How to tune a car, step by step.

[WolfSL]

I was already planning on using stockish sized injectors (450's) and stock ecu to get it initially started just to make sure things were golden. I've already done some tuning with an SAFC and the E-Manage (Blue and Ultimate). So I'm not completely new to tuning, but I certainly wouldn't call myself a pro yet.

I guess what I was really wondering is what kind of things do you take into consideration when coming up with a base tune for a car and/or how you adjust for them (in a new or existing map). I've already been doing a lot of reading up on it, I just wanted another perspective.

[mehlosTT]

Josh, that was an excellent write up. Very well done lad!!!
My hats off to you again. The 3S community new folks are lucky to have that available.

[niterydr]

Originally Posted by WolfSL

I was already planning on using stockish sized injectors (450's) and stock ecu to get it initially started just to make sure things were golden. I've already done some tuning with an SAFC and the E-Manage (Blue and Ultimate). So I'm not completely new to tuning, but I certainly wouldn't call myself a pro yet.

I guess what I was really wondering is what kind of things do you take into consideration when coming up with a base tune for a car and/or how you adjust for them (in a new or existing map). I've already been doing a lot of reading up on it, I just wanted another perspective.

Things I require when making a basemap:
-engine size
-veh year
-ignition specs (COP, DIS, coil, plugs)
-injector size/style
-airflow sensing type
-other sensors
-engine modifications
-gasoline type
-turbocharger choice
-intercooler choice
-other accessories/modifications (like custom fan wiring, fuel pump wiring, etc).
-exhaust/intake work

After that I can usually just make a map that will start the car 99.9% of the time, pending any mechanical problems or other non-predictable VE issues.

[Dj_Frost]

When are you going to come to Panama?

I seriously need a knowledgeable tuner as yourself to set my car

[kywhitelightning]

When you say you need more timing do you mean more timing advance or retard? Also is there a theoretical limit to the stock timing maps? If so what size injectors would require outside timing control beyond the scope of the stock timing maps. I ask because I would like to go with 19t's with 680 injectors. I have heard there are limits with the stock ecu as far as the highest injectors that it is capable of supporting without the support of external timing control. Any light on this subject is greatly appreciated.

[mehlosTT]

450 cc's are about maxed out for an OEM ecu and without a fuel controller like a Apexi' S-AFC-II, the timing map will get too high and fuel will be too low at 14 psi and up.

[kywhitelightning]

Sorry I wrote that a little confusing. Translation "I will be running the bigger injectors with a maf translator. My question relates to whether I would need external timing control if I were to run 680 cc injectors with the maf translator?" Thanks and sorry again for the confusion.

[niterydr]

Originally Posted by kywhitelightning

Sorry I wrote that a little confusing. Translation "I will be running the bigger injectors with a maf translator. My question relates to whether I would need external timing control if I were to run 680 cc injectors with the maf translator?" Thanks and sorry again for the confusion.

With that size of injectors I would highly recommend timing control.

[kywhitelightning]

What about Evo 560's?

[misegades]

Sorry to barge in on this, and this can be addressed via PM if need be, but am I reading this correctly, the timing will be affected simply by using larger injectors? I see talk of needing external timing control with larger injectors, why is this? Why would injector size have an impact on what the ECU does to the timing maps?