Engine Build and Stock computer
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
Engine Build and Stock computer
Hello everyone,
I have seen all the pics and read all the stories of these incredible motors that are being built and modified for these cars. My question is this.
If I were to build a ground up super motor for the car, would I just be able to plug it right into the stock computer and go or is there a "super computer that I would have to buy or a way to program the stock?
I am talkin about NOS, the whole deal. How would a new motor like that affect the electronics and computer monitoring of the car.
I know this is not a "simple" question, but as always, I appreciate anyones patience and input that takes the ime to respond.
Thanks in advance
I have seen all the pics and read all the stories of these incredible motors that are being built and modified for these cars. My question is this.
If I were to build a ground up super motor for the car, would I just be able to plug it right into the stock computer and go or is there a "super computer that I would have to buy or a way to program the stock?
I am talkin about NOS, the whole deal. How would a new motor like that affect the electronics and computer monitoring of the car.
I know this is not a "simple" question, but as always, I appreciate anyones patience and input that takes the ime to respond.
Thanks in advance
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 8
From: Southwest Virginia
These computers (PCM Powertrain Control Module) are very powerful units. I have never heard of anyone replacing the computer for an aftermarket unit. You simply reprogram the factory unit for what ever your doing. Big cams, NOS, blowers, turbos, big cubes, big injectors, you name it these PCM will drive it. These motors with these highend electronic controls are amazing how well the work. Can you imagine running 11:1 compression on pump gas in the old days? These motors do it all the time no problem. There are hand held programmers for programming simple setups but for the real tuning you will use a computer program to edit the setting in the PCM. The major players in the tuning now is EFI Live and HP Tuners. They are simply a computer software package with a special cable you plug right under the dash. Tuning requires a lot of experience and knowledge of the systems. The other option is to take your car to a pro tuner and pay them to tune it for you. They will put your car on a dyno and do pulls while monitoring the engine performance, the make changes and pull again. They will do this until everything is correct. Expect at least $600 for a tune on a dyno.
