Tuning for dummies

[slowmachine]

I’m going to reveal something about my age here, but want to understand “tuning” as it applies to my 2020 Ranger.

I have lots of tuning experience, which basically encompasses choosing and swapping camshafts, jetting carburetors, adjusting distributor timing curves, and reading spark plugs. Just yesterday, I took all of my archaic reference library (selecting and synchronizing multiple downdraft Webers, etc.) and deposited them in the giant bin at the town dump. Never going back.

I’m assuming that there are likely two ways of applying a “tune” to the Ranger. One way would be by substitution, which would entail bypassing some or all functions of the factory ECU with a plug-in device programmed with different values from stock. The other method would be replacement, which would replace the settings in the existing ECU with alternate values using some programming tool.

For those of you who understand how this works, can you please post a simple overview of how this works with the Ranger? Also, if possible, compare the Ford “performance tune” to the aftermarket systems with regard to method of application (substitution or replacement) and how that affects the new-car warranty.

Make me smarter, please.

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[aeroshots]

I'll start with a partial answer.
Ford tune, if installed by certified tech, warranty is intact.
Aftermarket tune, not so much.
Next...

 

[SOHK_Alumni]

Ok,

Replacement: Most common. All are applied similarly -- usually a proprietary device is plugged into the OBDII port, the PCM/ECU's maps and logic programming is saved off, then over written with the "tune".

The most aggressive tunes will need a ton of hardware to reach maximum potential. That potential is EXTREME!!! 650 hp or so.

The mildest tunes simply alter a few of the maps/logic.

Both Ford's and Roush's preserve the OEM warranty, but offer the least gains for the most money.

Substitution: Burger Motor Sports' JB4 is the most common. Very common (and trusted) in the German brands. Plugs into a couple sensors under the hood, and the OBDII port to lie to the ECU/PCM.

Pros -- No electronic finger prints. Pull the hardware and your tune leaves NO trace to impact the warranty.

All the factory/OEM safety protocols remain in place. Knock sensor, AFR/O2 sensors, timing curves, shift points, all of them. The "Lier" simply forces higher boost and the OEM maps maintain control of the ignition and AFR.

The JB4 with the OBDII connection can even back off boost if the knock sensor data gets out of line.

The JB4 hardwatre can run on top of the software options. The Ford or Roush with a JB4 might be very interesting.

Cons -- Not the optimum solution, nor the most gain for the money.

There's a reason the current JB4 is sold at a discount as a "Beta" product. Still in its Ranger infancy and it shows.

To enable the more "interesting" maps in the JB4, a USB adapter (+5%), or Bluetooth (+20%) must be bought.

I don't thing there's a perfect solution. A couple of the aftermarket software options are very very good. FORD and Roush maintain a warranty. The JB4 is untraceable, but really not ready for prime time yet.

Plenty of options, take your pick.

 

[jss81258]

It looks to me like you have it figured out. Where you changed jets, they're altering pulse width on injectors. Where you were reading plugs, they're looking at A/F ratio. One of the biggest differences I see is that today's engine management systems have much better control than our old carbs and distributors. And you need a computer to make the changes.

 

[Rinn69]

Pros -- No electronic finger prints. Pull the hardware and your tune leaves NO trace to impact the warranty.

Partly true. While it may not leave an electronic fingerprint, there are other tale-tell signs. My friend used to work for H-D and one clear way to see if the motor had been modded was to look at the head and piston. A stock "tune" leaves a certain pattern, while an aftermarket one leaves a very distinct pattern, and they do refuse to warranty them.

Not trying to argue weather or not an electronic signature is left or not, but there is more than one way to skin a cat.

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