Im a newbie to tuning

[444smoker]

Hey everybody im wanting to get into tuning on my truck, I just finished building the motor in it and am going to get it broke in then turn my attention to tuning. Im running Jodys programing right now, but would like to be able to do my own programing, (nothing against jody great guy) How do you all like this software? Im thinking pretty seriously about buying the package just looking for a little input on it.

Robert

[444smoker]

thanks Corey, One question would the base files that i get be set up for my big oil injectors and turbo to just get me into the ball park? Or would i be starting with a file thats a general tune for any stock OBS truck?

Robert

[444smoker]

ahh i see that works then.

Robert

[444smoker]

with this software i can tune for my 96, question is can on of my friends buy a chip from you and we tune it with the same software? im sure we can i just dont know if you have to buy additional software for the differant pcm code that he has.

Robert

[444smoker]

with this software i can tune for my 96, question is can on of my friends buy a chip from you and we tune it with the same software? im sure we can i just dont know if you have to buy additional software for the differant pcm code that he has.

Robert


I think i found the answer to my own question, $250 per RDT file (pcm code is what im understanding this to be).

Robert

[Power Hungry]

I was reading what Corey had posted and I can see a place where there may be some confusion so I wanted to take a second a clarify.

The MDF files (which used to be RDT files) are not changed depending on whether you have modifications or not. They are what they are and are based on the vehicle's PCM family. What she was referring to was that when we send a definition file, we include some base calibrations along with it. These do not include tuning for injectors or any other major modifications. We can provide customized base files for an additional charge.

Other than that, you are correct. $250.00 will get you another definition file to use on a different family of vehicle.

Hope this helps.

[John]

Out of curiosity, how many MDF's are there?

[cleatus12r]

There are dozens of .hex definitions....however, there are only about 8 that are worth having for 49-state applications. A few others for the California emissions models.

Take a look here....
http://www.thedieselstop.com/faq/9497faq/geninfo/pcmcodes.php3
In the last column there is a "Template". Match the first 5 digits and separate them into groups....then count how many groups contain the same first 5 digits.

For example, AEB0, AEB1, 2, 3, and 4 are all DPC-461 computer codes. However, they each require a different RDT to properly make tuning adjustments because the "template" is different. In this case, it is common practice to use one RDT and corresponding base file to tune with. (I know, preposition at the end of the sentence is wrong!!) To make it more complicated, match the DPC-461 with any other DPC-461 and you can put an AEB3 tune in GDU0-4. As an example, it's common practice to use PMT1 in any DPC-422 PCM.

[444smoker]

Ahh that makes sense, So i just ran outside and checked out my pcm code and its a DPC-202 and it has the NAW4 code in it, would there be a better code to base off of than the NAW4 from the link it looked like there were quite a few codes for the DPC-202?

By the way thanks Bill for clarifying that for me it all just klicked for me.

Robert

[cleatus12r]

So i just ran outside and checked out my pcm code and its a DPC-202 and it has the NAW4 code in it, would there be a better code to base off of than the NAW4 from the link it looked like there were quite a few codes for the DPC-202?



Robert

A resounding YES!!

NAW4 SUCKS. TDE1 is the one you're going to want. So, regardless of who your chip comes from, order TDE1. Also tell the operator that you want a 3-4 shift at 41-43 MPH...not 10.

[444smoker]

A resounding YES!!

NAW4 SUCKS. TDE1 is the one you're going to want. So, regardless of who your chip comes from, order TDE1. Also tell the operator that you want a 3-4 shift at 41-43 MPH...not 10.

Seriously ha ha!! I hate that in my stock tune it shifts into 3rd and lock the TQ right at the same time, who ever thought of that needs a slap in the face.

Within the next week or two im going to be ordering the minotaur software package here from Bill and am going to start working on it myself. So i will let him know (Im sure he already knows without me telling him) to go for the TDE1 code.

