Beginner Tuning Question: How do I learn tuning basics?

[sccrAdidas15]

Hey, I was just wondering how you all got into tuning? I would eventually like to start modding my car, with the little money I have between that and college, and would like to learn how to tune using DSMLink or something. I was just wondering what the basics are and if there is anywhere I can really learn the steps to beginning to tune?

 

[fourreGsixty3]

I would say find someone who has a DSM with a DSMLink and have them help you out or take it to a dyno and have them profesionally tune it. As for how I got into tuning...well I got back from spring break to find my 92 talon tsi in my driveway spot...nearly hit it(late at night and tired haha), and just got the speed bug.

 

[alex99gst]

Tuning is a hard thing to grasp and understand and takes some trial and error to get a good foundation on it. I am still learning a lot from my MAFT and everything. If you look at the articles on tuning in the tech articles you can learn a lot.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?&f=39

It's a good place to start.

 

[VelocitàPaola]

"Tuning Guide for the Beginner to Intermediate Tuner "
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103469

It has a little jargon in it, so just post here about what you don't understand.

 

[sccrAdidas15]

sweet thanks! I'm 19 now and planning to keep my car as a project car when i'm older so I will have plenty of time to learn!

 

[sccrAdidas15]

so basically your mostly concearned about making sure the knock is right? What do you do you pull from third gear till redline, pull over to the side of the road and do all this? I'm hoping it's not while your driving . Arent there like settings for the track to make your turbo spool right away, and settings for like a stutterbox at the track?

 

[alex99gst]

so basically your mostly concearned about making sure the knock is right? What do you do you pull from third gear till redline, pull over to the side of the road and do all this? I'm hoping it's not while your driving . Arent there like settings for the track to make your turbo spool right away, and settings for like a stutterbox at the track?

I assume you are talking about tuning with DSMLink. First off you need to see if you have an eprom ECU (info on dsmlink's site about how to check) and if not then you will need to purchase one an have it socketed. Most people tune with it via a laptop inside the car. You should always try to keep your knock at 0 when tuning your car. Knock can damage an engine very severely when it occurs too long or too much. Keep reading up on those articles I linked you to as well as use the search and find some threads about it. Another good idea would be to read through some of the logger help forum and look at peoples logs and see how everyone explains what is wrong and how to fix it.

 

[gijoe985]

"Tuning Guide for the Beginner to Intermediate Tuner "
Tuning Guide for the Beginner to Intermediate Tuner - DSM Forums

It has a little jargon in it, so just post here about what you don't understand.

Anyone know where a good link is for the excel sheet in this link???

 

[DSM1G90]

I come from the days of points, condensors, rotor and cap with mechanical vacuum advances and none of this computer nonsense.

I had buddies in high school taking auto mechanics and they taught me the basics then some simple tricks to beat the system. Wasn't soon afterwards that I bought a timing light, dwell meter, alignment tools and what have you to get any kind of motor running smooth. I even learned from these guys on how to do carburetors...it was nice to be in a circle of friends like that.

I even learned how to do what was called "Static Timing" - which is: with the motor off and the flywheel mark at the required BTDC you move or roll the magneto or distributor to the mark that were you needed to be. Motorcycles and small (lawnmower) engines are basically in this static area. There has been times where I've done static timings on vehicles if I can't see any marks to go by..and I do get close.

The current process that we use now is called "Dynamic Timing" - doing the timing while the motor is running and getting actual operational readings then adjusting these needed areas.

Yet, it's all the same - with motor all warmed up, get your base timing at 5* BTDC with the ECU terminal grounded and go from there.

Sometimes, old school is still the greatest thing to have around.

-Good luck all .. DSM

 

[gijoe985]

I come from the same background, but we do need to keep up with the times if we want to keep seeing improvements. Otherwise we wouldn't have the automatic transmission and we'd still be using a hand crank to start our engines... Which is a lot simpler than all that electric starter nonsense...

 

[snowborder714]

start [ECMTuning - wiki]
1992 Talon Tsi AWD Project

The Excel document can be found in this thread. Make sure you read the instructions, as it is posted as a Word document (because of forum rules). I will edit the tech article to include this info for future searchers.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/298595-excel-tuning-sheet-link.html