A Quick Intro to ECUFLASH Tuning for Mitsubishi and Subaru
Welcome to another blog post from me, Oliver.
We will look into something I have been into for a fair few years now: Tuning of Engines without the expenditure of buying an aftermarket programmable engine management system, or ECU.
Have you ever wondered why in todays modern world with computer technology being spectacular even in the 1990s, People still opt to spend a lot of money; generally $2000 + and time rewiring half the car for a new ECU just to make some basic changes, and end up having to calibrate the whole thing from scratch? I have done this,and its not for the feint hearted, and although it has benefits, the pros and cons do not add up for a lot of people. Thankfully the factory fitted unit is VERY powerful once unleashed!
So here i present the solution: Plug in a Laptop and directly edit the settings on the original unit for a few hundred bucks!
Saving $$$ while modding, Gotta love that!
Pre Warning
Sounds easy right? ehhh, kind of... Engine Calibration or the “Tune” is nothing short of mind boggling for many people and mistakes can be costly so proceed with caution. A degree or 2 too much of Ignition timing and BANG! , Goes the rod out the side of your engine block. Better grab a box of tissues, for your tears and the pool of oil left on the road!
It took many years of testing and learning until I am happy enough to be able to offer this information as a guide to others, aswell as offer my services such as BASE MAPS & E-Tuning with confidence.
Being a Trade Certified Mechanic and previously operating a full custom car and performance workshop did help a lot with background knowledge speeding up the learning process, but it can all be learnt with time and commitment.
Safety Notes:
-Ensure your laptop has a good battery and a reliable USB Port. - a dodgy port connection or unexpected shutdow can “Brick”the ECU meaning it is unable to be used or rewritten. Extreme caution must be taken when flashing the file onto the ECU.
-Errors in Definition files, Flashing of wrong software etc will result in a bricked, useless ecu that cannot be recovered in most cases. - if you are unsure DO NOT PROCEED!
Software:
-OpenEcu ECUFLASH
The main re-flashing & editing tool that supports an ever-growing list of vehicles. EcuFlash sends and receives data via the OBDII port. also allows you to edit ECU data (known as 'maps' or 'tables') in a human-readable format using a XML-based definition system to translate the data. With properly setup definitions, the ROM from any vehicle can be edited.
https://www.tactrix.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=36&Itemid=57
-A Logging software such as EVOSCAN, Mega Log Viewer, Rom Raider etc.
https://www.efianalytics.com/MegaLogViewer/
Hardware:
-TACTRIX OpenPort 2.0 USB to OBD2 adaptor
-Reflash Mode Connector for your Specific Vehicle
-Compatible ECU Type and model – unfortunately only models with available definition files can be tuned easily. Unless it is fully wiped, losing the original settings forever and re-flash with another version of software which has already been defined.
Tuning Files
-Definition Files (.xml) Think of these as a roadmap for information
-Ecu Calibration ROM file (.hex , .bin or .srf) This is the actual file the ecu operates from
Definition & ROM Files Here: DROPBOX LINK
For the 1st basic example, lets assume you want to make minor changes to a rom file that has been defined. Such as a basic Mitsubishi Lancer 4G93 1.8L engine, 1999-2003
Guide steps
1 - Download and install ECUFLASH
2 - Download .XML File that matches the car you wish to tune
3 – Open .XML File in Notepad , Check the Section where it says: <memmodel>H8539F</memmodel> this is the CPU memory chip type. This should be changed to whatever your actual ecu has installed. So remove the ECU from the car, and pop it out of its Black Plastic Case. If its a Metal Case, your car is the older model <1998 and NOT TUNEABLE.
Look at the large Square Chip on the Circuit Board, you will see a part number on it. Either 7202F or 7203FA. if the file is F and your chip is FA, just add the A and save.
The xml file should be edited to match the chip. like so:
Change: <memmodel>H8539F</memmodel> to <memmodel>H8539FA</memmodel>
Save .xml file.
If this is done incorrectly, say goodbye to the ecu. It can now be used as a door stop and thats about it.
4 - when you are happy with the edited .xml file, place it in the file directory that ecuflash has been installed into.
Example : C drive/programfiles/openecu/ecuflash
Paste it into the folder: rommetadata
5 - Open ecuflash and plug in the tactrix cable to the OBD2 port and the re-flash connector under the steering column, turn ignition on but engine not running.
6 – The READ button at the top will illuminate blue, click it and confirm - loading bar should appear
7 – when READ completes the ROM file should open up in ECUFLASH and tables will be visible to view and edit!
Only tables defined will show here, but there are many more that have not been discovered. This particular car only the basics are available, but the Lancer Evolution has around 10 times the amount.
Mitsubishi Lancer 1999-2003 1.8L 4G93 Engine for Australian Market rom opened up showing Fuel Table & Ignition Timing table with Graph view on the right.
8- Before making any changes – SAVE THE ORIGINAL FILE and name it, store in safe place!
It contains the immobiliser code and data as is set differently for each car.
9 -Now when edits are complete, Click the Red Flash Button. When loading bar completes you are done! Follow the software prompts and disconnect the cables, start the car and test your work!
This is a super quick write-up to explain the basics of setup and flashing method to help out some fellow Mitsubishi Enthusiasts, I hope it helps!
Be sure to check back for more in depth on Data Logging, Tuning, Speed Density Conversion, Turbo Base maps & more.
Good luck and Happy tuning!
Our old Mirage work car back in 2019 - The supply run workhorse & ECUFLASH testing rig.
The 4G93 engine swap helped haul loads of parts much faster!