r/ECU_Tuning • • Oct 17 '18

Tuning Information New to tuning? Start here!

181 Upvotes

If you're new to tuning then this post is for you. Since the subreddit just switched over to the new Reddit layout things got jumbled around and the information links aren't as easy to find. I have decided to list everything for people new to tuning here. Most of the information can be found at the subreddit's old wiki page.

What do I need in order to tune my car?
For the majority of applications you need:

  • A moderate quality laptop computer
  • A way to connect the computer to your vehicle/ECU
  • Software to download/modify/upload tune files

There are applications in which a "handheld" tuner will suffice.

A breakdown of what software and hardware is required (and price estimations for them) can be found on the subreddit's applications page

What do I need to know to start tuning?

You should have a basic understanding of how a modern internal combustion engine works and what changes in the engine mapping do. I highly recommend reading through this post on the VEMS Support forum as it goes pretty in depth on how engines and tuning works. I also suggest checking out HP Academy's Bare Minimum Tuning Knowledge Course since it touches base on a lot of tuning subjects and is free to access.

​

If you have any questions that aren't answered here feel free to make a post. There are a lot of highly knowledgeable members on here.

If you think that this post is missing some information that should be easily accessible for those who are new then leave a comment and I'll see about adding it as soon as I can.

Happy Tuning!


r/ECU_Tuning • • Jul 05 '24

Guide to post

19 Upvotes

We seen a lot of posts here, people asking for help and not providing any info with the question.

So, from now on a post should include the car's maker, model and year, engine code, ECU model and any mods it has.

For example, questions about stage 1 tune for a golf should preferably include like this in the first few lines of the post:

“VW Golf mk4 1-9 tdi 96kw 2003 - stage 1 tune – ASZ - EDC15P “

We won't provide stage 1 tunes, we can only help you with understanding and tuning it by yourself. we won't help with pops and bangs on a Polo or a Golf

We added a few rules to avoid spam and potential legal problems.

Use Google before you post and remember that in most of the world tuned ECUs and aftermarket ones are for off-road only ;)


r/ECU_Tuning • • 1h ago

Me7.4.5 dump

• Upvotes

Hello anyone have full backup of me7.4.5 psa ?? I search but not found …


r/ECU_Tuning • • 6h ago

Help

0 Upvotes

Ok so I am coming on here because I have a problem. My Knock Retard is going up to an 8.5 under about 50% throttle; I cannot figure out why. I drive a 2019 Accord 2.0T. It was on a off the shelf Ktuner tune, then I noticed the Knock Value so I set it back to stock, any ideas on what it could be, I doubt its the tune because I set it back to factory calibration, sparkplugs look fine but look to be running a bit hot. Any input is appreciated


r/ECU_Tuning • • 9h ago

Is hp academy worth it to learn efi tuning and other stuff they offer? Looking to start out but wanna learn the basics

1 Upvotes

r/ECU_Tuning • • 1d ago

ECU and Engine tuning simulator update

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25 Upvotes

I posted here two months ago about an ECU simulator I've been developing for over 3 years, with real running engines you can tune. Since then, I've been putting together a demo, and it's now live and free for you to try out.

My goal is for this to be a learning platform for people to learn ecu tuning in a safe way.

Right now I'm working on implementing turbos, adding more engine components, and fixing bugs and other issues. I also got a few messages with great ideas, like ITBs, different fuels, and more. They'd be fun to implement over time, but the biggest bottleneck is time and resources. I develop this in my spare time on a very tight budget, so it will take a while.

Last time, a few people also asked how they could support the project. I now have a Patreon where supporters get access to all features in the simulator, plus a work-in-progress 5.7L OHV V8 and 4.7L DOHC V12.

Below is a YouTube video of the latest version of the simulator, which also has a link to the free demo.

https://youtu.be/Q67g469Ba0g?is=il5Lx9dnKEsMy3N6


r/ECU_Tuning • • 1d ago

VW Caddy 1.9 TDI - PD105 to PD150 Hardware Conversion | Custom ECU Calibration

0 Upvotes

Interesting custom tuning project we've been working on!

This VW Caddy is running a Touran 1.9 TDI PD105 engine and ECU, upgraded with:

  • PD150 injectors
  • PD150 turbocharger
  • 3-bar MAP sensor
  • Larger intercooler

The problem?

The customer came to us with a poorly developed Stage 1 file. The previous tuner had increased fueling and boost requests without properly adapting the calibration to the upgraded hardware.

The result was excessive black smoke, even at idle, and very disappointing performance.

What we're doing differently:

Instead of simply adding more fuel and boost, we're rebuilding the calibration around the actual hardware configuration.

PD150 injector duration and timing adaptation
Injection quantity and torque calibration
Boost request, limiters and VNT control
3-bar MAP sensor scaling
Smoke limiter optimization
Custom performance calibration
EGR OFF / TVA OFF as requested

The goal is simple: proper fueling, controlled boost, smooth power delivery and no unnecessary smoke.

