DIY Engine mapping...?

[oatz]

Ok, so I have a laptop a TVR, some wires and a reasonably well functioning brain.

Is it possible that I could make all of them work together?

ie. is it feasible for me to use a piece of software like EasiMap 5.0 (I just discovered it's a free download) to diagnose faults on my car?

Anyone else been down this route?

My motivation for this post is to:-

a) learn from others' experiences
b) not bother reading all the helpfiles in the software if it's not worth the hassle
c) not blow-up my car

I should point out that I'm a Systems Admin by trade, so whilst that stands me in good stead for the laptop bit, I'm afraid my knowledge of engines, mapping and diagnosis pales in comparison.

What d'ya reckon...??

[S3CTiv]

OH, does it tell you how to interface and which port to use, sounds good but you could end up with a fried computer and ecu.

>> Edited by S3CTiv on Wednesday 9th February 22:15

[kentishS2]

Sounds a great idea and should be possible but one to enter into with caution. The ECU for these cars is not the sort of thing that you'll find a great deal of info on out there with regard to tuning and you may also find a problem obtaining leads to connect the laptop to the car and the software is usually engine and ECU specific, it may cover several models but you'd have to ensure compatibility to avoid the risk of damage to the ECU.

[yzf1070]

Before my recently aquired Tuscan S, I used to have a 1995 3000GT and went to great lengths in order to find out how to read the numerous sensors that feed into the ECU. What I discovered is that from year 2000 manufacturers were obliged by law to provide a diagnostic port that complies with OBD2. Look this up on the web and you will learn more. I have not checked my Tuscan to see if an OBD2 port is fitted as I have not had the car that long and I work away from home.

When I eventually hooked up to the 3000GT the info was pretty usefull especially when I was boosting the car to its max in standard trim.

[oatz]

Thanks for the replies chaps!
I'm getting the distinct impression that going down this route is something of a rarity out there (?) or, at the very least, something that an amateur such as myself should be wary of...

[bugsy]

There is a diognostic port on my S3's ECU my mechanic plugged in a gismo that tested to see if any faults were showing up from the sensors.

[apguy]

OBD2 is not quite universal yet...

The rule that states OBD2 has to fitted to post 2000 model cars unfortunately only applies to the USA. Here in Europe we have no such legislation. You will find OBD2 sockets on most BMW and Mercs but point your Snap On Scanner at a Peugeot/Citroen etc and you'll need a different set of leads and a new Pod.

OBD stands for OnBoard Diagnostics. So check out
www.onboarddiagnostics.co.uk/ for more info.

[Podie]

apguy said:

...and a new Pod.

Why do you need a new one...?

[kentishS2]

Podie said:

apguy said: ...and a new Pod. Why do you need a new one...?

The old one is pasts it's prime?

[woody]

You could look at replacing the ECU with an aftermarket/competition mappable one.

A mate of mine has a DTA ECU on his westfield - apparently they are quite easy to re-map.

cheers

Chris

[kentishS2]

woody said:

You could look at replacing the ECU with an aftermarket/competition mappable one. A mate of mine has a DTA ECU on his westfield - apparently they are quite easy to re-map. cheers Chris

I couldn't see an application for the 2.9 V6 Cologne, I think the cossie unit will be rather different.

There was one that should fit the wifes freelander however!

[Podie]

kentishS2 said:

Podie said: apguy said: ...and a new Pod. Why do you need a new one...? The old one is pasts it's prime?

Well you're no spring chicken either…

[woody]

kentishS2 said:

woody said: You could look at replacing the ECU with an aftermarket/competition mappable one. A mate of mine has a DTA ECU on his westfield - apparently they are quite easy to re-map. cheers Chris I couldn't see an application for the 2.9 V6 Cologne, I think the cossie unit will be rather different. There was one that should fit the wifes freelander however!

Might be worth dropping them a line to see if they do one though. There's also OMEX - wasn't really singleing out any one specific manufacturer - just that that a route that could be looked into

Chris