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03-04-2011, 02:20 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Manitoba
Posts: 223
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tuning your own computer
Hello, working on my 6.0L swap, and I started thinking, would it be worth buying the soft ware to tune my own computer, that way I could have a tune specially for my set up, and be able to change it if I decide to alter it in any way. I also drive other gm trucks, so would be able to tune them? I just did some quick reading on HPTuners, and also EFILive. HPTuners mentioned about credits, I assume this is how many times you are allowed to use there product, not sure if it is for different vehicles, or every time you plug into the vehicle?
I know I may be opening a can of worms, and it would probably be better just to pay some one that has experience doing to do it, (which is probably what I will end up doing in the end) but its just an idea Has anybody elso though of this, or has anyone done it, not that I wanna be all fast and furios by having a laptop sitting on my consoul and tuning air fuel ratio and timing every time I drive... I just though it might be some thing to consider, especially if changes with cam, intake or exhaust are going to happen any info or tips would be appreciated |
03-04-2011, 03:35 PM | #2 |
On a budget like Fred Sanford
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Topeka, KS
Posts: 2,031
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Re: tuning your own computer
I do lots of LSx tuning on the side. I personally use HPTuners and like it a lot. Their credit system is set up by individual vehicle and tied to the VIN. Most vehicles require 2 credits to license ($50/credit). Once you apply those 2 credits to a vehicle, it's permanent. If you want to tune another vehicle, you need 2 more credits, etc etc.
The investment in a tuning solution and a good wideband is absolutely worth the money if you EVER plan on changing your setup in the future. Even if you only make one modification in the future that requires a re-tune, buying the software just paid for itself. If it's going to be a one shot deal and then leave it alone, you're best off just paying for the one-time tune. That said, there IS a bit of a learning curve to EFI tuning and it's steep in the beginning. It's not particularly hard, but it is time consuming. There is a wealth of information on HPT/EFILive message boards and lots of helpful people that can get you started and answer questions as you learn. I'd be happy to help if you have any more questions.
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'85 Silverado swb: 383 stroker, 10.5:1, vortec heads, 232/238 roller cam, RPM air gap, performer 750 carb, stainless longtubes, 3" duals/super 44's, T56/4.11 383ci build / exterior refresh thread '98 Camaro z28: 370ci twin turbo 370ci build '01 Tahoe LT 4x4: 5.3, longtubes/ory, magnaflow duals, custom tune....wife's DD Last edited by swb85; 03-04-2011 at 03:36 PM. |
03-04-2011, 11:22 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 873
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Re: tuning your own computer
bark,
I am not a tuner. I am using basically the stock tune. I did buy HPTuners software. I have found it very useful to tweak the tune, adjust the MAF calibration, turn off the VATS so the engine would run, change the fan temp tables, turn off DTC's that are no longer applicable, change the AC compressor / fan tables, etc. Another useful part of HPTuners is the real time data logging and display so you can see what the engine is doing for trouble shooting and so forth. TR
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1965 C10 SWB Fleet Two owner LS2 Swap Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=413880 |
03-05-2011, 12:38 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Harker Heights, TX
Posts: 1,599
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Re: tuning your own computer
When you buy credits for your vin do you use the vin from the vehicle that the computer came from? I am pretty decent with computers and I have though about doing this my self as well and there is a guy in my unit that worked at a garage that did alot of high hp EFI
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USMC Retired Never trust a man who can't laugh at his own fart! 2010 Silverado Crew Cab 73 SWB 5.3/4l80e Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=695168 Last edited by softballnrd27; 03-05-2011 at 12:39 AM. |
03-06-2011, 05:53 PM | #5 | |
On a budget like Fred Sanford
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Topeka, KS
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Re: tuning your own computer
Quote:
Posted via Mobile Device
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'85 Silverado swb: 383 stroker, 10.5:1, vortec heads, 232/238 roller cam, RPM air gap, performer 750 carb, stainless longtubes, 3" duals/super 44's, T56/4.11 383ci build / exterior refresh thread '98 Camaro z28: 370ci twin turbo 370ci build '01 Tahoe LT 4x4: 5.3, longtubes/ory, magnaflow duals, custom tune....wife's DD |
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03-06-2011, 08:37 PM | #6 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Prunedale California
Posts: 782
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Re: tuning your own computer
Good info guys, thanks!.. I usually buy Ls engines, some come with their ECU's some dont, the question here is, if I dont have the vehicles vin # can I still tune the engine(s) ECU's with the HP software?
