1993GMCPU

I have been reading about burning chips and a newbie to say the least. It's down to the point that it just makes sense to program chip vs having one programmed to get all the benefits of upgrades done to motor and allow more cam options. Beside custom chips without using lap top and testing run 200-350 dollars that I don't have to throw away.

Confusion for me comes in the terminology when reading sites like Tuner Cat: http://www.tunercat.com/tnr_desc/do_tc.html

I read the tables and understand the pull down menus, but not sure about ECM tables. The ones where you just take out a check mark to enable or disable are simple, but still terms are are new to me. Maybe this is dumb, but knowing how to change something without knowing what I am changing and how to get the effect I want make me concern. I have not given up, but I am not sure of terms e.g. BPW Const., Target Idle RPM vs Cool, MAP (KAP), VATS, RPM to Bypass WOT Delay are a few examples and why any delays? What effects adding or subtracting from tables does which probally goes along with understanding terms as it's a language in itself that confuses me somewhat.

How hard is it to put a wide band O2 on a TBI vehicle which if I understood what I read give me a better AFR reading verses just a rich or lean problem with vehicle. Trying to locate some reasonablly priced Wideband O2's may be a challenge as well. Dyno tuned chip builder locally wants around 550.00 which I rather put towards my own equipment.

jrg77

How much memory and storage capacity on your laptop do you need to datalog while driving? Do you have to pcik a specific route / test pattern for it to be consistent? How about weather?

Jason

CriSSes

"Firstly, Tim (traxion) is in the process of updating the intro to PROM burning article. The 'new' version is http://www.xecu.net/timsiford/update.htm
Read over that, as well as what's below. If this thread clarifies some of what he says, or you see something confusing, post here and i'll talk to tim and see if we can re-work the article some more to make sure it's clear. "
I'm just now reading this post and the link given above to the article "intro to PROM burning" isn't working now. Can anyone help me locate this article - I'd like to read it.
Also, I'm considering purchasing the tuning equipment and getting into this and I'm looking for someone in the Knoxville area that can help with questions/advice on dyi tuning.
Thanks

First/Thrid Gen

I agree with purchasing the burning software and hardware is a good decision. I personaly got burned when I purchased a so called custom chip for $250 US. I thought it was required going to speed density and removal of the vats (87tpi going in first gen camaro) After having some idle problem to rich problems knock retard problems, I bought the RT package from craig moates. Not only it is very interesting and and entertaining, I realize how easy it is to do. After a quick look at the custom bin I quikly realized what needed to be changed. For example the supplier put ve @4800 rpm 100 map @ 89% I am running stock heads and cam!
I scraped the custom bin and downloaded a stock AUJP bin off the moates site unchecked vats and there you have it better then custom.
I must admit I have spent alot of hours learning about software hardware and tpi in general. I have been doing some other playing / learning all is going smothly, waiting for the snow to leave for dial in.

Don't want to sound like I know more about prom burning then
the place that I got my chip done, but they sure screwed up.

In my opinion unless you send your car out with the chip to get burnt, a novice can do a better job at tunning, especialy with real time tunning software.
Hope I don't step on anybody toes being a junior and all.

First/Thrid Gen

Adding Pic

First/Thrid Gen

Adding picture - sorry about last post could not delete

jrg77

Didn't get answers to my questions above and got some more...

Can a power socket be made so you don't have to worry about battery life while doing this stuff? Is that even an issue?

Can you describe a typical tuning process?

How does WB02 fit into the picture?

Are the BLMs what tell you that you did it correctly?

Thanks,
Jason

SandPump

Maybe I missed it but, how are the TPIS chips compared to hypertech and what not? They will even customize it to your car depending on what you have done to it. Does this make it a better chip?

Also, if I were to start making my own, would I need a drag strip or anything to find the real changes? Will just a highway or something provide ok feedback on the changes? Are there any kind of templates to start from? So you make some small pre-determined adjustments that you KNOW will be better?

Thanks fellas.
Great thread.

-Jason

First/Thrid Gen

If yous are interested in what it takes to burn a prom check out the moates autoprom site all the toys that are avaliable as well as check out the download section and find firstgen 300hp read me. I wrote some some stuff with my bin. I just started last year on this burning thing and I have but 14,000 miles on since spring and learned plenty. I warn you the burning is addictive. Lots to learn from this site just keep reading in your spare time.

BlueDragonX

Sweet, great thread, I was worrying what I was gonna do about my ECU for my 383 TPI buildup, but this answers all my questions. Don't have to waste my money on expensive aftermarket chips...

Grizzlee

Hey all, another newbie here with some dumb/helpful questions?

#1. I have an 89 Iroc with the 350 (auto)in it I am just starting to read and understand what is involved in burning chips. I do believe I have ARAP and the bin is $6E with a 165 ECM?? So as I newbie the 165 ECM is the computer, the ARAP is the operating system and the $6E is the version??

#2. Here is the question, I have changed the gearing of the car up from 2.77 to 3.73's how does the ECM know what speed I am at to lockup the torque converter?

I HAVE NOT changed the speedometer gearing so it is off quite a bit, and I am not sure how much the RPM's have changed since my RPM gauge is on the fritz

Ok so I just thought of a couple more questions

I plan on going with a set of headers (hooker 2055) and I just got a 52MM Holley TB.

