LT1 computer tuning
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
LT1 computer tuning I know some of you guys out there are using tunercats. I just got mine and I was wondering if you guys could help me learn some of the parameters that I would want to adjust. I would think spark and fuel woud be the main ones. I am new to tuning PCM's but I am really interested in it, as for my own hobby or maybe even a job someday. But my engine repair teacher at my college doesnt know much about it. Any help would be appreciated as I am kinda feeling my way around and learning on my own. Thanks.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 0
http://members.nuvox.net/~on.roz/cars/z28/tuning.html
http://para.noid.org/~lj/PCM%20Tutorial/PCMtutorial.htm
couple things to start reading.
http://para.noid.org/~lj/PCM%20Tutorial/PCMtutorial.htm
couple things to start reading.
before you just start changing numbers.. the best thing in order to do it is, to get a wide band O2 so that you can get the AFR as close to 13 as possible. if its is a NA motor.. you can do it blindly and the experts can do it all day, but for you. that would be the first thing to get so that you can monitor it as well... and do you have a datalogging software... if not get one... TTS datamaster is what i use and you are going to need it to tune as well...
I agree get a few datalogs before you start changing things related to fuel and spark, like you don't want to increase timing if you're already getting knock retard.
You can change most of the stuff in the constants table fairly easily if needed. A good first thing I usually do is change the fan settings so the engine runs cooler.
You can change most of the stuff in the constants table fairly easily if needed. A good first thing I usually do is change the fan settings so the engine runs cooler.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by lafnlt1
it's called a dyno w/wideband and LT1 edit, it's the real only safe way to make the most power.
i prefer the hand held widebands.
but testing on the street isnt the safest.
Last edited by blkchevyz; Feb 17, 2006 at 11:43 AM.
Trending Topics
I use AutoTap when tweaking on OBDII LT1's. It does a reasonable job. I like Datamaster so much better, but they don't offer an OBDII version.
As for widebands, several of our sponsors carry the Innovate Motorsports systems. Check out http://www.innovatemotorsports.com - and look through the Sponsors Sales & GP section here, there always seems to be a GP going on. I run the LM1 wideband with the RPM module on my 98Z.
As for widebands, several of our sponsors carry the Innovate Motorsports systems. Check out http://www.innovatemotorsports.com - and look through the Sponsors Sales & GP section here, there always seems to be a GP going on. I run the LM1 wideband with the RPM module on my 98Z.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo TECH Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by nnolan
Can the GM tech 2 be used as a wideband o2? Cause if so I have access to one of those. O and thanks for the great answers so far guys, you are helping alot.
no,the tech 2 will not work, wide band has to have a completly different O2 in the exhaust to work.. but i hear the new GM cars are coming from the factory with wideband system... not sure when though... you can find some on ebay...
Staging Lane
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
careful with the fan settings
Originally Posted by infinitebird
A good first thing I usually do is change the fan settings so the engine runs cooler.
Originally Posted by HeBen
Careful with this. It must not exceed your thermostat rating or else your fan could run constantly and burn out quickly.
Staging Lane
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by infinitebird
Well yeah if you set it ridiculously low. I'm just talking about changing it to something more reasonable. The stock setting is more than 45 deg past where the stock stat opens. That's way too high IMO.
I saw some handheld tuners at the autoparts store for like about 300-500 bucks or something and thought that there must be a cheaper easier way using my laptop. Does anyone know the cheapest way to get into tuning my 95 formula? I think it's an obdII.
Originally Posted by HeBen
Agreed.
I saw some handheld tuners at the autoparts store for like about 300-500 bucks or something and thought that there must be a cheaper easier way using my laptop. Does anyone know the cheapest way to get into tuning my 95 formula? I think it's an obdII.
I saw some handheld tuners at the autoparts store for like about 300-500 bucks or something and thought that there must be a cheaper easier way using my laptop. Does anyone know the cheapest way to get into tuning my 95 formula? I think it's an obdII.
costs around $200 for the software and a cable (if you want serial, buy it from akmcables.com, if you want usb, get the one from moates.net).
This also allows you to do a real tune, unlike with a handheld.
Staging Lane
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by infinitebird
www.tunercat.com
costs around $200 for the software and a cable (if you want serial, buy it from akmcables.com, if you want usb, get the one from moates.net).
This also allows you to do a real tune, unlike with a handheld.
costs around $200 for the software and a cable (if you want serial, buy it from akmcables.com, if you want usb, get the one from moates.net).
This also allows you to do a real tune, unlike with a handheld.
Software Available Price
OBDII Tuner Package (an OBDII Definition File is also required - see below) $300.00
OBDII Definition Files (each)
$79.95
on this page
http://www.tunercat.com/tnr_desc/do_tc.html
is that right? thanks again man.