ECU options
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
ECU options
Hey all. I'm new to the forum (lurking for a while) and looking to learn about a C6Z that I recently purchased. I'm new to Corvettes, but not new to modified cars. Most of my experience has been done with Japanese cars. It took me some time, but I finally came around to realize the error of my ways and why V8's are the way to go. 
Anyway, I'm just wondering what the limitations are of tuning the stock ECU of these cars for boosted applications. I've only dealt with standalone systems in the past so please forgive my ignorance. Is it possible to do all the tuning needed for high horsepower applications (~1000hp) with the stock ECU and EFI Live or HP Tuner (others?)? Just seems a little strange to me...given my prior experience...that these would have the ability to handle aftermarket MAF sensors, injectors, MAP sensors, etc. to handle referencing boost in a normally N/A application. I've done a lot of searching and there is very little mention of what ECU systems people are running in their turbo applications.
If you guys can point me in the right direction for some info or what's normally done, what people are running for ECU's, and common limiting factors, I'd appreciate it.
Thanks!!
Anyway, I'm just wondering what the limitations are of tuning the stock ECU of these cars for boosted applications. I've only dealt with standalone systems in the past so please forgive my ignorance. Is it possible to do all the tuning needed for high horsepower applications (~1000hp) with the stock ECU and EFI Live or HP Tuner (others?)? Just seems a little strange to me...given my prior experience...that these would have the ability to handle aftermarket MAF sensors, injectors, MAP sensors, etc. to handle referencing boost in a normally N/A application. I've done a lot of searching and there is very little mention of what ECU systems people are running in their turbo applications.
If you guys can point me in the right direction for some info or what's normally done, what people are running for ECU's, and common limiting factors, I'd appreciate it.
Thanks!!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Thanks for the reply. Now for more questions from me. 
* How do you reference boost with the stock ECU? Is the stock MAF capable enough or is it common to swap it out for a speed density or MAP system?
* Will the stock ECU handle aftermarket MAP sensors (3, 4, 5 bar) or are you limited to GM sytems only?
* Can you reprogram some of the ECU pins with these tuner software applications? For instance, if you rip out the A/C, can you use the button to trigger onboard data logging, etc?
* I'm only guessing, but the stock ECU won't handle secondary injectors, right?
DSteck, what tuner software do you use?
I really appreciate it guys!
* How do you reference boost with the stock ECU? Is the stock MAF capable enough or is it common to swap it out for a speed density or MAP system?
* Will the stock ECU handle aftermarket MAP sensors (3, 4, 5 bar) or are you limited to GM sytems only?
* Can you reprogram some of the ECU pins with these tuner software applications? For instance, if you rip out the A/C, can you use the button to trigger onboard data logging, etc?
* I'm only guessing, but the stock ECU won't handle secondary injectors, right?
DSteck, what tuner software do you use?
I really appreciate it guys!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,786
Likes: 93
From: Charlotte N.C.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,016
Likes: 93
From: St. Louis, MO
Tech Contributor
You need a new map sensor for the PCM to recognize boost. The PCM will only read up to about 22psi, even if your MAP sensor goes higher. You can do speed density or MAF, or run both at the same time in hybrid mode.
I'm running 13psi into a 427, and my MAF does it just fine. I am running a custom OS with HP Tuners though, so I can command different air/fuel ratios based on boost levels and extend the range of the MAF.
You can't really change what the pins do. There's a little functionality but not what you're looking for I imagine.
I'm running 13psi into a 427, and my MAF does it just fine. I am running a custom OS with HP Tuners though, so I can command different air/fuel ratios based on boost levels and extend the range of the MAF.
You can't really change what the pins do. There's a little functionality but not what you're looking for I imagine.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Can you explain to me the "custom OS" and what that does? I looked on HP Tuner's site and all they say is that it lets you upgrade the firmware version of the ECU you're using or it lets you turn a truck VCM/PCM into a car VCM/PCM providing that the VCM/PCM hardware is the same for both vehicles and you are licensed for support of both vehicles. I'm sure it has it's place for people piecing things together, but doesn't seem too beneficial given this explanation. There's gotta be more to it.
Are there other things you can do with a custom OS? Does EFI Live provide similar features?
Is there anyone out there running a standalone ECU in their C6 and still has the capability to keep amenities that the stock ECU provides?
Are there other things you can do with a custom OS? Does EFI Live provide similar features?
Is there anyone out there running a standalone ECU in their C6 and still has the capability to keep amenities that the stock ECU provides?
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,442
Likes: 18
From: Winchester CA
Can you explain to me the "custom OS" and what that does? I looked on HP Tuner's site and all they say is that it lets you upgrade the firmware version of the ECU you're using or it lets you turn a truck VCM/PCM into a car VCM/PCM providing that the VCM/PCM hardware is the same for both vehicles and you are licensed for support of both vehicles. I'm sure it has it's place for people piecing things together, but doesn't seem too beneficial given this explanation. There's gotta be more to it.
Are there other things you can do with a custom OS? Does EFI Live provide similar features?
Is there anyone out there running a standalone ECU in their C6 and still has the capability to keep amenities that the stock ECU provides?
Are there other things you can do with a custom OS? Does EFI Live provide similar features?
Is there anyone out there running a standalone ECU in their C6 and still has the capability to keep amenities that the stock ECU provides?
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 3
From: Dallas TX
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