When it comes to reflashing packages, they normally comprise two parts,
a software interface for making the tuning changes and logging the ECU parameters
and then a hardware interface that goes between the laptop and the OBD2 port.
This is normally an OBD2 to USB adaptor.
Of course for a commercial reflashing package, the developer needs to have a way of
making money out of each vehicle you want to tune and this is typically done in two ways.
Either you purchase credits for each ECU you tune or you purchase a special tuning module
for each vehicle you want to tune and this module remains with the car.
As an example, HPTuners, EFI Live and EcuTek work on the credits system.
While SCT provide a hardware module for each car you want to tune.
Normally the tuning module works out to be the more expensive approach however it
does give some advantages to the vehicle owner.
As often the module can be used to clear fault codes, swap between different maps
or even perform datalogging functions.
The other consideration with packages that use a tuning module is that for commercial
tuning workshops, there can be a resonable investment in stock to ensure you have
enough tuning modules on hand to cover your requirements.
If you're buying credits on the other hand, this can often be done online using the
automated process so you can purchase just the credits you need for the job.
Unfortunately when it comes to the software used for reflashing an ECU, there is no
universal option that can cross every platform and this is a frustration for those
of us who are going to be tuning a wide variety of vehicles.
It means that firstly you'll need to invest in a range of different products to cover
all your requirements and will also mean that you need to learn to use the different
software packages.
If you're running a commercial tuning workshop then you need to consider
carefully the vehicles you should expect to be popular in your area.
As providing reflash support for a wide range of vehicles can be very expensive if you're
investing in commercial tuning platforms.
Of course our initial outlay will be recouped over time but there's little point investing
several thousand dollars to support vehicles that aren't popular in your area.
It should go without saying the you're also going to need a laptop to perform your
tuning.
Tuning isn't a particularly CPU intensive process as far as laptops go so you
definitely won't need one of the latest or most powerful models to get the job done.
Generally tuning laptops get a pretty hard time in the field as well and are constantly
being subjected to vibration, harshness, being tossed around or in smokey
environments.
I wouldn't expect it to last very long.
I'm normally happy if I can get two years or so out of a tuning laptop so it doesn't
make a lot of sense to spend a lot of money here.
I'd recommend a PC based laptop and look for one with at least three USB ports as they'll
quickly get filled up with whatever you're using to tune.
They also might break and it's nice to have extra ones on the PC.
It's also worth considering a solid state hard drive as they're less likely to be
damaged by vibration and harshness.
That was just one module from our Practical Diesel Tuning course.
If you want to learn the correct process for optimising the performance of your diesel
engine, then this course is going to be perfect for you.
You'll learn about the operation of the diesel engine and what you'll need to adjust in order
to make more power while ensuring reliability.
On the dyno you'll see how changes to fuel delivery, injection timing, fuel pressure and
boost affect the engine performance and power and you'll also learn how the emissions
devices on modern diesel engines operate so that you can make more power while staying
emissions compliant.
You'll also learn the HPA 5 step process which can be applied to tuning any late model
diesel engine.
Following this process from start to finish will ensure that you get the best possible
results without overlooking any critical steps.
This course is applicable to any diesel engine and any tuning software.
Once you've gone through the course you can also watch the five step process being
applied from start to finish on a real engine to reinforce what you've learned
in the course.
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