[Blazin72]

I know this isn't directly engine related but I am glad to see this sub-forum started. I recently bought some tuning sofware to practice and learn how to correctly tune the ECM on my 11 year old Silverado 2500. I'm looking forward to seeing what information gets posted here.

[EagleMark]

Me too!

What software did you get? I have not bought into the OBDII stuff yet because it is so *** expensive compared to what I have that covers OBDI

[Blazin72]

I have HP Tuners. It is expensive but with the initial purchase it comes with 8 credits which lets you unlock the PCMs on up to four vehicles (GM in my case). I'm intrigued by the real time tuning feature that is available (for two credits) and the option for wideband O2 tuning.

[EagleMark]

I did'nt think you could do real time tuning on OBDII? Or is it an Auto Tune?

WideBand O2 sensor and controllers are not cheap, I don't know what/how HP Tuners incorperates it to their software? But I do like using the WideBand O2 for data logging my WOT runs!!! Then you need to know your ECM/Bin/Software to make changes so it goes to commanded AFR at WOT. This way you get your good, clean running engine with effecincy and MPG but also a more HP freindly AFR at WOT like 12.5 to 1 instead of 14.7 to 1

[Blazin72]

It is real time tuning. You have to download the modified operating system and it allows you to make real time tuning changes while data logging then when you are done you save the changes and flash it as you would any other tune. I haven't tried it yet since I'm still learning the basics but I'm already figuring out that it's probably a lot easier than shutting the truck off every few minutes/hours to make reflash minor changes.

I picked up my wideband sensor and controller from a friend of mine that bought it and never used it. I haven't actually tried it yet though.

I'm in need of a new computer too. My battery barely lasts long enough to log any decent amount of data and/or the computer just crashes. In fact, it crashed twice today 20 minutes into a couple runs. I wasn't happy.

[123pugsy]

Originally Posted by Blazin72

It is real time tuning. You have to download the modified operating system and it allows you to make real time tuning changes while data logging then when you are done you save the changes and flash it as you would any other tune. I haven't tried it yet since I'm still learning the basics but I'm already figuring out that it's probably a lot easier than shutting the truck off every few minutes/hours to make reflash minor changes.

I picked up my wideband sensor and controller from a friend of mine that bought it and never used it. I haven't actually tried it yet though.

I'm in need of a new computer too. My battery barely lasts long enough to log any decent amount of data and/or the computer just crashes. In fact, it crashed twice today 20 minutes into a couple runs. I wasn't happy.

Glad to see someone will have the experience I need by the time I get my engine done and start tuning.

This new forum is great for sure for us guys installing a little technology in our rods.

[Siggy_Freud]

Originally Posted by Blazin72

It is real time tuning. You have to download the modified operating system and it allows you to make real time tuning changes while data logging then when you are done you save the changes and flash it as you would any other tune. I haven't tried it yet since I'm still learning the basics but I'm already figuring out that it's probably a lot easier than shutting the truck off every few minutes/hours to make reflash minor changes.

I picked up my wideband sensor and controller from a friend of mine that bought it and never used it. I haven't actually tried it yet though.

I'm in need of a new computer too. My battery barely lasts long enough to log any decent amount of data and/or the computer just crashes. In fact, it crashed twice today 20 minutes into a couple runs. I wasn't happy.

Not really sure that this qualifies as real-time tuning, as you're still having to flash the computer. I'd consider real time to be a change that takes effect as soon as you enter it. Or did I misread something?

[123pugsy]

Link to HP Tuners:

Clickety - Click

[Blazin72]

Originally Posted by Siggy_Freud

Not really sure that this qualifies as real-time tuning, as you're still having to flash the computer. I'd consider real time to be a change that takes effect as soon as you enter it. Or did I misread something?

You do make tuning changes in real time using the scanner software. However, it does not permanently write it to the PCM. After you are done you have to save the changes then permanently write the changes using the editor software.

Pugsy, I've been eyeballing it for a few years since a co-worker was telling me about using it to tune his firebird. You'd be surprised at how ugly some of the factory tunes really are. Some are nasty enough that even a novice would be appalled. I know I was when I saw the timing tables for my truck.

They aren't the only game out there though. EFI Live is pretty popular too, among others.

[Eric63M]

If anyone needs help tuning obd 1 systems I've been playing around with it for years on 5 4th generation f bodies. Leo know of many free data logging systems. I'm to the point on my camaro where there is basically no emissions, shut down certain parts of the ecm, deleted faults so the check engine light never comes on.

[Siggy_Freud]

Originally Posted by Blazin72

You do make tuning changes in real time using the scanner software. However, it does not permanently write it to the PCM. After you are done you have to save the changes then permanently write the changes using the editor software.

Pugsy, I've been eyeballing it for a few years since a co-worker was telling me about using it to tune his firebird. You'd be surprised at how ugly some of the factory tunes really are. Some are nasty enough that even a novice would be appalled. I know I was when I saw the timing tables for my truck.

They aren't the only game out there though. EFI Live is pretty popular too, among others.

So the changes take effect in real time? I guess I misunderstood what you were saying.

[Blazin72]

Yes but they are only temporary until you save the changes to your working tune file and reflash the PCM. After that they are permanent.