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DIY Tuning Options

Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2020 9:07 am
by Hilly13
Morning all, I have a question regarding tuning rangers, is there a product/system available that enables the end user to develop a custom engine calibration at home by gathering data while driving, washing that data through a program and applying changes to the calibration used to gather the data, reflashing the new calibration and repeat without sending the data to a third party?
I tune motorcycles in this way so just wondering if a similar system is available for these vehicles.
If not then I will find a good dyno tuner to get it sorted.

Re: DIY Tuning Options

Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2020 9:33 am
by Bala1
I have Bazazz on one of my bikes but have not read of anything similar for cars.

I dont think bikes, or at least my L1 GSXR have any where near the sensors etc that late model diesels do.

Would be nice though.

Re: DIY Tuning Options

Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2020 3:15 pm
by Hilly13
Yeah, thought I'd ask as sometimes things exist that are not commonly talked about, drove a GQ for the last 15 years and haven't had anything to do with tuning computerized cars, bikes yes, cars no. Thanks for the reply.

Re: DIY Tuning Options

Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2020 5:22 pm
by Corndog
Is this what your after? Google MyCalibrator

Re: DIY Tuning Options

Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2020 9:55 pm
by CatHerder
HP Tuners supports the Ranger 2.2/3.2 ECU's. You don't get access to everything, but you do get access to a fair bit including the auto tranny. If you haven't dealt with multiple layers of tables, then I suggest you go to a shop that already does this (MyCalibrator - BPT) as $1500-2000 with a before/after dyno is a bargain vs trying to reverse engineer and DIY. The SID208 (pre-DPF) ECU is much simpler than the SID209.
If you're a nerd then this fills in Covid time.

Re: DIY Tuning Options

Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 9:47 am
by Bala1
It looks like mycalibrator, in its retail off the self form, is installing a predefined tune?

For bikes which are of course petrol and far less technical that a ranger there were various options for the Gsxr when I was looking about 9 years ago.

The main ones, You could have full access to the ecu similar to forscan,

Then there were two other piggy back units that you install. By installing a wide band o2 sensor in the exhaust you simply ride and it will log the AFR data.

Power Commander could makes changes as you rode.

I use Bazazz where I set a target AFR and then ride then plug in laptop and accept recommended changes, or you can make manual changes.

It did what I needed it to but I agree with the view that nothing is better than a Dyno tune by a reputable tuner.

Re: DIY Tuning Options

Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 10:05 pm
by Hilly13
Thanks for the replies, yes there are differences between diesels and petrols but you might be surprised at how many tables are available in some of the software that is readily available, anyway was just using the bike analogy to give an idea of what I was chasing, non of the options are really what I was after so my best bet would be the old "do it once do it right with the tune then,

Re: DIY Tuning Options

Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2020 8:02 am
by Hilly13
The Mycalibrator seems to be a good way to get at the trans programming, for that alone it would be worth the unit cost plus tune file, a question on the unit though, it says in the blurb it can copy the ECM calibration for the engine, does this mean that after I get my vehicle dyno tuned I can copy that tune to Mycalibrator? Be a handy backup if for some reason the tune got wiped by accident if that's the case.

Re: DIY Tuning Options

Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2020 7:19 pm
by saeb
It will download the current PCM to the MyCal. You would still be best to confirm with BPT on what you are wanting to acheive though.

Re: DIY Tuning Options

Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2020 9:01 pm
by Hilly13
Thanks Stewart, sent them a message today via their website, hopefully hear back next week, no immediate rush, have a few things to sort first.

Re: DIY Tuning Options

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:39 pm
by Hilly13
Ended up going with the Mycalibrator, turned up today, have flashed in the engine and trans calibrations, looking forward to driving it tomorrow.

Re: DIY Tuning Options

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2020 10:44 pm
by Hilly13
We'll don't these wake the 3.2 up :)

Re: DIY Tuning Options

Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 12:08 pm
by Tomford
So how is the performance increase on a percentage basis. ?
And does second gear on the Auto fell stronger?

Re: DIY Tuning Options

Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 3:27 pm
by Bill68
Hilly13 wrote: Tue Sep 08, 2020 10:44 pm We'll don't these wake the 3.2 up :)
You have my attention, Im waiting patently for your thoughts as Ive just found out they also have a tune for the upgraded Garret Turbo.

Re: DIY Tuning Options

Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2020 2:11 pm
by Hilly13
I have no dyno results that can quantify the gains, all I can say is that running the max eng and trans tunes makes for a stronger running rig, first morning after flashing them in and leaving the driveway with trailer in tow the bus pulled as hard or harder than prior to tunes without the trailer, the trans shifts really well, even better after a fluid change, it had 133000ks on the oil, it does not turn them into an animal but for what it is it's damn decent and very noticeable.

Re: DIY Tuning Options

Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2020 10:49 pm
by Bill68
Hilly13 wrote: Sun Dec 20, 2020 2:11 pm I have no dyno results that can quantify the gains, all I can say is that running the max eng and trans tunes makes for a stronger running rig, first morning after flashing them in and leaving the driveway with trailer in tow the bus pulled as hard or harder than prior to tunes without the trailer, the trans shifts really well, even better after a fluid change, it had 133000ks on the oil, it does not turn them into an animal but for what it is it's damn decent and very noticeable.
Thanks im thinking of buying the Garret powermax turbo upgrading the intercooler and 3'' exhaust as they also have a tune to suit and are saying 220hp
670nm

Re: DIY Tuning Options

Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2020 9:13 am
by Brente1982
Would love to hear someones thoughts on this who has a DPF model. While I'm not after performance gains as such (i didnt buy my ranger to be a race vehicle like so many others seem to want it to be), if I'm going to put a tune in this would be the path i go down and have been looking at them for a couple of years now. Will have a brand new 3.1T van come June, so the trans tune I'm definitely interested in, coupled with the wholesale auto trans cooler and bypass valve.

Re: DIY Tuning Options

Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2022 9:40 am
by markie90
Re-hashing an old post, any updates on how the Mycal has been going?