Custom Tuning

[Brew]

Chuck Stickley sells software, and obviously has a lot of experience with modified M/S50/2's.

[C ///M]

Chuck Stickley sells software, and obviously has a lot of experience with modified M/S50/2's.

Last time I spoke with him, he said he doesn't sell it anymore.

[Brew]

Didn't realize that, good to know.

[matt]

I wish there was a way to look at the ignition mapping tables, but short of having the chip code, I don't think this is possible (someone please correct me if I'm wrong).

I'm sure I'm missing a good 5-10 ft-lbs of torque throughout some parts of the rev range, but for the cost, it's an acceptable compromise. If I were to do some custom work to the engine, then a real custom chip would look more appealing.

Oh, and when you're talking to AA, don't settle for their BS about how your chip is perfect. Every engine is different and no chip is going to be perfect, but it should be close, especially if you're paying more for a 'custom' chip.

AA encrypts their chips, there is no way to read any data off.

The air fuel ratios are easy to read on the dyno, but timing isn't.

[BimmerToad]

AA encrypts their chips, there is no way to read any data off.

The air fuel ratios are easy to read on the dyno, but timing isn't.

And that's a problem since adjusting timing usually results in a bigger improvement than AF ratios

[SpecM]

-Can't you use inductive leads and use the CPS to calculate timing? Just like on an old car.

[Cm50]

AA encrypts their chips, there is no way to read any data off.

The air fuel ratios are easy to read on the dyno, but timing isn't.

What? Encrypts their chips? If that's the case, then how does the ECU decrypt the data since it wasn't originally designed to do that (my speculation)? I seriously doubt they are "encrypted"; if they are there is still probably a way to read the original values anyway. At some point they have to be decrypted, *if* they are encrypted in the first place.

I must admit I don't know anything about *automotive* computers but I'm quite sure they are relatively simple. I think it is rediculous that places sell chips for $600+. The material cost is somewhere on the order of $10 each, and once they have finalized the values for a particular setup they can duplicate it in no time.

[BimmerToad]

What? Encrypts their chips? If that's the case, then how does the ECU decrypt the data since it wasn't originally designed to do that (my speculation)? I seriously doubt they are "encrypted"; if they are there is still probably a way to read the original values anyway. At some point they have to be decrypted, *if* they are encrypted in the first place.

The chips aren't encrypted, but they come with a socket connector that is placed between the board of the ECU and the chip. This socket re-routes the pin assignments of the chip to the board. The ECU sees a normal chip, but in order to duplicate the chip, the same socket connector is needed. An ECU can't read an AA chip without that socket connector

[matt]

...and it prevents the chip from being read by a chip reader.

AA chips off the shelf are normally $400. $600 is for a custom chip.

They ran a sale a while back, I got mine for $218 shipped, brand new. M50 with S50 cams, and a host of other goodies.

[aeryk7]

Dyno tuned , AA does dyno tuning and they spent like 4 hours with my friend on a dyno for $600 or 700 i forget anyway wasnt more than that.

[Beej '86 325es]

Also, do yo have any pictures of your headwork? I would like to see how "extensive" your headwork was.

as requested:
stainless +1mm valves, 3 angle valve job, port/polish, ti retainers, high tension valve springs, and soon to have Schricks.

[gstuning]

You probably don't have the skills or equipment to reprogram your ECU yourself. If you do, that's the best option.

Piggybacks are a stupid hackjob way of doing things.

.

Tuning always comes down to the skill of the tuner,

If you have full control over timing and fuel with a piggyback what is the problem??

You don´t NEED to have the stock ecu see any WOT or whatever if you have the ability to tune the results from the ecu,

If using a piggyback for $350 and getting the same results as having a standalone fitted, wich way is the right one??

There is no RIGHT way, there are only results,

[FredK]

Nice. I think Trent wanted to see the intake and exhaust ports more than anything else.

Why Ti retainers? You're gonna have to check them a lot more often than regular-assed steel retainers, and this isn't that fun of a job, especially if you drop a valve collet down an oil passage during replacement.

[Beej '86 325es]

I would go for normal retainers as well, but I happened to find a killer deal on this head and that's what it had...

ports:

[matt]

Tuning always comes down to the skill of the tuner,

If you have full control over timing and fuel with a piggyback what is the problem??

You don´t NEED to have the stock ecu see any WOT or whatever if you have the ability to tune the results from the ecu,

If using a piggyback for $350 and getting the same results as having a standalone fitted, wich way is the right one??

There is no RIGHT way, there are only results,

The results won't be the same.