Tuning for noob(s) required
 

Ok so I've been doing a hell of a lot of research both on the forums and on the internet in general in relation to tuning. Yet it still isn't 100% clear to me.

People here mention they have their cars tuned by Uprev, Cobb, etc.

Do these places simply work with the existing factory software the car comes with or are they adding their own? When is third party software required? Is a flash part of a tune or a separate process entirely?

I'm essentially confused as to when a tune involves working with the car, meaning essentially labour only and when it involves a product such as software as well.

If anyone could spell out all of the above (and more?), it would be greatly appreciated. Perhaps something like the "Forced Induction for Noobs" sticky thread.

Thanks in advance.

Both the Cobb and the UpRev tuning are done by making changes to the factory ecu via the OBDII port (usually known as a ROM tune as you make changes to the factory ecu memory). Cobb has a device called the Access Port (which has been discontinued for the 370z) that allows you to change settings, UpRev has software that you would run on a laptop and connects using a usb cable.

Once the tuning is done no other hardware is needed, the changes are stored in your ECU. UpRev tuning is typically performed at a shop on a dyno (a list of tuners can be found here: UpRev - Engine Management) although you can purchase the necessary software/hardware and tune the car yourself.

Thanks for helping out esfourteen :tiphat:

You have been reped! :tup:

Good question, good answer.

esfourteeen

Thanks again for the response. You da man! :bowrofl:

I thought I wasn't going to receive anything after a few days.

Any insight as to what flashing and mapping is?

Where would one be able to purchase the software/hardware to tune and what does it run $$$ Figure wise?

UpRev - Engine Management

Flashing refers to the actual writing of data (your ecu tune) to the EEPROM (electronically erasable programmable read only memory) in the ECU. It's basically a memory chip in the ecu that is normally only readable, but can be overwritten entirely with new data. ( you normally dont want your cars ecu data to change, right? =] )

A map in the ECU is basically a big lookup table that looks like a grid, the ecu uses vehicle sensor inputs (such as RPM, TPS, Coolant Temp etc.) in order to determine the proper output of the specific map. ECU maps can control several things such as timing, AFR, Engine Idle (warmup), Boost etc.

Here is an example of a Boost map in a subaru ECU that uses throttle % and RPM to determine the appropriate amount of boost to allow.

http://www.scoobypedia.co.uk/uploads..._map_diffs.gif

And here is a map from Nistune (awesome program I used to use on my SR20DET) where the user is tuning a desired AFR

http://www.nistune.com/pics/screen3.jpg

Thanks Triples...Went up on their site and the services they offer seem interesting...I wonder how I would go about this...Especially since I am out here on Guam and we don't have a dyno...I am currently running the Berk HFC's/CBE combo and will be installing the Stillen G3's sometime this week. From what I've read, some say that you won't need a tune with this combo, while others say you do...A bit confused on what to do now...

It's not required for your mods, but you can absolutely benefit from a tune, I picked up quite a bit of power with similar mods. You have two options if there is no dyno available...

Street tuning (the road is your dyno =]), this requires a lot of safe open road and a wideband installed, not recommended if you don't know what you are doing.

The more reasonable option is an off the shelf tune. This is basically a tune that is pre-adjusted for your mods, you might not get as much power as you would from a custom dyno tune, but it's better than nothing.

I believe AAM offered some Cobb tunes, but their site is completely busted so I can't look anything up for you.

Thanks for the great info and options esfourteen....Considering my case does Uprev offer a an off the shelf tune?

contact UpRev they might be able to work something out.

Would we benefit from a tune if we are all stock? Or is this just for modified cars? Thanks.

not very much at all im afraid, I wouldn't bother unless you have test pipes(or high flow cats) and intake at least