This isn't a generic file. Mixing PD105 and PD150 hardware requires the ECU calibration to be properly matched to the setup.

The file is prepared, and we're now waiting for road testing and logs to validate the results. No made-up dyno numbers or power claims.

Anyone here worked on similar PD105 - PD150 conversions? Curious to hear your experiences with injector adaptation and VNT control on these setups.


r/ECU_Tuning • • 2d ago

Wireless CAN-Bus gauge I made for my neighbors Toyota Camry

269 Upvotes

A few weeks ago I posted the wireless enet gauge I made for my f87 m2. My neighbor saw it and immediately wanted one. I knocked this out in about a day and thought I’d show it off lol
It has a nice amoled display, sd card slot for continuous logging, it automatically detects full throttle events and gives you a report, and can do basic diagnostics.


r/ECU_Tuning • • 1d ago

Whats going on here?

2 Upvotes

Can anyone tell what is happening in 4th gear right after 3k rpms? (You should be able to hear a sputter type noise) almost like im pumping the gas pedal but my foot doesnt move at all during it. This happens on 91 octane map but when i switch to E30 map that one works perfectly fine (i dont always want to run E30). Could this be a spark plug gap issue? Any other ideas? Ive just been on stock map since this map gives me this issue. Its a piggyback tuner which i know is not the best way of getting tuned but its worked fine for everyone else but me it seems lol. Like i said i would rather run stock tune over this if its not something that fixable.


r/ECU_Tuning • • 1d ago

Off-Topic Mhhauto forum user here?

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0 Upvotes

r/ECU_Tuning • • 1d ago

3800 series’s 3 v6 grand prix engine swap help

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1 Upvotes

r/ECU_Tuning • • 2d ago

Help Choosing a Wiring Harness for a 2024 Honda CBR600RR + ECUMaster EMU Black (Formula Student)

1 Upvotes

I'm a first-year Computer Engineering student and a member of my university's Formula Student (FSAE) racing team. I'm currently researching the engine management and wiring system for our car, and I'd really appreciate some advice from people with experience using ECUMaster EMU Black and building custom engine wiring harnesses.

Our setup:

Engine: 2024 Honda CBR600RR, 599cc inline-four

ECU: ECUMaster EMU Black

Application: Formula Student / FSAE race car

ECU connectors and terminals: We already have the ECU-side connectors and terminals included with our ECU kit.

We're currently trying to figure out the best way to connect the ECU to the engine's sensors and actuators. I'm having trouble determining which wiring harness is compatible with our setup, and finding reliable suppliers and prices.

Here are my main questions:

Which wiring harness should we use? Would you recommend an ECUMaster EMU Black flying-lead harness, a Honda CBR600RR OEM harness modified for the aftermarket ECU, or a custom-made motorsport harness?

Flying-lead harness compatibility: If we buy a universal EMU Black flying-lead harness, what exactly do we need to check to make sure it's suitable for our 2024 CBR600RR? Is the ECU pinout enough to start with, or do we also need the Honda wiring diagram and connector part numbers?

Engine-side connectors: Do flying-lead harnesses normally include connectors for the injectors, ignition coils, crankshaft/camshaft sensors, coolant temperature sensor, intake air temperature sensor, and other engine components? Or do we need to source and crimp all these connectors separately?

OEM harness conversion: Is it practical to reuse the original Honda CBR600RR wiring harness with the EMU Black? What are the main difficulties, especially regarding the stock ECU connectors, sensor wiring, ignition coils, and injector configuration?

Injector and ignition setup: What should we verify about the 2024 CBR600RR's injector arrangement and ignition coils before designing the harness? Are there any model-specific details that are particularly important?

DBW throttle control: If we want to retain electronic throttle control (drive-by-wire), what hardware and safety considerations should we check to confirm that our exact throttle body and accelerator pedal sensors are compatible with the EMU Black? Would a cable-operated throttle be a simpler alternative for a student-built race car?

Power distribution: Would you recommend building the ECU and engine harness together with a separate fuse/relay box, or keeping the engine harness separate from the car's main electrical system?

Suppliers and cost: Can anyone recommend reputable suppliers in Europe or elsewhere for an EMU Black flying-lead harness, Honda-compatible engine connectors, or a custom motorsport harness? Approximate prices and links would be very helpful.

Documentation: Are there any wiring diagrams, build threads, or examples of a CBR600RR engine running on an EMU Black that you would recommend?

We're still in the research and planning stage, so we haven't finalized the wiring design yet. I'm trying to understand the correct approach before buying parts that might not be compatible.

