So, I wish I could afford a class with EFI University but I just can't. So I was considering getting Ben Straders book.



But some of the Amazon reviews were pretty negative. So I have been looking at this book by Jeff Hartman instead.



I run Uberdata on my LS-t and have tuned the fuel portion of the map quite a bit. I want to know more about tuning timing before investing in dyno time. So I am looking for some fairly detailed info regarding adjusting timing maps. Things like what exactly the values in the timing map mean, what portions of the map to modify, and how to make power yet recognize the limit BEFORE doing damage.

I plan to use another EMS on my next project and so I liked that Straders book covers several brands. I am somewhat nervous about spend money on a system and then hoping I can figure it out. UD was free and there were several tutorials so the investment was little and comfort level high. I haven't really seen any tutorials that cover timing adjustments in detail though.

reccomendations?

 

Kind of put the car on the back burner. Still need to learn about tuning timing. The fuel table is pretty straight forward. The wide band basically shows what sections need adjustment. Still kinda lost on the timing map, would you simply select all cells and bump up 2% until the motor knocks or stops making power? Then pull everything back 2% or so for safety? Would you adjust some cells and not others, or keep it all or nothing?

What books or articles helped you get started tuning timing for power?

 

From my best understanding, and I am still very new at tuning, is to learn the in's and out's of how an engine functions, and what exactly happens internally first before going deeper into tuning. It is best to understand the complexity of the situation before making any changes to anything on the system. Once you get a great deal of knowledge about the chemistry and physics of the engine, then it would be safer to proceed onward. From my understanding, tuning ignition isn't just a "hear it knock, retard timing X%" kind of thing. One of the best ways to start tuning that I see also is being able to read and determine engine behavior by the spark plugs. They are the truth tell-all being of how your motor is reacting. If you know what a plug is supposed to look like and the signs of "misbehavior" from your plugs, you can save yourself from a hard hitting headache.

 

It's an awesome book - I learned a hell of a lot- I read it twice.
but I was not willing to pay $98 on amazon - I searched the web and found it for $20-(try to find a used copy). The book covers the basics necessary for the class. Although you wont be tuning just from reading the book; it is extremely detailed and will give you the best intro to tuning if you cannot take the class. If you can shell out the $500 for the EFI class I sure as hell recommend it; but the book is a great start- just search hard for a good price on it.

 

Wait... What book is $98?

Both of the books mentioned above can be had for ~$20 brand new.

Edit: Scratch that. I thought I was looking at a different book initially.

The Greg Banish books are my personal favorite for non-engineering level stuff. Lots of good usable info.

 

I can't believe that someone is still looking for books on tuning after 2 years. I had chipped and tuned an ECU for my own daily driver and 4 of my buddies within 3-4 months of first learning that Honda ECU's could be chipped. Pretty much anything that you want to read about tuning can be found online for free. Other than that it is all hands on, ehter learning from someone or learning it on your own.

x2 on the Greg Banish books. His "Engine Management Advanced Tuning" and "High Performance Fuel Injection Systems" are 2 great books IMO.

 

I would agree that just about anything you want to learn about tuning can be found online. But one of the most difficult parts of learning this way is determining which information is crap and which is reliable. After a while you begin to be able to tell the difference but it is a hurdle in the beginning.

 

go on the EFI university forums, read everything you can.

seriously, the $500 is well worth it for the class...its so easy to be overwhelmed with tuning, but to hear it, understand it, and then see it performed live in front of you is far superior to any book or online video/class you could possibly find.

think about everything you truly "believe" and think about how much easier it is to conceptualize and believe in what you saw in person with your very own eyes

 

With Hondas, I've found the least amount of timing advance needed to make the power is just about right. How would you determine that? Try to get one of those accelerometers that suction-cup to the windshield and plug into the cigarette lighter. You make a couple acceleration runs, make an adjustment and repeat. For cruise, if you can see vacuum and/or TPS readings, you want the least amount of timing that gives you the highest vacuum or lowest TPS reading possible while maintaining speed/load.

Of course, dyno time can short-cut the process by weeks. Hope this helps.

Mike