SCT - let's talk tuning!

[Stretch]

I'm hoping that other's with more experience in tuning the ZX2 will chime in here. While i'm not new to the tuning game I AM new to the car and it's strategy, so reading things like turbine speed (auto shifting) are leaving me with questions I have no answers for.

With this in mind i'm looking for questions to the following answers;

- according to some posts some say that SCT uses one tune and modifies it for all ZX2s. Is this true? How can I tell for sure? From what i've seen this is not the case as my dongle has several different processor codes loaded on to it, but I can only access the KVT5 which is what my car uses.

- auto shift point changes - i'm used to tuning rwd V8 cars and reading and altering the shift tables was easy. This time around ..... not so easy. There's 'trans shift schedule 12' and 'trans shift schedule 12 VS'. Which one do I use? I'm sure it's safe to assume the 'VS' version relates to Vehicle Speed, but what's with this turbine business? Turbine as in the turbine side of the torque converter is the only thing I make of it. Is this a case of "which ever event happens first"? (i'm not even going to start about SCT's programming error with the GUI for the chart in this - not the first time either!)

- has anyone tried using the 'knock sensor advance limit' feature? Results?

- SCT recommends some values for various fuel injector parameters (breakpoint, hi slope, low slope, batt volt etc). For any that are aware of this have you tried these values and what were your results?

I'm happy enough with the tuning Ford has done with this car. It's driveability is pretty good, I feel, and I really only wanna play with a few parameters to squeeze a little more out of the car.

So, for those that are reading this and understand wtf i'm saying - please be kind enough to share. I'm always interested in learning more about tuning and appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks.

[R-Code]

I typically work using the SCT base tune as a starting point, then tweaking the timing/A/F from there and disabling the KS.

[Robend]

who does tunes now that doug doesn't anymore? i need to get my sct chip retuned

[DOUGIESTYL]

Three's two dynotuner here, in Columbus. Shoot me a PM if you want me to hook something up with either of them.
Lasotaracing.com - Don Lasota
DynoTuneMotorsports.com - Brian Turner
Both have done dynotunes on mine and zx2guy19's ZX2s

[Sir William]

who does tunes now that doug doesn't anymore? i need to get my sct chip retuned

any dyno shop that uses sct

[wifeszx2]

LaSota Racing does for sure

[DOUGIESTYL]

Don and Brian, both, are familiar with the pre-99.5 pcm issue, for sure. I addressed the issue first with both IRL.

[mechtech]

Eliminate the KS from the equation - disable it. Unplug it if you are not sure.
Mostly idle speed and ignition timing advance are your concerns.
Shift points? Look in to the solenoid resistor tricks on this forum, also.

[R-Code]

McNews automotive.

[Robend]

Three's two dynotuner here, in Columbus. Shoot me a PM if you want me to hook something up with either of them.
Lasotaracing.com - Don Lasota
DynoTuneMotorsports.com - Brian Turner
Both have done dynotunes on mine and zx2guy19's ZX2s

how much does he charge to retune a 4 bank flip chip? i dont think i need to run it on the dyno. i dont even have cams at this point. its just gonna be i/h/e but i wanna get rid of the speed limiter and raise the rev limiter. and i wanna turn off the rear o2 for the header

[DOUGIESTYL]

how much does he charge to retune a 4 bank flip chip? i dont think i need to run it on the dyno. i dont even have cams at this point. its just gonna be i/h/e but i wanna get rid of the speed limiter and raise the rev limiter. and i wanna turn off the rear o2 for the header

I can't quote prices for either of them. Check out thier websites. I think there's prices. If not shoot em both an email with your mods, and see what they say.

[1turbofocus]

- according to some posts some say that SCT uses one tune and modifies it for all ZX2s. Is this true? How can I tell for sure? From what i've seen this is not the case as my dongle has several different processor codes loaded on to it, but I can only access the KVT5 which is what my car uses.
**You are locked to the purchased ECU code to keep you from tuning many Cars like your buddies or as a buisness , Yes most of the tunes are a generic base tune

- auto shift point changes - i'm used to tuning rwd V8 cars and reading and altering the shift tables was easy. This time around ..... not so easy. There's 'trans shift schedule 12' and 'trans shift schedule 12 VS'. Which one do I use? I'm sure it's safe to assume the 'VS' version relates to Vehicle Speed, but what's with this turbine business? Turbine as in the turbine side of the torque converter is the only thing I make of it. Is this a case of "which ever event happens first"? (i'm not even going to start about SCT's programming error with the GUI for the chart in this - not the first time either!)
**Its best to only raise the trans psi and shift point RPM if you only have a stock ATX , If you have a built ATX I can help you with many changes to firm it up

- has anyone tried using the 'knock sensor advance limit' feature? Results?
**The advance limits work but in 99% of the ZX2 I have tuned you have to turn off the knock sensor , I am trying to get SCT to add in a sensivity adjustment where you can adjust how sensitive the knock sensor reacts to

