We understand that the right car tuning tools can be difficult when there are so many options available on the market. This easy to understand guide is aimed at tuning professionals or people looking to start their own tuning business to help them understand the differences between fundamental tools and how they align with specific tuning goals.
Key Takeaways
- There are a number of factors that impact your decision on which tuning tool is for you; however there is a core difference between slave and master tools. Master tools allow users to read and edit the ECU file, while slave tools are suitable for users who use custom made remap files created by a professional file writer such as VIEZU.
- Versatile tuning tools like KESS3 integrate multiple functions into one device, supporting OBD, Bench, and Boot Mode, and cater to a wide range of vehicles including cars, bikes, and heavy-duty machinery.
- Tuning training courses are an excellent way to learn tuning tools as they provide hands-on experience and expert guidance to ensure you gain the skills and confidence needed to effectively tune vehicles.
What is the difference between a Master and Slave Tuning Tools?
The main difference between a slave tuning tool and master tuning tool is that the slave tuning tool can read out the file of an ECU (electronic control unit), however the file is encoded so if you put that file into a chip tuning program you wouldn’t be able to see the contents of the ECU file. The main difference with the master tool is that it can read the open ECU file, you can pull the file into a chip tuning program and you can make changes directly in the ECU.
Master vs. Slave Tuning Tools: Which One Is Right for You?
Slave Tuning Tools
- If you’re looking to start a chip tuning business and want to be able to read out the file from the ECU but you don’t want to learn how to make your own tuning files. A slave tool would enable you to read the file, you can then send the file to the team at VIEZU.
- If you partner with VIEZU, we don’t use premade files, we have a dedicated team of full time professional tuning file writers who create each file to the individual needs of the customer taking into account a range of factors including the age, mileage and type of vehicle along with its intended use. We can support you with all of your tuning requirements from stage 1, stage 2 and stage 3 tunes.
Master Tuning Tools:
- If you buy a master tool, the master tool enables you to get more involved in the ECU side as it provides an unencrypted file that can be modified using file writing software like Alientech ECM or EVC WinOLS. This means that you can write your own tuning files and add those to your clients vehicles. As with the slave tool, you can send the file to a master tuner such as VIEZU to create the file for you. The main difference being that you have the freedom to choose the master tuner you’d like to use rather than being tied to the master tool that the company uses if you use a slave tool to send the file.
Car Tuning Tools: Choosing the Right Tuning Tool: Magic Motorsport Flex, Autotuner, or KESS3?
Selecting the ideal car tuning tool from options like Magic Motorsport Flex, Autotuner, or KESS3 depends on your specific tuning needs, experience level, and the types of vehicles you intend to work on. Each tool has its unique strengths and is designed to cater to different aspects of the tuning process.
Magic Motorsport Flex was developed by experienced tuners and is the ideal solution for those in the vehicle tuning industry due to its advanced technology, live datalogging, intuitive interface and broad vehicle compatibility. It can handle any tuning tasks as you can upgrade from OBD Tuning, Bench Tuning, Boot Tuning and Gearbox Tuning.
View Magic Motorsport Flex Products
Autotuner was designed by professional tuners and is versatile, being a perfect solution for you whether you are running a single independent shop or you are managing a large network of dealers. With advanced technology and its user-friendly interface, Autotuner supports a wide range of ECUs and microcontrollers and its plug-and-play functionality and ease of use make it a great option.
KESS3 is the latest ECU tuning tool from Alientech which replaces both the KESSv2 and K-TAG and is referred to as ‘the next generation of tuning tools’. It’s faster and more powerful than its predecessors, with the ability to be ready to tune a vehicle in seconds and includes advanced features such as:
- A faster processor
- GPS
- Accelerometer
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
KESS3 protocols are sold separately so it can be set up with the protocols you need and protocols can be added to it when you require them. For example if your KESS3 is only OBD active, Bench and Boot protocols can be added if you need them or you can purchase it with all 3 already installed.
Its tuning versatility makes it suitable for a broad spectrum of vehicles and like most tuning tools this tool can read and write cars, vans, trucks, boats, generators, lorries, bikes, tractors – pretty much anything with an ECU. This is what makes the KESS3 ideal if you’re looking for a comprehensive tool that can handle a variety of tuning tasks.
Training and Support: Becoming a Car Tuning Expert
Staying on top of the latest tuning tools and techniques is important in an ever changing industry. At VIEZU we recognise the importance and the benefits of tuning training and offer a range of free online courses and paid in-person training courses to keep you up-to-date. We help you to understand the capabilities of tuning tools and how you could incorporate them into your tuning business.
Contact us for training or for tuning tool inquiries via email at info@viezu.com, by calling +44 (0)1789 774444 or by using our online chat feature and a member of our team will happily help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ECU tuning really work?
Yes, ECU tuning can work by increasing performance, improving engine reliability, and achieving better fuel consumption. It optimises the engine’s air/fuel ratio to increase horsepower and torque.
What’s the difference between OBD, Bench and Boot?
- In most vehicles you can read the vehicle’s ECU through the OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) port. If OBD tuning doesn’t work the vehicle’s ECU has to be removed and programmed on a work bench.
- Bench read/write allows you to read and write to and from the ECU by directly connecting to specific connection pins on the ECU.
- Boot read/write is akin to bench mode, but it requires the ECU to be opened and entails direct connection to specific parts of the ECU circuit board as well as connections to specific connection pins.
Can you do a remap yourself?
Yes, VIEZU sells a home tuning tool called v-switch which is specifically designed to allow you to tune your own vehicle. We provide a selection of custom made files for the vehicle which enables you to plug the tool in and choose between any of the files you have purchased to write to your car, it takes a few minutes to do and comes with clear step by step guidance.
What is the difference between a master tuning tool and a slave tuning tool?
Master tools are more expensive to buy than slave tools as they allow the user to access the ECU file using editing software or to choose any master to edit the file for them. VIEZU offers a file service for 1000’s of master tool operators along with 1000’s of client (slave) tuners in the VIEZU dealer network around the world.
As a master tuner you have the flexibility to write files in your own time, and can make exactly the changes you want to make, making as many changes as you would like without incurring additional cost.
As a slave tuner at VIEZU, you benefit from decades of experience in tuning, and access to our team of full time professional file writers, who know how to extract the best possible performance whilst also working within the safe working limits of a vehicle.
VIEZU’s work is also fully insurance backed so that if the worst should happen our slave tuners are safe in the knowledge that they and their customers are covered. We offer a 30 day money back guarantee to our dealers, and offer free training to ensure that our dealers know how to use their tools. Whichever route a tuner takes VIEZU offers a 1 hour file guarantee so we guarantee that our tuners will get the best possible file with a fast turn around.
What is the best remapping software?
The best remapping software depends on your specific needs and the make and model of your vehicle. It’s important to research and consider factors such as user interface, compatibility, and support before making a decision. Avoid software that lacks ABS/SRS diagnostics capability as it may not meet your requirements effectively.
VIEZU offers a range of different software for editing ECU files, including complex and powerful software like WinOLS, professional but simpler software like ECM, and even some more simple softwares that can easily apply a selection of changes at the click of a button like Fixwave.
