What items are needed (list by manufacturer and model #), where to purchase, and cost. This will be used on an '87 computer.

Also, where does one obtain these bin files that I hear about. Can you read what is currently on a chip? I have a Stage IV custom, and would like to know how tuners get around the 255 g/L MAF issue.

Thanks,
Aaron

 

(A great post for a much needed prom section)


Datarase II ~ $50
Eprom Programmer ~ $150-$250 ( I use the Needham's EMP-10)
Programming Software ~ free - $200 (I use Tunercat)

Yes you can read the existing bin and save it to your pc. That's how you pretty much get started.

To get around the 255gps maf restriction, go to MAP!! :)


That's all you need to actually make a chip, but to properly tune the car you'll also need a laptop, and diagnostic software like Diacom. I got both for less than $200 used.

The diy-efi.org ftp site has plenty of stock bin files to mess with.

 

Ditto to Craig's post and; alternative is pocket programmer-$130.00. There isn't a solution for the maf limit-thats why Craig said to go speed density. And I've found that a lot of "pay for" chip tuners scramble the locations of their tables so you can't read them unless you figure out what they put where. It's sorta their version of a copyright. With an 87 computer you can use a bin file from an 86 (tdf-32) 87 or 88 (tdf-32B) or an 89 (tdf-6E). The computer's the same-just load a diff. bin. Everyone is tending towards the 89 code as it gives you lots more-like "hwy mode" which leans it out at cruise to improve mileage. Oh yea, tdf stands for "tuner definition file". Check out tunercat.com for what all the different tdf's have in their tables. Have fun!

 

You can get a flash version (EEPROM) of the EPROM that goes into the ecm that will eliminate the need for the $50 dataerase UV eraser. The pocket programmer claims to do that without an adapter.

Here's a link to a bunch of bin files for the 165 ECM -

ftp://ftp.diy-efi.org/pub/gmecm/bins/1227165/

 

They add in more fuel in power enrichment at high RPM. With the motor your are building I think you are really on the edge (and perhaps beyond) the tunability of MAF system. You may have some 2/3 throttle issue with car still in closed loop mode but you won't be able to add anymore fuel because of the 255 MAf issues.

 

FYI: The Ftp site is up-n-down all the time. Some day's its there, some not.

 

Guys,
Thanks for all the responses.

The reason I have asked this question, is that I am on the verge of spending more cash to finalize the tuning. I see three options:
1) spend the $400 to pay for another custom chip taylored to my "current" combo
2) spend the cash required to by all the items needed to program my own chips, possibly some others. Already have DIACOM plus and laptop, but DIACOM will not connect in ALDL mode, just diagnostic, which means that I own a very expensive O2 sensor reader. Does anyone have a total cost for all the items, it looks like it is well under $400? Where do I buy all these items? I am really nervous about not being able to read the old bin files from my existing chip as a starting point. The chip is an old Formato custom chip.
3) purchase what I really want, which is the FELPRO w/ wide band O2, which sells for just over $2000 with harness, wide band O2 and N2O module.

I feel that I have the car programmed to approx 80%, but it is not made to be at 80%. Eileen has no worries of being able to handle the combo (somewhere around 650 RWHP). She says it is very "doable" with the MAF. I have read many times on the forum of members that haven't a clue as to the "trick" that is required to pass the 255 g/L MAF limit. I feel that I as a beginner, I probably have very little chance of figuring it out.

Thanks again for all the replies.

BTW, we do need a tuning forum under C4 for just such questions.

Aaron