This forum's mods did people like you a disservice. There USED to be a tuning section in this forum...where some heavy reading would have answered many questions. I haven't found a good way to filter for those particular threads. Maybe someone posted a good high-level view of tuning considerations?

I remember trolling the net for information. Keep in mind computers HAVE gotten more complex -- but most of the basics are the same. Mostly, you're shooting for timing, fuel, idle, WOT, warm-up and maybe VATS. Other forums (like ThirdGen.org) would have discussion directly related to our cars. Most of the same parms exist in ODBII systems which is why I linked a page (above) with descriptions/terms that could be helpful. It's an example to show what I mean.

Another BIG thing to realize is you aren't really programming. You are changing parameters that affect the computer's "decisions". There is some logic to what you can do, but you aren't changing statements of operation. For many, this basic nugget should remove a lot of mystery.

Now...
http://www.thirdgen.org/forums/diy-prom/
may be the absolute best place to start!

I think this 3rdGen forum provided as much of a primer as anything. (And that forum has better organization.) Of course, there were a few forum members who were nice enough to fill in the blanks. I doubt you'll have a problem seeking them out.

That said, I think it's most "fair" to do some reading to help ask the best questions.

If your car isn't terribly modified, I'd be curious why you bought software for tuning? PCM4Less can provide small, basic changes on the cheap. OTOH, knowing how to use tuning software becomes a great diagnostic to help with these "1st gen" computerized cars.

 

[QUOTE=GREGGPENN;1593029369]This forum's mods did people like you a disservice. There USED to be a tuning section in this forum...where some heavy reading would have answered many questions. I haven't found a good way to filter for those particular threads. Maybe someone posted a good high-level view of tuning considerations?

I remember trolling the net for information. Keep in mind computers HAVE gotten more complex -- but most of the basics are the same. Mostly, you're shooting for timing, fuel, idle, WOT, warm-up and maybe VATS. Other forums (like ThirdGen.org) would have discussion directly related to our cars. Most of the same parms exist in ODBII systems which is why I linked a page (above) with descriptions/terms that could be helpful. It's an example to show what I mean.

Another BIG thing to realize is you aren't really programming. You are changing parameters that affect the computer's "decisions". There is some logic to what you can do, but you aren't changing statements of operation. For many, this basic nugget should remove a lot of mystery.

Now...
http://www.thirdgen.org/forums/diy-prom/
may be the absolute best place to start!

I think this 3rdGen forum provided as much of a primer as anything. (And that forum has better organization.) Of course, there were a few forum members who were nice enough to fill in the blanks. I doubt you'll have a problem seeking them out.

That said, I think it's most "fair" to do some reading to help ask the best questions.

If your car isn't terribly modified, I'd be curious why you bought software for tuning? PCM4Less can provide small, basic changes on the cheap. OTOH, knowing how to use tuning software becomes a great diagnostic to help with these "1st gen" computerized cars.[/QU


I got software and burner so I can change things such at fan setting, idle speed, egr delete and so forth. I already did the "send chip off thing" and it cost too much and I really enjoy doing it myself. Like you said, I am not really tuning the ecu, don't know enough about it. Later I will mod my car and want to know as mush as I can. l check the web site you suggested all the time, almost daily for the last couple of years, and have learned a lot.

The current info I just got on this thread about changes to my IAC have just done what I have been trying to do for who knowes how long. Now I don't feel like my car is pushing me at low mph. I am so happy

I have replaced both head gaskets, deleted egr, got rid of air pump all by myself, of course with help from this forum and a FSM .. Not bad for an old man who never worked on cars before. Can't help it, I am so proud of myself

I just can't thank those on this forum enough.

Mike




1989. 48000 miles

 

Sweet car! Could be the automatic "sister" to my 89...before I went NUTS! Here's to your continued learning on this site!



BTW...Removal of the EGR w/o having a bigger cam isn't always the best option. It did serve a purpose -- but you probably know that.

It might be worthwhile to scan for knock counts if/when the temps get higher.

Or...do as I'm trying to do...and keep coolant temps below 210ish...

I just started a cooling thread on this topic....

 

My 89 has just over 50.000 now. When I bought it 4 years ago had 43000. I did lots of research before I decided to delete egr. Kept all my stuff just incase. I adjusted fans to come on sooner to keep engine around 195 to 205 enen in hot Texas weather. I have mt-2500 scan tool, and so far no problem