HP Tuners tuning info

[First c10]

Hey guys. I am working on some type of step by step plan to tune my own ECM.
I bought hptubers VCM Pro and have a wide and ordered.
I really haven't found what to or how to start. I think maybe it is self explanatory after you have done it. But I have a few questions

1-what engine/trans information is needed before you start to tune?

2-Best to change 1 thing and resave the tune each time?

3-What is the sequence for flashing the ECM or "flash calibrate only".
a-Flash ECM.
b-After uploaded shut ignition switch off for 30 sec? And than start engine?

4-What is the 1st thing to check or change?

5-When looking on YouTube I seen a few tuning videos on "LNF" what is LNF? Is this the same as how we would tune a NA stockish engine?

Ok I am sure the answers to these questions will pose more questions.
Thanks in advanced.
Scott

[First c10]

Has anyone actually purchased "The Tuning School" course? Or are all of you learn as you go?
They also have a 6speed course for gm 6L80/90 transmissions. I wonder iid it would go over the TC lock/unlock issues?

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by First c10

1-what engine/trans information is needed before you start to tune?

year, vin, trans type, rear axle ratio/tire size, and EVERY mod the engine has had

2-Best to change 1 thing and resave the tune each time?

Save like you have OCD. There is no real "step-back", so save whenever you can

4-What is the 1st thing to check or change?

VATS and emissions deletes are the first things to do and the least likely to screw you up.

5-When looking on YouTube I seen a few tuning videos on "LNF" what is LNF? Is this the same as how we would tune a NA stockish engine?

LNF's are late model Ecotec 2.0 engines. You found the thread on HP Tuners from a guy who builds turbo Cobalts and wrote a basic tuning guide for thier cars. Some of it is relevant conceptually, but most of it will just confuse you more until you get over the curve. They actually do have some similar hardware but again, its not worth trying to go off that that.

meow

[First c10]

hey br3w. Thanks for the comments I just wanted to make sure I understood the basics correctly. A lot of things I see are when I browse through the tune but want to make sure before I change something. Question I have is about torque management. Do I just Set to max on everything above second gear?

[GMC-YA68]

Get on HP Tuners forum...

[First c10]

I have been reading on it. But I am afraid to ask the newbie questions in fear of being butchered. Lol. When searching our forum I see a lot of the same questions just not on a single thread.

[boostedc10]

Originally Posted by First c10

I have been reading on it. But I am afraid to ask the newbie questions in fear of being butchered. Lol. When searching our forum I see a lot of the same questions just not on a single thread.

If you don't want to spend the money on the expensive DVD's or take some classes, Banish has a book called Engine Management: Advanced Tuning. I think it runs about 20 bucks and will give you a good base to start. Its not a step by step but it will help you understand how the system functions and where changes are needed.

Just remember baby steps when you are learning. There are quite a few of us that can help you along the way with the more simple questions.

Trust me I understand not wanting to post on the HP Tuners forum for sure, a lot of the good tuners keep there stuff to themselves (For good reason) but some are giant Dbags that give you the generic comments about buying DVDs and what not.

[First c10]

Thanks boosted. I am all for learning. Is the tuning school the best way? Or are there others? If I'm going to study something I want to make sure I am studying good information. I have no plan on trying to make money with this I just want to be able to take care of my own. I wonder if anyone has training material they want to sell. Could I post a want to buy?

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by boostedc10

Engine Management: Advanced Tuning.

I have "How to Tune Engine Management Systems v2" in digital copy if some of yall want it. Its for sale from somewhere but you can just have it if you want. I don't remember how good the book is tho. All I need is a place to send you a 52mb file.

[boostedc10]

Originally Posted by First c10

Thanks boosted. I am all for learning. Is the tuning school the best way? Or are there others? If I'm going to study something I want to make sure I am studying good information. I have no plan on trying to make money with this I just want to be able to take care of my own. I wonder if anyone has training material they want to sell. Could I post a want to buy?

There is a ton of information out there but the down side is it takes time to learn and understand what you are doing.

I have never taken a class at a school for tuning but if you have the money it would be the best bang for the buck. I am sure you would pick it up much faster and have instructors that can answer any question you may have.

In the end it all depends on what your plans are for the motor, and how fast you want things done. If you are dropping in a stock motor with a mild cam or something, then I dont know if i would waste the money on a class. On the other hand if you are swapping intakes, injectors and a cam then it may be worth while.

I am not sure if you can post a WTB if you are not a subscribing member but I am sure someone that knows will chime in.

[First c10]

Thanks guys for the info.
I just figured that a online course, published book, or licensed DVD would be better to read, watch, and/or study than some random YouTube videos.
Br3w not sure how to receive such a large file.

I had a member here help me out with a tune a while back. We did a few things that we said if I was able to purchase my own HPtuners that I could go back and fine tune. One was the MAF, other was the torque management. Oh and transmission shift points, I was able to adjust the idle and work on shift points a little but TM and MAF are something I am kinda afraid to just start changing stuff...

[Juiced06GTO]

Get Banish's book. It is a great start to learning how the GM ECM's work and what to look for and change when tuning. The biggest thing it teaches you is how to set up a config to log the proper parameters of the engine. It then allows you to take that log and compare and modify the various settings in the ecm to get you where you need to go. A wideband is really essential to do it correctly and most efficiently.