How do I tune TBI for Nonstock Performance?

[Da67goatman]

How do I alter the ECM for more efficiency and mileage with my nonstock engine?  Since its OBD-1, it seems there is nothing out there as far as a plug and play power tuner.  I am terrible with technology, so the simpler, the better.  Thanks guys.

[xCaliC10x]

This should answer all questions.......

http://www.tbichips.com/

[Da67goatman]

Alright that helps, but I won't buy a chip from him, because his requires 91 octane fuel, not very economical, since efficiency and mileage are my goals.  Thanks for the link, I did get the Data program, so it wasn't a total dud.  It seems as though, its a one shot deal though, I get 1 tune and that's it.  I would love to have 3 different tunes, one for economy, one for towing, and one that gives it a real rough idle, for car shows   I'll keep looking and post what I find. 

[VileZambonie]

A chip can only change fuel delivery and spark timing right? So If you want to advance the timing you're going to need a higher octane fuel regardless.

[Da67goatman]

Wouldn't one of these work? 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200539455547&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

I would really like this one, but only if it will work with my ecm.
I would have no problem with my truck thinking it was a camaro

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150517227022&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

[topp]

First, you need to realize these ECM's are ancient....They are the firs real attempt at fuel injection from GM.  There is no way to program them, program them on the fly or manage them from an external source.
They use a PROM chip which can only be coded and then inserted.
With that said.....

Neither one offers the support you get from TBIChips.com.

The first one is a pre-coded chip.  No changing the tune. TBIChips offers tweaks as needed.


Have you looked at Moates?
They have a build your own ECM that replaces/plugs in to the currrent ECM and allows you to program your own ECM.

[xCaliC10x]

ALL performance chips require the highest grade fuel available. If you don't want to put 91 in it, don't get a chip as it will be pointless. Take my last car for instance. If I had access to 93 octane, I would have got an easy 15HP and 20FTLBS torque gain. With crappy CA 91 octane, my car never made the numbers it should.

Buy one from TBI chips. The guy is a TBI/TPI genius. You won't get that, or support from cheap chinese eBay chips. Spend a little more upfront for a better product. You will save in the long run.

[Captkaos]

If you are nonstock now, how do you know you don't need 91 octane.  TBI chips has a good rep and you only other option is to learn to burn chips yourself.  There are several options on doing this, they do have ways to view info on the fly with them.  the 747 is the most hacked ECM out there. 

[Da67goatman]

I built this engine to run on 87 octane, efficiently.  It has 9.5:1 compression, and a very small RV cam.  Remember, this is my only vehicle, so any way I can make it perform better, without sacrificing Efficiency, I am looking into.  Right now, I feel the factory tune, is not delivering enough power or efficiency since it is not designed to work with my modifications.  I saw that Camaro chip with multiple configurations and thought it would be ideal for the versatility of my rig.  I have a hard time with technology, so I ask and research as much as I can, but I can't decipher whats legit and whats a scam.  I know some of you guys have played with TBI for longer than I've been around and those are the people I want advise from.  The problem I run into is when I want the opposite of what is already out there and there is very little support when you go against the norm.  I do appreciate the help, Thanks.

[topp]

TBIChips can give you EXACTLY what you want....

[TexasRed]

9.5:1, small RV cam and I'm guessing iron heads? That's REALLY pushing it for 87 octane. I think around 9:1 is on the ragged edge and that's with like a 268h cam.

[Layne]

TBIChips can give you EXACTLY what you want....

Yep, and I'm thinking of getting a custom chip for the citation. Here is something to consider. 91 is 20cents more than regular, right? Give or take. If you get 2 or 3 more mgs, you'll be doing about the same costwise. Factor in that you're running more efficiently and making more power it's still a benefit. Just a thought....

[Da67goatman]

I talked to Harris Performance (TBI Chips) and he just gave me a hard time when I told him what I planned on doing.  I am sure if I just wanted a standard performance chip he would have shipped it today, but since my order requires effort, he would not cooperate.  He mocked me about my plans instead of helping me.  He refused to answer my last email.  This is exactly what I get all the time, so I am used to it, but every time I go against the norm, no body is there to help.  What happened to "the customer is always right"?  So... anyone have another suggestion?  Thanks.

[topp]

I am betting he gave you a hard time( in your opinion) because you want to run things that will not work well together, Such as 9.5:1 compression on 87 octane, with an RV cam for starters...

I would not want to "jump to put my name" on a package that is gonna run crappy, so why should they....

[Captkaos]

9.5:1 compression and iron heads aren't a good combo when working with 87 octane.