ok. Im trying to understand how i won't have to reprogram my ecu every time i change something (like adding a supercharger or N20). I paid $400 for my last tune and don't want to have to go throu that evertime. What are my options? Also, can I just slap on a supercharger with my mods listed below or what probloms will I run into? I know there is alot of threads on this stuff but Im looking for some advice from someone who can help my specific situation(current mods) thanks!
ECU programing...
- Thread starter svteet
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Basically it boils down to 2 options. Having someone else do it or doing it yourself.
Little mods to a car = have someone else do it.
Lots of mods = Do it yourself.
It looks like you have quite a few mods so doing it yourself is probably best.
I have a bunch of mods in my engine as well, (such as a: comp cam, 347 stroker kit, 36lb fuel injectors, Nitrous, exc.). In my experiences I found that getting a "tweecer" is the best way to go. It is a little expensive, about $500 and you have to have a lap top computer (i got mine used for $200) but I have made hundreds of tunes trying to dial everything in.
Here are a couple pro's and cons about using a tweecer.
Pros:
-you can adjust anything including your CID (302,347,351 or whatever), your idle speed, at what temp your radiator fan will turn on, but most importantly your fuel trim and MAF functions.
-you can have multiple tunes at one time. I have one for emissions testing, one for N2o and one for daily driving. You can flip from one to the next by clicking a button.
Cons:
-you could damage your engine. You really have to be an idiot to program something so way out of whack to do harm to an engine, but the potential is there.
-It is something that has to be learned. Programming an ecu is not as easy as clicking the +horsepower button. I have made a tune and lost horsepower or the car went richer or leaner than intended and spent many hours trying to figure out why.
-The biggest con is that the tweecer's manual is lacking laymen terms. For example it tells you how to adjust what your "lamb2" value but doesn't tell you what it is, what its for or what happens if you adjust it. Plan on spending time researching on the internet.
As for supercharging your engine I think you can bolt on a Supercharger with your current mods without any real issues. Of course you can bolt on a supercharger to a minivan. it all depends on how many lbs of boost you plan on using. What's your engine specs? Is it overbored any? Do you have dished pistons or flat tops? And what lb injectors do you have?
Little mods to a car = have someone else do it.
Lots of mods = Do it yourself.
It looks like you have quite a few mods so doing it yourself is probably best.
I have a bunch of mods in my engine as well, (such as a: comp cam, 347 stroker kit, 36lb fuel injectors, Nitrous, exc.). In my experiences I found that getting a "tweecer" is the best way to go. It is a little expensive, about $500 and you have to have a lap top computer (i got mine used for $200) but I have made hundreds of tunes trying to dial everything in.
Here are a couple pro's and cons about using a tweecer.
Pros:
-you can adjust anything including your CID (302,347,351 or whatever), your idle speed, at what temp your radiator fan will turn on, but most importantly your fuel trim and MAF functions.
-you can have multiple tunes at one time. I have one for emissions testing, one for N2o and one for daily driving. You can flip from one to the next by clicking a button.
Cons:
-you could damage your engine. You really have to be an idiot to program something so way out of whack to do harm to an engine, but the potential is there.
-It is something that has to be learned. Programming an ecu is not as easy as clicking the +horsepower button. I have made a tune and lost horsepower or the car went richer or leaner than intended and spent many hours trying to figure out why.
-The biggest con is that the tweecer's manual is lacking laymen terms. For example it tells you how to adjust what your "lamb2" value but doesn't tell you what it is, what its for or what happens if you adjust it. Plan on spending time researching on the internet.
As for supercharging your engine I think you can bolt on a Supercharger with your current mods without any real issues. Of course you can bolt on a supercharger to a minivan. it all depends on how many lbs of boost you plan on using. What's your engine specs? Is it overbored any? Do you have dished pistons or flat tops? And what lb injectors do you have?
You did not mention what computer you have or your injector size. I am guessing 24lb, and the x3z?
My opinion is that when an aftermarket MAF and larger than stock (based on the computer used) injectors are used, a tune will be beneficial. Especially if the CID of the motor has changed with a 351w conversion or a stroker.
I just started making some tuning adjustments with my TwEECer this weekend, so I do not have a perfect tune yet. Here is what I think though.
The TwEECer is the best thing to happen to the EEC-IV, since MAF
Basically, all I have changed is the fuel injector settings, CID, MAF transfer, and disabled the emissions settings that have been removed from the car.
The car would only idle steady before at 950rpm. Now I have it set at 650rpm.
The improvement it part throttle response is incredible.
I still have to play with the fuel and ignition timing, as well as some cold start fuel settings.
If you are willing to take the time to learn how the EEC works, then an aftermarket programmer is perfrect for you. If you the kind of person who just wants to get in the car, and drive it then maybe you should keep taking it to a tuner.
Be honest with yourself on this, and realize that there is a stiff learning curve, when digging into the factory computer.
Boost would probably be ok with that combo, if you keep it within reason. The 190lph may be the limiting factor on how much boost you can run.
Feel free to keep asking questions, that is why we all come here.
jason
My opinion is that when an aftermarket MAF and larger than stock (based on the computer used) injectors are used, a tune will be beneficial. Especially if the CID of the motor has changed with a 351w conversion or a stroker.
I just started making some tuning adjustments with my TwEECer this weekend, so I do not have a perfect tune yet. Here is what I think though.
The TwEECer is the best thing to happen to the EEC-IV, since MAF
Basically, all I have changed is the fuel injector settings, CID, MAF transfer, and disabled the emissions settings that have been removed from the car.
The car would only idle steady before at 950rpm. Now I have it set at 650rpm.
The improvement it part throttle response is incredible.
I still have to play with the fuel and ignition timing, as well as some cold start fuel settings.
If you are willing to take the time to learn how the EEC works, then an aftermarket programmer is perfrect for you. If you the kind of person who just wants to get in the car, and drive it then maybe you should keep taking it to a tuner.
Be honest with yourself on this, and realize that there is a stiff learning curve, when digging into the factory computer.
Boost would probably be ok with that combo, if you keep it within reason. The 190lph may be the limiting factor on how much boost you can run.
Feel free to keep asking questions, that is why we all come here.
jason
joel5.0
Member
That's EFI.....flexible and productive to death, but it carries a cost (money and knowledge base). You could do some improvements to the engine, and the ECM has the ability to readjust and "learn" to a point...... specific improvements or combo of improvements.....will require you gain access to the system (or have someone do it for you), and change parameters to optimize the improvements installed. GL
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