Is it possible to use the truck on board (OBD II) computer to analyze the performance of a FlipChip custom program? I'm noticing that the Autotap software has the capability of graphing the performance of sensor inputs. Would a graph of TPS, speed, O2, radiator temp, and load be of value in optimizing the program (assuming the long term fuel trims are correct, etc)?

 

Anybody have any ideas on this? Any AUTOXRAY users out there try this?

 

Hi athearle,

That is not going to help more than that data is already being used by the ECU for those very purposes, if I understand what you asked correctly, there is nothing new, different, unknown, special or "custom" about any of that data (TPS, load, fuel enrichment points, etc.) from your truck to another Ford truck of the same model year with the same powertrain, unless you've made some mechanical engine modifications I'm not aware of, they all came out of the same basic "cookie cutter", so they're consistent in those regards, which they need to be of course. There will be minor variations always, but basically we're talking about a known system with known results, so then it's all a matter of programming for a desired result, assuming you know which of the many thousands of lines of code do exactly what.

All of those sensors exist for specific reasons and provide the ECU with real-time (or as close as automotive systems get in this regard) data streams, so that data is already being put to use. Changes in the programming/tuning are productive when there is a specific fault to be corrected or a specific trait altered, or if you're programming for higher octane to get more power from a gasoline engine for example like the Superchip, or compensating for mechanical engine modifications, etc.
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Event Organizer

[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 12-26-2000).]

 

Thanks for the reply Mike. To re-phrase my question, what I was looking to do was to use the on board computer with an analyzer to specifically track RPM ranges and load conditions that cause the truck to ping with the Superchips custom 87 program (and submit them for correction). I know there is also the audible method of determining the problem areas but it would be nice to see the computers perception of it. I was not looking to so much optimize the program as I stated before but correct problems with the program. I thought this might be an efficient way to locate the problem areas so that you dont take timing out unneccesarily. I do realize that its not really cost effective since the scanner cost $300+ but if its already avail. it would be neat to use it for this purpose. If I read your answer right there is no data avail from the sensors that would point to areas in the programming that result in a ping or lean condition?

 

Hi athearle,

Ahh, I see what you're getting at. Sure, if you had access to that data, and could therefore identify that precisely the exact areas, that could perhaps help a little bit, but there is also quite a bit of "overlap" in the spark curves. Over the years, we've found that in practical terms, the best way to handle this is simply to determine the rpm range and approximate throttle position, which is very simple to do and that gets us pretty darned close. And when you consider the minor power gains in the custom program for regular gas on one side of your Flip Chip anyway, it just isn't going to make enough difference to matter.

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Event Organizer

[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 12-31-2000).]

 

Isnt it nice to know that some things in this day and age of computers and the internet are still simple. Happy New Year everybody!

 

Hi athearle,

Yep, we'll take all just about all the "simple things" we can get these days!

Happy New Year to you & your family, too!

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Event Organizer