Day 3: Module Cloning: Am I learning how to fix peoples cars or tune them?

This field is truly fueled by the people out there that want to modify and tune their own vehicles. All the big money, well developed tools were designed specifically to allow for people to modify the programming in their car to match parts that were never intended to be on it. Racing teams, drag racers, etc are all big money big driving forces historically for these tools. There are aftermarket systems out there but if you can just make the one in the car do what you want then there is no need to change cam/crank position sensors, wiring, etc to work with a computer that was not specifically designed to be used on the vehicle you are working on.

Sure you can clone the data from your ECU into another one - that's a feature people who tune their cars or professional level motorsports teams always want. What if your computer goes bad you will need a spare and that means copying key data/immobilizer data in addition to the files your tune modify.

These are the big names in the field with their important specs:

• Autotune

Zero subscription fees

Lifetime free updates

Lifetime support

Most protocols supported although it is written in several places its best for newer European models

One of the best logging tools but no diagnostic tools

• Magic Motorsports Flex

  Most expensive subscription out of all of them

  Tuning software built in

  Excellent Support

  Excellent diagnostic tools built into tool

• Kess V3

Expensive subscription cost

Excellent protocol coverage

They have their own tuning software for common functions on common vehicles

• Alientech

• PCM tune/scanmatik

Very inexpensive hardware requirement (scanmatik 2 pro, scanmatik 3)

You can purchase ecu packages you are interested in

Excellent platform if you are working with specific modules all the time otherwise it can be pricey buying all the modules they have available

• Hexprog II

Cheapest subscriptions available ( 1 day, 2 day, 7 day, ...)

One of the cheapest hardware costs of the subciption tools ($585)

Seems to have good protocol coverage for the cost although it does seem like its a fraction of Kess/Autotune/Magic