nrg3k

Hello,

I am interested in learning how to use Crome, but haven't found much in the way of documentation. Is there a list of things (hardware, software, connector cables, etc) that i should have before i start?

I've downloaded the software and poked around - but i'm still not entirely sure what i need to actuall y 'burn' the program to the ECU... Is there any way to do datalogging, or on-the-fly changes to the programs? I have a computer with windows emulator always in my car, so i'd love to be able to switch between economy and performance modes without opening the ECU repeatedly. Thanks,

DJM:>

zeeman

iTrader: (1)

well before even attempting to change anything in crome i would HIGHLY recommend getting a wideband o2 setup ($300-500US).
Then of course you will need an eeprom burner ($100US). A datalogging setup is also a MUST, i like the moates hondalog ($50US). But in order to be able to datalog in crome you need to purchase PRO ($150US). There are a few choices for emulators (real time programmers), personally i use a moates Ostrich ($175US), but there is also a Xtronics Romulator ($175US).

So all of the equipment you'll need to start tuning with crome is about $1000 if you've already got a laptop, if not add another $500-1500.
This is why its more practical/cheaper just to pay someone to tune your car, especially if you don't know what you are doing and don't wanna blow your engine up.
There isn't any real documentation for using crome b/c there isn't really any company that you purchase it from, its all DIY.

About switching from economy to performance, i guess you just need a better understanding of crome/tuning to understand why you don't need to spend $1000 to get the best of both worlds.
If you just pay a tuner to tune your car, you will get the best fuel economy with the best performance. The part of the fuel/timing maps that you would be tuning for max performance are in a completely different area then the part of the fuel/timing maps that you would be tuning for max fuel economy.
If you'd rather save yourself a whole bunch of money and get things done right PM me, b/c i don't mind showing people how it all works while tuning their car.

zeeman

iTrader: (1)

edit:

oops wrong thread.

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

I would recommend going to a tuner to get it done rather than tinkering with it yourself.

and switching between programs is as easy as having a switch mounted on the case or somewhere that cuts out jumper (i think) J2

zeeman

iTrader: (1)

well if you made a switch that cuts out jumper J1 (not j2) that would be switching between the program on the chip and the stock program (d16z6 program if its a chipped p28).
What you could do is get a moates 2timer and a SST27SF512 chip that can hold 2 programs (in different locations) so you can switch between two different programs with the flick of a switch.
But, like i said before, a well tuned ecu will have max performance along with max fuel economy. But if the car was just dyno tuned then the partial throttle/cruising portions of the maps aren't going to be tuned. Unless it was tuned on a steady state load type dyno (clayton for example), but if that was the case you would have probably paid like $800-1000 and would have a well tuned ecu. I know Neetronics has a clayton dyno and is prolly part of the reason why it costs $800+ for a custom tune by paul.

nrg3k

Thanks for the detailed response!!

I'm actually more interested in learning about the concepts and the software available. I've considered getting a hondata, but you gotta be pro or licensed to program with it. After reading the info on PGMFI.org, i want to learn more!

I don't actually have a setup that requires tuning at this time, but in the future one never really knows. I think I'll have a look at those hardware bits, and see if its worth my interest - who knows, maybe i can tune instead of just coding

DJM:>

zeeman

iTrader: (1)

you don't need to be a PRO or licensed to tune with hondata.
You just need to spend the $200US for the ROM editor and have a vaild serial number for a S100/S200. And of course a real time programmer/chip burner/wideband

nrg3k

Is there any difference between using a hondata vs chippted ecu + crome on a D15B? I have heard you can do wonders with the k-pro hondata on k20's but donno if its worth the extra $ for an s100/200 if i wanna just learn on my D15 - i accept the risk of blowing it up of course..

DJM:>

zeeman

iTrader: (1)

well hondata is way more expensive and IMO has crap tech support (its about as good as cromes is...which is the pgmfi forum). Hondata has a few features that crome doesn't, such as nitrous control.
Hondata uses a chipped ecu, just like crome does.
I HIGHLY recommend spending the money on cromepro b/c having to datalog in another program, such as freelog or ecucontrol is a real pain in the ***, especially if you're just starting out, trying to learn.
Map trace, which is another feature of pro, really, really helps, and IMO datalogging right in crome plus map trace makes the money for PRO very worth while.
Attempting to tune without all of the items i listed above (wb o2, logger, RTP) will result in less than desireable results, if not a blown engine.