- SCT recommends some values for various fuel injector parameters (breakpoint, hi slope, low slope, batt volt etc). For any that are aware of this have you tried these values and what were your results?
**The only time you need to change these is when changing Injector sizes these basicly are when and how long the injector stays open at idle , cruise and WOT if you change these it will effect your AF if you have not gone to larger/smaller injectors

I'm happy enough with the tuning Ford has done with this car. It's driveability is pretty good, I feel, and I really only wanna play with a few parameters to squeeze a little more out of the car.
**It still leaves you many things to do , Idle , base fuel for WOT , timing advance , system switches , turning off some of your timing adders a lot depends on your mods ,most of this comes done in SCT base tune

Tom

[sadcat]

- according to some posts some say that SCT uses one tune and modifies it for all ZX2s. Is this true? How can I tell for sure? From what i've seen this is not the case as my dongle has several different processor codes loaded on to it, but I can only access the KVT5 which is what my car uses.
**You are locked to the purchased ECU code to keep you from tuning many Cars like your buddies or as a buisness , Yes most of the tunes are a generic base tune

- auto shift point changes - i'm used to tuning rwd V8 cars and reading and altering the shift tables was easy. This time around ..... not so easy. There's 'trans shift schedule 12' and 'trans shift schedule 12 VS'. Which one do I use? I'm sure it's safe to assume the 'VS' version relates to Vehicle Speed, but what's with this turbine business? Turbine as in the turbine side of the torque converter is the only thing I make of it. Is this a case of "which ever event happens first"? (i'm not even going to start about SCT's programming error with the GUI for the chart in this - not the first time either!)
**Its best to only raise the trans psi and shift point RPM if you only have a stock ATX , If you have a built ATX I can help you with many changes to firm it up

- has anyone tried using the 'knock sensor advance limit' feature? Results?
**The advance limits work but in 99% of the ZX2 I have tuned you have to turn off the knock sensor , I am trying to get SCT to add in a sensivity adjustment where you can adjust how sensitive the knock sensor reacts to

- SCT recommends some values for various fuel injector parameters (breakpoint, hi slope, low slope, batt volt etc). For any that are aware of this have you tried these values and what were your results?
**The only time you need to change these is when changing Injector sizes these basicly are when and how long the injector stays open at idle , cruise and WOT if you change these it will effect your AF if you have not gone to larger/smaller injectors

I'm happy enough with the tuning Ford has done with this car. It's driveability is pretty good, I feel, and I really only wanna play with a few parameters to squeeze a little more out of the car.
**It still leaves you many things to do , Idle , base fuel for WOT , timing advance , system switches , turning off some of your timing adders a lot depends on your mods ,most of this comes done in SCT base tune

Tom

The knock sensor gain has very high gain initially (this is a learning function). This will severely retard the timing during your first couple of runs, but will work great if you keep doing hard runs. During normal driving it returns to high gain.

[Stretch]

Well no thanks to the lack of email notification I seem to have to dig up my own thread! :p

Eliminate the KS from the equation - disable it. Unplug it if you are not sure.
Mostly idle speed and ignition timing advance are your concerns.
Shift points? Look in to the solenoid resistor tricks on this forum, also.

KS - already done. I unplugged that a while ago.

Solenoid resistor trick - any idea how much of a change in actual line pressure this makes? I've tried searching, but can't find anything on it.

[Stretch]

- according to some posts some say that SCT uses one tune and modifies it for all ZX2s. Is this true? How can I tell for sure? From what i've seen this is not the case as my dongle has several different processor codes loaded on to it, but I can only access the KVT5 which is what my car uses.
**You are locked to the purchased ECU code to keep you from tuning many Cars like your buddies or as a buisness , Yes most of the tunes are a generic base tune

- auto shift point changes - i'm used to tuning rwd V8 cars and reading and altering the shift tables was easy. This time around ..... not so easy. There's 'trans shift schedule 12' and 'trans shift schedule 12 VS'. Which one do I use? I'm sure it's safe to assume the 'VS' version relates to Vehicle Speed, but what's with this turbine business? Turbine as in the turbine side of the torque converter is the only thing I make of it. Is this a case of "which ever event happens first"? (i'm not even going to start about SCT's programming error with the GUI for the chart in this - not the first time either!)
**Its best to only raise the trans psi and shift point RPM if you only have a stock ATX , If you have a built ATX I can help you with many changes to firm it up

- has anyone tried using the 'knock sensor advance limit' feature? Results?
**The advance limits work but in 99% of the ZX2 I have tuned you have to turn off the knock sensor , I am trying to get SCT to add in a sensivity adjustment where you can adjust how sensitive the knock sensor reacts to

- SCT recommends some values for various fuel injector parameters (breakpoint, hi slope, low slope, batt volt etc). For any that are aware of this have you tried these values and what were your results?
**The only time you need to change these is when changing Injector sizes these basicly are when and how long the injector stays open at idle , cruise and WOT if you change these it will effect your AF if you have not gone to larger/smaller injectors

I'm happy enough with the tuning Ford has done with this car. It's driveability is pretty good, I feel, and I really only wanna play with a few parameters to squeeze a little more out of the car.
**It still leaves you many things to do , Idle , base fuel for WOT , timing advance , system switches , turning off some of your timing adders a lot depends on your mods ,most of this comes done in SCT base tune

Tom

Yeah, now if only I got an SCT base tune. :p I'll need to ask them about this.

