Start with a complete, mechanically sound conversion
Calibration cannot compensate for incorrect wiring, fuel supply, cooling, boost leaks, unsuitable sensors or unfinished fabrication. Before tuning, the conversion must be presented with a clear hardware specification and the fundamentals working correctly. Diagnostic access and dependable sensor data are essential.
Establish what the control system expects
Factory ECUs calculate load and torque from a network of models, sensors and plausibility checks. A conversion can change airflow, injectors, fuel pressure, turbocharger behaviour, gearing, vehicle mass and communication with other modules. The tuning route depends on which original strategies remain available and which inputs or models require legitimate recalibration.
Develop cold, transient and loaded behaviour
A custom build has to work beyond full throttle. Starting, idle control, warm-up, part-throttle response, boost transition, torque intervention and recovery after gear changes affect whether the vehicle feels finished. Relevant datalogs guide revisions across the usable range.
Coordinate the drivetrain
Where the engine and gearbox controllers exchange torque, their limits and intervention strategies need to agree. Supported DSG, TCU and xHP work can be integrated with the engine calibration, subject to the transmission, software and mechanical condition.
A direct route to the calibrator
AutoLab operates licensed master tools and WinOLS from its Newton Aycliffe workshop. That allows supported files, logs and revisions to be handled directly rather than sending an unusual conversion through an anonymous slave-tool chain. Every project is assessed before acceptance.
Common questions
Can AutoLab tune every engine swap?
No company can honestly promise universal coverage. ECU type, immobiliser and network integration, hardware, available definitions, diagnostic communication and project condition all affect support. Send the full specification for assessment.
What information should I provide?
Provide the donor engine and ECU, recipient vehicle, gearbox, injectors, turbo or supercharger, fuel system, sensors, wiring or module changes, fuel type, existing software and the current running condition.
Can you fix an unfinished conversion through software?
Software cannot replace correct mechanical installation, wiring and compatible hardware. AutoLab can diagnose and calibrate supported aspects, but fundamental build faults must be corrected first.
Related tuning information
ECU and gearbox tuning · Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 explained · Master tuner vs slave installer