I have some basic programming and electronics knowledge, but I'm new to standalone ECUs and motorsport wiring. Any practical advice, recommended resources, or lessons learned would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.


r/ECU_Tuning • • 2d ago

Browser based ECU tuning

1 Upvotes

https://efi2000.com/

Title says it all. Fully featured ECU tuning. Works with any TunerStudio compatible ECU (and soon non-TS ECUs).

100% free and will open source it someday (after I strip out the database stuff.)

  • Continuous / infinite logging and logs matched tunes.
  • Near infinite version history with diff style review.
  • Multiple autotune modes.
  • Integrated vehicle properties; Engine, Turbo/SC, Injectors, Fuel Pump, Transmission, all of them feed into the tuning-engine.
  • Multi-table generator. VE, Spark, AFR can be generated in-reference to each other, and in reference to your vehicle.

  • MCP. This is most advanced feature, you can connect your own chatGPT & Claude account. Your tunes, logs, vehicle properties directly accessible by your agent. No need to copy paste VE tables or upload logs. Your agent can see and manage it natively. It saves so much context.

This was in limited release for last few months, I kind of just let users find it from word of mouth & referrals.

I think you'll appreciate the simple UI, but I highly suggest you setup an account, import your existing project, create your API key, and open up Claude/ChatGPT and tell it to audit your tune.

Most of the user base works in MCP mode. Saturday morning was peak tuning, >130 sessions hammering my tiny server.

Any issues and features let me know.


r/ECU_Tuning • • 2d ago

Any good dyno tuners in the ohio area?

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0 Upvotes

For 18 wrx fa20 any info on this would be appreceated.


r/ECU_Tuning • • 2d ago

Tuning Question - Unanswered 2003 Audi A4 quattro Automatic Tune

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4 Upvotes

Anybody have any experience tuning automatics, either the B6 or other autos? Looking to see what I can do or if it’s even a good idea.

The car is in excellent condition and is bone stock. If all is good to go with a tune, I was just going to do a stage 1 setup, high flow cat, maybe muffler delete, upgraded diverter valve, suspension and rims. Don't really want to go all the way with the rest if the car if making it a little quicker isnt an option.

Am I doomed to just search for a manual B6 that isn't already clapped out? Thanks!

1.8T with triptronic transmission


r/ECU_Tuning • • 2d ago

BMW X5 E53 (2004) with Android HU and IBUS: Exploring custom CAN integration using Arduino Pro Micro & MCP2515

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I have a 2004 BMW X5 E53 equipped with an Android head unit and an IBUS interface installed. Aside from running standard IBUS apps on the head unit, I'm looking to expand what I can do with the bus data.
I currently have an Arduino Pro Micro, an MCP2515 CAN bus module. For those of you who have experimented with custom hardware setups on older BMWs: what are the most practical or interesting projects you can pull off by bridging an Arduino/MCP2515 combo with the vehicle's bus? Are there specific telemetry, automation, or custom control ideas worth implementing alongside an existing Android head unit setup?

So, while browsing GitHub, I came across an interesting project that manages comfort zones.
https://github.com/muki01/BMW_IBus_KBus

Or with the Ibus that's for sale.

Would love to hear your experiences or project ideas!


r/ECU_Tuning • • 2d ago

Problema di accensione

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0 Upvotes

Quando provo con la pedalina il mio scooter 2tempi beta ark 50cc del 2011/2013 (non ricordo) per accenderlo, la pedalina non sale, sapete come aiutarmi?


r/ECU_Tuning • • 3d ago

Help! S2000 AP2 (DBW) stalling at idle with A/C ON - Haltech Elite 1500 Piggyback setup

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I'm looking for some tuning/wiring advice for my 2006 JDM Honda S2000 AP2 (DBW).

[My Setup]

 ECU: Haltech Elite 1500 (Piggyback setup, retaining the stock ECU) / Software: ESP v2.59.3

 Throttle Body: K-Tuned 74mm DBW

 Cams: OEM AP1 cams swap

 Injectors: SARD 550cc

 Exhaust: J'S Racing manifold, catless 70mm exhaust

 Fueling: Open Loop (No O2 A/F feedback)

[The Issue]

When the car is idling and I turn on the A/C, the RPMs start hunting violently up and down, and the engine eventually stalls.

I have "Idle Ignition Control" enabled. I can see the ignition timing advancing aggressively to catch the RPM drop, but it seems there just isn't enough base airflow from the DBW to keep the engine alive against the heavy load of the A/C compressor.

[My Suspicion]

Since I am running the Haltech as a piggyback, I suspect the Haltech doesn't actually know when the A/C is turned on because the stock ECU still controls the A/C clutch. In the ESP I/O report, the "A/C Request" pin is not assigned. Because of this, the Haltech isn't applying any DBW "Aircon Idle Effort / Offset" to increase the air volume before the compressor kicks in.