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03-07-2011, 09:19 AM | #7 |
On a budget like Fred Sanford
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Topeka, KS
Posts: 2,031
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Re: tuning your own computer
^^^^Yes. HPT's credit system is build around manufacturer, so you have generic GM credits, Furd credits, Dodge credits.....they don't go by vehicle type. When you initially hook up the software to whatever computer you have and read the factory tune, it asks if you want to apply 2 credits to license it or not. If you don't license it, you can still view/save the tune. You just can't make any changes to it. Make sense?
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'85 Silverado swb: 383 stroker, 10.5:1, vortec heads, 232/238 roller cam, RPM air gap, performer 750 carb, stainless longtubes, 3" duals/super 44's, T56/4.11 383ci build / exterior refresh thread '98 Camaro z28: 370ci twin turbo 370ci build '01 Tahoe LT 4x4: 5.3, longtubes/ory, magnaflow duals, custom tune....wife's DD |
03-07-2011, 02:06 PM | #8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Manitoba
Posts: 223
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Re: tuning your own computer
ok so I am seriosly thinking on the VCM suite pro, @ $649 What elso do I need, should I look into a wide band sensor and controler, or will I be able to get by with out?
I am doing some searching on the forum, but was wondering if there were places to down load tunes, my buddy has an 07 silveroda ltz and was interested in me tuning it for him, to help pay for the software |
03-08-2011, 02:01 AM | #9 | |
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Location: Prunedale California
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Re: tuning your own computer
Quote:
Last edited by Puropedo; 03-08-2011 at 02:02 AM. |
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03-08-2011, 10:44 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: N.E. Florida
Posts: 215
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Re: tuning your own computer
As said already, HP tuners is a good way to go and the sites that swb85 mentioned will be invaluable.
A friend of mine custom made his own twin turbo kit on a 2007 Escalade. He relied on a pro tuner to get some of the initial tune working. But after delays with the tuning sessions (initially thru email using logged data along with wideband logs) he started tuning on his own. He is no computer guy at all. I am though and expected to have to help him more. But I was surprised how quickly he picked it up. The key is read, read, read. And if you do change anything, make small adjustments when possible. And although it sounds like a given, try and make sure you understand what it does. After seeing his logs and screens and hearing some of it described countless times, there are tables that are interconnected that you need to know about. Shift pressure is the one he is working on now. He finally figured out shift pressures have to be changed in two spots. Otherwise the setting he thought did it was overridden by another screen. I want to do a LS swap if I can find a motor combo for the right price. If I do, I will be doing the tuning myself. Wideband is a must.
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1970 Shortbed 2wd C-10 Last edited by t76turbo; 03-08-2011 at 10:48 PM. |
03-08-2011, 11:22 PM | #11 |
Has more rust than truck...
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ivanhoe, MN
Posts: 2,421
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Re: tuning your own computer
So would I need to buy the Hp tuners pro or can I get buy with the regular Hp tuners with a separate gauge? (I can't believe I'm considering buying tuning software)
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03-09-2011, 09:58 AM | #12 |
On a budget like Fred Sanford
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Topeka, KS
Posts: 2,031
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Re: tuning your own computer
It's FAR easier to integrate a wideband into the Pro interface, as it has analog inputs built-in it that will feed your wideband data right into your HPTuner scan logs. You CAN set it up to work with the standard interface, but it's not plug/play and takes some wiring & custom scanner configuring to make it happen.
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'85 Silverado swb: 383 stroker, 10.5:1, vortec heads, 232/238 roller cam, RPM air gap, performer 750 carb, stainless longtubes, 3" duals/super 44's, T56/4.11 383ci build / exterior refresh thread '98 Camaro z28: 370ci twin turbo 370ci build '01 Tahoe LT 4x4: 5.3, longtubes/ory, magnaflow duals, custom tune....wife's DD |
03-10-2011, 08:19 AM | #13 |
Has more rust than truck...
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ivanhoe, MN
Posts: 2,421
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Re: tuning your own computer
Thanks! I'm trying to decide if I have the time to devote to tuning rather than just ordering a tune from someone.
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03-09-2011, 05:14 AM | #14 |
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Join Date: Apr 2005
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Posts: 17,858
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Re: tuning your own computer
Great info here!
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Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3 |
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