Finding the right reflashing software for your factory ECU can either be one of the easiest or hardest parts of you and your vehicle tuning journey. With the invaluable help of some HPA Gold Members via the members-only forum, the team here has put together a list of just some of the options you have to save you countless hours on Google looking for solutions only to find half of the companies that pop up only offer to send you tunes via the internet rather than let you create your own tune yourself. We feel your pain!
Because there are so many ECUs and options to match out there this list is by no means complete and will be updated. If you think we're missing a great solution that gives complete access to tune all the applicable maps on any particular vehicle, please do let us know and we'll add it so other tuners can also benefit.
Let's get into it, and note, this list focuses on petrol/gasoline engine tuning options. Click here for the diesel specific list.
Bootmod3 | https://www.protuningfreaks.com/
Bootmod3 is a full custom tuning platform for the factory engine computer (DME) available for Windows, macOS and mobile apps for iOS and Android. Full end-user control to tune rather than relying on paying for supplied tunes might vary from model to model so make sure you check on the available features for your BMW tuning application (car) before pulling out your wallet.
COBB Tuning | http://www.cobbtuning.com/
As a rule, COBB are focused on later model vehicles and at the time of publishing this article they have options for some Porsche, BMW, Ford, MAZDASPEED, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Volkswagen (VW) vehicles. NOTE: They do not offer end user (you) custom tuning for ALL the vehicles they support. Make sure you double-check with COBB directly before purchasing anything to ensure you are getting access to what you require if you wish to tune your own vehicle yourself.
Diablo Sport | http://www.diablosport.com/
Currently, Diablo Sport DO NOT allow you to use their software to tune yourself, and instead, you must purchase 'e-tunes' or take your car to one of their dealers. They are mentioned here just to make that clear. They have since been purchased by Holley, we are unsure if they plan to allow end-user tuning.
ECM Titanium (Alientech) | https://www.alientech-tools.com/en/
Alientech's ECM Titanium is a very versatile piece of kit that boasts a long list of compatible ECUs, HOWEVER, while they advertise packs containing 1000's of ECU definition files, many of these definitions are incomplete. This means you cannot simply load the definition file and tune your car as they advertise for all of the vehicles they list.
Ensure you do your research to make sure your specific application/s do have a complete & usable definition file before purchase to avoid disappointment. It is not a quick and easy fix to do the work required to complete that work for them.
EcuFlash | https://www.tactrix.com/index.php/
A good list of Mitsubishi and Subaru options straight 'out of the box' are usable with this platform in conjunction with RomRaider (free) and a Tactrix interface (not free). Not commercial software.
ECUTEK | http://www.ecutek.com/
Subaru BRZ and the Mazda MX-5 are currently the only two vehicles supported where you can freely tune yourself. All other supported vehicles require you to purchase 'e-tunes' (aka OTS tunes) or to have your vehicle tuned by one of their dealers. If you wish to tune your vehicle yourself, make sure you are paying for this access for your specific application before purchase via one of their helpful team members.
EFILive | https://www.efilive.com/
EFILive do not publish their supported vehicles list publicly, you need to check directly if they support your chosen vehicle. We can at least tell you for certain that they support the LLY Duramax as there is a tuning example using EFILive and that engine in this course.
Eurodyne | http://www.eurodyne.ca/
Audi and VW options for selected models. Eurodyne also sell tunes so make sure you double-check that your purchase gives you access to freely create your own tune for your specific ECU before handing over any hard-earned money.
Hondata | https://www.hondata.com/
A wide range of early to late-model Honda applications is covered by Honda, including the iconic B16, B16, K20, K24 and F20 platforms.
Honda Tuning Suite (HTS) | https://hondatuningsuite.com/
Honda Tuning Suite (HTS for short) focuses on earlier model Honda applications including: D15B2, D15B7, D15B8, D15Z1, D15B, D16Z6, D16A/ZC SOHC & DOHC, B16A, B16B, B17A, B18A1, B18B1, B18C(1-4), B20, H22 (94-2000+), H23, F22B1 powered vehicles.
HP Tuners | http://www.hptuners.com/
Extensive Audi, BRP, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Daewoo, Dodge, Ford, FRPP, GMC, Holden, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Nissan, Jaguar/Land Rover, Jeep, Land Rover, Lincoln, GM (LS Series Engines are one of their best supported), Mercedes, Mercury, Mopar, Oldsmobile, Opel, Polaris, Pontiac, Porsche, RAM, SAAB, Saturn, Seat, Skoda, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Vauxhall and Volkswagen (VW) options.
NOTE: Not all brands and models have the same level of support. In our experience it's a mixed bag with some late-model vehicle options being sold with incomplete definitions that need some more work (via the relevant skills) to be usable. This won't suit many tuners, so double-check what your car community is saying about your specific vehicle if you are tuning something late model before purchasing.
MazdaEdit | epifansoft.com/mazdaEdit
Mazda MX-5 (Miata), MazdaSpeed3, MazdaSpeed6, Maxda CX-&, Mazda MPV, Mazda3, Mazda5, Mazda6 and Mazda RX-8 etc. Same team behind EcuEdit and SubarEdit etc. Not commercial software.
MHD Tuning | mhdtuning.com/
BMW N54, N55, N55e and S55. As with many other companies mentioned already, custom tuning options might not be available for all options, so double-check before you dive into it.
NISTune | https://www.nistune.com/
Nissan Skyline, 200SX, 300ZX, 240SX and Silvias.
SCT | http://www.sctflash.com/
These guys have been in the game for a long time and have a solid range of Ford and GM options. Traditionally they have been more focused on commercial users.
TxSuite CAN Flasher | https://txsuite.org/
Saab Trionic ECU open source software with support for the Trionic 5, 7 and 8 ECUs as well as Motronic 9.6. The website is super handy in also listing out some of your hardware tool interface options to help get you up and running tuning your Saab.
UpRev | https://uprev.com/
Infiniti/Nissan options. Not commercial software.
VersaTuner | https://www.versatuner.com/
VersaTuner is tuning software for Mazdaspeed, Mazda MPS, CX-7, RX-8, Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-5 and MX-5/Miata vehicles. Not commercial software.
How Do I Learn How To Tune Using These Options?
If you're already an HPA Gold member take a look at this webinar on 'How to choose a reflashing platform' for more help and guidance.
Please note that while High Performance Academy can teach you how to use this reflash tuning software, we do not sell it. Please contact the software developers directly if you're interested in using their products.
