IS there anywhere I can learn how to tune?
 

Is there any reference such as books, websites, or anything that a person who has no knowledge about tuning can learn how to tune (say a haltech, tec2, etc...)??

Just curious as to how the pros learned how to do it. It couldn't have been all trial and error can it? That would be way to expensive

I'm with you. I'm also an aspiring amateur tuner, but being as there's no "Haltech for Dummies" book yet, how did everyone get started?

Steve

Learn what the stock ECU does...
Learn what AFR's mean and what differing numbers represent...
Learn ignition timing and what effects of changing it...



-Ted

that helped

Re: IS there anywhere I can learn how to tune?
 

Actually, trial and error isn't all that expensive unless you blow up a lot of engines. It's only about $1,000-1,500 for the EMS, and $100-200 for a running salvage yard engine. Dyno runs are about $20 each, or less for bulk rates.

A good way to learn how to tune is to get an education from your local college or technical school. Some low-key schools will let you take one or two specific courses as a "non degree seeking student" if you are not interested in the full degree program. You can learn the basics in class, but it still takes hands-on experience to learn to apply those skills. The guru who tunes my 1Gen carb teaches at this school:
http://www.naa.edu/AVIATION_MAINTENANCE_CURRICULUM.htm

I learned my basics here. Although I am not a tuner or a mechanic, maintenance and engineering degree programs are available:
http://www.db.erau.edu/

Ok. So how/where do you 'Learn'?:)

This is the only book that I have found that has basic tuning info. I wouldn't call it great, but it may be a good place to start. I had my local library get it in...better than buying and not liking it...

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...lance&n=507846

Is that book any good? What does it tell you? it looks like it's mostly about piston engines...

I think we had a similar thread a few months ago...

I recommend understanding how an internal combustion engine (not just rotary) works first.&nbsp There should be a bunch of books out on this subject.&nbsp I recommend books from the FSAE list - http://www.sae.org/

This should cover:
-modern fuel injection systems
-air-fuel ratio topics
-ignition timing topics

Once you get the basic workings of an ICE, tuning is just applying those theories.


-Ted

you freaking donkey kong... Read the fookn manual!

From what I understand hitman is very helpful when it comes to tuning Haltechs.
http://www.hitman.hm/index2.html

i just picked up the Haynes book on engine management, and also the Haynes book on 4 stroke tuning. they just came in today so i havent had time to check them out much. the 4 stroke book seems much more thourough, however the engine management book has lots of colorful pics, so its obviously better;)

but seriously, teh engine managment book comes with a demo version of this program called M3DK, which basically simulates an engine, you enter ign and inj maps manually as well as other inputs, and you can change throttle position, engine speed, and coolant temps. there is an afm that you can watch realtime as you move the throttle position adn engine speed.

the book def. teaches around the software which i think is what most beginners need. i just toyed around with the software fora few, but like i said, ihavent digged into the book yet.


steve

You can also download the old Wolf3D 3.1 manual and tuning software if you like.
http://www.wolfems.com.au/wolf_downloads.html

I have similar problems as this guy. I haven't had way too much actual experience under the hood. I do have a lot of theoretical knowledge, and i do know about a/f ratios, fuel mapping, and a little tiny bit about timing.

How hard are these things to use. Ive hard that its not for amateurs, but then at the same time, ive heard you just load up one of the preprogrammed fuel maps and get on a dyno and just tinker with the map, adding and subtracting fuel at different points till you get the best af ratio with the best hp. If you have a turbo, i guess it gets more complicated, just turning it up till the knock sensor goes off and then backing off (altho this always sounded like a super bad way to do it to me....). I dunno much about timing tho, at least not how to tune it. I understand concepts like overlap.

Basically, i think i know a fair amount (still have tons to learn), but i wonder if i could handle something like an ems, or if id have to pay one of the local shops to tune it for me every time i added a mod :( I guess the question is, how do i know if i know enough to do it? I really have no idea what it all entails. Maybe i should just try to find someone down here who will show me how they work. I think i know a guy with a haltech, and i know i know a guy with a hondata which i guess would be better than nothing, right?

Does anyone have the maps used on the stock ecu, as well as any other important info?

I think you will be OK. However, if you search this forum, you will notice that it is often recommended to use the same model of EMS as others in your area so you can get local support. If you don't feel very confidant, then you can try these options:
1) Have the EMS professionally installed and tuned initially. Then you can make very minor adjustments on your own as you learn the system. Most of the major damage done to cars through EMS mismanagement is due to major errors, which will not be a factor if you go this route.
2) Practice makes perfect, so get a $500 practice RX-7 for a test bed. If you blow up your engine, then simply get another one from your local salvage yard. It worked for Dr. Frankenstein. Even more fortunate for you, most salvage yards have a 30 day warranty in case you accidentally get an Abby Normal engine. :ret:

That's your best bet. I also have a lot of education in theory, but it's no replacement for actual experience. I have found it best to learn from the mistakes of others rather than my own, LOL. Every EFI system does basically the same thing, so even that Hondata will probably help. Be sure to have them show/explain the types of things that you can't read in the manual, such as how a lean or rich condition sounds, feels, and smells.

Beat me to it.

2) Practice makes perfect, so get a $500 practice RX-7 for a test bed. If you blow up your engine, then simply get another one from your local salvage yard. It worked for Dr. Frankenstein. Even more fortunate for you, most salvage yards have a 30 day warranty in case you accidentally get an Abby Normal engine.


you tell me where i can get these 500.00 rx7 !!!!!!!!:cool:

Darn, my friend just sold his 79, which you could have bought for $100.

Here's a 2Gen that you could save from the crusher, although it's not in your area:
https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...hreadid=131018

Although I don't think you will find too many $500 RX-7's here, this site does have some great deals on cars that others have sunk a lot of time and money into.
http://www.improvedtouring.com/Classifieds/

Anyway, just keep your eyes open. Florida is especially good for picking up deals on used RX-7's, and you can get an S4 TII or older RX-7 for as little as $500. Yes, the S5 and newer cars are more expensive, but we are talking about an EMS testbed, not a show car. :)

my point is that a 500.00 car (most of the time) will not be running at all or correctly ,if you need to tow and start repairing it you can have a 1000.00 pos . then add the time to blow it up on the dyno .......hum... doesnt seem to cheap to me !!!!