Ferrari 296 ECU Tuning: Unlocking the Next Generation Bosch MG1 Platform

HD has been pushing the Ferrari brand for years now. We have the quarter mile record for the SF90, we were the first tuner in the U.S. to figure out how to run an F8 Tributo with no GPF system and no limp mode, we also work closely with Pure turbos as we are the first to develop a calibration for the turbo speed sensors that work with aftermarket turbos. We are also the go-to tuners for Ferrari dealerships across the United States. We are experts at Ferrari tuning, from the time they turned OBD2 until now. Because it is our core competency, I knew we would have to work on the new Bosch MG1CS039 ECU in the 296. The next generation of Ferrari's all share this computer, and just like I'm an expert at the old stuff, I need to keep up with the times. The 296's ECU is shared with the Purosangue, the 12 Cylinderi, the Amalfi (gross) and the F80 hyper-car. So to stay ahead of the curve, it made sense to buy one, and spend the time to reverse engineer the code. 

Now as an owner of a 296, I do have some complaints about it. I think most people think it's plenty fast, and might even want to take some low end torque out of the first few gears to make it manageable, but we know the F80 shares the same engine with some minor differences and makes 888hp, whereas the 296 engine makes about 654-engine only HP. We can assume there's a fair bit of play here, and from looking at the code I can see where they are limiting the car's potential. The manufacturers are relying heavily on lots of boost when compared to older models which is good news because these are built to last. The factory boost limit in the ECU is 57PSi, compared to an SF90 at 27PSI. Keep in mind, max value means maximum possible, that doesn't mean your car is getting anywhere near that. There are many other factors involved and an SF90 for instance would normally see under 20PSI stock. 

The 296 is lacking in the sound department. By being creative with the code, we can coax some more sound out of your car, even stock. With an exhaust we have more to work with, but I miss when a Ferrari would announce itself from miles away, just like my 360 Modena does. For those with an exhaust, we can offer some extra burbe or crackle on deceleration or even flame mapping, but you should also be aware that your exhaust sits flush with the back of the car and you might melt your PPF. I recommend anyone playing with fire have a fire extinguisher in the car. We can also delete turtle mode/limp mode for a broken exhaust flap system or aftermarket exhaust flap control, or even deleted flaps. The last thing in the sound department would be cold-start. The car does run rough on cold starts, which you notice when you're already a few miles from home in electric and it turns on. The other benefit of removing cold start with exhaust is not waking up the neighbors if you start the car in race mode. Some people love the noise, some people don't, we have an option for both of you. You should still not push the car until temps are up, but nanny software is not for enthusiasts, we know better on our own. 

It's also a pet peeve of mine that Ferrari's on start up have a long duration of the check engine light on before it goes away. If you work on cars, you start a car and stare at the bottom left corner holding your breath and I just don't like dealing with that, so I found out how to adjust this value. Again this is one of those HD exclusive things, it comes from owning and working on these cars that certain things bother me. I'll also have you know that in Europe there is no delay, the check engine light is illuminated at key on and goes away immediately on start up unless there is a reason for it to stay on. So what the heck Ferrari engineers? Why are you giving me a panic attack every day for no reason?

The Ferrari ECU actually allows us to control power by gear. Imagine boost by gear, but with requested torque. It's essentially the same thing, so we can give you the option of reducing low end torque in low gears and slowly opening it up more as speed increases. This ensures the valet (or your wife) don't wrap your baby around a tree, and still gives you an impressive quarter mile time to get your groceries. 

We can customize the tune for any modifications you have currently or have planned, and of course as always safety is our number one priority. If you have any questions please hesitate to ask, I said a lot here what more could you want?

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