REMOTE TUNING (E-TUNING)

What is e-tuning?

E-tuning is the process of having your vehicle tuned remotely or over the internet.

With the recent rise in accessibility of tuning devices to the general public, it’s no surprise that entusiasts were looking for ways to increase horsepower without needing to bring their vehicle to a physical location or performance shop. This is why remote tuning has become as popular as it is today and why so many vouch for its viability.

Companies like COBB, EcuTek, and HPTuners now offer remote tuning access for a variety of platforms. Not only does this lower the tuning barrier to entry for the everyday enthusiast, but it also allows the end-user to work with any tuner of their choice – regardless of their location in the world. Remote tuning, in most cases, also eliminates the need for an on-site dynamometer, significantly reducing the costs that get passed along to the end-user – hence, saving them money.

—————

What is data logging?

Data logging is exactly what it sounds like. It is the process of recording (or logging) data for the purpose of understanding what is currently happening inside the engine.

The process of data logging is relatively simple. The end user selects from a number of availble monitors (or uses a provided preset of monitors) and uses a tuning device to record the information provided by those monitors. This information is typically recorded as a comma-separated-value (or CSV) file, and can be used by the tuner to identify engine behavior and correct any inconsistencies and inefficiencies that may exist. The process of data logging depends on the type of device used. However, the companies that supply these tuning devices typically spend copious amount of time and money to ensure a simple and effective interface for the end-user.

—————

How does the e-tuning process work?

The e-tuning process is relatively simple.

Step 1 – Base Map

Every successful e-tune starts with a base map. A base map is a starting point that your tuner creates for your specific vehicle based on the vehicle itself, any relevant modifications, the type of fuel or fuels being used, as well as a whole host of other potential inputs. This base map is typically not far from the end result, but is often a much safer and less powerful version of what the final product will be. This ensures that any mechanical issues with the vehicle can be identified and corrected before they become potentially dangeous to the engine, and ultimately, the person operating the vehicle.

The end-user will be responsible for programming this base map onto their vehicle. In a similar fshion to data logging, tuning companies place the utmost importance on ensuring ease of access when programming your vehcile’s computer. This means simplicity in procedure as well as a multitude of protection measures to ensure the vehicle is safe both during and after programming. Your tuner also likely put an abundance of effort into digestible and understandable programming instructions to limit confusion during the process.

Step 2 – Data Logging

Once the base map is programmed onto the vehicle, the customer will be asked to perform some amount of data logging. This typically involves driving the vehicle in a variety of conditions and recording the information provided by various sensors on the vehicle. Once recorded, this information can be exported and sent to the tuner, allowing them to iteratively modify and revise the base map to further customize and optimize the tune for the specific vehicle in question.

Step 3 – Rinse and Repeat

From here, the procedure of programming a new map and recording a new set of data is repeated until the tuner has decided that the vehicle is fully tuned. It is important to note that the goal of e-tuning is not to make everything perfect. Such a thing is simply not attainable in most cases. The goal is to ensure that the engine is powerful, efficient, and reliable for the given modifications and fuel type(s). As long as these miletones are achieved, an e-tune can be considered successful.

—————

How long does the e-tuning process take?

How long the e-tuning process takes is dependent on a multitude of factors. While a simple setup using one type of fuel may only take a few revisions to complete, a more heavily-modified setup using multiple fuel types may take longer.

It is also important to note that the timeline heavily depends on the end-user. If the customer is able to follow instructions and provide data logs in a timely manner, then the e-tuning process will be quick. If the customer experiences difficulties follow instructions or takes a long time to provide the requested data, the process will take longer.

Most tuners place a 30-day deadline on e-tuning projects. This ensures that the customer respects their tuner’s time and does their best to complete the process, from start to finish, in a timely manner.

—————

Is e-tuning right for me?

While e-tuning may seem like a fantastic and cost-effective option, it is absolutely not the best option for everyone.

E-tuning requires just as much scrutiny from the customer as it does from the tuner. The customer is in charge of data logging and ensuring both their’s and their car’s safety during the tuning process. This means that the end-user must either be comfortable operating the vehicle in difficult conditions while simultaneously monitoring engine parameters, or they must have access to a friend who is willing to assist with those demands.

The ability to data log effectively will be the difference between a successful e-tune and an unsuccessful one.

—————

If you have any additional questions regarding the e-tuning process, please submit a general inquiry contact form on our website by clicking or tapping on the link below.