DIY fine tuning...

[macks]

Doing the big research thing for aftermarket computers, to run either a 2JZ or RB25 in an old Zed. I'm leaning heavily towards the Autronic range, as they seem to be the best bet without going crazy with the $.

If I install the ECU myself, get it tuned at a workshop somewhere in perth (recommendations?), how hard is it to learn how to fine tune these things yourself? This is a matter of personal interest more than anything else (I'm not just trying to save a buck here!), as I'm an engineer-to-be and I'd like to learn how an engine's spark and fuel requirements vary under a million different conditions :)

Are there any websites/books around that are worth reading?

[TRD-KINGSWOOD]

I have to sus this out too.

Make sure whoever tunes it does not password protect the ECU.

I am going to do a rough tune myself and the maybe take it to a shop if i am not happy with the ecconomy.

(P.S. Anybody know where can i get a Base program for a M800 to suit a 1J/2J. I also would like to find a base progam for an M4 to suit a 2.6 litre 4 cyl.)

[Delco]

Give Lumpy from C-RED Tuning a call or give Chipmaster EFI a ring , they can supply and install without password locking your ECU

[macks]

Cheers Delco, I don't spose you know where these tuners learn their trade? :)

[Delco]

I don't spose you know where these tuners learn their trade?

Well in my case it was easy:D lets see , 4years at uni studying mechanical engineering then another 3 years as a apprentice mechanic then a further 4 years at Orbital mapping OEM engines before embarking on tuning efi for a living.

So it only took 17 years to get to this stage :rolleyes:

Lots of hard work and perserverence are required - oh i nearly forgot you need a perfectionist attitude to tune properly as well - hell a car will run ok with a mate pouring fuel down its throat , just that is very far removed from the ideal tune

[FAT-DAT]

surely you don't need all that training! some of the guys you see tuning ecu's are only 10 years out of school. what is the best oath to take to take up a career like this?

[howy]

It's not rocket science, but you really need a wide band A/F meter to do the deed, at least to get a base line....

A dyno tune would be cheaper, but if you want to dabble, thats another thing......

The hardest thing is to load the car at all points without the comfort of the dyno, plus those last few horsepower will prove illusive without a dyno.....or track testing...

[fiat]

i installed my autronic (SMC + CDI) into my own car.. was a piece of piss really...

good people in perth to talk to re: tuning properly is either

Steve, from Graydon's Mechanical in Canningvale

or

Lane Heenan from Race Torque...

Lane charges a hell of a lot more.... I dealt with Steve, he was great... very helpful, and very reasonably priced!!!!!!


as for fine tuning, if you pay the bit extra for auto tune, and can hire out the autronic A/F Ratio meter for a weekend, you can drive around with one person on the laptop and just autotune it through the load points...

I don't know how you'll map out high load and rpm on the street without breaking the speed limit thou :)

Best to leave it to the pro's on a dyno :)

Interesting to note that Autronic now supports Radio Telemetry, meaning you can tune the car at home whilst someone else drives :) (uses a radio modem i think it's good up to 2km's)