Newbie to tuning, looking to learn!

by **dtch** » Sun Mar 26, 2017 11:44 pm

Hi, my name's Russell. I'm looking to learn about ECU Maps and tuning in hopes of being able to do my own tunes on my VW Golf. I've got an old beater car to mess around on (98 Chevy Metro) that won't matter if it blows up. Can anyone tell me what software and hardware I need to get started?

I'd prefer something free to get started. I already have an ELM-327 OBDII-USB interface that I've been using with ScanMaster to read diagnostics. Will this work with controlling the ECU as well?

Thanks in advance.

by **Houdini** » Mon Mar 27, 2017 10:47 am

hi man to start to tune you will never get everything for free. tool, tuning programs ect cost loads of money. if you are only looking to tune your car i wouldn't recommend buying tools for only your car

by **Shooting** » Mon Mar 27, 2017 11:49 am

dtch wrote:Hi, my name's Russell. I'm looking to learn about ECU Maps and tuning in hopes of being able to do my own tunes on my VW Golf. I've got an old beater car to mess around on (98 Chevy Metro) that won't matter if it blows up. Can anyone tell me what software and hardware I need to get started?

I'd prefer something free to get started. I already have an ELM-327 OBDII-USB interface that I've been using with ScanMaster to read diagnostics. Will this work with controlling the ECU as well?

Thanks in advance.

An ELM327 is just a Diagnostic interface, to read ECU's you need a programmer, like MPPS or KESS or on petrol cars even a Galletto 1260.. but these are all OBD and for real tuning you need to remove the ECU and read on a bench with a proper tool.
I've spent 1000's on tools and till need more, I too am still learning but it's got expensive and wouldn't recommend you start until you have all the facts.
To read your Golf you could try an MPPS and to edit it I'd suggest WinOLS, but this is just one solution, there are many...
There are many YouTube videos on WinOLS and with some reading you can soon can make basic mods.
Almost all pro tuners will be screaming "Don't" but this is just the the general response from them, and remember any tune you post for rating will almost always be crap lol... according to pro tuners lol
I posted a pro tune for rating and all the pro tuners said it was crap, even the guy who made it hahaha...
Don't be put off tho as the rewards are good if you take your time and read lots!
This is a brilliant site for learning and everyone here is friendly so don't be afraid to ask questions ;)

regards