Engine swap & tuning

[GBpacker_Sho]

I'm looking for some suggestions as to how I should tune my SHOgun replica. The motor is in the Festiva and it runs and drives, but it needs a tune.

I'm not even close to being done with the project (body work, turbo, front suspension) but I'd like it to be drivable.

I've looked into the tweecer, but from what I read it looks a bit complicated. This leads me to want to have a tuner have a go at it (Midwest). Any suggestions would be great.

 

[Mike Kelly]

I'm looking for some suggestions as to how I should tune my SHOgun replica. The motor is in the Festiva and it runs and drives, but it needs a tune.

I'm not even close to being done with the project (body work, turbo, front suspension) but I'd like it to be drivable.

I've looked into the tweecer, but from what I read it looks a bit complicated. This leads me to want to have a tuner have a go at it (Midwest). Any suggestions would be great.

IMHO Unless you you have a local tuner who knows this system and has a chassis dyno the tweecer or quarter horse are your best options. Mail order tunes/preprogrammed chips are not always exact ( a step in correct direction yes) no matter what information one has. The learning can be uphill but a lot of members can help with learning curve. Mike

 

[GBpacker_Sho]

Thanks Mike.

I figured a tweecer would be the way to go in the long run as the closest dyno shop is a 2 hour drive. I'll just add it to my already lengthy to do list.

 

[rubydist]

why would it need a tune? do you have non-stock mafs/tb/injectors in it?

 

[GBpacker_Sho]

It's stock. It's just running really rough and is not wanting to idle. I'm sure it's something more than what a tune would fix, but it's a start. I'll need a tune sooner than later.

 

[rubydist]

when your engine is sick, you do not make a tune to deal with the symptoms, you fix what is wrong that makes it not want to idle, etc.

 

[GBpacker_Sho]

Wouldn't the tweecer be able to shoot me in the right direction, I'm assuming it can pull codes? I'm not going to throw the book at it and guess what's wrong. Once it's running properly and I am finished modding it I'll need a tune anyway, hence why I don't just pull the codes now.

 

[luigisho]

You should be able to pull codes with the oem wiring/sensor/powertrain control module. Maybe a tuner would help pinpoint stuff but I would ask some people that have experience using them before I pulled the trigger. Hope is not a great strategy. Logic, good info and skill is what you need. Whatever you are missing you can find if you're patient. Otherwise you will throw money everywhere and still might not get very far.

There are other SHO engine swappers around here. Find them and hit them up directly via PM or email if you haven't already.

 

[rubydist]

you do not need a tweecer to pull codes, all you need to do is know how to count. then you can fix what is wrong.

 

[GBpacker_Sho]

Ruby, I know, I've used the paperclip method before.

 

[jayro]

Ruby, I know, I've used the paperclip method before.

I am sure people here would be glad to help troubleshoot. Have you had a chance to pull your codes yet? As far as your setup, what from the original wiring and ECU/PCM have you changed?

It looks like you are planning on some mods that would require you to have a tuner (tweecer/quarterhorse) so purchasing one and getting familiar with it isn't a bad idea. I think what people are saying is that if the setup is stock (or mostly stock) it should run good without a tune. If it is not then there is something wrong mechanically/electrically. I haven't used a RT tuner, but I would assume that using the logging feature could help with diagnosing the issue, just don't plan on using a tune to fix the issue. Fix the issue and then write a tune to improve an engine that is running well.

 

[luigisho]

Yep. I think we need to know what the setup is to have any idea how to help. You've already got this far and if you put this together yourself, you have greater wrenching abilities than most. If you bought it as a half finished project then you have my sympathies as backtracking and retracing can be a time killer.

 

[GBpacker_Sho]

Luigi - I started the project myself, my 92 from highschool found its way back to me. The Festiva was bought for $300. I started about 3 months ago, slowly working on it here and there.

I will have a massive build thread once it's complete.

 

[luigisho]

Very cool. That's a big job. You been in contact with member Phoenix from Quebec with his Festiva project?

http://www.shoforum.com/index.php?threads/shogun-at-last-update.129796/

 

[GBpacker_Sho]

Very cool. That's a big job. You been in contact with member Phoenix from Quebec with his Festiva project?

http://www.shoforum.com/index.php?threads/shogun-at-last-update.129796/

Yes, well, kind of. I messaged him on the Festiva forum and he didn't respond. I also have contacted NovaSS whom also built/is building one... He gave me some tips on what to do with the front end.

 

[StreetlightSHO]

Luigi - I started the project myself, my 92 from highschool found its way back to me. The Festiva was bought for $300. I started about 3 months ago, slowly working on it here and there.

I will have a massive build thread once it's complete.

Well since we won't get the build thread for a while, the least you can give us is a teaser pic! (or ten)

 

[Phoenix]

Im here



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[yamahaSHO]

Is it all done now?

 

[Phoenix]

Missing the tuning , some gremelins like my belt is squeeking , rpm is fked , fans wont turn on...etc little stuff.

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[Phoenix]

Its evaluated at 40k. I also need to redo some wet sanding and rebuffing in some spots. Missing decals , but i have them, exact replicas.

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