I am pretty sure the computer (ECM) will make changes but I would like to store the original bin (without any changes) before I install the TB and headers so that I have a baseline.

#3. I have an idea of what I need for equipment, but I think I will wait until I can afford the autoprom with a g1 adapter (is that what I need)?? (burner, emulator, datalogger all in one?)

#4. The next question is where can I find the UPDATED bin for $6E (I did a search and there was a thread talking about the delayed starting and that there was no fuel for 8 counts, blah,blah,blah) NOW I CAN'T FIND IT!!

#5. Everyone also talks about disabling VATS? WHY? Isn't VATS just the security system?

I know that I have other questions and it may seem that I am totally confused but after following links and trying to understand the prom stuff and reading and reading and reading I have a massive headache!

All I need now is for work to call me so I can get some OT and buy these things!

My 1989 IROC

Yes it's a lame webpage but I am learning lots (thanks TGO)

Dave Farr

Well I have been using Westers Garage for my tuning and although he offers a good warranty on updating chips- its getting old that I have to back time after time and the performance is not up to my expectations. My project/daily driver is a 89 Chev k1500 truck with Vortec heads and the Edelbrocke HiFlow base and runners among other mods. the computer is a 7747 and I am almost at the jump off point on where to go with this:

1 is the 7747 computer worth working with? will the Prominator and HUD/Lockers make it worth my time to pursue?
2 this megasquirt sounds interesting
3 full on ecm with true sequential and wideband(Big Stuff 3)
???????

Brent C.

New to all of this....but could one of you guys burn me a chip as well if I tell you what limited mods I have done? Thanks for all of the information.

Brent C.

phoxetis

this post is nothing more than a big thank you for writing it all down in an understandable way:
thank you! I'm impressed.

Grim'91Z

Wow this is something I really need to get into. I can't wait till I get all the equipment (more so the $$$ for it all) and start gaining know-how to get this puppy running solid.

jcs64

this has been very helpfull! Sadly though, Im still to stupid to even ask questions on the subject. Im heading over to moates site right now to see if I can figure out what I need.

Im really interested in at least getting a cable and program so I can use my laptop as a scanner. Well, lets see if I can find it, if not, Ill stop and ask for directions (LOL, my wife taught me that).

aceez71

iTrader: (1)

Interesting info. Found this searching for the effects of lowering fan temps other than the obvious running cooler. Hats off to all above hope to learn at least a little of what you all seem to know.

DNK

I am not sure if my situation is correct for this forum. I have a Triumph TR8 which, for you who don't know ,is running a 215 Buick,now Rover, motor. The last owner before me installed a TPI injection on it from a Land Rover motor. Instead of the Rover ECM he used one out of a early 90's Z28 or Vette. I have a couple of issues with it and my mechanic has a prom writer connection and can do it for me. I would love to do it myself. I have read the last 3 pages of post and I think you are talking about my type of ECM. Am I correct on this?
Don

91interceptorZ

iTrader: (3)

i need to get into chip burning as my car is modified pretty well and the stock system is really really holding me back.....one quick and hopefully not stupid question as this is relatively new to me....do i go with the programmable chips and the tunercat setup....or would a programmable system like this ebl flash program work just the same...what do you think......here is the web adress, it's short and to the point....just was wondering before i go purchase anything..thanks http://dynamicefi.com/EBL_Flash.php

lostsouls25

do you knw anything bout tunerpro ,i cant figure it the hell i have a stage 2 hypertech chip an it still need more im running a 460ci. sbc

90vertiroc

oops

james.gould150

by far this has been one of the most informative threads ive read!! that you for clearing the prom misconception the only chip i will be buying is a stock chip to hang onto in case i screw up when i get the burner kit haha but thats 20 bucks from my junkyard! cant wait to learn to burn!

H8R

Dont know if this is right place to ask but would much appreciate if someone could answer.
Im about to get a hsr to my 350 and already got headers and cam. I was thinking of buying madtune's prom http://www.madtuner.com/index.php?pa...mart&Itemid=26
Any experience about this? Wasting my money or gaining power/better mpg?

Andrew James

iTrader: (3)

I understood like none of this hah... This is why people buy $200 dollar chips... Cause they read the word "prom" as a dance/get together and not whatever yall refer to...

BuzzLOL

.. Hmmmnnnn, this thread was started nearly 10 years ago... and looks like they stopped answering questions in it about 5 years ago... maybe we can work together now to answer some new questions... anybody got any?

rusty vango

yeah, unless your a software engineer.you can get in way over your head here.i think all this chip burning sounds great,however doing it is probably way past most of our skill set

Jamdev

Does anybody make a cable that can connect to an iPhone to log the data while driving instead of having a laptop in the car all the time?

cltyler

You may want to look for a wireless Bluetooth solution. I did this for my OBD-II on my Android for basic stuff. Still use my laptop for anything beyond that.

fastgascar

This looks to be a complete package for tuning. http://www.tunercat.com/tnr_desc/do_tc.html

Tuned Performance

iTrader: (92)

If anyone needs custom reprograming send me a pm -Tuned

Tuned Performance

iTrader: (92)