First Tune Advice

[Vol Jbolaz]

I thought I'd try to build my first tune (usually I just put on the height-adjustable suspension and leave it default). I figured I'd start by using Nomis's guide. The question is, which car would make a good first project.

I figured I should use a car that I 1) want to drive, and 2) can't find a tune for already. Two immediately come to mind: The Jaguar E-Type, and the Legacy Wagon. Mind you, the Legacy Wagon also makes me think of the Stagea and the Audi Avants.

What ever I tune, I'm going to tune it for just above 450 PP so it can be used in the 450 nights with some minor engine limiting. That means it will also be limited to Sport Soft tires, and I may limit it to weight reduction 1 (if I do any weight reduction).

So, are these cars particularly hard to tune (perhaps that is why they aren't easy to find on the forums)? Is one of them easier than the other? Are there, perhaps, other good starter cars that I could try my hand at first?

 

[bigberry]

Similar questions have been asked before and FF drivetrain cars were suggested. 4WD is a good stable platform to start also so the Wagon sounds good.

At 450pp you shouldnt need a custom LSD (probably) just starting out it can be tricky to figure out on a 4WD so its best to avoid it unless necessary.

Theres a few versions of the wagon plus the Impreza wagons so it is possible noone has posted a tune for it.

The E-Type would be harder to tune being RWD also the older cars feel like theyre on old skinny tyres.

My first proper tune was a Civic '01 FF @ 450pp.

 

[VTiRoj]

This site will give you a good idea of how many tunes exist for each car.

When it come to learning to tune, I'd say MX-5 for RWD, Civic for FWD and an Impreza for 4WD. Although you say you want to do tunes for cars with few or no tunes at all. I think the Stagea and Legacy Wagon would be good choice. The Audi's are a little tougher because of their size.

 

[XDesperado67]

I've got a tune of the E-Type up in my garage. Fun car but not the easiest to tune.

The wagon would be an easier car to tune, though if your not worried about publishing the tune here then I would suggest a small fairly low power car to start with. Easier to tune them and see the results just as with learning to drive.
450PP is a good target to aim for plus depending on the car you choose you can use either or both the compact car seasonal and the Japanese '90 seasonal to test it in racing situations where you can't always take the best line.

 

[esoxhntr]

i'd start with the premium miata.

 

[Vol Jbolaz]

Great feedback, I appreciate it.

Some random responses:

• I do love the E-Type, but I haven't done much more with it then put on some extra horse power to win one of the silly A-Spec races. It does roll a bit, and get squirrelly. I didn't realize the guys at PD actually put enough thought into it to model the tire patch. That will make the car harder to manage.
• I have a few Impreza tunes that I've gotten from here, that's why I'm thinking more toward the Legacy.
• I should've clarified that I haven't found an E-Type tune that doesn't trigger one of my red flags. It is possible that I haven't seen all of the E-Type tunes on here, but I've seen a few, and I skip just about any tune that starts with, "install all parts" or "racing soft tires".
• For most cars, I don't mind an LSD, but for something like an E-Type, it would be like putting the arms back on the de Milo. Yes, it would be better, but... somehow... not.

I think I'll scratch the E-Type off the list for now. The MX-5 isn't a bad idea. But if I had a great MX-5 and a great Legacy estate, think I'd have more fun in the Legacy.

And that is the ultimate goal.

 

[MemorableC]

usually what i do is drive the car at the default settings then ask myself whats it doing that i don't like and i tune in more under/oversteer etc.

then again im not big on the whole remake a car tune from scratch mostly because it takes a long time

 

[nomis3613]

An E-type will spin the inside tyre all day without an LSD, so I reckon you should avoid the Jag. Also, old cars can have strange traits (such as the ratio of traction to lateral grip) so keep things simple at the start with something more modern.

Tuning LSD and toe for 4WD is quite tricky (so my guide doesn't cover it, sorry), so I suggest you tune the Legacy as RWD (using maximum rear VCD) to start with, then tweak it to work as a 4WD as the icing on the cake.