I know the Minotaur software is pretty new but it seems to be getting popular and i think it is going to get really popular IMO! But how willing and open is everybody to share data and email files back and forth with each other? I personally would share any bit if info or files i create with anybody, But thats just me, I was just curious if everybody else viewed it the same way or if you all keep to yourself with files and data.

Robert

[cleatus12r]

I've sent out a lot of files from my Sniper tuning. I will share whatever I have really....it's not that big of deal to me. I don't have any competition in this area (yet) so I will give you any files I have.

On a side note, I don't mess with any timing tables much (meaning very little changes) so there are always going to be gains (to a certain extent) if I give you a few files and you make a few changes to them. I'm afraid of death rattle.

[cleatus12r]

Here's a screenshot of my most popular "Daily Driver" setup for TDE1. The black lines are stock. The blue are modified. The top graph is 3-4 shift speed while the lower is 3rd gear TC lock.

[444smoker]

thats awsome, as im sure you can see im pretty heavily modified and am somewhat shooting for around the 600hp mark but i want to tune that in fairly realiably so im sure i have alot of work ahead of me.

Robert

[cleatus12r]

Really, TDE1 by itself (factory flash) isn't much better than NAW4 as far as actual shift points go. However, the glow plug control and torque converter lockup strategies are much better. You probably notice that your TC unlocks as soon as you lift your right foot.....TDE1 will not unlock until you tap the brake. Unfortunately, that's as good as it gets with the OBS PCMs.

[soutthpaw]

Well It seems my Excursion has the EBM3 code and according to Bill's Chart at Dieselstop it says the folllowing
2001 EBM3 1L119Y0B11 DPC-452 1C3F-XD 7.3L EXCURSION DIESEL - AUTOMATIC 50S VRAA7Y6

I am not sure what to make of this info so if anyone wants to enlighten me that would be great. Is this a good PCM or do I need to find a better option (truck in sig).. what will or won't work for stock files
I'm also waiting for a reply from Bill, hopefully this weekend so I can get the Minotaur software running and chip installed:howdy: I think I need the MDF or RTD files still... I don't see any way to get any of the graphs to show with all the paramaters so I guess I am not quite 100% setup yet...:shrug:
Thanks
DJ

[soutthpaw]

Ok I found 1 MDF file it is CDAN4.mdf and appears to be for a Gas vehicle as it has a bunch of spark stuff... Haven't found the Sparks plugs on my PSD yet:smiley_roll1:

I do see all the graphs, maps etc now :thumbs up yellow: also was able to load the binary for my PCM but not sure what to do next.. So guess I do still need the 7.3 MDF files.


at least now I can play with the software a bit...:control::postwhore:

[roosterdiesel]

With out your MDF you can't tune anyting for your Ex. The mustang file will allow you to play with rotating maps and such but the tables in the PSD will be alot different.

[cleatus12r]

Well It seems my Excursion has the EBM3 code and according to Bill's Chart at Dieselstop it says the folllowing
2001 EBM3 1L119Y0B11 DPC-452 1C3F-XD 7.3L EXCURSION DIESEL - AUTOMATIC 50S VRAA7Y6

I am not sure what to make of this info so if anyone wants to enlighten me that would be great.

EBM3 is the "box code". DPC-452 is your PCM hardware code. 50S simply means it's legal for a California calibration (49S would mean NOT California). VRAA7Y6 is the "hex code". VRAA7 is the MDF you will need to tune it.


Is this a good PCM or do I need to find a better option (truck in sig).. what will or won't work for stock files.

There shouldn't be an issue with the PCM code you have. I don't have any experience with the Excursion PCMs but I will take a stab at it and say that it's comparable to the truck PMT2/3 box code due to the "VRAA7" hex code.

