Computer Modification/Tuning ??

[rcs101]

I've been pondering the header/catback/air filter combination that seems to be the accepted performance enhancement package for our trucks.

However, I talked to a buddy who had the computer in his new (2004) vette reconfigured, something about curves, etc. NOT being knowledgeable about this technique, i called banks, and was told that the computer system on the titan was self adjusting. The answer was based on my questioning of the trucks response to their monster exhaust system.

my question, is it possible to enhance the performance of the truck electronically? If so, how or who could accomplish the feat?

[bestatchess]

The ones I have seen advance ignition timing for more compression. The downside is that it requires premium fuel.

[Steve04SE]

Originally Posted by rcs101

I've been pondering the header/catback/air filter combination that seems to be the accepted performance enhancement package for our trucks.

However, I talked to a buddy who had the computer in his new (2004) vette reconfigured, something about curves, etc. NOT being knowledgeable about this technique, i called banks, and was told that the computer system on the titan was self adjusting. The answer was based on my questioning of the trucks response to their monster exhaust system.

my question, is it possible to enhance the performance of the truck electronically? If so, how or who could accomplish the feat?

At this time I seriously doubt a third-party has cracked the Titan's PCM code which is necessary to develop an aftermarket micro-tuner or software which can modify PCM's by using a laptop, e.g., LS1 Edit for Vettes. With the limited production of Titans I suspect these companies will be working on developing tuners for Chevy, Ford, and Dodge first.

[bestatchess]

Originally Posted by Steve04SE

At this time I seriously doubt a third-party has cracked the Titan's PCM code which is necessary to develop an aftermarket micro-tuner or software which can modify PCM's by using a laptop, e.g., LS1 Edit for Vettes. With the limited production of Titans I suspect these companies will be working on developing tuners for Chevy, Ford, and Dodge first.

Yeah, you can't argue with the sales numbers.

A couple of mfgs:

www.jetchip.com

www.superchip.com

[Big Platinum]

Cars and Trucks (Titan included) are coming pretty well tuned from the factory. As a result, there is increasingly less and less power to be gained by aftermarket tuners. However, there are some other nice features which they offer such as the ability to adjust:

-Top Speed Limiter (in case you really get moving in 1/4 mile)
-Speedo for different tires and gears
-Tranny shift points and firmness (although tow mode does this to an extent)
-Electric Fans (if you have a low temp thermostat)
-Diagnose trouble codes
-And possibly even adjust the "fly-by-wire" system for better throttle response and WOT.

Just a thought

[25psi]

Originally Posted by Big Platinum

Cars and Trucks (Titan included) are coming pretty well tuned from the factory. As a result, there is increasingly less and less power to be gained by aftermarket tuners. However, there are some other nice features which they offer such as the ability to adjust:

-Top Speed Limiter (in case you really get moving in 1/4 mile)
-Speedo for different tires and gears
-Tranny shift points and firmness (although tow mode does this to an extent)
-Electric Fans (if you have a low temp thermostat)
-Diagnose trouble codes
-And possibly even adjust the "fly-by-wire" system for better throttle response and WOT.

Just a thought

I have to disagree with you there....look at the 04' F-150 5.4....20+rwhp and 40+rwtq. Any vehicle that is optimised for 87 octane fuel from the factory has room for improvement.I can see big gains happening for the Titan too......I remember here they had to tone down the programming from the factory for 87 octane cause they were originally testing with 93 octane...so the stock a/f ratio(especially in the high RPM's) is probably robbing power from being so rich...which also kills gas mileage. Most big power chips make you run premuim....but your mileage will also go up.

[Big Platinum]

I HIGHLY doubt you'll get 20hp and 40tg in the Titan. I don't believe it the the F-150 either. Go on websites and look at the average gains for all the cars and trucks, they aren't that high. Real world dyno's show even less gains. But, I have no doubt you will get some power, but is it really worth it? The expense of the chip plus the continued expense of 91 is too much to justify a few horsepower gain. Now if it does show there is power to be gained than great, I'll buy one, but that waits to be seen.

[juma]

asked westers if they were going to so software for the titan and got this response:


"Probably not. Just don't have the time to invest in too many more projects.

Lyndon
www.ecmprogrammer.com
MAHA Chassis Dyno
1-888-WESTER-1"

[SupraTitan]

Don't waste your money on Jet chips or super chips, in my experience they are total garbage, even on the less than desirable ecu's used in domestic trucks.
If it were me, and I had installed an intake, catback and wanted to make sure i was squeezing every last drop of power out of my engine I would install an Apex'I SAFC(super air flow computer). With this installed and tuned on a Chassis dyno equipped with a wide band 0xygen sensor, you can be assured that the fuel curve is still safe, you could also tune individual maps for different types of fuel. This computer alone in the hands of a knowledgable tunner should find net gains in the 20-30 h.p. range while retaining factory drivability and reliabilty. Also all you have to do is shut the unit off from inside the cabin to go straight back to stock settings. These have been very popular on modified turbo cars and becoming more frequent on NA cars, they work on the 350Z, and pretty much any vehicle with efi. Best part is you can get a safc for under $400.
http://www.apexi-usa.com/electronics_safc.asp

[rcs101]

knowledgeable tuner?!?

i wonder if apexi has shops or mechanics that are certified for their products?

[JS02]

The QX56 Infiniti is tuned for premium fuel and does seem to have more power if the performance tests remain consistent. No one has found any difference in the engines except for the tuning. So premium fuel tuning could result in more power. I know the engine is rated at more torque and horsepower. The QX56 is about 300# heavier than a 4X4 Titan and has still run some great numbers. 6.8 0-60 and 15.2 1/4 mile.

[BigPete]

Originally Posted by JS02

[color=Red]The QX56 is about 300# heavier than a 4X4 Titan and has still run some great numbers. 6.8 0-60 and 15.2 1/4 mile.

My Titan doesnt see 6.8 0-60. Feels more like 7.5 - 7.9.

[SupraTitan]

Originally Posted by JS02

The QX56 Infiniti is tuned for premium fuel and does seem to have more power if the performance tests remain consistent. No one has found any difference in the engines except for the tuning. So premium fuel tuning could result in more power. I know the engine is rated at more torque and horsepower. The QX56 is about 300# heavier than a 4X4 Titan and has still run some great numbers. 6.8 0-60 and 15.2 1/4 mile.

If thats the case which it very well may be, why not just have the QX56 map loaded into the titan's computer. I've got a buddy thats a technician for Nissan, i'll have him look into this possibility.

[Big Platinum]

I thought the QX56 had a different top end setup, with variable valve timing. Don't think changing the maps alone would give it the power.

[SupraTitan]

i'm pretty sure there is no variable valve timing on the QX 56, if so it would be rated at much more than 315. It is possible that it has different cams but i'm doubting that at this point. Since the titan is rated at 305 but is actually more like 330-340h.p. then the QX 56 should be around 350+ with just a more optimum map for premium fuel.