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Old 12-12-2008, 07:06 PM   #1
undrgroundskat3r
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Default Can somebody explain Engine Management to me clearly

i read the FAQ but im still confused about it...
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Old 12-12-2008, 07:14 PM   #2
EdHilario
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What are you confused about?
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Old 12-12-2008, 07:37 PM   #3
undrgroundskat3r
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im confused about what to buy, if i get to tune my own car with it or if i have to take it to a tuner, whether it comes with preprogramed maps or create my own or download maps.... im just not clear about all of my options and what i get to do with it?
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Old 12-12-2008, 07:40 PM   #4
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For off hand references, you can buy off the shelf maps for basically stage 1 (no mods) or stage 2 (turbo back exhaust), which you can get the cobb accessport, or internet maps like XPT. These maps are not specifically designed for your car and don't get the most out of it but are typically safe. Those maps can only do so much so you can only get off the shelf maps for around stage 2 maybe some other little things. The best bet is to call the closest reputable tuner and ask him. A tune from a tuner will far surpass anything you can get off the shelf. Tuners can tune with a just laptop (opensource), with cobb's software and put the new map on the accessport, or some other options like ecutek.
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Old 12-12-2008, 07:42 PM   #5
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Don't buy anything right now, find a local tuner that has a good rep and see what methods they have. For example a local tuner in my area does not tune with ecutek, but my car has ecutek, so he can't tune my car. Your local tuner may not offer opensource tuning so you might have to get an accessport or something like that. After finding a local tuner then you can decide what you want to do. Usually the best option is just to get tuned by a pro using whatever method they like. An off the shelf map will hold you over but you truly won't be getting what your car and mods have to offer. You don't do anything yourself except in the case of the accessport putting the tune on the car. Tuning is very difficult and a science in itself and you can risk permanent damage to your car so unless you REALLY want to tune yourself, don't even try.
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Old 12-12-2008, 08:01 PM   #6
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To answer your question, all of the above. Engine management has several stages, from a plug and play tuner (like the Cobb AP) that has maps ready to go for your car, stock ecu reflashes (Opensource) you use a Tactrix (or equivalent) cable to link a laptop to your stock ecu and reflash the ecu (ROM), to a piggyback (ecutek, utec) that needs to be programmed/tuned, to a standalone ems (hydra, etc). For most people looking for moderate power increases, the first two options are the easiest, opensource being the cheapest.
Fill out your profile so we can see where you are, and recommend a tuner near you. Professional tuning is generally cheaper than the price of a Cobb AP. You dont NEED an AP to be tuned by most shops, and an Opensource tune offers you the same reflashing capabilities, just through a computer rather than a handheld tuner.
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Old 12-12-2008, 08:34 PM   #7
undrgroundskat3r
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bjwk89 View Post
For off hand references, you can buy off the shelf maps for basically stage 1 (no mods) or stage 2 (turbo back exhaust), which you can get the cobb accessport, or internet maps like XPT. These maps are not specifically designed for your car and don't get the most out of it but are typically safe. Those maps can only do so much so you can only get off the shelf maps for around stage 2 maybe some other little things. The best bet is to call the closest reputable tuner and ask him. A tune from a tuner will far surpass anything you can get off the shelf. Tuners can tune with a just laptop (opensource), with cobb's software and put the new map on the accessport, or some other options like ecutek.
can custom maps for my specific setup be added to an Accessport via a tuner or COBB's website?
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Old 12-12-2008, 08:53 PM   #8
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Via the tuner, through a Cobb, its referred to as a "ProTune"
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Old 12-12-2008, 09:03 PM   #9
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What engine management is what it sounds like. It is what manages pretty much everything your engine does. It will control your injectors, turbo, you get the point.

Now, you need engine management after pretty much anything done to your car, exhaust change, intake, turbo, etc.

Choices you have for engine management:
1. OTS (Off the Shelf)
2. Protune

1. OTS is one that is 1 size fits all, it's not tuned perfectly for your car, but the general sense of your mods. For example, 2 OTS maps I can think of is Cobb Accessport and XPT's maps. With a Cobb accessport, you get a physical unit that connects to your car and everything you need is on the accessport. Now, another OTS map which I have is XPT. They sell OTS maps for cheaper, but doesn't come with any kind of physical unit to transfer the map to your car's ECU(Computer). You will need to get a Tactrix Cable that allows you to connect your laptop to your car's ECU.
Again, these are drivable for your car, but they are conservatively tuned because these are general maps.

2. Protune. It is far more superior to your car than an OTS map. Depending on the tuner, you will do gear WOT pulls and they will see your cars datalog and tune your car based off of how your car is. Positives: You get better gas milage(well, as long as you don't change your driving style), you will most likely get more power to your car, and could possibly make your engine last longer. The only negative I have seen is the restrictiveness. After you get your car tuned, which will cost around $200-600, any further mods will require a new tune. Depending on what mods you did or your tuner, they may charge you in full for a new tune. Again, some tuners will charge you less if you decide to put on an intake or IC and want a return as values will change little.
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Old 12-13-2008, 02:30 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ijb2105 View Post
to a piggyback (ecutek, utec)
ecutek is NOT a 'piggyback'....it is a stock ecu re-flash and I wouldnt buy it

opensource is a great option
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Old 12-13-2008, 02:36 AM   #11
Defiant Autospeed
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And to be fair, the UTEC is only a piggyback in the physical sense. Its FAR more than "just a piggyback" If you remove the ECU, a piggyback wont start the car. A UTEC will. (I have tried it)

The only reason the UTEC isnt a full standalone is because they dont feel the headaches that a full standalone brings with it (no way of passing emissions, having to set up cold start enrichment, AC compensation etc) are worth the small benefits.

IMO (and many out there agree) the ultimate in EM is a reflash with a UTEC. There are VERY few people who need more or have any use for anything more than what that combo can provide. And it will still pass an OBD2 emissions test.
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