Tuning/ ECU question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Tuning/ ECU question
Hello,
I recently got into contact with the previous owner who originally installed the supercharger on my 88 C4 and he told me he never tuned it 😱 so my question was what would be the best way to tune my new project? Do I send my ecu out, do I buy a piggyback or get a stand alone? I’m not trying to spend more than $500-$600 because I still have a lot of other things on this car to do but I’d definitely like to know that the car has been tuned for this supercharger.
i have not acquired a boost gauge or AFR wideband yet but they will be bought soon and before I settle on what to buy for ECU what not but I’m finishing up finals for class right now so I’m getting my head in the game to get this car running right for summer
I recently got into contact with the previous owner who originally installed the supercharger on my 88 C4 and he told me he never tuned it 😱 so my question was what would be the best way to tune my new project? Do I send my ecu out, do I buy a piggyback or get a stand alone? I’m not trying to spend more than $500-$600 because I still have a lot of other things on this car to do but I’d definitely like to know that the car has been tuned for this supercharger.
i have not acquired a boost gauge or AFR wideband yet but they will be bought soon and before I settle on what to buy for ECU what not but I’m finishing up finals for class right now so I’m getting my head in the game to get this car running right for summer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,121
Likes: 224
From: Ca.
Since you're in Kali the choices are-tune it using the FMU (fuel management unit-raises fuel pressure with boost) and MSD BTM for spark retard. Or "zero out" both of those (leave them in for visual) and change the tune in the prom. A standalone won't work-it won't run all the smog-egr, air etc. You do need an egr and air to pass tailpipe. Piggyback options would be EBL-it's on hold with a new owner. Or use what you have-if as tuned perf asked-are you maxing maf. You really need to get a scan tool that shows live data and get a wideband in it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Since you're in Kali the choices are-tune it using the FMU (fuel management unit-raises fuel pressure with boost) and MSD BTM for spark retard. Or "zero out" both of those (leave them in for visual) and change the tune in the prom. A standalone won't work-it won't run all the smog-egr, air etc. You do need an egr and air to pass tailpipe. Piggyback options would be EBL-it's on hold with a new owner. Or use what you have-if as tuned perf asked-are you maxing maf. You really need to get a scan tool that shows live data and get a wideband in it.
EDIT:
would this 2 in 1 gauge work? I feel like it would be space efficient and certainly budget friendly
https://www.glowshiftdirect.com/10-color-digital-dual-boost-vacuum-wideband-air-fuel-ratio-gauge/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16086862544 &gbraid=0AAAAAD_e6t8kn4WbZT1FvVGu2sEeJa7 UT&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrZTRBhDSARIsAHidYfck_Bi Ng1Qwlm5P__f5g26UFpngmw49Zntiv6NO9Qy5pEx JfSYAV_UaApWzEALw_wcB
Last edited by Canyon.C5; Jun 7, 2026 at 03:53 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,121
Likes: 224
From: Ca.
I have a glowshift for boost/vacuum and fuel pressure and like it. My wideband is separate. The auto xray ezlink is a decent scan tool-older but can still find them on ebay. Just make sure it gives live data, not just codes and has the GM cable.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 291
Likes: 34
From: Cotopaxi, Colorado
That gauge would be a good start to seeing how it’s running. A plug read you can kinda get an understanding how it has been running. Tuner pro rt and moates xtreme aldl cable on my site or moates net to view ecm data .
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
sweet! I’ll order the gauges next paycheck and then pick up a reader hopefully in July, I have to spread the money a bit because the AC on my C5 went out and I wasn’t trying to work too much OT this summer.