Regardless, thanks for the info!

[R-Code]

According to SCT our cars don't utilize the KS, LOL they claim the computer has it turned off by default.... even after showing them logs and dyno tunes they refuse to believe me.

[mechtech]

Vit used to make good tunes, and he said he would turn off the KS function as a mattter of course.
That indicates it was 'ON' previously.

[croquetgod]

Three's two dynotuner here, in Columbus. Shoot me a PM if you want me to hook something up with either of them.
Lasotaracing.com - Don Lasota
DynoTuneMotorsports.com - Brian Turner
Both have done dynotunes on mine and zx2guy19's ZX2s

I just had a 91 octane done by Don he said that was one of the first things he did was shut off the knock sensor and the speed limiter. PS I got my tune very fast paid at 1pm got my tune at 3pm

[DOUGIESTYL]

I just had a 91 octane done by Don he said that was one of the first things he did was shut off the knock sensor and the speed limiter. PS I got my tune very fast paid at 1pm got my tune at 3pmDon wouldn't turn off my speed limiter until I "assured" him it was for off-road. I watched him turn off my KS, tho.

[R-Code]

Vit used to make good tunes, and he said he would turn off the KS function as a mattter of course.
That indicates it was 'ON' previously.

In GRS0 it is OFF in SCT's "stock tune" and when I called them they claim it is off on ALL ZX2 PCM's.

[mechtech]

Common sense will tell us that it is not 'off' from the factory. They don't put parts on a car without a function.
Also, dyno tests of plugged/unplugged show us that something is happening, as well as seat of the pants testing.

[DOUGIESTYL]

I think what's being said is: SCT has the KS turned off in thier base tune on all pcm codes for the ZX2. I'm pretty sure that's right...

[Stretch]

I'm happy (???) to say that I have a problem.

I have written a very basic tune, and have been making small changes here and there. So far everything has been fine, until my last tune.

I went into the system switches and turned off the a/c and knock sensor controls and also turned off the rear 02s.

Now the car will stall after it's been driven for an intermittent period of time.

Wtf?!!?!??! Anyone have any ideas?


I know some have had stalling issues in the past, but my understanding was that this was an issue that was resolved with some kind of special tune because of software issues. I'm not sure this is related.

Anyone have any input please?

Thanks.

[mechtech]

I would turn them back on one at a time and see if the problem clears up.
Start with the rear O2 switch.

[RayaZ28]

My car just started having the P0715 TSS code along with the P0302 and P0303 misfire codes. it runs like crap now. anyone have tips on how to replace the Trans speed sensor? if thats what it is...

thanks,
Ray

[RayaZ28]

found a picture of the sensor loca (http://ford.justanswer.com/view_image.aspx?href=%2fuploads%2ffordguy4u%2f2008-03-02_174255_ess.jpg)tions on the ZX2

[Sir William]

I'm happy (???) to say that I have a problem.

I have written a very basic tune, and have been making small changes here and there. So far everything has been fine, until my last tune.

I went into the system switches and turned off the a/c and knock sensor controls and also turned off the rear 02s.

Now the car will stall after it's been driven for an intermittent period of time.

Wtf?!!?!??! Anyone have any ideas?


I know some have had stalling issues in the past, but my understanding was that this was an issue that was resolved with some kind of special tune because of software issues. I'm not sure this is related.

Anyone have any input please?

Thanks.


Try messing around with the dashpot settings in SCT. I had similar problems and I was able to fix it quite easily by adjusting the dashpot. The engine seemed to decel too quickly causing the stall.... At least that's how I saw/and fixed the issue of stalling.

[Stretch]

Try messing around with the dashpot settings in SCT. I had similar problems and I was able to fix it quite easily by adjusting the dashpot. The engine seemed to decel too quickly causing the stall.... At least that's how I saw/and fixed the issue of stalling.

At first I thought it was my imagination, but once I ran through a few "test' programs I have come to the same conclusion. I didn't believe it at first because the tendency for the occurrence would diminish as the EEC would "learn" - now I see why this is all happening.

Thanks for speaking up with that, Sir. I'm gonna go ahead and play with some dashpot stuff a bit and see where it gets me.

Any tips/recommendations?


Also, while we're discussing this related topic - idle and low TP drivability. I notice the car is less "jerky" when I simply bump up the idle (in both neutral and drive) by 50 rpm. The "jerky" feeling is just an aggressive lot TP start, where the car never seems to be easy to drive very slowly off the line (i'm thinking about winter driving here). I know it'll all be related - anything further to share with this regard? (warnings, don't's etc)

(anyone else that knows what i'm talking about feel free to share - it's kinda the point of this thread :) )

Thanks!