1. What is the cost of an ECU calibration?
Our basic ECU calibration starts at $1250 + GST. This includes our pre-dyno inspection, dyno mount and dismount (includes telemetry hook up) and the ECU calibration. Any items found in need of attention or repair during the pre-dyno inspection will need to be addressed and charged accordingly.
2. Is there an additional cost for tuning for multiple fuels?
Yes there is. That being said, you must ensure that your ECU and fuel system are capable of managing multiple different fuels. The correct sensors, fuel lines or input switches must be installed correctly for the ECU to understand and operate under a multi-fuel setup. All prices below are a surcharge atop of the basic dyno tuning charge.
-Flex fuel (Additional $500)
-Race fuel (Additional $250)
-Water/meth (Additional $250)
Please note that the additional charges only include the ECU calibration. Should any sensors, switches and/or upgrades be required, additional charges will apply.
3. How long does an ECU calibration take?
Once the vehicle has passed our pre-dyno inspection, the ECU calibration takes about 5 hours if no problems or issues arise and for one specific fuel. Any additional fuel tuning requires an extra 2-4 hours. Once the vehicle is taken off the dynamometer, our tuner will confirm everything is working on the street and request the vehicle to be left overnight to confirm cold start and idle operation. Typically, a 2 day turn around is required for the ECU calibration to be completed.
4. Will my ECU be password protected once the dyno tuning is complete?
Boost Factory Inc. does not lock or password protect their ECU calibrations unless requested by the customer. Boost Factory Inc. does save and store all ECU calibrations and is capable of understanding if any alterations have been made to the original file when the vehicle was picked up. Altering the ECU calibration file may lead to catastrophic engine damage and voids any and all warranty (where applicable).
5. Will I be supplied with a dyno graph upon picking up my vehicle?
You will be provided with a detailed dyno chart as well as a dyno graph. The dyno chart allows you to understand the amount of horsepower and torque your engine produced at a specific engine RPM and load. We can provide you with a physical copy or a digital copy, whichever you prefer.
6. Do I need a standalone ECU or will a piggyback ECU suffice?
We highly recommend a fully configurable standalone ECU as it allows us to implement safety strategies to ensure the longevity, reliability and performance of your engine. Most piggyback ECUs are limited on adjustments and in most cases do not perform as well as a fully configurable standalone ECU. If you are not sure as to what to use, please call and speak to one of our performance specialists prior to purchasing an ECU. We will guide you in purchasing the correct ECU that best fits your needs.
7. What are the most common issues during an ECU calibration?
We have encountered a variety of issues during an ECU calibration however the most common ones are poor turbo manifold design, inconsistent boost control, boost leaks, low fuel pressure, incorrect injector sizing, low oil pressure to name a few. Don’t you worry, our pre-dyno inspection will allow us to catch and address these potential issues prior to the vehicle being mounted onto the dyno.
8. Will my vehicle consume more fuel after an ECU calibration?
We do not focus solely on making horsepower figures. Our ECU calibration also focuses on fuel economy should the vehicle be driven on the street or as a year round daily driver. There is absolutely no reason why your vehicle should suffer from poor fuel economy after an ECU calibration even if the vehicle produces more power than it did before. This is something we take pride in when performing an ECU calibration. Our end goal is to have the vehicle perform and drive as it did from the factory.
9. Will the longevity of my engine decrease after an ECU calibration?
Our ECU calibration not only focuses on power and fuel economy but the longevity of the engine. The pre-dyno inspection will provide us with a bill of health before commencing the dyno tuning. Our performance specialists will be able to determine and advise if the vehicle is healthy and ready for an ECU calibration. Please keep in mind that parts and components do fail and are completely out of our control. We will provide you with an ECU calibration that is safe and will implement safety strategies where applicable in order to limit any future damages that may occur.
10. How much fuel is used during an ECU calibration?
Generally a full tank of fuel will be used during an ECU calibration however if there are issues while the vehicle is on the dyno and diagnosis time is required, additional fuel will be needed in order to complete the ECU calibration. We have plenty of fuel available and will add any additional fuel charges to your invoice.
11. Can I be present during my ECU calibration?
Unfortunately, we do not allow anyone to be present during the tuning process.
There are various reasons as to why however the main reason is our concern for your safety. Even though the dyno is the safest way to perform a calibration,
there is always the possibility of something going wrong. Our marketing team will take a short video of one of the wide open throttle runs which will be forwarded to you.
12. What dynamometer do you use?
Our ECU calibrations are performed on a DYNOmite dynamometer. This is a
1500HP 2WD Axle Hub dyno. Unlike a chassis dynamometer (also known as a
roller), our state of the art dynamometer will be bolted and secured to your
vehicles’ axles. This eliminates any wheel spin on high horsepower cars and
allows the tuner to accurately populate the ignition and fuel table in steady state
tuning prior to switching over to ramp run tuning.
