1. What is Looney Tuning?
Looney Tuning is a name that a friend came up with for my tuning method.
2. What is involved in Looney Tuning?
- I use the latest technological methods available at my disposal to log data from your car. That includes an [b]Innovate LM-1 wideband to log the air fuel ratio, a Mitsubishi Evo JDM MAP sensor or the stock Evo X map sensor to log boost, Evoscan to log a host of important data from the ECU that are essential to properly tune your car and Ecuflash to flash your ECU.
- I do not use the narrowband O2 sensor on your car to tune it.
- I do not set the boost on your car without logging the psi with a bench tested sensor. I will NOT use a boost gauge to set the boost. Boost gauges can vary by 1-2 psi from the actual logged boost.
- It generally takes me 3-4 hours to tune your car.
Here is what is involved:
- • You show up at my place between 9:30 and 10 AM. I will install all of the logging equipment on your car. That usually takes us about half an hour.
• If you want a baseline log so we can compare the before and after power gains, then we will head out to the Looney Tuning test site and do some baseline. After that, I will flash the car with a baseline map.
• You will do the driving and I will do the logging. We will do multiple WOT 3rd or 4th gear pulls (Evo 8/9 in 3rd gear and Evo 10 in 4th gear). After every pull, we pull over into a parking lot and I inspect the data.
• The first change will be to the boost. I will adjust the boost after every WOT pull either from the ECU or with the MBC. It usually takes 4-5 pulls to adjust the boost. Boost setting will vary from one Evo to the other depending on the modifications. But as a general rule, the Evo 8 runs less boost at peak than the Evo 9, and the Evo 9 runs less boost at peak than the Evo 10. All of that is on 91 octane pump gas.
• The second change will be to the Air Fuel Ratio (AFR). It usually takes us 2-3 logs to set the AFR. I set the AFR to 11.5:1 (11.5 parts of air to one part of fuel) at peak and then taper it to 11-10.8:1 by redline.
• The final change is to the timing map in the ROM. I follow the rule of MTBT, minimum timing for best torque. Basically, I will advance the timing, i.e., how far in advance of Top Dead Center (TDC) to fire the spark plug, until there is light knock. Then, I retard the timing to eliminate the knock and leave the timing there.
• We are done!!! And your car is Looney Tuned. We head on to my place, I remove my logging equipment, you pay me, and then drive home with a big smile on your face, unless you get a ticket for speeding
That is the methodology that I use to tune. There is more detail about the methodology here http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=49169.0
I do not street tune in 1/2 an hout. I take my time and I am meticulous at what I do. This is primarily a passion and a hobby of mine. Making money is only a secondary concern. I have my own full time job, so the money is not essential.
If you want a short duration tune, then please seek another tuner.
It generally takes me 3-4 hours to finalize a tune. If injector scaling is involved or if you want baseline logs for before and after power graphs, then it takes a bit longer. If I have to remove an MBC and install ECU boost control, then it will take a bit longer. So make sure that you budget a whole day for the tune.
3. Do you use an MBC, EBC, or ECU boost control?
I have tuned cars with MBCs, EBCs and ECU boost control. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Most of the Evos that I have tuned used the ECU boost cnotrol method. The ECU boost control method has the following advantages:
- It allows the user to hold more boost to redline without having to spike the boost at the peak spool of 3500-3750 rpm. For example, you can set the boost at 20 psi and keep it at 20 psi by redline.Â*
- It allows the end user 16 rpm levels to adjust boost. This gives you flexibility in adjusting boost. With an MBC, you just turn the knob and adjust the boost for ALL the rpm range.
- It allows the tuner to have the same boost in 3rd and 4th gear. Read about it here. http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=51293.0
- The biggest advantage of this method is that it is totally STEALTH. You can pop your hood to a cop and they will not know that you have upped the boost on your car. In California this is definitely a plus.
4. Do you do mechanical work?
- No I do not. If you opt for ECU boost control, then I will give you the restrictor pill that MUST be installed in the boost line for proper boost control. I will tell you how to install it, but it is up to you to install it properly. If you want me to install the hose/pill assembly, then I will do it for a small $20 fee.
- If you opt for the ECU boost control using the GM 3-port method, then you will have to install that properly as well. Be aware that installing the GM 3-port involves splicing into the stock solenoid harness.
