ECU Tuning & COBB Protunes in Charleston, SC
Collins Automotive & Performance is a COBB Tuning authorized dealer with certified ProTuners in Summerville, SC, just outside Charleston. We write custom ECU tunes for Subaru, Mitsubishi and Nissan platforms using COBB, EcuTek and open-source software, then dial them in on our all-wheel-drive dyno.
- COBB authorized dealer
- Certified COBB ProTuners
- EcuTek and open source
- Tuned on an AWD dyno
Owner Matt Collins has 15+ years of hands-on Subaru and performance experience, from engineering school and aircraft manufacturing and testing to performance and tuning shops. Every job starts with a free consultation, and nothing is charged without your consent.
What is ECU tuning?
The ECU, or engine control unit, is the computer that runs your engine. It decides how much fuel to inject, when to fire the spark, how much boost to make and dozens of other things.
ECU tuning changes that calibration to match your parts, your fuel and how you drive. The factory tune is written to work for every car on every gas station’s fuel. A custom tune is written for your car.
What does an ECU tune do for my car?
A good tune is about more than a peak number.
Power and torque
More from the parts you already have, and the right calibration for the parts you add.
Throttle response
A sharper, more predictable pedal and smoother power delivery.
Drivability
Cleaner idle, better part-throttle manners and a car that feels right every day.
Fuel economy
Often better, depending on the tune and how the car is driven.
Which cars do you tune, and with what software?
We tune the platforms we know best.
| Software | Makes we tune |
|---|---|
| COBB Accessport protune | Subaru, Mitsubishi, Nissan |
| Open-source tuning | Subaru, Mitsubishi |
| EcuTek | Supported platforms on request |
We do not currently tune Ford, Dodge or Chevy platforms.
How does a protune work at Collins?
- Consultation. We look at the car, its condition and your mod list, and talk through what you want: more torque off the line, a stronger top end, or just a smoother daily driver.
- Health check. A tune is only as good as the engine under it, so we check for problems before we add power.
- Calibration. We adjust fueling, air-to-fuel ratios, ignition timing, boost and more for your exact setup.
- Dyno and road testing. We test on our all-wheel-drive dyno under controlled load, then refine until the car feels right on the road too.
- Hand-off. You get the car back with the tune loaded and a walk-through of what we changed.
How long does it take?
Plan on a 1 to 2 day window for a protune. Same-day turnaround is possible when the schedule allows.
We work by appointment, so start with the quote form and include your mod list.
Is ECU tuning safe for my engine?
It is when it is done carefully on a healthy engine. Safety and reliability come first in every tune we write. That is why we check the car before tuning, tune under controlled load on the dyno, and build the calibration around your fuel and parts instead of chasing a number.
If something on the car needs attention before it can safely make more power, we will tell you up front.
Other services at the shop
Dyno tuning
Custom tunes on our in-house Mustang MD-AWD-150 all-wheel-drive dyno, under real load with both axles driven.
Dyno tuning on an AWD dynoEngine rebuilds & IAG installs
Engine diagnosis, repairs, rebuilds and IAG long blocks from a certified IAG engine installer.
Engine rebuilds and repairsFuel injector service
Injector testing, cleaning and flow testing at an ASNU injector service center, including GDI injectors.
Fuel injector cleaning and testingOur Promise & What to Expect
Every tuning job starts with a free consultation. We look at the car, talk through your goals and your budget, and give you a clear plan before any work begins. Nothing gets charged without your consent.
ECU Tuning FAQs
Are you a COBB dealer?
Yes. Collins Automotive & Performance is a COBB Tuning authorized dealer, and our tuners are certified COBB ProTuners.
What is the difference between an off-the-shelf map and a protune?
An off-the-shelf map is a generic calibration for a common set of parts. A protune is written and tested for your specific car, parts and fuel on our dyno.
Which cars do you tune?
We tune Subaru, Mitsubishi and Nissan with COBB, and Subaru and Mitsubishi with open-source software. We also offer EcuTek tuning. We do not tune Ford, Dodge or Chevy.
Will ECU tuning improve fuel economy?
It often can, because the engine runs more efficiently. The result depends on the tune and how the car is driven afterward.
Is ECU tuning safe?
Yes, when it is done on a healthy engine with a calibration built for your parts and fuel. We check the car first and tune under controlled load on our dyno.
How long does a protune take?
Plan on a 1 to 2 day window. Same-day turnaround is possible when the schedule allows.
Ready to get your car in?
Start with a free consultation. Tell us what you drive and what you want out of it.