How to get started in tuning?
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New Member
Joined: 04-15-08
Posts: 36
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From: Hawley, PA
How to get started in tuning?
I am really interested in beginning to learn how to tune. I am in college, so I have plenty of time to read and educate myself (not like I spend much time on my schooling 
).
I have done some searches on Google, and I haven't really come up with anything that has really helped me. The tuning section here on the forums seems to have more specific issues that are discussed. I am looking for more general discussions/articles that would help me pick up tuning.
I am reluctant to put out the $450 or whatever it is for HPTuners without knowing full well what my aim is. I found a book I think I may pick up, because it seems pretty well written, "How to Tune and Modify Engine Management Systems" by Jeff Hartman.
Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
).I have done some searches on Google, and I haven't really come up with anything that has really helped me. The tuning section here on the forums seems to have more specific issues that are discussed. I am looking for more general discussions/articles that would help me pick up tuning.
I am reluctant to put out the $450 or whatever it is for HPTuners without knowing full well what my aim is. I found a book I think I may pick up, because it seems pretty well written, "How to Tune and Modify Engine Management Systems" by Jeff Hartman.
Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
Senior Member
Joined: 10-01-06
Posts: 5,134
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From: Maidstone, SK
My usual post in these thread;
First, get familiar with the EFI system....
HERE is a good read of how a basic EFI systems works, compared to a carb.
I highly suggest picking up two books, a copy of Maximum Boost and Supercahrged by Corky Bell.
Then read the following;
HP TUNERS FAQ SECTION
HP TUNERS 4 CYL SECTION
Then get a copy of the software and start reading the help files, and getting familiar with the tables.
Then, read though CPIG's tuning guide... found HERE.
From there, read more in depth into the tuning specifics here, and on the HPT forum.
When your ready, get into a stock vehicle and tune it a bit. It's a good place to start, and you can always flash the stock tune back.
When your cool with that, you can slowly step up to bigger things.
HERE is a good read of how a basic EFI systems works, compared to a carb.
I highly suggest picking up two books, a copy of Maximum Boost and Supercahrged by Corky Bell.
Then read the following;
HP TUNERS FAQ SECTION
HP TUNERS 4 CYL SECTION
Then get a copy of the software and start reading the help files, and getting familiar with the tables.
Then, read though CPIG's tuning guide... found HERE.
From there, read more in depth into the tuning specifics here, and on the HPT forum.
When your ready, get into a stock vehicle and tune it a bit. It's a good place to start, and you can always flash the stock tune back.
When your cool with that, you can slowly step up to bigger things.
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 04-15-08
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Hawley, PA
Thank you! I was looking for some good material to read. This is definitely what I need.
It seems that most people just started tuning. I guess I will need to get some extra money and buy what I need and start to tinker. That is usually how I pick things up, but I didn't want to put out $500 and screw myself over.
Are there any free or less expensive alternatives? Even a simple logger/tuner so I can get a feel for what I am working with as I do some research/reading?
It seems that most people just started tuning. I guess I will need to get some extra money and buy what I need and start to tinker. That is usually how I pick things up, but I didn't want to put out $500 and screw myself over.
Are there any free or less expensive alternatives? Even a simple logger/tuner so I can get a feel for what I am working with as I do some research/reading?
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