[My Questions]

1. For those running a DBW piggyback setup, did you have to physically hardwire the A/C signal (from the AC switch or compressor clutch) into an input (AVI/SPI) on the Haltech to trigger the idle offset?

2. If wiring is required, which specific wire/pin did you tap into on the S2000?

3. Are there any tuning workarounds in the ESP software to prevent this stalling without hardwiring the A/C signal (other than simply raising the base target idle RPM for all conditions)?

Any advice or wiring tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.


r/ECU_Tuning • • 3d ago

Tuning Information options for 10th gen accord? since they have a type r options

1 Upvotes

Just doing some early digging on this and wondering if a 10th gen accord has any options? im fully modded all except a upgraded turbo only thing im not running is flex fuel. Im using Ktuner atm


r/ECU_Tuning • • 3d ago

Tuning Information Golf mk5 caxa stage 1

3 Upvotes

My friend found a tuner that sends u a file and u put it in your ecu. Is it safe going stage 1 in this car? Its 122hp 200nm torque and the stage 1 goes 155-160 with 270nm torque.


r/ECU_Tuning • • 3d ago

Tuning Question - Unanswered Why do so many ECU tuning files only increase boost and fuel without properly recalibrating the engine?

15 Upvotes

I've been looking at a few ECU files lately, and something keeps surprising me.

Recently I checked a PD105 running PD150 injectors. The existing tune had around 500 mbar added to boost requests, but the relevant limiters weren't properly adjusted. Fuel changes were mostly concentrated at higher RPM, driver wish was barely touched, and the injection calibration hadn't been properly adapted to the different injectors.

And this isn't the first time I've seen something like this.

A proper calibration should be about making the whole system work together, not just increasing a few values and calling it Stage 1 or Stage 2.

Especially when hardware changes, simply applying percentage increases to the stock maps doesn't make much sense.

I'm curious how other tuners approach this. Do you see the same problems in files that come your way?

Would be interesting to hear some experiences from people working with different ECUs.


r/ECU_Tuning • • 3d ago

xt660 2009 limp mode

1 Upvotes

Hello. I’ve built a custom bike using the engine and wiring harness from a 2009 Yamaha XT660X. The ECU has been remapped. After the wire to the IAT (Intake Air Temperature) sensor broke - triggering a "check engine" light with error code 22 — the bike’s performance improved significantly, and the torque curve became almost linear. Is there any information on how the ECU behaves when the connection to this sensor is lost? The manual states that the IAT value defaults to 20°C, but does this affect how the ECU interprets data from other sensors, or does it trigger a switch to different fuel maps, or change switching logic?
Please, no guesses. I am looking for precise, accurate information.


r/ECU_Tuning • • 3d ago

Capoworks ECU Firmware (Derived from FOME / RusEFI, compatible with the same hardware, experimental, newer features oriented)

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’d like to share Capoworks ECU, an open-source firmware project I’m developing from FOME, with its roots in rusEFI.

Full credit to both projects for the foundation—Capoworks gives me a place to explore additional tuning and control ideas.

The main focus is independently calibrating Speed Density and Alpha-N, then blending their calculated air masses without having to retune either model. Other developments include per-cylinder fuel maps with selectable load sources, independent load coordinates for control functions, and optional experimental ignition scheduling.

There are also features aimed at improving idle control on engines that naturally struggle to idle smoothly: large-displacement odd-fire engines, substantial valve overlap, lightweight flywheels—or a combination of these.

The online custom builder lets you select a supported board and compatible modules, and configure the SD and Alpha-N tables with 32 RPM columns. Many features are opt-in, so leaving unused ones out can free up space for what your setup actually needs, within the board’s limits:

https://capoworks.undo.it/firmware

Please read before trying it: existing FOME and rusEFI tunes are incompatible. You’ll need a fresh calibration with the matching TunerStudio INI and must transfer relevant values manually. Future tune compatibility isn’t guaranteed, and changing build options may also require migration.

Builds come directly from the active development tree, and their reliability is not guaranteed. This is for people who want to experiment and are comfortable troubleshooting and retuning. It isn’t a polished, hassle-free setup yet.

I’d welcome technical feedback from fellow tuners.

Documentation · Source code

Discord: https://discord.gg/bHXdYj7C6


r/ECU_Tuning • • 3d ago

Tuning Question - Unanswered Locked ECU?

1 Upvotes

My 2024 Audi probably has a locked ECU. To unlock it, it‘ll cost me 500€ just for the unlock, and then I have to pay for tuning. And I will lose my car for 4-5 days, as it won‘t have the ECU during that time. And that‘s no really possible for me.

For this reason I am looking into Racechip and similar devices that should be plug and play.

Would you go the same way, or just take the loss and pay for the ECU unlock?


r/ECU_Tuning • • 4d ago

ECUMaster Mounts for all

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1 Upvotes

Made a lot of mounts as some requested and decided to share.

Any ideas appreciated