Some Questions on Tuning, mostly LSX...Please be nice and helpful.

I apologize ahead of time as I am inexperienced in the tuning world. In fact I have not tuned a car (yet). I am stubborn and will teach my self how to do so by countless hours of reading and question asking. I have done much reading on the forum and books I have purchased and developed a few questions. Some of the questions pertain to LSx motors. So please reply only if you have something productive to offer to this thread. I thank you for your help.

1.) The basis of tuning is to make the engine breath more efficient? The better the burn, the better the explosion, the better the cylinder pressure?

2.) Is there a general table or map you create when tuning and the software automatically adjusts and creates a new map?

3.) In the Corvette, the MAF is directly after the large airbox. The MAF has a straight through design with no honey comb. Does this negatively effect MAF output? Is it beneficial to move it upstream?

4.) Can you disable CAGS and enable fans to come on at earlier temps with EFI Live?

5.) The addition of Headers is rumored to cause a lean mixture. Why is that? What would one do to correct that?

6.) What does the addition of a higher flowing CAI set-up do to the mixture?

7.) Why can't the stock PCM tune compensate effectively for such mods?

Sorry for all the questions. They are probably simple I just need to cover the basics before I can get more technical. Again thanks for the help.

A few quick answers.
1 Tuning is about describing the fitted hardware & engine characteristics to the PCM & making them work the most efficiently. Hardware changes (cam, intake ,exhaust etc) are what really makes the engine breathe better, better combustion etc.
2 Read the AutoVE tutorial. This explains maps etc to get the fuelling into line. Spark etc needs other methods.(like using a dyno)
3 Had no experience with corvettes. I prefer maf's as a paperweight but thats just me.
4 Yes
5 Headers can help the cylinder exhaust scavenging leaving more room for good clean airmass. If the PCM doesnt know about this extra airmass it will not inject enough fuel, causing a lean condition. If in closed loop the O2 sensors will trim the fuelling accordingly & you will be back to a good air fuel mixture in no time.
6 A CAI will allow cooler air into the cylinder, once again increasing the airmass.
7 It can to a point. But to get the most benefit a tune is a must. As a general rule the higher the cylinder airmass the less spark that is needed.

Oh & welcome to the forum:cheers:

Great info, thanks for the help. I will read the Auto tune thread.

Welcome :cheers:

More info, follow the links in my sig, also see my profile page.

I should remember that & just send people over to your profile Joe. Some good info in there.

here's my tuning commandments:

Physics is undodgable--don't oversimplify complex issues.
Tune reflects reality--bad data cause bad consequences.
Know your hardware--don't tune around physical problems.
Know your limits--don't lie to the ECU.
Nature has no sharp corners--all transitions are gradual.

everything else pretty much can be mapped onto one of these babies

Regarding your #3: GM developed firmware to compensate for the amount of turbulance and bends, etc. for the stock intake system. This firmware was based on the auto meeting the various EPA type regulations around the world. With EFILive, you can move the placement of the MAF because it allows you the means compensate for changes made to your intake path yet maintain a drivable car/truck. The PCM has two govenring bodies in its operation, one is speed density--a fixed set of rules and the other is MAF--a dynamic reaction to a general set of rules.

That being said, many who add turbo/superchargers and many who drag race prefer to run ionly in the speed density mode. Road racers and many who use their cars/trucks as daily drivers/autocrossers/canyon runners prefer the MAF/SD mode, for example, PrattMiller ran dual MAF's on the C5R and now on the C6R Corvettes

Welcome and you will find a wealth of information and talent on this site and most of the learning curve questions can be readily found by asking questions and using the search tab.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by redhardsupra

here's my tuning commandments:

Physics is undodgable--don't oversimplify complex issues.
Tune reflects reality--bad data cause bad consequences.
Know your hardware--don't tune around physical problems.
Know your limits--don't lie to the ECU.
Nature has no sharp corners--all transitions are gradual.

everything else pretty much can be mapped onto one of these babies

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Isnt there 5 commandments missing from this post Marcin? LOL.
Extremely valid points though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by redhardsupra

here's my tuning commandments:

Physics is undodgable--don't oversimplify complex issues.
Tune reflects reality--bad data cause bad consequences.
Know your hardware--don't tune around physical problems.
Know your limits--don't lie to the ECU.
Nature has no sharp corners--all transitions are gradual.

everything else pretty much can be mapped onto one of these babies

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I like those...:cheers:..."if you try to cheat reality, reality will get even". :)