What's tuning?

Before buying a truck I watched a lot of youtube videos and after buying a truck I remember one specific video where it was mentioned I should get my truck tuned 1st thing after buying? I remember thinking at the time what exactly does he mean by get truck tuned?

 

Could mean any number of different things Lol. More power, emissions delete, a good once over and a tune up as in bake the DPF and closely go over the polar bear friendly stuff hanging off it

 

It has changed over the years. Used to it meant do a good over head, adjust the bridges if a CAT. Check and set Static timing and advance curve. Check for any leaks on the pressure side of turbo and fuel pressure. It come from the phrase “tune up”.



Now days no one cares about valve lash, leaks on pressure side of turbo etc they just want to tune it.

The ECM has engine parameters such as fuel load setting, fuel torque setting, very small timing changes which amounts to opening the fuel delivery valve on the injector later or sooner depending on which way you want to go. You can also set how long you want this delivery valve open to decide amount of fuel. There is more to it but that should give you an idea.

Tuning an engine that is running proper can be beneficial however most are certain that theirs is when it’s not and it is only a band aid.

Most simply download a file from their supplier and have no idea what their putting in. Do your research good ones are around

 

You can also cause issues if you don't know what you're doing, or cause more work due to a tune.

My little 325 horse 11.1 Detroit is tuned a bit hot, and took quite a bit more work to get it to where the ECM tune and engine performed well together.

It's a beast now

 

What was max boost stock? The 171701 or the 02 would be nice upgrade over the stock turbo. Probably the 01 on the 11.1

It'll flow more on the top end

 

@Brettj3876

Stock turbo was an S400, which IIRC was the 171702, is supposed to flow very good. It didn't work well with my setup. Max boost around 36psi

I tried several turbos, and the K31 has been far superior than the others. That pic was at the top of the hill westbound from the Columbia in Washington. 925* EGT and I never let out of it from the bottom. 46k on the deck and only split top gear.

Factory specs boost tops around 30psi.

 

Yeah, im thinking he was probably referring to the tune after the def has been "worked" on. And the lack of clarity being the subject and all if ya know what i mean. Im thinking my 2016 cascadia's dialed in as good as its going to get from the factory at least with fuel mileage and with the def on it that is.

 

I've heard heard good things about the K31, thinking of trying it on our other truck that has a tune in it. Not much bigger than yours 11.9L Mack. Were around 42psi with the 1702

 

tryed the k31 didnt like it went back to the 702

 

Got the 702 on my DDEC 4. $675 to my door from summit racing. Gotta laugh at the ISX turbo for $4k+.