Car tuning tips

[Daan_clark]

I’m thinking of trying Car tuning, I’m a relatively recently qualified mechanic but I am more interested in the tuning side of things. I am thinking of doing a course with the obd company in Chester(would love any reviews on and training). There isn’t anyone with a huge reputation by me but there also isn’t a huge head population but there is enough. I’m just really wondering any tips and also to know what equipment I need.

[samoht]

When you say 'tuning', I assume you are referring to remapping? What sort of cars?

It seems to me that there's a fundamental difference between applying a map that someone else has provided, by either installing a chip or reflashing the stock one, as against actually making your own map. The former is basically just fitting a part, the latter involves developing an understanding of what's actually going on, i.e. air/fuel ratios and so on.

One of the best-regarded mappers of RX-7s got started by playing around with his own car, seeing what difference changing various values made. With the APEXI aftermarket ECUs used on these, they come with a little controller that you can use to review and tweak the map, although plugging in a laptop is the best way. It's all quite open and accessible to newbies, although be warned that one mistake can destroy your engine. Also don't try and learn on a rotary, piston engines are much more robust to small errors! A piston-engined turbo Japanese car with an APEXI would be one route to learning.

In terms of equipment, to do a map I think a wideband air-fuel ratio meter, stuck up the exhaust pipe, is your key tool - the changes to ignition, fuel and boost will show up as AFR changes. An exhaust gas temperature sensor and a knock stethoscope could also be useful. Also, you need a way of getting your map onto the engine, which will depend on what car and whether you want to use an aftermarket ECU or flash the stock item. Use of a dyno probably makes it easier, although some well-regarded people map on the road.

I had a quick look at the company you link to. I have no experience, but just judging on the professionalism and attention to detail shown on their respective websites, I would consider having a look at http://www.emacademy.co.uk/Courses.aspx , which seems more confidence-inspiring to me.

In terms of finding customers, if you do good work I think you'll find word of mouth on owners' forums will bring people to you.

[DuraAce]

Daan_clark said:

I’m thinking of trying Car tuning, I’m a relatively recently qualified mechanic but I am more interested in the tuning side of things. I am thinking of doing a course with the obd company in Chester(would love any reviews on and training). There isn’t anyone with a huge reputation by me but there also isn’t a huge head population but there is enough. I’m just really wondering any tips and also to know what equipment I need.

Saturated market IMHO. Generic plug and play remaps (without a proper rolling road setup are everywhere)

How will you convince me to let you mess with my car rather than use an established 'named' tuner?
Are you providing warranty? What if your (lack of) mapping skills blow my turbo/engine up? Or you fry my ecu whilst it's open?

[PSH]

Are you talking tuning other peoples cars as a business...not a good idea without a lot of knowledge on the subject or are you talking about modifying your own car? If the latter you'd need to give details of your car then those that have experience modifying that particular model may be able to give some advice...

Pete