate LM-2 wideband for datalogging. It's a great combo, except that the LM-2 is über-buggy.

The one thing to remember, however is that while QH technically works with every ford EEC-IV computer, not all computers have a .def file available. If you don't have a .def file, Binary Editor does not know the addresses of the information in the computer and you can not tune. You could always switch to a supported computer though.

 

[disciplerocks]

Alright thanks for clearing up the OBDII requirement. Waht sort of mods were you recalibrating for on the focus, turbo i assume?

As far as "remote" tuning, how does that work? Do you tell them the setup your running and they give a one size fits all approach, or is it datalogged (by you) and corrected (by them)a couple times? what do these remote tunes cost?

Mainly for the supercharger, but also the intake, exhaust, bigger injectors, and ignition upgrades. Most companies just send you a one size fits all tune, but I don't like that way of doing things. Every engine is different and what works for one, may make mine run lean and thats not something anyone would want.

I worked with someone that was familiar with my engine and he would send me a tune, I would flash it and log it then send it back and he would fine tune the tune. It was a long tedious process. But well worth it.

 

[MAranger]

so, with the combination of a wideband, data software, and a tuning device such as burn2 or quarterhorse, you can provide a much more specific and proper tune then say, dropping a turbocoupe comp in during a 2.3t swap? YOu in essence can turn any .def computer into a "turbo" comupter as many times over as you'd like until its close to perfect? How do you determine whether a ford EECIV comp is or isn't .def format?

Disciple, you must have some data logging software right? And what does a reflash cost?

Thanks for all your answers guys!

 

[disciplerocks]

The SCT comes with the datalogging software. I bought mine new from a guy that didn't need it for $150. New they are around $400. I would recomend not purchasing anything used. Most devices get locked to a certain car once they are used. And if the person selling it doesn't unlock it by returning their car to stock, and sell it to you, then you will be screwed. I know a couple people that got screwed that way and had to ship it back to the company and had to pay more for them to unlock it. Just buy new and don't worry with it.

 

[Davis]

so, with the combination of a wideband, data software, and a tuning device such as burn2 or quarterhorse, you can provide a much more specific and proper tune then say, dropping a turbocoupe comp in during a 2.3t swap? YOu in essence can turn any .def computer into a "turbo" comupter as many times over as you'd like until its close to perfect? How do you determine whether a ford EECIV comp is or isn't .def format?

Disciple, you must have some data logging software right? And what does a reflash cost?

Thanks for all your answers guys!

The file you actually modify is a .bin, and the .def is the framework that allows you to do that. I have the hardware to pull the .bin off any ford eec-iv computer there is, but unless someone has made a .def, it's all just a bunch of numbers.

If you are using a turbo coupe motor that is close to stock, the turbo coupe computer is pretty dang good, and you'd have to be a very good tuner to improve it. If you want to turbo a ranger motor from a later year, yes, tuning the ranger computer is often going to be better. This is especially true if you already have eec-v and are considering going back to eec-iv for the turbocoupe computer.

The problem with turboing the other ranger motors if they are eec-iv is that I don't believe there is a .def for any of them. So then you are stuck with swapping in a compatible computer and tuning it until it works.

 

[Bent Bolt]

I have used moates stuff and it is awesome. If I had the $$ to blow, I'd definitely get the Quarterhorse.

I use the moates Burn1 with Clint Garrity's Binary Editor software and an Innovate LM-2 wideband for datalogging. It's a great combo, except that the LM-2 is über-buggy.

The one thing to remember, however is that while QH technically works with every ford EEC-IV computer, not all computers have a .def file available. If you don't have a .def file, Binary Editor does not know the addresses of the information in the computer and you can not tune. You could always switch to a supported computer though.

I Emailed Moates and he was willing to create a def file for me to start. Could always email him and see if he can.

 

[Davis]

I Emailed Moates and he was willing to create a def file for me to start. Could always email him and see if he can.

Hmmm, never thought of that. That's awesome. Craig Moates is a great guy to work with. I'd recommend anybody to his company.

 

[anupaum]

I can't speak for re-tuning the OBD system, but I HAVE some experience with this. When the mass air system caused problems for my supercharger installation, I dumped my factory computer for a Megasquirt, which I tuned myself, using a narrowband sensor. Basically, with my laptop plugged in, I drove around and let my eldest son fiddle with the settings until the sensor reported a stoichometric air / fuel ratio. I set up the acceleration and boost portions of my fuel table to run a bit rich, and it's been fine for several years now. (The truck easily passes its emissions test.)

When I went to the LM1 wideband sensor, I was pleasantly surprised at how close the tune was to ideal. It's not difficult, but it's time consuming and requires care.

robert luis rabello