

Expanded connectors and ports can further supplement power, adding compatibility for nitrous injection systems or secondary fuel injectors. Though dependent on the application and tuning software, it is not uncommon to see advanced features like launch control, flat-foot shifting or programmable traction control even on some entry-level ECUs.

With technology evolving at an exponential rate, so too does the innovation in ECU features. Emerging technology has recently given way to remote tuning, where a user inputs their ECU records from a datalogger, and a tuner can turn the data into a usable map – all without seeing the vehicle in person.Įstablished tuners use laptops to change engine fuel and ignition tables. DSPORT’s STILLEN supercharged Project 370Z, for example, saw a gain of 33.2 horsepower at the wheels after upgrading from the provided base map to a custom tune. Custom tunes are ideally created on a chassis dynamometer, which can simulate varying driving conditions and engine load.


Although custom tuning requires more time and money, the tuner can take advantage of an individual engine configuration, tailoring fuel and ignition maps in an exact tuning profile. Going beyond premade maps involves custom tuning for specific vehicles and exact parts selection. By following common steps of parts, or “stages,” tuners create maps for situations where they know the general engine setup. For pre-programmed maps, tuners generally rely on proven testing of what can and what can’t be done with a specific engine family. From there, tuners can repeat the cycle of incrementally changing parameters until the performance targets are achieved.Įxpert tuners are always looking to advance their knowledge of tuning, allowing them to extract more efficient performance from a given package. With the available data, tuners can begin changing the ECU tune to reach their targets, then receive feedback based on the change in engine dynamics. These include – but are not limited to – wide-band UEGO meters for A/F ratios, a dynamometer for engine load and sensors for exhaust gas temperatures and detonation. Each variable can affect how an engine reacts, so having a host of tools to measure multiple parameters can be crucial. Once a target is set, tuners can begin tweaking their variables. Some enthusiasts only need maps optimized to run at wide-open throttle, but others could put greater value on street drivability with variable partial throttle. These universal ECU solutions wire into existing looms with vehicle-specific jumper harnesses, eliminating the need to cut and splice into complicated wiring looms.īefore the tuning process can begin, it is important to set tuning goals.
Custom ecu tuning software#
Coming in at the highest price point, these systems are the most powerful option, often featuring advanced hardware and software needed on dedicated racecars. Standalone engine management systems offer the most freedom to freely tune available parameters, supporting the stringent requirements of a high-horsepower build. Some of the additional features may include Flex-Fuel compatibility, full-throttle shifting, boost control, datalogging and more.
Custom ecu tuning full#
Compared to piggyback tunes, plug-and-play replacements allow full control of tuning parameters, many of which cannot be modified on the factory ECU. Plug-and-play ECUs replace the factory units, removing any possible restrictions from factory systems and adding processing power as well as features not available on OEM ECUs. These solutions work by intercepting signals from the factory ECU and providing altered signals to the fuel injectors and ignition system. The flashed ECU typically features precise changes to fuel and ignition tables, tuned more aggressively than the factory settings to boost horsepower and torque figures. In its most basic form, a loader will come with pre-adjusted calibration maps for the specific vehicle application. These systems plug into a car’s existing OBDII port and work in conjunction with factory ECU. The simplest ECU tuning solutions are map loaders. ECU tuning kits can plug directly into OBDII ports, or in some cases replace the factory ECU entirely.
