What does it take to get started "Tuning" factory ECMs??

[runthatjunk]

Anybody done this from scratch?  I have several vehicles and rather than purchase a tuner for each vehicle I thought why not just do it myself!  The information I'm finding doesn't really make much sense to me though.  Do I still have to purchase software for each vehicle, if that's the case while it would be interesting it wouldn't be worth the money. 

Anyone on here done this?

[cammerfe]

It may be possible to 'start from scratch', but when I decided to 'improve' on my '02 Lincoln, I bought the tuner. It made it possible to read what the factory put in and make a multitude of changes. Of course, please understand that I think of a computer as, mostly, a fancy typewriter. The SCT tuner I used plugs into the diagnostic port, and, in turn, one plugs a laptop into the other side. The laptop is where you get your info. Good Luck!!!

KS

[gregaba]

I really like the sct tuner and used them on all 3 of my Mustang GT's over the years.
However when I wanted to add a remote start to my 2013 F 250 I found that the hand held tuners could not do the job.
I found and down loaded a  program called Forscan which lets you change everything in the stock computer.
You just have to be carefull because one wrong entry will really mess you up.
The program subscription was $29.00 and the adapter was $59.00.
You load the program on your laptop and use the adpator to hook up to your ecm port under the dash.
It gives you complete controll of your system.
Works great.
Greg

[Diogenes]

I've used Forscan for many years, but just for diagnostics. I purchased an ELM327 interface box and cable many years ago, then found Forscan and have been using it ever since. The diagnostic program is free for laptop (which I use), but access to manipulating ECM parameters is as gregaba stated, but keep in mind that Forscan is for Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and some Mazda vehicles, it will not work with other makes.

[gregaba]

One thing I forgot to mention is that they have a fairly good forum area to help you use the program with the code changes published by people who have all ready done it.
Once you get into the program it is easy to make the changes.
Greg

[runthatjunk]

I have forscan, but only for diagnostics, from what I can see on their site it doesn't allow tuning, it basically can do a lot of what dealer can do but actual tuning seems to be seperate from changing options/functions

[gregaba]

You are right. I guess I should have paid more attention to the original post.
Forscan lets you turn on all dealer options that the dealer can but does not allow you to tune the ecm.
I am waiting for that program to come out.
Greg

[runthatjunk]

Anybody here familiar with HP Tuners?