Some of you folks on here have such immense knowledge on how to tune cars - how do I get started to pick up knowledge like that? I feel comfortable doing maintenance and repairs, but I don't know the first thing to look for when it comes to picking a better cam, intakes/exhausts, chip flashing, etc.

I'd like to learn by slowly evolving my '89 C4, but other than the easy bolt-on stuff like the cut out air box I have no clue what to do or where to learn the skills/knowledge.

 

Since you're in Colorado, get in touch with Brian (Tunedport90) as he is one of the best for tuning the OEM ECM.

In general, there are two parts to this. First is tuning knowledge and second is understanding the software interface. The second part is tough on the 1989. For the first part, there are many sources of training from automotive schools that teach EFI calibration to HP Academy which has online classes. I've taken their basic class and Ford Forced Induction specific COBB Access Tuner training years ago. Along with tuning knowledge, there needs to be a good foundation for four stroke engine theory and practice, understanding air pressure's role in ignition timing, understanding AFR targets, understanding acceleration enrichment, understanding how the different sensors function, etc. The automotive technical schools that include engine and tuning theory that's probably the best foundation to start, and sometimes they have their own in-house dyno. For me this was classroom and hands on since back in the 1980's.

For the software platform, I don't believe there's any training available out there for what you currently have. But for Holley EFI for example there are schools by Holley in Bowling Green Kentucky (I've taken their stage one through three class), and there are a few Holley dealers/tuners who also do the Holley training, and then there's EFI University for in person training in Lake Havasu AZ. FuelTech also does inhouse training.

Few books out there, including a couple by Greg Banish (he's a former Ford calibration engineer). There's probably things on Youtube for this also, but I'm not familiar with any of it... although there was a shop that painstakingly tuned a 199X C4 on a dyno using TunerProRT (free software available for download BTW). I prefer in person training in a classroom, but that is perhaps the most expensive way to go.

I think tuning is a problem solving exercise where you identify an area or aspect to improve, and then apply the general engine knowledge and tuning knowledge to solve the problem.

 

Learn to tune carb and distributor.

Read the manuals for Haltech, Holley, AEM, Megasquirt, big stuff, Motec, stand-alone computers.

Acquire experience for basic maintenance and mechanics skills.

The manuals explain the trigger, sensors, ECU input/output, wiring, tuning and setup practice.
Carb and distributor teaches underlying mechanical fuel and spark delivery control systems which all EFI inherently attempt to replicate within an finite element.
Basic mechanic and maintenance teaches cleanliness, gasket/torque, observation and diagnostics techniques which may require years of experience.

 

Hi,
I've learned the theory from https://www.hpacademy.com/
I've replaced my ECM to https://www.dynamicefi.com/
Easy to reload a new tune (burner is not needed)

Good luck