nooo as in if you're messing with the tune how are you gonna know thats a usable tune unless you're using the car, and if the tune is incorrect kaboom possibly. sorry completely unrelated to having two ecu issues.

 

how likely is it that I'd blow the engine instead of bricking the ECU if I'm keeping track of knock?

 

blowing the engine > bricking ECU

Unless your computer is really unstable which I say it won't be because I run Win7 on my mac no problems.

 

There is no possible way to run a test without actually testing it on the car so I don't blow it?

 

I mean you can start with stock timing rich afrs and move from there adding boost and timing, no means I know tuning well but, reading some FAQs and DIY's could help you. Just my .02 rather spend 150-200 with an opensource from a reputable tuner than trying myself and having to get a new motor. Easy stuff and not easy at the same time.

 

I get exactly what you mean haha, maybe buy a map at the cheapest place I can...

 

you can test write the new map first to make sure its good to go but there is no way to know if the edited map will produce a ton of knock. I mean you can follow the steps listed in that tutorial to reduce chances but sometimes mistakes happen.

You will need to monitor your IAM, fbkc and flkc to make sure you're not knocking. Until you have another car/enough money to get motor replaced, I would just do a lot of research and learn through books/internet rather than experience.

You can always do logs of your current tune just to compare and see if there are any issues with it also.

 

50$ can get you an OTC tune on the internet comparable to a cobb tune. If you want the best tune, you gotta go to a tuner like Ed and cough up the money. His tunes will always be superior.

 

There's plenty of places that do open source tuning. Most that I know avg 150-200 range.

 

You might have to teach me your tricks some more once I get my computer ready and get the cables

 

OTC tune sounds good to me right now since I'm on a budget, later on when I have extra cash I will definitely go to Ed

 

only thing about OTC its meant for any car thats alike to yours, while open source will be tweaked according to your car. Remember every car acts a tiny bit different from each other.

 

Yeah, but really, its my DD and I don't need a PERFECT tune, so it sounds like otc is gonna be the best way to go.. but I do want to do little tweaks just to have fun with it

 

you do understand that paying for a tune or paying for an AP will cost multiple times less than destroying your motor? save the money and do it right, because honestly if you're on here asking people for guides and stuff on how to tune your car you probably shouldn't be doing it.

 

since it is a DD i would recommend it be an opensource for your car.. get rid of all the imperfections as much as possible.