New engine build, new standalone ECU

How do I set up new, out of the box ECU for a brand new engine build?

Need to start, break-in, etc.

We're missing a some details here (like ECU model, engine type, engine building experience, etc), but basically you will want to arrange for the tools to do this properly -- either an engine dyno, or a load-bearing chassis dyno will make the job so much faster that it's worth the effort to seek those out. You may find that those that own / operate the dyno can provide some guidance on initial ECU configuration based on their experience.

Assuming you are renting dyno time, and you have built the engine - I would get the engine installed so it can run (startup stand, in the car, whatever). Get the ECU wired up, and make sure all sensors are working, calibrated, and reading correctly. With coils and injectors disconnected, crank the engine to verify oil pressure and that the ECU is sensing the RPM, and for ECUs that are running sequential fuel or ignition, that they are achieving "sync" and ready to fire the ignition and inject the fuel. Now you can connect the coil(s), but leave the injectors disconnected (or disconnect the fuel pump). The most difficult part of most new installations is getting the timing of the ECU to match the engine - use a timing light to verify that TDC commanded is the TDC indicated by the timing light when connected to cylinder #1 spark plug. You can leave the plugs out, and just ground the spark plug so the engine can spin at a consistent speed so that you timing light works. Be aware that many timing lights don't work at low RPMs, so sometimes you will need to search around for one that will for this step (unless you are starting with a base map for the ECU that might have an appropriate offset -- then you can move onto starting / idling then verify the timing).

I would get the engine started / idling. Don't run more than a few minutes to check for leaks. At this point, you are ready to go to the dyno and work on tuning the fuel, and breaking in the engine. Followed by full fuel mapping, and ignition optimization.

The EFI Tuning Fundamentals course here at HP Academy covers all the background on this and explains the basic tuning process. With a stand alone ECU, you will also find the "Practical Standalone Tuning" course valuable and will explain the HPA 10-step process that will take you from installation to completely tuned.

If you provide more details of your setup, and ask specific questions, I'm sure you will find this forum useful.

Thank you David.

ECU model, engine type, engine building experience, etc),

I have two different vehicles I need to do this with.

One is an 2001 Audi TT 1.8 (fairly extensively modified) with an AEM Infinity ECU.

Wiring will be a Racepak Smart Wire PDM.

The other is a 1985 Chevrolet C10 with a 6.0 LS swap. (Mildly modified, turbocharger added).

ECU will be a Holley Terminator X Max.

I have built hundreds of engines, but never set up/tuned something with a standalone ECU.

The nearest dyno is hours away, and would be very costly get to and use.

I figure any dyno within 1/2 day travel will be worth it. If those are both street cars, then you may have emission legality to worry about, this is where using an OEM ECU and reflashing has a real advantage.

Yes street cars, no emissions to worry about.

Long tows get expensive though!

I kind of wanted to get them running well enough to drive there under their own power, somewhat broken in, known to not have leaks or anymore issues (which would also get pricey to have the dyno place attend to. Or another trip).

I have the OEM ECUs but both engines are modified extensively enough that I wanted to start with the stand alone ones.

OK, then you should watch/read some of these webinars:

https://www.hpacademy.com/previous-webinars/the-key-to-road-tuning-left-foot-braking/

https://www.hpacademy.com/previous-webinars/268-dyno-tuning-without-a-dyno/

https://www.hpacademy.com/previous-webinars/229-engine-break-in-myths-dispelled/

If your Audi is Drive by Wire (DBW), then this might be useful:

https://www.hpacademy.com/previous-webinars/178-setting-up-drive-by-wire-throttle-control-aem-infinity/

And there is a course on Road Tuning (I don't see this under courses, but searching found it):

https://www.hpacademy.com/courses/road-tuning/

Good Luck with your projects...

Thank you!

I’m not sure, but it appears that the road tuning course may be the same as what is in the practical stand alone tuning course that is part of the EFI tuning course?

If so I already have that one.

https://www.hpacademy.com/dashboard/courses/practical-standalone-tuning/road-tuning-tuning-without-a-dyno-road-tuning-introduction/

Will watch the others!

I did find this:

[url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QFlS_pjM5hk]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QFlS_pjM5hk

😊

ditch the AEM and go ignitron for the 1.8t