Beretta.net

So on my very lazy Sunday, I've been blueprinting my future engine which can go 2 ways:
stroker kit+possibly bump in compression from 9:1---->10:1
or
forge stuff with 8.5:1 comp ratio+turbo kit (5-7psi range)
+upgraded injectors and what not, but the real meat and potatoes to this is the tuning, otherwise it's not happening.

So obviously I have the loveable OBD 1.5 setup, but the ECM is a normal OBD 1 removable type.
Now I know absolutely jack when it comes to computer brains and tuning, but I was looking at Tunercat ECM definition files and have a few questions to pick the brains of those in the know:

1) How does the Tunercat work, can you just pull the ecu and connect it to a computer?
2) In theory, can I just use their '95 sunfire/cavalier LN2 2.2L files to get access to tuning my ecm seeing how it's all the same?

Otherwise there is always the Mega squirt option which sounds like a nightmare to get going.

You might want to double check your setup... I don't think the V6 and 2.2 ECU's were created equal... I almost want to say you have the OBDI style with chip. Unless that was only the Quad that they did that on.

You might want to double check your setup... I don't think the V6 and 2.2 ECU's were created equal... I almost want to say you have the OBDI style with chip. Unless that was only the Quad that they did that on.

I'm also on that same hunch with the OBD 1 removable type, I will snag an extra one from the interwebs to pop open and make sure 100% (and to keep a handy stock settings one on hand). I guess at the very least, I can just see how much these guys charge to tune my car if I just drop off my car.



I envy you v6 guys and your mass support for anything and everything!

If all else fails, Megasquirt it is. Thanks!

Mass support... LOL that's a bit of an illusion. The grass is always greener on the other side. I have a tuner that I bought in 06 or 07 and they went out of business in 07 IIRC.... no one else supports the ECU I'm using. If I want to buy new I need HPTuners and a Monte 3100 ECU.

3X00-Modified wrote:Mass support... LOL that's a bit of an illusion. The grass is always greener on the other side. I have a tuner that I bought in 06 or 07 and they went out of business in 07 IIRC.... no one else supports the ECU I'm using. If I want to buy new I need HPTuners and a Monte 3100 ECU.

HPTuners is a wonderful thing to have

I'm even looking into swapping to OBD-II and running a 00' 2.2L, just so I can tune with HPT in my Corsica, but I'm pretty sure that a Moates emulator and Tunercats would work out cheaper and easier.

One of the benefits to MS is just this very own situation. Sux it contains a steep learning curve for the normal joe.

I find the steep learning curve to be both intimidating and rewarding, as I'm starting to know stuff that no one else from my "Auto Tech" class would ever get into.

I'm also looking into MS, but it's a lot to learn, just figuring out which version to go with and what I need to start.

Turbo, for sure. A simple T25 turbo can put you in the 200HP range. It could even feed a torqueless 1.6 Civic with great increases across the board.

You need to pull out your chip and either program new chips or buy an ostrich and use that. It is OBD1, not 1.5

You need to pull out your chip and either program new chips or buy an ostrich and use that. It is OBD1, not 1.5

I want to give the TunerCat complete chip tuning kit a whirl later this year. It seems to be my best shot at getting access to tuning my '95 (which would go a long way with my planned engine mods).


C.A.T.S. OBDI Tuner Program
ECM Definition File
DataMaster Program
Software CD
Burn2 Programmer
G1 Memcal Adapter
HDR1 Memcal Adapter
SST27SF512 Flash Chip
ALDL Cable------>(I will swap this out for the OBD II pin one for obvious reasons)
ALDL to USB Converter
USB cable

utilizing one of these files to see how it all pans out.

Sounds like a good plan to me, but I'm an armchair jockey when it comes to OBD-I tuning at this point.

Still kinda am with OBD-II tuning too, but the extra work is worth it. I can't wait until I'm good enough to be able to tune on the fly. Right now, I'm just reflashing it and doing it in baby steps. I spent most time dialing in my MAP tune, cuz my MAF tuning was much quicker to get settled.

MAP tuning is very important to maintain stability with every other aspect of the tune... So it's good you spent a lot of time on it. That's where I gained most of my idle stability after reviewing and re-doing my volumetric efficiency charts.

How many are seriously interested in tuning their own vehicles? If there's enough interest, perhaps I can put something together to help everyone out.

Most importantly, I'll need to know the majority of the pcm in question, appears most discussed in this thread are the 95 and 96 pcm's?


btw, the boards date is off, posted 4-3-2014 @ 7:38pm CST

For what it's worth, I swapped the 16191947 ECM into my 91 and am going to go that route when I tune things for boost. (It's also the reason I'm running MPFI now instead of TBI.)

I haven't played with any of the fuel mappings yet, but I did disable the EGR, removed the speed governor, and tweaked the idle RPM slightly. I used TunerPro RT, but I also have the Tunercat software too.

I recommend (if it's in your budget) a Moates Ostrich chip emulator as you can flash settings to it without having to swap out chips constantly.

For what it's worth, I swapped the 16191947 ECM into my 91 and am going to go that route when I tune things for boost. (It's also the reason I'm running MPFI now instead of TBI.)

I haven't played with any of the fuel mappings yet, but I did disable the EGR, removed the speed governor, and tweaked the idle RPM slightly. I used TunerPro RT, but I also have the Tunercat software too.

I recommend (if it's in your budget) a Moates Ostrich chip emulator as you can flash settings to it without having to swap out chips constantly.

thanks for the heads up! I will definitely be looking into the stuff you mentioned, especially that Ostrich emulator.