Interesting. I had an '05 ECU installed in my '03 recently. Unfortunately after that my '03 ECU no longer worked; presumably the immobilizer codes don't match on the old one or something. Hopefully I can use the OpenPort to reactivate the old ECU so I can experiment with both.

Also, my IC sprayer stopped working with the new '05 ECU. I wonder if it might be possible to re-enable it?

 

Ok. Now go easy on me because I'm new to the whole ECU tuning thing.

Basically a $90 cable and some free software allows you to tune your own factory ECU. I'm pretty confident that I've got that part.

Here is where I have a question. With the downloaded software, is the interface pretty straight forward or is it all numbers and code that your average computer user (me) will not be able to understand and tune?

I've seen a few posts regarding tuning it and they don't look like they make much sense without having a decent grasp on computer code.

It isn't as simple as just opening a folder selecting 2 step revlimiter, timing, injector duty cycle, whatever, and assigning values right?

If it was I would be canceling my trip to Atlanta to get tuned right now.

 

It is pretty F---in easy. Download the software and a sample rom from openecu.com

 

Honestly, there's more to tuning than just punching in numbers.. Even if the interface were the worlds easiest and everything was placed out there in front of you, only the most basic of the adjustments will be the ones most people would comfortably do (Immobilizer code, rev limiter, launch control rev limit, some idle control features) anything that can potentially do severe damage if done improperly should still be left to a professional or someone very familiar with tuning. At least initially, or you have to have a willingness to learn and take things a very small step at a time.

Although tuning yourself on the street is possible, you still need the right tools to get all the data, make adjustments and see the gains as you make the changes. (A wideband O2 sensor and data logging software is a good start)

Its like what was mentioned in other tuning threads, regardless of what your tuning, its not like adjusting the time on your VCR, its not a long lost and well kept secret art.. It just takes time to understand cause and effect. Learning to tune correctly is about understanding basic engine theory, how timing works, how combustion works, what AFR's are, and why do they work the way they do.. (Heck most people don't understand that AFR even means Air Fuel Ratio, and that 14.7:1 actually means there is 14.7 parts air to one part Fuel (for gasoline) and that an O2 sensor is actually telling you the remaining oxygen in the exhaust, which is converted to a form that makes more sense.

I'm not trying to discourage anyone from doing this, just encouraging those who are interested to take making these adjustments seriously enough to not just whack your engine with aggressive tunes, but learn as you go, and progressively approach your goals.

 

I've been around engine tuning for a long time. They just have carbs on them. In fact I'm surrounded by some of the best engine tuners in the business everyday at work. So, they could probably help me out since it isn't my specialty.

Understanding how to use the EFI interface is definitely something I don't plan to do over night.

My biggest fear is knowing what I want something like ignition timing to be but, not being able to adjust it using the interface, getting something keyed in wrong, or thinking I'm going in one direction and doing the opposite then grenading the engine. It's not quite as easy as grabbing the distributor and giving it a turn.

With some of the "tuners" I've seen I'm fairly confident I could get the hang of it though.

 

Does anyone know what address the 2-step launch control is located???

 

Looking at openECU website it doesn't look that bad to learn. Definitely going to have to read the instructions though. LOL

 

Malibu, looking at the timing in some of the evo roms, is that in degrees? Do our cars really idle at say 5 degrees timing?

 

Yeah actually it does at times, it drifts around a few degrees depending on conditions.. But remember that ECU ignition timing is different then Base timing..

I just re-read what you wrote.. Yes I do think its translated from some hex value to degrees BTDC..

 

2 step launch = stationary rev limit...

 

can some one help me? I have an evo 8 motor and 03 ecu that im swappin into a vr4. I do not have the key or the immobilizer box, therefor the car will not start. I've had poeple tell me my only way out is to buy a stand alone computer. I do not believe i have to spend another $1,000-2,000 to get this car to start. What i am asking is: is there any way to buy pass the immobilizer code that is on the ecu, or do i have to get an immobilizer box and key from sum evo 8 and program the ecu to that key. Any and all help will be greatly apprecited. anyone can email me @ trinir2000@yahoo.com.