BNR Tuner Advice?

[SinCitySonic]

Just ordered my tune from BNR, can't wait to get/install it! Since mine is the very first car I have ever modified, let alone tuned, I have no idea what to expect or "do" in a way. This being the case, I have a couple "noob" questions.

I see something referred to as a datalog. Is this just recording the diagnostics to see what areas should be tweaked after the initial tune? Does the device that comes with do all this?

Also I live in Nevada, which is by no means strict on annual smog checks like California is, but might it be a good idea to flash this back to stock before inspection?

I learn a lot about my car reading the posts here from you guys, so I greatly value and appreciate your insight!

 

[ScarabEpic22]

Datalog is simply recording what your engine (and transmission if AT) are doing vs what is being commanded via the tune. I.E. before tuning, you have 10* of spark timing with 0* knock retard. After tuning, you might have 18* of spark with 4* of knock retard. As knock kills engines, with this information gathered from a datalog, your tuner (BNR) can update the tune and go down to say 14-15* of spark and 0* KR. Optimal power, no knock = happy engine. Very simplified example as spark is just 1 piece of the puzzle. Believe me, a tune is the single best mod you can do to a modern vehicle, especially a forced induction one like the 1.4T.

If your vehicle is stock otherwise, you should be fine not returning to stock before going to inspection. I dont know how NV does theirs, you should figure that out. If you're not sure, just return to stock the fist time going through and watch the process. FWIW, I can't put my TBSS back to stock as it has modifications that will not run on the stock tune, so I take it through emissions tuned and pass just fine. It actually probably runs cleaner than on the stock tune as I've optimized the fueling to be much closer than from the factory.

 

[greg51]

tune

If your using EFI live there is a step by step on facebook. g

 

[SinCitySonic]

Datalog is simply recording what your engine (and transmission if AT) are doing vs what is being commanded via the tune. I.E. before tuning, you have 10* of spark timing with 0* knock retard. After tuning, you might have 18* of spark with 4* of knock retard. As knock kills engines, with this information gathered from a datalog, your tuner (BNR) can update the tune and go down to say 14-15* of spark and 0* KR. Optimal power, no knock = happy engine. Very simplified example as spark is just 1 piece of the puzzle. Believe me, a tune is the single best mod you can do to a modern vehicle, especially a forced induction one like the 1.4T.

If your vehicle is stock otherwise, you should be fine not returning to stock before going to inspection. I dont know how NV does theirs, you should figure that out. If you're not sure, just return to stock the fist time going through and watch the process. FWIW, I can't put my TBSS back to stock as it has modifications that will not run on the stock tune, so I take it through emissions tuned and pass just fine. It actually probably runs cleaner than on the stock tune as I've optimized the fueling to be much closer than from the factory.

Awesome info!!! I currently have a K&N Typhoon CAI, and chevy performance exhaust that came with calibration and 50-state emissions legal sticker. From what you're saying, and the apparent ease (30 seconds) of flashing the BNR, I imagine I will put it to stock first. Thanks for your answer!

 

[SinCitySonic]

If your using EFI live there is a step by step on facebook. g

On BNR Facebook page?

 

[Zippa713]

To piggy back on noob questions... Does the BNR tune come with the presets? On the site it asks for modification. I assume that's already been done to the car? Is it best to add modifications before tune? I don't want to get too heavy into mods, just want to add some quick cheap HP. Really hoping I can just tune the stock engine.

 

[SinCitySonic]

To piggy back on noob questions... Does the BNR tune come with the presets? On the site it asks for modification. I assume that's already been done to the car? Is it best to add modifications before tune? I don't want to get too heavy into mods, just want to add some quick cheap HP. Really hoping I can just tune the stock engine.

Think differently. You will be essentially making presets. Between doing datalogs and the initial base tune, and any parts you add, it is sort of a process to really get your car dialed in the way you want. Yes, mods is asking what you have already bolted on (like cold air intake, exhaust, etc.). And during the course of this process, you may end up with a few different "presets". But overall, the tune is the way to really wake it up.

 

[BNRacing]

Right on point ^

 

[KartRacer]

My understanding is when installing down pipe a tune is required in order for the ( check engine light ) to be turned off.
Correct?
Thanks

 

[ScarabEpic22]

My understanding is when installing down pipe a tune is required in order for the ( check engine light ) to be turned off.
Correct?
Thanks

If the downpipe is catless, then yes you need a tune to turn the code and light off (plus recalibrate the ECM).