Diablosport inTune for '05-'06 TJ/LJ

[Jim K in PA]

I came across a reference to the DiabloSport ECU programmer in this thread. http://www.jeepstrokers.com/forum/viewt ... lit=diablo

There is precious little I can find out about this unit. Has anyone used one? What are the reference tables based on? Does it use the stock maps as a baseline, and then allow you to add/pull fuel and timing?

The unit can be found on Amazon for about $350.00

I know most folks here are building strokers for much older rigs than my 2005 LJ, but I am hoping someone has some feedback. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the '05/'06 ECUs are different from the '04 and earlier units, and are "hackable". Given all the other changes found in the '05/06 models like fuel pressure, cam position sensor, et al, it makes sense that the ECU would be different also, otherwise why change components for the last two years of the engine's production?

Thanks for any input.

[SilverXJ]

talk to [email protected] for a custom tune.

[Jim K in PA]

OK - the silence is deafening, so I guess no one has used one.

SilverXJ - since you suggested Christuned, may I ask why? Having to send an ECM off to a vendor to have a tune changed after every dyno run seems like a frustrating process, or is the fuel and spark mapping adjustability more dynamic than I am aware of? It would appear to me, as a novice "tuner", that having the ability to change the ECM parameters on the vehicle would be much more flexible/desirable.

[SilverXJ]

There is a lot more that he can do besides fuel and spark. And I think he might do the handheld route and send you a tune via email, but not sure.

[Jim K in PA]

There is a lot more that he can do besides fuel and spark. And I think he might do the handheld route and send you a tune via email, but not sure.

Interesting. I will contact him. Thanks.

[Jim K in PA]

I spoke to Chris yesterday after quite a few email exchanges. Good, honest guy. We discussed a whole range of things. The most pertinent to this general thread:

1. The '05-'06 NGC controller is actually a hybrid of both PCI and CAN bus architecture.
2. The Diablo product includes some data logging.
3. The SCT tuner product does not include any data logging capability.
4. Chris will work with your combination to dial in the tune.

The real meaningful difference between the '05-'06 ECU and the earlier ECUs is that you can access the code via the aftermarket devices, while the earlier ECUs must be flashed directly by him. Not sure what magic connectors he has, but that is the gist of what I understand the difference to be. My apologies if my previous ignorance implied that only the later ECUs could be re-flashed.

Just wanted to tie this up for later reference.

[FlyinRyan]

I'd need a PCM number from an TJ or LJ to verify support for '05 and '06 models but the 96+ trucks can absolutely be reflashed (via SCT). I at one point did Diablo CMR tuning so I'm familiar with its layout for Chrysler. I have only done the I6s with SCT but I will say that the built-in datalogging with Diablo is a nice feature to have, especially on something like a Hemi (which is basically what I was tuning at the time). To get an OBDII logger though that has mostly the same logging abilities of the Diablo handhelds is not a huge expense in this day and age.

Diablo's canned tunes use a stock VE fuel map IIRC (also OL fueling is modified some), with a modified spark map. Torque management parameters are also modified.

The big issue with any of the handheld "canned" tunes from any company- Diablo, Superchips, whatever- is that they are really meant for a stock vehicle, or stock with minimal modification. They also leave intact the stock open loop timers/delays. I suspect this may be done to appease the EPA.

What I usually recommend for my customers is to get something like the Innovate LM-2 (PN 3806) that has both OBDII logging (with analog input capability for faster sampling) and wideband O2 AFR all implemented into one easy-to-read log. The end cost even after purchasing a SCT handheld+ tuning support+ wideband ends up being very comparable to getting a Diablo handheld + custom tune, or less if you end up doing your tuning on the dyno. I also do revisions/re-tunes for no additional charge.

Just my .02, I hope this helps.

-Ryan

[SilverXJ]

Ryan, what ODBII logging software would your recommend?

[FlyinRyan]

Ryan, what ODBII logging software would your recommend?

Silver,

If you really just wanted OBDII logging without wideband data, It really depends on what the user has available to them. I am a big fan of Android phones and for those that have them, the Torque app is great. I own a PLX Kiwi Bluetooth cable (expensive, but quality) that I use with Torque to log.

For those with Iphones, PLX also makes a Kiwi that is compatible with them as well, and you can connect it to their IMFD device and a WB O2 for full logging capability (WB AFR+ OBDII)

Having a wideband is really nice because you can pick up on things that you can't by just monitoring trims, etc. I can make big drivability improvements over stock PCM + big injectors for the sake of getting someone up and running without a WB, but alot of these strokers could use some further refinement beyond what OBDII can show accurately. Even with stock injectors and bolt-ons the JTEC's AE programming tends leaves something to be desired in the way it enriches for changes in accel. I'm tuning a 4.6 WJ right now with a relatively mild setup (ICON pistons, stock head w/ 3 angle VJ, 206/212 113 LSA cam, full bolt-ons) w/ Hemi truck injectors and I've had to make some changes to get rid of a lean tip-in issue (fuel map is dialed in enough where it is not an issue). Different setups (and in this community you know there are many) require different changes in the calibration beyond just base fuel maps, spark maps, etc.

There are others out there, but those are some that I've used and can recommend. I hope this answers your question.

-Ryan

[SilverXJ]

I just need a PC based OBD II data logger, no wideband logging capabilities (handled by other software). The one I have now is better at pissing me off that doing its job.

[FlyinRyan]

I just need a PC based OBD II data logger, no wideband logging capabilities (handled by other software). The one I have now is better at pissing me off that doing its job.

ScanXL