You no longer have to tune your car by manually soldering the chip of your engine. There are many software solutions available that can tune your car by reprogramming it. When you adjust the parameters and settings in the ECU (electronic control unit), it is called as car tuning. In performance modification, the fuel system is tuned. The intake and exhaust system are revamped, the improvement of the sound-system is involved too. Tires, suspension to modify the springs, shock absorbers are all changed. The transmission and gear-box are some popular tuning options.
Tuning will improve the performance of your vehicle. ECU remapping is a complex process, many parameters to be taken care of. If something goes wrong, the damage is irreparable. So here is the list of top 10 ECU software –
1. TOAD Pro OBD2 Programming Software
TOAD (Total OBD (On-board diagnostic) Auto Diagnostics) is easy to navigate and provides deep diagnostics reports. It is compatible with OBD1 and OBD2 vehicles. It has chip tuning for performance and fuel economy. It does not support any OS other than Windows. You can analyze horsepower, torque, fuel efficiency by editing the ECU data. Probably a novice would be overwhelmed with so many options, but it is user-friendly so they can give it a try. You can read the code and detect the problems in the code too.
2. K-Tag Slave
You can quickly make any modifications if needed, it is also very efficient, and easy for a user. It is compatible with major brands and can store data for thousands of vehicles. It is an Alien Tech software and gives you access to the ECU. The coding is guided for safety reasons. You just have to read the original, modify it, and write it in your ECU. There are no independent modifications and for each modification, you have to pay, which is a downside to this software. It has backup features too.
3. Viezu K-suite
For references, you have the Vehicle list and Protocol list. It is the ultimate choice for automotive ECU tuning. It works on Windows OS, with tools and mapping options. It has great usability and functionality, and it has a guided programming feature called K-Tag. The Vehicle list will show you all the list of all the vehicles supported and it also gives you tuning suggestions. The Protocol list will give you the information about the ECU and the accessories needed. It is also easy to remap the ECU with car tuning tools.
4. MTune PC Software
Engineers were frustrated with the manual way of working with engines and automobiles. This frustration led them to make this software that has a simple interface, fast and easy to use. It benefits both beginners and professionals. MDash app is for Android while MTune software is for Windows OS. They update the software regularly, but not all vehicles models are supported. It has 2D and 3D tuning and gives a one-click option for real-time data. The output functions are flexible, and the advanced features with gear-box control and wastegate control.
5. EcuTek
Big companies like BMW, Ford, Honda use this software as it is fast and efficient. It does have limited features compared to other software solutions. It is so fast that it can reprogram some vehicles in 25 seconds or less. You need to know the coding before using this software, that is why professionals are more comfortable with this. It can be intimidating for beginners. Another drawback is that it is not compatible with all kinds of vehicles. The maps are based on OEM reading (original equipment manufacturer).
6. PrecisionCodeWorks ECU software
If you are a beginner or a hobbyist, this is a great option. This is fast and you do not need any knowledge about coding. It simplifies the ECU remapping process. It is an expensive software as it works on credit software. For every tuning, you need to purchase credits. For professionals, building the website will limit you and you cannot change the tables. PrecisionCodeWorks will build ECU file in seconds when you send the original ECU file and select the modifications.
7. KESSv2
This software is for professionals, the Master Kit has training courses, but professionals will only benefit from it. It is compatible with many types of vehicles and has a huge range of ECU customization. This is an upgraded version of KESS, the database is updated every day. The database includes maps and protocols. It is fast when it comes to reading and writing. Overall, this can be tricky for beginners, though professionals can get a lot out of it. It completely remaps and tunes your vehicle.
8. Celtic Tuning
There is a Super Chip service that writes ECU maps. The maps have fuel/ air ratio, boost pressure change, and exhaust gas temperature updates. You won’t have much control over the ECU customization and remapping, as it is done by Celtic Tuning programmers. One advantage of this software is that you get the best technical support and most vehicle brands are compatible with their tuning services. Lastly, this is a great software for all the beginners, as you do not have to make your brain work for the programming part. Although it does not offer live or graphic tuning, it is a good choice.
9. DeltaECU
This software is specially designed for professionals and they will be very happy with this software as it is very easy to use. Reprogramming is done is less than 2 minutes, which says it is fast and efficient. For tuning, initial timing and throttle input are some of the important parameters kept in mind. There is a graphic map that lets you analyze your issues. It has a feature where it duplicates the maps. It is for commercial users only as it is expensive. It is a powerful tool so you need to be a professional to use this.
10. Tactrix software
This software is XML-based and lets you modify your maps. You get graphical representations, live tuning, but does not have 3D modeling. Its applications are limited. Tactrix has an innovative point of view for ECU coding and that’s what makes it more special. It does not have pre-loaded maps or programs and supports a limited range of brands of vehicles. It is easy to install and it keeps upgrading. It is still a work in progress but it promises to be a deal worth the wait.
