ECU Tuning

[Tyler]

I have been experimenting around with this open source program I have recently found, called RomRaider. It seems to be a pretty powerful tool as far as the options available to you, and has a pretty long list of supported ECUs (many of them being Subaru). Has anybody else had experience with this program?
Also, if Eric takes a glimpse at this thread…. I would LOVE to see a video of you using this app on your old outback, if its compatible and you still have it that is.

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[dan]

personally i would be really cautions about programs that change or effect your PCM, quite typically when someone does a “tune.” on their vehicle or in other words, when someone changes the settings on their power train control module that is more supportive of performance VS fuel economy or longevity of the vehicle they get a aftermarket power train control module for their vehicle that is specifically designed from the factory to give you better performance and to give you the capability to plug in a laptop or other device and “Tune.” your vehicle.

For my grand prix for example they do make aftermarket PCMs for my car, my cars PCM cannot be adjusted at all, in order for me to “tune.” my car it would require i get the aftermarket PCM from ZZP or another company that allow me to do so.

[Michael]

13, you are aware of dhp powrtuner and hptuners, right? I have both, have been tuning 3800’s with my powrtuner since ’04 or ’05 when it first came out (bought it before swapping an L67 top end onto my L36 bottom end along with cam, intercooler, headers, etc). Unless your GP is an ’08, it can be tuned. In ’08 they went to a CAN-BUS system, last I remember even zzp couldn’t tune an ’08 v6 pcm.

Tyler, I can tell you with any pcm tuning, make small changes, and don’t make too many changes at once. Save your original tune and put it somewhere safe so you can always go back to a fresh start if needed. You’ll also want to be able to scan the car after making changes to see how it’s reacting, especially watching KR (knock retard), LTFT’s (fuel trims), timing, and 02’s (granted a narrowband is only accurate at 14.7, it’s still better than nothing if you don’t have a wideband).

[dan]

GrandPrix46 fully aware you can tune the older PCMs and not the newer ones.

[dan]

what you have to keep in mind is that there are a lot of devices and “chips.” out there that claim to give you more horsepower and are mymics or rip offs, a lot of Ebay garbage, i would simply be cautious. There is also almost no gains to be had from a tune with a stock car, maybe pick up on a little acceleration and remove the the governor, tunes make a real difference when the engine is built for performance, especially with turbochargers where you can control how much boost the turbo puts out and your air fuel mixtures.

As GrandPrix46 probably already knows, aftermarket PCMs by ZZP for example are purpose built for tuning and performance, these are far more capable at giving you gains especually in the performance world, when people throw on 3.4Inch pulleys or turbos that’s typically what the do, just go with a aftermarket PCM.

[Author]

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