FAQ PAGE 1

Frequently Asked Questions

Can’t find what you’re after? Contact us and we’ll help out.

General

What ECU should i buy?

This can be a very debated topic but a great rule of thumb would be.

#1 What ECU brand is the person who is going to tune the ECU prefer.
#2 Do you have budget limitations.
#3 Plug n play or Universal style installation.

Will my new aftermarket ECU come with a base tune/file for my engine and can i start the car as soon as i plug in the ECU?

Yes nearly every aftermarket ECU company will have some form of a base tune/file for any of the most common engines. But, even if the engine is completely standard, with no injector, trigger or turbo upgrades, its very likely that it will NOT start straight away when plugged in. There is a semi complex process that need to be done to get the ECU to talk to the engine correctly and be able to start. Then a process after its started to adjust and verify that its safe to operate.

Is Motorsport Tuning Solutions an Approved LINK Dealer?

Yes.

We have been working closely with Link ECU for some time now. We believe LINK ECU are a very high quality ECU manufacturer who not only have very high level products but are a very professional company to deal with.

Is Motorsport Tuning Solutions an approved Haltech dealer?

Yes.

We have been working with Haltech for a while now. We have recently won "Top Dealer in Australia" award, for good reason. Haltech is a very nice ECU company that is highly regarded.

Does Motorsport Tuning Solutions Ship/post AU wide?

Yes we ship AU wide either standard AUpost or express.

What dyno does MTS use?

We have the latest Mainline ProHub dyno in 2WD only.

Dyno Pricing & Bookings

What does a “Full Dyno Tune” include and how much does it cost?

ECU calibration, fuel/ignition/boost mapping, safety limit setup (oil pressure, AFR, temp), load testing and validation on our Mainline ProHub.

Pricing (inc GST):
• 98 Octane (1 fuel) — $950
• E85 (1 fuel) — $975
• Dual-Fuel 98 + E85 — $1,350

What’s the difference between a “Power Run” and a “Full Tune”?

A Power Run (3 pulls) is a health check and power readout with printed data ($185).
A Full Tune is a full calibration session adjusting maps and safety settings for your combo (see pricing above).

How long does a tune take?

Single-fuel tunes are typically 3–5 hours depending on setup. Dual-fuel or complex setups often require a full day. Book ahead to secure a slot.

Do you charge extra if my car has faults or needs troubleshooting?

If we encounter wiring issues, leaks, failing sensors, fuel-system problems or similar, additional diagnostic time may be required. Our Diagnostics / Pre-Tune Inspection service is $150. We’ll discuss options with you before proceeding.

What is “Engine Run-In” on the dyno and what does it cost?

Controlled load cycling for fresh engines with logging and safety monitoring to bed rings and verify systems.
Add-on price: $199.

What oil should I use for a run-in service on a brand new motor?

Your engine builder must specify the exact oils and filters for your engine. Please bring all of the following, exactly as specified by the person who built the motor:

  • Run-in oil (brand/viscosity/spec) — often a dedicated mineral or run-in oil, not full synthetic unless your builder specifies otherwise.
  • Run-in oil filter (brand/part number) per the builder’s instructions.
  • Post run-in oil and filter — to be installed immediately after the dyno run-in, as specified by your builder.
  • Bring enough quantity for both fills (usually close to 2× engine capacity to cover run-in fill + post run-in change).
  • Include a new sump plug/crush washer.
  • If your builder hasn’t provided specs, contact them before booking — we won’t guess oil types or filters.

We can perform the oil/filter change on the dyno as part of the run-in session if arranged. (Additional labour may apply if not bundled.)

Do you offer dyno hire?

Yes — Hub Dyno Hire includes setup, fans, bolt-up, logging via Mainline Software and cooling management:
Casual (Tuner Access) 2 hrs$350
Half-Day 4 hrs$550
Full-Day 8 hrs$950

E85 vs 98 — which should I book?

98 is convenient and great for moderate power. E85 usually allows more timing/boost and lower charge temps, improving power and knock resistance — ideal for higher-output builds. Book the fuel you plan to run day-to-day.

What should I bring to my dyno session?

Correct fuel (as booked), no leaks, good tyres, fresh fluids, and any special cables/dongles for ECU access. A pre-tune boost-leak check is recommended for turbo cars.

Retune pricing if I change parts later?

Minor updates to an existing MTS tune start from $350; substantial hardware changes typically $350–$750. We’ll quote based on what’s changed (injectors, turbo, fuel, cams, etc.).

On the Day & Policies

Can I stay and watch the tune?

You’re welcome to stay onsite in designated areas. For safety, dyno cell access is restricted to staff during runs.

Do you require a deposit or have a cancellation policy?

For full-day bookings and ECU installs we may request a deposit to secure the slot. Please provide at least 48 hours’ notice to reschedule so we can reallocate dyno time.