ARTICLE: How to Modify / Tune your car

[firingonallfour]

Oh boy this is good information. Just what I was hutting for. Thank GTO

[rdkarthik]

Originally Posted by GTO

Thanks for the comments, RD. I think the experts have included it in stage three as its best to attack the ECU at the very last stage? What if you get significant modifications after fitting a stand-alone? Wouldnt that mean a double cost as the stand-alone would have to be changed / tuned again?

Or is it possible to get a scaleable stand-alone?

Most standalones are fully programmable sytems. Some standalones are scaleable with respect to secondary features like launch, boost and nos control, etc.

Considering all the mods, an ECU with scaleable features is not a must..

It is the the mapping that has to be changed to optimize the system for whatever mods are coming in.

An example-
Changing fuel and ignition maps for a stock car wil give it performance gains no doubt.

Next I install a free flowing airfilter and an exhaust system , so i re-calibrated fuel and ignition to compensate for a little more airflow due to filter and change in cylinder filling due to exhaust headers.So i optmize for these addons

Next i install a wilder camshaft, so i re-calibrate maps for different operating characteristics ( engine volumetric efficiency ).

Now i go for a turbo. i would have to upgrade to a vacuum/boost sensor (if the existing ECU did not have it) and then back to calibrating maps.

So whatever the mods on the engine or its systems, an engine management system should be set to take these parameters into account to extract the best from them.

[Psycho]

Hey RD Agree the ECU can help from day 1 itself the only reason it is typically set on stage three is for the following reasons:

1) You need a skilled person with experience to do the initial install and tuning
2) Better gains noticed with additional mods
3) Costs

The only reasons stand alones get pushed to later is because they are not plug and play like other simpler devices.

[vidvai]

WOW...awesome article...saw it today only....it is really very informative...

[saumil]

Very Informative. Great article. GTO and All who have contributed to this article. Keep up the good work guys...

[Sigma]

your Articles are very informative GTO I appreciate you

[Parn]

I have a 2003 Honda City VTEC. I would love to modify my car and was searching for the information posted here. It has helped me greatly. Thank you very much GTO. One last suggestion from anyone - Where do I go to modify my car in Bangalore - Who is a specialist with Honda City Vtec considering its different technology. Thank you.

[BUSA]

Where do I go to modify my car in Bangalore - Who is a specialist with Honda City Vtec considering its different technology

Sag Racing Psycho is the one.

[mclaren1885]

An excellent read on DIY electronics to modify your coolant temperature sensors & air intake sensors.

AutoSpeed - DIY Modification of Car Electronic Systems - Part 2

DIY on making boost controllers.

AutoSpeed - The Audi's DIY Boost Control - Part 1

[mclaren1885]

Best way to figure out which location on your car is optimum to fit a CAI.

AutoSpeed - Siting Cold Air Intakes

[binz]

Originally Posted by Parn

I have a 2003 Honda City VTEC. I would love to modify my car and was searching for the information posted here. It has helped me greatly. Thank you very much GTO. One last suggestion from anyone - Where do I go to modify my car in Bangalore - Who is a specialist with Honda City Vtec considering its different technology. Thank you.

Raj
Domnic
PSycho

2 2

[mclaren1885]

Binoy, there is another tuner who specializes in Honda's these days. He is the one stop shop for any Honda engine transplant/performance parts etc and supplies parts to other tuners too. I am sure you know who it is .

[binz]

Originally Posted by mclaren1885

Binoy, there is another tuner who specializes in Honda's these days. He is the one stop shop for any Honda engine transplant/performance parts etc and supplies parts to other tuners too. I am sure you know who it is .

How can i not know.The honda dealer who drives a suzuki.

Boy im going to get my butt soo whooped for this.

[mclaren1885]

Originally Posted by binz

How can i not know.The honda dealer who drives a suzuki.

Last I checked he drove a Vtec. I think you are talking about two different people here. I mean Santosh.

[Parn]

Originally Posted by binz

Raj
Domnic
PSycho

2 2

Thanks for the replies - Can you be more specific with the address or contact nos?