23 replies to this topic

[76lxhatch]

Then dont cheap out on a ECU RE-MAP. Spend the few hundred extra and go with something like a haltech. theres alot more they can do with them, including multiple map tunes. well worth the investment.

That all depends on the tools and ability of the tuner. It may well be cost saving in the long run to go to aftermarket computer if your tuner is more competent with a particular brand, but the factory ECUs are extremely flexible and can do all sorts of stuff very well.

[76lxhatch]

speedo? i thought the output for speedos was on the gearbox?

Yes but the ECU requires a speed input which is taken care of by a sensor driven off the gearbox, so if you want to retain the cable driven speedo as well then you need some method of driving both the sensor and the cable.

Just get your factory ECU modded with KALMAKER software - allows factory ECU to be tuned like an aftermarket one and factory ECU is a lot better for a street driven car.

The factory ECU can be reprogrammed with a simple chip change regardless of what software you use, Kalmaker and some others use a copy protection mechanism that means you can be up for more expense each time you want to change it.

[tsn007]

The problem that i have found with ecu retuning is that its costly about $1250-1900

Most tuners are now into LS1,2,3's

[76lxhatch]

The Kalmaker conversion to the std ECU is $1210 - but the ECU is then completely laptop programmable, just like a Motech etc.

Its just a matter of installing some NVRAM and a suitable tune that allows writing through the ALDL connection, don't have to spend $1200 to do it:
http://www.delcohacking.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=71

Or the alternative, which is what I've done, is to get an emulator which can effectively do the same thing for any ECU - tune the car then write a chip once finished.

[76lxhatch]

Tunerpro is free, if you convert your ECU to run the NVRAM then you don't need an EPROM burner because you're not using an EPROM - and the whole point is that it is real time! If you do want to stick with EPROMs the Delco is a good ECU to do so because it offers very in depth datalogging for detailed feedback.

Kalmaker's advantage lies in the expertise behind the scenes, but its not what I would consider a worthwhile proposition for DIY

[76lxhatch]

Kalmaker is overpriced considering you have to supply the ECU separately - but you are paying for their software and all the thousands of hours they spent breaking the GMH code and writing the interface.

I'm pretty sure Kalmaker tunes use the factory ECU? Hence needing to disassemble the GM code.

I could be wrong but I think they just write you a chip when finished tuning, just like everyone else.

[Dasman56]

Kalmaker was good 5-10 yeas ago when there were'nt many other options for the factory ecu's. Now if you do a search of the internet you'll find what Kalmaker costs $1200 for, every one on the internet is doing for almost nothing. http://support.moate...ch-20-overview/ All you need is this emulator that turns the factory ecu into a REALTIME 100% programable unit ( all up about $200 ). All the software is completley free. But this is definately a DIY propositon, if you take your factroy tune and tweek it no worries, but an all out retune on a highly modified engine will take a bit more know how. Thats were taking your car to a tuner with a system he is familiar with can be a big advantage.

[gtrboyy]

Years ago we put injected top end onto an early block that still had the std dished pistons,ran fine..I think we had to use the vn pushrods as well although I cant remember if there was a difference in lengths.

You could feel that it a bit less low down grunt due to less cr so we put into limp mode & changed the timing from 10deg to 12 no problem at all,probably could have gone to 14 as was the trick back then if you run premium but I cbf'd getting to the dissy as it was in a vk,mate was happy with it anyway..vk with t5 & 3.45 b/w lsd went heaps better than his old carby 308,had bit more grunt,used less fuel & generally a nicer car to drive.