Need opinions: DIY TBI Tuning

[Daveo91Burb]

What's everyone's thoughts? Will be dropping in the vortec 383 in the next week or two and will be ready to run it soon. I have a "starter" chip burned for me by Dave W, Old School EFI, while I was watching, that should let me get it running, but it will need additional tweaking to the fuel map and timing tables. Starter chip only cost $35 but the price for the full tune based on Tuner Pro RT data logging is $250. That was my original plan, but while I was there, Dave actually encouraged me to consider doing it myself (even though he'd be out that business). So.....

Option 1 - get it running and gingerly drive it over to Dave's house (25 minutes) and pay the $250

Option 2 - purchase a Moates Burn2 chip burner for $85, and give this a go. I already have the ALDL to USB cable, a laptop and the Tuner Pro RT software. I Would make extensive use of the many different resources available on Gearhead-EFI.com. I'm reasonably competent around computers, lots of experience with Excel (used fairly heavily in this process) but I'm a chip-burning and Tuner Pro newb. Want to learn, though!

Especially interested in opinions of those who have tried this, with good or bad results.

Long story of my build here.

Short story here: 383 stroker, rebuilt 062 vortecs, GMPP q-jet/vortec manifold, 9.5 CR, converted '90 4-bolt block to roller valve train with parts from L31 core motor. Cam from L31 (no debate here about the cam, I know many think it's too small for a 383). 46 mm bored SBC throttle body. 70 lbs/hr 454 injectors. EGR deleted (already removed in starter chip).

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

I haven’t done this yet, but I’d like to go a similar route with mine someday. I think there are pros and cons to both options. Does $250 cover subsequent reburnings should it need them? If so, it might be nice to go this route. My motor got swapped right at the beginning of my truck and I’s journey. There were a few bugs, some electronic and reminiscent of previous ownerships and some involving the new engine. While you wouldn’t ideally have anything go wrong, stuff can happen, and it’d suck to be stuck with a towing bill on the way there if you couldn’t get it going in the field. It might be worth getting the equipment to do it yourself, and if you have all the tools you need and can master it, maybe you can have a little cottage industry with it down the road. Of course, if something goes wrong with your parameters, and you can’t figure it out, that is a very discouraging situation because all you can really do is keep staring at it, seek outside help, or give up.

@4WDKC

 

[4WDKC]

if you need the truck as dd pay Dave
Its nice to learn so you can trouble shoot later
you will be advised to get a wide band o2 to make tuning easier
this is a time consuming process unlike newer efi systems that flash on the fly
order a second chip so you have one to flash while you have a running truck

 

[CorvairGeek]

I'm following this one with great enthusiasm. I finally got an Edelbrock intake manifold for my 292. I plan to run a '427' ECM with 2.8 / 3.1L TBI using 305 injectors.
I'm no novice at electronics and computers, but I know I will have a lot to learn with tuning.

 

[Daveo91Burb]

Thanks a lot guys. I think I’m going to do a hybrid of my two options. I’m going to buy the moates burner (and a few chips) but I’m also going to work with Dave and see if there’s an option where I could pay him for his assistance and input, e.g. checking my datalog files and then checking my bin files after I make the corresponding changes. If I have lots of problems and questions I’ll probably just end up paying him the full $250 but maybe it’ll go smooth and I’ll have learned that skill for the next time.

Dave is a pretty cool guy. It seems like he’s one of the top dogs in this world. I’ve seen his posts on other forums too besides gearhead. His name is either “Dave” or “ Dave W” and his avatar is always a pic of a cactus. His business model is focused around in person service rather than burn chips to spec (like TBI chips.com) - the $250 is based on him actually doing the data logging while you drive. I know he does mail order stuff too, but I believe he always wants the data logs. You can’t just tell him I have this engine with this cam and whatnot - that stuff is only good to use as the first try or baseline.

When I brought my ECM over to his house I thought I was just dropping it off but he invited me in to watch while he put the bin together and then burned it on my chip. I was there for well over an hour and walked away with my starter chip and a whole lot more knowledge. Pretty lucky to live in the same town but what I’ve seen he’s very helpful online too.

 

[h3adbang3r14]

I'm looking doing a similar build and planning on doing my own programming on a sbc 400 .030 over and stroked to 427 with BBC Tbi and injectors

 

[4WDKC]

I'm looking doing a similar build and planning on doing my own programming on a sbc 400 .030 over and stroked to 427 with BBC Tbi and injectors

torque build?

 

[Zoomalot]

Present " computer controlled Ram Jet"
Owned 4 Squares in past +
"70"
"54"
"41"
I long for the days of a screwdriver carburetor tune and tweaking the timing with a wrench "KISS"

 

[Super-Dave]

Vancouver isn't too far from me. I will watch this to see how it goes. Good luck!

 

[h3adbang3r14]

torque build?

Yes it's my workhorse got a 98 k1500 for do