Programming the ECU - What are the options?

[Big-Foot]

I'm not particularly interested in re-programming for more power, but better driveability.

I would like the throttle to release quicker when I let off the pedal. The dashpot setting in the ECU has way too much delay in it - I've read some people say it is as long as 4 seconds. Mine is maybe two-three seconds.

What are the different tools available and has anyone developed a home brew control system for this ECU yet like they have for the EEC-IV and the GM ECU's (which I am very familiar with) ???

Please tell us what tuning tool / service you use, how much it cost and if it will do what I am asking for..

Thanks!

 

[Big-Foot]

Stumped you guys eh?

 

[royb]

I'm not particularly interested in re-programming for more power, but better driveability.

I would like the throttle to release quicker when I let off the pedal. The dashpot setting in the ECU has way too much delay in it - I've read some people say it is as long as 4 seconds. Mine is maybe two-three seconds.

What are the different tools available and has anyone developed a home brew control system for this ECU yet like they have for the EEC-IV and the GM ECU's (which I am very familiar with) ???

Please tell us what tuning tool / service you use, how much it cost and if it will do what I am asking for..

Thanks!

youwant the xct2 with some good street tunes the throttle lag will go away .

 

[Big-Foot]

Hi Royb

I did a websearch for "xct2" and did not find anything relative to a Mustang.

Do you have a link or vendor for this?

Thanks!

 

[gp001]

I have the Diablosport Predator and it works great.

 

[bleedingvayneAD]

Hi Royb

I did a websearch for "xct2" and did not find anything relative to a Mustang.

Do you have a link or vendor for this?

Thanks!

Here ya go....
http://www.mustangtuning.com/sct-xcalibrator-2.html

 

[Big-Foot]

Here ya go....
http://www.mustangtuning.com/sct-xcalibrator-2.html

Thanks for the link. I looked at the website but it doesn't say anything about adjusting for throttle lag.

This XCalibrator seems to have a few more features than the Diablo when it comes to connectivity to PC's etc.

Any comments on functionality?

Also - Am I presuming correctly that once you adjust the parameters you want, that you disconnect the device from the car?

Thanks guys!

 

[DarkFireGT]

You can not tune for throttle lag with any of them, but after tuning my GT, the throttle lag disappeared. These cars are just tuned so crappy from the factory for emissions.

Don't expect it to do everything it says, but it does quite a bit, and I love being able to customize my tune right on my pc. If I get new gears or wheels/tires I don't have to pay for a new tune...

But I will warn you, it will give you more power

 

[Big-Foot]

Darkfire - Thank you..

Is there any way to download and store the programming that is currently in the ECU so it can be restored at a later time if needed?

Also - Does the device get disconnected after you do your tuning or do you have to leave it connected?

Thanks again!

 

[WSD42]

With the Diablo Sport Predator...it stores the OEM tune first and then you follow the directions it gives to load the new tunes. By storing the OEM tune in the DSP, it then locks the DSP to your car. There are several optional tunes:

- 87 Octane tune
- Factory Performance tune
- 91 Octane tune

To name a few off the top of my head.....

When you finish with the tune install...you disconnect the DSP from your OBD II Port (on the left side under the steering wheel). You can leave it connected for data gathering and diagnostics, but after a tune is installed, you disconnect the DSP when it tells you to, and not before. Follow the instructions on the tuners and you should not have a problem.

If you add a CAI (Cold Air Intake) from either Steeda or C&L the DSP has tunes you download from Diablo Sport to handle this. The C&L can be ordered with the DSP and the proper tunes for you car already installed. C&L is local to me, so I have been there and talked with them. They have used my car for a few measurements and such.

The SCT Xcalibrator I & II are much the same as the DSP. I have the DSP with rev23 and the Steeda CAI custom tune loaded on my '05 GT. The SCT II is better than the SCT I, but I picked the DSP and have no problems with it.

Hope this helps!

 

[DarkFireGT]

Darkfire - Thank you..

Is there any way to download and store the programming that is currently in the ECU so it can be restored at a later time if needed?

Also - Does the device get disconnected after you do your tuning or do you have to leave it connected?

Thanks again!

Yes, you can store the tunes right on your computer. I've got 10 stored right now, soon to be 11. I'm going to make one with a rev limit of 3500 for when I take it in for paint.

The device disconnects, unless you want to datalog. But normally, it's disconnected. It just reprograms the computer and it's job is done.

 

[nbk13nw]

The throttle lag from the ETC (Electronic Throttle COntrol) cannot be directly affected using the handheld tuners. A full software package will allow you to adjust the parameters to remove the lag. Most full SCT / Diablo tuners have this available. A good trune can take it out. Doug at BamaChips comes to mind.

 

[Big-Foot]

Thanks for the information guys...

Like I said before - I'm very familiar with GM programming (I've burned a lot of chips) and I've also done some ECU re-design work on the Victory Motorcycles.
This ECU is (so far) foreign to me. I will probably see if I can purchase a used one on eBay and figure out a method of re-programming via Serial / USB port and potentially a dongle..

Has anyone else out there played / hacked with one?

Another question - Are tunes "Serialized" to the car's VIN? In other words - is there any way to share tunes with this ECU?

 

[bleedingvayneAD]

There is no way to share tunes, or tuners for that matter, because once you plug in the tuner into your OBD, it is then serialized to your car.

 

[Big-Foot]

There is no way to share tunes, or tuners for that matter, because once you plug in the tuner into your OBD, it is then serialized to your car.

So - in other words - when someone trys to sell a used Predator or XCalibrator on ebay, it would be a good idea to just pass on the deal...

That's sort of bogus... We gotta fix that!

 

[bleedingvayneAD]

One would hope that when used ones are being sold that they haven't been used yet because that's like selling girl scout cookies with bites already in them. Kind of, I guess?

 

[tom281]

My understanding is that as long as the factory tune is reinstalled into the handheld by the original owner, it can be sold and reused by someone else. I'll find out for sure tomorrow, cause I'm selling my Predator at 10:00 a.m.

ts

 

[nbk13nw]

That is correct... If you want to sell your tuner. You must first reflash to stack which will unlock the tuner. I know with the SCT after I bought it I still had to "Unlock" it with the application as well.

 

[tom281]

While I got you online, how do you like the Excal 1 for your '05? I have a thread going on now, looking for people's attention.

 

[official_style]

go with sniper! this was what was used to tune my car. you would want the sniper scout if you want to connect to your laptop.
http://www.snipertuning.com/new/view.phtml?f_cat=Electronic+Tuning