5. Do you tune cars on a dyno?
- Given the time intensive method of tuning that I use, it is very costly for the customer to dyno tune. However, if the customer is willing to pay for the dyno tuning fees, then I am more than willing to tune their car on the dyno.
6. What maintenance should I do to my Evo prior to tuning?
Check these two links and follow their advice:
http://www.norcalevo.net/index.php?o...&topic=19341.0
http://www.fftec.com/articles.php?article_id=164
Pay close attention to exhaust leaks, boost leaks, and the type of gas that you use:
- Please make sure that your car does not have any exhaust leaks in the exhaust stream. Exhaust leaks will corrupt the air fuel ratio data needed to properly tune the fuel map on your car. Exhaust leaks tend to be located at the falanges/gaskets or at the welds (pinhole leaks). To check for leaks, jack up your car and put it on jack stands. Start the car and get under it. Run your bare hand around the falanges and gaskets and you will quickly notice if there is a leak. You can feel the exhaust gases on your hand from the leaking area. Just make sure not to burn yourself. Do it when the car is cold in the morning.
- Please make sure that your car does not have any boost leaks. Boost leaks will prevent the tuner from hitting the boost targets. It will also overwork your turbo. The most common boost leaks on the Evo come from the IC piping/hoses. Make sure that the clamps around the hoses/piping are as tight as possible. You might also want to think about replacing the stock clamps with sturdier t-bolt clamps. Other areas to check for boost leaks include the throttle body shaft seals and injector O-rings.
- Please use 91 octane gas from 76 gas stations. The Evo seems to like this gas the best. It is rumored that the 91 octane gas from 76 has slightly higher octane content thant other 91 octane gases. When choosing a gas station to fill from go to the one that has the most customers. This way the gas does not sit in the station's tank and is constantly replenished.
7. What is your refund policy?
- I will refund you ALL your money if I am unable to tune your car. In fact, you only pay me after the tune and not before.
8. Can I see examples of cars you have tuned?
Yes. Here are some links to threads about cars that I have tuned:
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=90071.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=89148.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=89170.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=87152.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=83516.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=83390.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=83049.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=82718.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=82772.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=82468.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=81402.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=80898.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=80678.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=80484.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=79671.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=78858.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=78229.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=77903.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=77529.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=77424.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=76781.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=76685.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=76410.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=76247.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=76091.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=73827.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=73517.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=71487.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=70778.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=70425.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=70361.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=69396.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=69009.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=62634.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=65333.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=64444.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=64524.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=63624.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=61584.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=61449.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=61013.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=60824.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=60492.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=60443.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=60279.0
http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...&topic=59984.0
http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...&topic=59255.0
http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...&topic=58811.0
http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...&topic=58716.0
http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...&topic=58158.0
http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...&topic=57819.0
http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...&topic=57745.0
http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...&topic=57068.0
http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...&topic=56791.0
http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...&topic=56195.0
http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...&topic=56431.0
http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...&topic=56117.0
http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...&topic=56195.0
http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...&topic=55265.0
http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...&topic=54925.0
http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...&topic=54475.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=54351.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=54171.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=53523.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index....=53360.new#new
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=53133.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=53117.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=52664.0
http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...&topic=52445.0
http://forums.evolutionm.net/showthread.php?t=306967
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=48971.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=48507.0
http://www.socalevo.net/forum/index.php?topic=48292.0
10. Will tuning my Evo void my warranty?
- YES. If you are concerned about voiding your warranty by tuning the ECU, then you are better off leaving the ECU untouched. If you are concerned about damage to your car as a result ofÂ* tuning, then you are better off leaving the car unmodded and the ECU untouched. The Evo is a thoroughly entertaining car when it is stock. So leave it that way and enjoy it.
11. What is your pricing and availability?
Check my signature for pricing packages.
I only tune on the weekends. During the week, I work like everyone else. During the SCCA racing season, I am sometimes unavailable for tuning during the weekends. On occasions, I will run a weekday tuning special for a limited amount of time. Check the vendor announcements and my signature for details.
The best way to reach me is to fill out and submit the following information form:
http://www.looneytuning.net/info.html
It has all the information that I need from you and it is submitted directly to my e-mail.
Please be patient since this is a one person operation.Â*
Thank You