I'm also waiting for a reply from Bill, hopefully this weekend so I can get the Minotaur software running and chip installed:howdy: I think I need the MDF or RTD files still... I don't see any way to get any of the graphs to show with all the paramaters so I guess I am not quite 100% setup yet...:shrug:
Thanks
DJ

As far as the graphs go, you won't get them in "parameters"...you'll only get numerical data. "Maps" will give you linear and 3D views. "Functions" will give you linear views.



See red text.

[soutthpaw]

Cody, thanks for that info, I think all the Ex's were 50 state as all Ex's have a GPCM rather than just the GPR setup.. Had to replace my GPCM recently. One nice thing about the GPCM is it tells you exactly which Glow Plugs are bad.. Hence mine was #4 but there was also a problem as kept getting communication signal error code for the GPCM.

Oh and a question about the last part of your response. Does that mean that the Parameters, Maps, and Functions are 3 different ways of displaying the same data?

[cleatus12r]

Not the SAME data...but each header alters different aspects of the tuning.

Here's WHERE the "parameters", "maps", and "functions" come from:

[soutthpaw]

Talked with Bill last night and he is going to use the 2001 EBM1 DPC-452 VRAA6 base files as he says it has better shifting than the EBM2 or 3 files... Only thing I will need to do is disable the PATS functions... which is fine with me cuz I hate the damn thing..... Only have one matching key anyway which is ziptied to the ign column:whistle1: But he is gonna do that on an initial set of canned tunes so it makes my initial setup and install as easy as possible:happy-dancing: :thanks: Bill

I guess the EBM 1 2 3 are similar to the PMT 1 2 3's used in the trucks? If I remember the PMT1 is the preferred PCM due to shifting quality right? I would think the shift patterns on the Excursions are different from the F250s due to the max CGVW and that u cannot gooseneck or 5wheel an Excursion. They probably are a bit softer for that SUV effect too

[cleatus12r]

I guess the EBM 1 2 3 are similar to the PMT 1 2 3's used in the trucks? If I remember the PMT1 is the preferred PCM due to shifting quality right?

Since the definition files used for each are the same (EBM1/PMT1 are VRAA6 and the EBM2/3 and PMT2/3 are VRAA7) I would assume that the shift characteristics would be very similar.

There are certain aspects of PMT1 that are better. With the way my wife and I drive when unloaded, we would never know a difference. The differences really start to show up when towing (as well as racing...so I hear...but we don't do that). Namely the forced 4-3 downshift TC strategy and the WOT lockup.

[soutthpaw]

Yay:woot: Just got the MDF and some binaries from Bill. He had to shut down for a bit due to thunderstorms but I got a few questions about the interface and values
is 0=off and 1=on for things like PATS
There are 2 columns in Parameters. is blue the original values for the stock PCM file and blue the modified value or is Blue the stock sett for the specific binary that is loaded, say 100 HP tune

Under functions there are items like FN012, FN013 and so on? what the heck are those??? some explanation please

[cleatus12r]

Yay:woot: Just got the MDF and some binaries from Bill. He had to shut down for a bit due to thunderstorms but I got a few questions about the interface and values
is 0=off and 1=on for things like PATS
There are 2 columns in Parameters. is blue the original values for the stock PCM file and blue the modified value or is Blue the stock sett for the specific binary that is loaded, say 100 HP tune

Under functions there are items like FN012, FN013 and so on? what the heck are those??? some explanation please

I sure wish I could get MY definitions......

The BLACK is the one you are modifying. The BLUE is the one you're comparing to. You'll get a green and red if you load more binaries into the program at once.

Usually, the "FN" values are simply normalizers, scalars, and undefined items. There isn't too much in any of those that you'll even need to be concerned with.

The stuff you NEED is already defined.

[soutthpaw]

I sure wish I could get MY definitions......

The BLACK is the one you are modifying. The BLUE is the one you're comparing to. You'll get a green and red if you load more binaries into the program at once.


The stuff you NEED is already defined.
Oh:doh: hence the color code next to the binary file... I should have figured that one out
I know why it didn't click, I had 2 binaries open but they were both the same file heehee