13. Can an ECU calibration be performed on my AWD/4WD vehicles?
Short answer is yes however given that we have a 2WD dynamometer, we would have to temporarily disable the AWD/4WD system in order to be able to perform the ECU calibration on your vehicle. It is possible to disable the AWD/4WD system on some vehicles and not on others. Please contact one of our performance specialist to inquire if this is possible on your vehicle.
14. Why did my car make less power than what I hoped for?
This is a question that comes up quite often after an ECU calibration.
There are plenty of factors that would come into play however the most common
ones are knock limitation (quality and octane rating of fuel), improperly sized
exhaust systems (abnormal back pressure or too small of a turbine size),
improperly sized or inferior quality of intercooler, incorrectly sized injectors,
fuel pump or fuel lines to name a few.
15. Why did my vehicle make more/less power on a different dyno?
Another question we see come up quite often. There are different types of
dynamometers and correction factors (formula for calculating HP and Torque).
We can assure you that our equipment is calibrated correctly and accurately prior
to every ramp run to ensure your vehicles’ power output is precise. There is
nothing we hate more than inaccurate dynamometer graphs and numbers.
16. How often do engines fail during an ECU calibration?
We would be dishonest if we said we have never seen or had a failure during
an ECU calibration. This is something that can and does happen but rest assured that we do everything in our power to ensure it does not. Our pre-dyno inspection is very comprehensive and thorough meaning we would not deliberately proceed with an ECU calibration unless we were confident it would make it through. That being said, failures do happen from time to time and in most cases are out of our control.
17. What hub bolt patterns do you have available?
We are capable of mounting any vehicle with the following hub bolt patterns:
4×100,108,114.3
5×100,114.3,120
If your vehicles’ hub bolt pattern is not listed, please contact us first as we
would have to order the correct hub adapter that suits your vehicle.
18. Do I need any additional sensors for an ECU calibration?
The more data the ECU receives, the better the ECU calibration will be.
That being said, you may be limited by the ECUs available inputs or
simply by your budget. At a bare minimum, we require a modern air fuel
wideband controller which must be wired directly to the ECU. A fast response
intake air temperature sensor as most ECUs operate under the SD (speed
density) principle which heavily relies on air temperature data for calculating
the final fuel dose. Highly recommended but not required for an ECU
calibration is an oil and fuel pressure transducer (sensor) if budget permits.
19. Do I need another ECU calibration should I decide to install any other upgrades?
Yes you will. Anything that would change or alter the engines volumetric
efficiency in any way will require the ECU to be recalibrated. Given that the ECU
calibration is specifically catered to your current setup; installing, removing or
changing parts could result in poor engine performance or catastrophic failure.
If you are unsure as to whether a specific parts installation will warrant another
ECU calibration, please contact one of our performance specialists for
clarification.
20. Do you offer remote tuning services?
We are capable of remotely uploading a base map in order to start the engine.
It is paramount you understand that providing us with false or inaccurate
information will consequently have a negative impact on your engine and ECU
calibration. The remote tuning service is only meant to help you start the engine
to inspect for any leaks, check sensor operation and a few
other functions. This does not mean your ECU is calibrated and the vehicle can be driven. Under no circumstances, should you drive or joyfully rev your engine.
The sole purpose of this service is to help you understand if there are
any underlying problems prior to booking your vehicle for a dynamometer
session.
21. Is tuning support available after an ECU calibration?
Tuning support will always be available and offered to our clients. Most
troubleshooting can be accomplished remotely if the correct sensors have been
installed and accurate information is relayed to us. In some instances, the vehicle may have to be towed over for diagnosis and repairs. Any additional ECU calibration required to rectify the ECU will be free or charge. However, if
the problem is not tuning related, a charge for diagnosing and repairing will be billed out to the client. This is normally on a case to case basis.
22. Can I upload my ECU calibration onto a similar build?
Absolutely not. Each ECU calibration is unique to its vehicle and engine
combination. Even if your friend has a similar build, it is critical that you
understand; sharing ECU calibration files may result in total engine failure.
This is something we cannot stress enough and will not be held accountable
for engine damages resulting from ECU calibration file sharing.
23. My vehicle failed the pre-dyno inspection, can you perform the
necessary repairs?
We definitely can. We are a full licensed automotive repair shop that is
equipped with tools, knowledge and experience to ensure your vehicle
is ready for an ECU calibration. Cost associated with the repairs will vary
based on what is required. We are also able to source any OEM and
aftermarket parts.