What is custom tuning? Why would I want it?

ECM (Engine Control Module), PCM (Powertrain Control Module), and TCM (Transmission Control Module) tuning, often referred to as custom engine tuning, involves making calculated changes to the parameters managed by these control modules. The entire tuning process can take hours or days, depending on the extent of the vehicle’s modifications.

The goal is to make a vehicle run more efficiently based on its application or use, typically motorsports or towing, but sometimes fleet vehicles are modified for fuel efficiency. The other primary reason for custom tuning is to recalibrate the vehicle’s control module(s) to work with aftermarket parts including intake systems, exhaust modifications like cat-back or downpipe systems, long tube headers, larger camshafts, higher flowing cylinder heads, superchargers, turbochargers, or really any other modification.

The tuning process changes the code for engine and transmission operating parameters in the computer calibration, then tests the results of the changes for the desired goal (power, economy, etc.). This testing is done through driving the vehicle on the road (street tuning) and through the use of a chassis dyno. Typically, a laptop or scanner is connected to the vehicle’s OBD port to collect data and confirm proper changes to the calibration. Other tools to confirm proper calibration changes include wideband O2 sensors, engine knock monitors, exhaust gas temperature (EGT) probes, and removal and “reading” of spark plugs. PCM Tuners uses all of these methods for tuning.

How does tuning work? Like literally, what are you doing?

We use special hardware and software to retrieve the calibration from the computer that runs your vehicle’s engine and (when possible) transmission. This is typically done by connecting a laptop to the vehicles OBD (on board diagnostic) port and reading or copying the calibration from the vehicle’s computer to a laptop.

Occasionally we can’t get the calibration through the OBD port. In this case, we have to remove the control module from the vehicle in order to retrieve the calibration. This is called boot or bench mode.

Once we have the calibration, we use software from companies like HP Tuners, AlienTech, WinOLS, SCT, EFI Live, and more in order to modify the calibration to meet the stated goals.

The most common goal is to increase power and torque, but it can also be fuel economy in fleet vehicles or special setups for commercial towing (hotshot trucking typically), or any other scenario the customer desires.

After we modify the calibration, we install the “mod file” back onto the vehicle’s control module, and then test the vehicle to confirm expected results.  

How long have you been tuning?

The first tuning project was a 1991 Mazda Turbo II RX-7 that began with the installation of a Haltech E6K stand-alonE engine management system back in 2000.

What makes and models do you tune?

We offer extensive tuning services for 1996 and newer gas and diesel domestic V8 powered vehicles. The sky is the limit; full bolt-ons, headers, cylinder head upgrades, cam swaps, turbos, superchargers, nitrous, E-85, and more.

This includes the usual suspects like Camaros, Corvettes, V-series Cadillacs, Mustangs, Chargers, and Challengers. We also have you covered for trucks and SUVs as well.

We can tune your Escalade, Silverado, F-150, F-250, F-350, 2500, 3500, Tahoe, Yukon, Durango, Grand Cherokee, Ram, and Jeep, as well as anything with a Duramax, Cummins, or PowerStroke. 

For our owners of European and Asian vehicles we offer Stage 1 tuning and typically Stage 2 tuning for 2000 and newer vehicles with that run on gas or diesel. We have tuned numerous vehicles from BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Nissan, Infiniti, Toyota, and Lexus. 

Please don’t hesitate to call or email us about questions on your project. We have specialized hardware and software for nearly every make or model of vehicle, boat, motorcycle, or jet ski that is 1996 or newer and uses fuel injection. 

What are the different types of tunes available? What modifications are needed or appropriate for the various stages?

We describe our tuning service in stages. Reflash tuning and Stage 1 tuning is meant for a stock vehicle or a vehicle with an aftermarket intake filter and cat-back exhaust. Stage 2 and up are for vehicles with more modifications. Keep reading to learn more on the higher stages. 

How long does it take to tune a vehicle?

Stage 1 and Reflash Tunes are completed in the same day most of the time. We will tell you in advance if we need 24 hours.

Stage 2 Tunes are completely custom and take more time. Expect 2-4 days to get everything done. We will keep you up to date along the way with lots of text messages and videos.

Stage 3 Tunes may take a week or more. We will keep you up to date along the way with lots of text messages and videos.

Who is a Stage 1 Tune for?

Anyone who wants to feel a difference in the way their vehicle drives. We can add power, torque, better throttle response, better transmission shifting, and improve fuel economy, all within the same tuned calibration. 

Have you have ever modified your car by adding a performance intake and/or exhaust, then had to convince yourself you noticed a difference? Or maybe you did notice a difference, but it was very small. We’ve been there. This is actually what started our tuning journey many years ago. 

Anyways, the experience and performance increase with a tune is NOT like the typical intake and exhaust mods; you will easily be able to tell a difference in how your vehicle runs and drives. Some turbocharged vehicles can gain 100+ HP with all stock parts and a custom tune.

By the way, a Stage 1 tune will always be highest return in HP per dollar spent. Everything after Stage 1 takes more time and costs more money.

We have no connection to Automotovist, but we do agree with the concept of HP per dollar, and this article explains the idea. It even has a calculator to help you determine what you’re paying for each HP added. 

What about Stage 2 or Stage 3? Does it have more power than Stage 1?

Yes it does, but you should know that we do not purposefully hold back power on a Stage 1 tune so we can charge you more for the Stage 2 tune. We use stages to indicate the level of modifications. Higher stages have more mods and make more power. 

What does it cost to get my vehicle tuned?

We offer different tune services to match various modification stages. In general, expect to pay about $500 for a reflash Tune, $650 for a Stage 1 Tune, and $1,000+ for stage 2 and higher. 

Be sure to head over to the shop to see our performance packages for popular makes and models. These are full-service turnkey packages that include all parts, tuning, and labor. 

It’s April of 2024 right now and we are just starting to build out the shop page of the website. If you don’t see something for your vehicle let us know, we probably already have it but haven’t posted it yet. No matter what, we can work to create a package just for you. 

My car is running poorly. Will a tune fix it?

No. You should only tune a vehicle when you have no warning lights on the dash of any kind; the vehicle should be running and driving perfectly when it arrives to the shop. We don’t do general maintenance or repairs, but we may be able to help you diagnose the problem. 

One exception to a warning light would be if you modified your vehicle in a way that you knew was going to cause a check engine light. Common examples are large diameter aftermarket intakes on Fords, and cat-back exhaust systems on cars with dual mode exhaust like Corvettes, Camaros, Chargers, and Challengers. We will take care of these types of warning lights for you.