Tuning for a new TC
Re 98 A4
I have been reading up, but still a little confussed. I am planning a higher stall (approx 3000) and woundering what tuning is needed. It seems from the posts that some cars need tunes after and some don't.
Shift tune - is that WOT or partial throttle? Why
Increas rev limiter? Why
Lock up?
SES Codes? There seem to be a few different possibilities.
Shift firmness?
etc.
I need an idea of what needs to be done or potentialy needs to be done. There are not may experienced tuners in my area, and I will need some knowledge to find the right shop.
Actually someone should do a sticky on this topic.
Thanks JA
2-increasing the rev limiter lets you take advantage of the higher reving capabilities of these engines the stock limit was set as a safety net for GM not for best performance.
3-Lockup is a clutch actually contained inside the converter that in theory and when working correctly regardless of stall when you are at part throttle though some do set up for WOT the converter is effectively out of the loop no converter slip or stall just straight through which is why on the highway and cruising speeds a high stall converter and in particular the smaller converters can be as and in many cases more efficient than there low stall counter parts.
4-SES codes are codes set by the pcm when something is outside the OEM parameters this can be altered with tuning so hi performance parts converters etc do not set them .
5-Shift firmness is how quickly the transmission engages a gear, Higher stalls tend to make it seem there is more lag in the shifts(soft shift)though this is actually only and illusion, However it does feel much better when the shifts are considerably firmer than stock and a shift kit provides this along with other mods that will increase the life of the trans and converter
With a 3000 stall though tuning is always a good idea to take full advantage of it . if it will be required is a question it seems some cars can handle it with no issues others act crazy without it but in any case having the PCM tuned to any mod on the car is always a good idea
2-increasing the rev limiter lets you take advantage of the higher reving capabilities of these engines the stock limit was set as a safety net for GM not for best performance.
3-Lockup is a clutch actually contained inside the converter that in theory and when working correctly regardless of stall when you are at part throttle though some do set up for WOT the converter is effectively out of the loop no converter slip or stall just straight through which is why on the highway and cruising speeds a high stall converter and in particular the smaller converters can be as and in many cases more efficient than there low stall counter parts.
4-SES codes are codes set by the pcm when something is outside the OEM parameters this can be altered with tuning so hi performance parts converters etc do not set them .
5-Shift firmness is how quickly the transmission engages a gear, Higher stalls tend to make it seem there is more lag in the shifts(soft shift)though this is actually only and illusion, However it does feel much better when the shifts are considerably firmer than stock and a shift kit provides this along with other mods that will increase the life of the trans and converter
With a 3000 stall though tuning is always a good idea to take full advantage of it . if it will be required is a question it seems some cars can handle it with no issues others act crazy without it but in any case having the PCM tuned to any mod on the car is always a good idea
I usually suggest getting the converter in and taking it from there. If it works great, great. If it has problems that need addressing with tuning, tune it.
This is with the exception of the 01 and 02 FBodies. Torque Management is so obtrusive that I always recommend at least reducing it.
Thanks for the information. Looks like I should buy HP Tuners along with my new TC. I have been holding off, but I realy should have it now.
Yes, TM has to go. It sucks. Also, I hate the lazzy partial throttle shifting. You can end up in thrird gear in a parking lot at low throttle.
When I buy I plan on getting it from a sponsor so I will check out both your web sites.
Thanks JA
Last edited by JGA; Dec 18, 2006 at 07:08 PM.
Trending Topics
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
I live in the 3rd biggest city in Canada. Probably 3 or 4 dynos in the entire city at best. Not a single commercial user anywhere for HP Tuners, EFI Live, or anything else. The popularity apppears to be in mosly older cars, i.e. 1st and 3rd gens.
I found a new shop that is just getting started. They do not have any software or dyno, but they claim to be able to do a street tune. I though I could buy HP Tuners and then sell the other credits to get some money back.
JA







