Hello from Phoenix.
Got a question:
Before I left Texas I had Mr. Nash dyno tune my S4RS. Now given that it has the DP Termi kit with plug in ECU, I assumed that the term "dyno tune" was really a euphemism for "throw it on the thing and tell me how much power gets to the pavement."
Is there really anything one can do to "tune" the bike? Isn't everthing set in the chip(s) of the ECU. Or does Ducati provide a computer interface for tweeking the settings (like my Screamin' Eagle Race Tuner for my H-D)?
Please school me.
NorDog - I'm not a mechanic (although I play one on TV), but I think you are partially right. As I understand it, on the 06 and 07 ST3, the rocket scientists at Ducati installed a pre-set ECU that had few, if any adjustment capabilities.
When I installed the Leo Vince pipes, it became very apparent that the stock ECU didn't like the change. However, for a mere $1,500, you can have a Ducati PERFORMANCE ECU installed in your ST with sufficient dials and knobs that your $13,000 bike will actually run the way it should have in the first place.
However, the little electronic suitcase that dealers use to "dial in" the ECU isn't as effective (nor as profitable) as a computer coupled with a dynamometer. See, everybody likes to say "Yeah, my bike was dyno'd." Like it's so powerful, they had to strap it down, man.
Like you, I wonder how they tune modern cars.
I think I need to adjust my meds.
Pura vida!
George
go to desmotimes.com and look in the tools section. there is a kit called VDST software. you run it on your computer (windoze only i'm afraid). you buy it for one specific model and ECU number and it allows you to tweak the ECU. i don't have it, but i know it is the only way to make adjustments without the expensive and generally unavailable official black box.
Quote from: GeorgeInDallas on October 25, 2008, 05:41:08 PM
NorDog - I'm not a mechanic (although I play one on TV), but I think you are partially right. As I understand it, on the 06 and 07 ST3, the rocket scientists at Ducati installed a pre-set ECU that had few, if any adjustment capabilities.
When I installed the Leo Vince pipes, it became very apparent that the stock ECU didn't like the change. However, for a mere $1,500, you can have a Ducati PERFORMANCE ECU installed in your ST with sufficient dials and knobs that your $13,000 bike will actually run the way it should have in the first place.
However, the little electronic suitcase that dealers use to "dial in" the ECU isn't as effective (nor as profitable) as a computer coupled with a dynamometer. See, everybody likes to say "Yeah, my bike was dyno'd." Like it's so powerful, they had to strap it down, man.
Like you, I wonder how they tune modern cars.
I think I need to adjust my meds.
Pura vida!
George
George, I missed that episode, that series, what channel are you on?