Hey guys. I must admit, I`m a little emarrassed that as much time as I spend on this site, this is my first visit to this section. But I guess it`s my old "carb & HEI" habits still lingering around.(You know, the old "bolt this on and rejet the Holley 750 mentality") Anyway, I`m looking to get into or at least begin to learn the ropes of the tuning/programing aspects of our new 21st century hot rods. I am starting from scratch here, both on the knowledge side as well as the equipment end. (No laptop, Atap or LS1-edit programs etc.) I do have access to a laptop however and have messed with downloading fuel maps into the Dynajet PCII on my bike so I do have some clue. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> So what`s the best place to start? Is there a book or tech manual that explains things in laymens terms about the popular programs? When you buy Atap or LS1-edit does it come with detailed instructions on using and understanding the programs from a non-mechanic/technician standpoint? And what requirements memory and speed wise in a laptop would I need to run such programs? I`m sorry if this is one of those frequently asked questions but like I said, this is my first visit to this section. And yes, I tried a search and couldn`t find much so I figured I`d ask the pro`s direct. Thanks for any help and please, be gentle! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

 

Oh by the way, I understand there are people and places that will tune/program for you (Ed Write, MTI, etc.) But I`m a "do-it-myself" kind of guy. Plus,I`m an Electrician, and you know how smart we (think) we are! HA,HA! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

 

An engine is an engine is an engine. We just have applied some technology to the air pump.

We have a MAF sensor, a MAP sensor, temperature sensor, fuel injectors, etc. You already know the basics. So much air goes in, you need to add just the right amount of fuel for your desired air/fuel ratio. Now adays, I believe that we have it easier, we have better measurement capabilities.

You will need basically two main tools to tune the PCM. 1) a device to scan the engine functions as you drive around (I have AutoTap). 2) a device to alter the various tables in the PCM (I have LS1Edit).

This is what I do: After some major mods, I went on a chassis dyno and got some data, Hp, torque, A/F ratio. Then I drove around collecting ATAP engine function data. Then I modified one table in the PCM with LS1Edit. Then I drove around getting more data with ATAP and determine what my change effected, and so forth. Right now the engine pulls much better since I was on the dyno. Now its time to proove it, back to the dyno.