How to Tune Holley Terminator X for Beginners. Part 1

How to Tune Holley Terminator X for Beginners. Part 1
"Quick" over view going through the Holley Terminator X Software. This is basically a set up for a series of video's, so let me know what you want to see. Make sure you subscribe or your car wont start tomorrow.
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[@Verticalpedalgarage]

Dude you have so much bad ass content, my mind is blown you don’t have 100K subs. Thank you for this series!

[@beaugouin4383]

super informative! great job! keep em coming dude!!!! very helpful!!!!

[@yarrdayarrdayarrda]

This video is absolute gold!!! My first EFI experience a couple of years back was a 6.4 gen III hemi from a truck, and a Holley HP EFI system on the dyno. Even with the reasonably helpful manual it was still a struggle. I recall stumbling through it, why won't it start? Oh wait, you need values in the fuel table for the fuel injectors to function?!? HAHA

[@smokewizard666]

Great video bro. Lots of good information. Tuning newb trying to learn my HP

[@d.o.ddabbinonthedaily414]

Very helpful video man, keep em up

[@camarrow67]

Thanks for the video. I'm still waiting on my computer. backordered due to chip shortage from what Mike Malignaggi says. I had F.A.S.T. for many years. now I'm building a 427 SBC TPIS Mini Ram setup. Subscribed!

[@ipstuned]

Extremely helpful. Thank you for sharing this my friend

[@edwincanales827]

Thank you for taking time and help so many people.. God bless and merry Christmas to you and family

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

Thank you, you too!

[@alexcarpenter8039]

Man Joe your videos are something else. Me and my brother got my car running on the wizard, ran like garbage, 20 afr and just the fuel map was horrible. My brothers wife was in the hospital so he took those couple days watched your videos made a tune on his laptop, and we had forgot he had made that tune, but when we saw it up the pc we uploaded last night. Thing is runny 100% better still needs tweaks but my goodness your videos kill it. Keep it up

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

That’s awesome glad to hear they helped out!

[@michaelallen2501]

Patiently awaiting the acceleration enrichment/startup enrichment videos lol.

[@Godsy_Garage]

Love these videos man

[@sixx6sixx107]

Now this is what I'm talking about 🤘

[@ScannerDanner]

3 minutes in, saved video for later to finish, just wanted to take a second and say hello. One of my subs gave me a link to this video. I'm a fuel injection guy, and bought a carburated truck lol Considering fuel injection on it. Anyway, I like your style and edits, of the 3 minutes I watched so far! When I watch the rest, I'll share with my peeps too. Thanks!! (78 Powerwagon W150 with a 413 wedge out of a 72 motor home is what I'm dealing with 😉)

[@mtgrover1979]

Excellent tutorial. Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!!

[@reinierwelgemoed8171]

Good stuff man

[@mugendrewable]

Thank you Joe!

[@95turbostang21]

Thank you thank you thank you thank you I am so glad you made this video and Merry Christmas by the way. You explain things so thoroughly and not with those big words

[@BmoreFox]

Great video

[@vikenlink]

Hi Joe… exceptional videos.. really enjoyed watching them… lots of info. I’m looking for a transmission tuning video .. I have a 4L70E and the terminator x max. I’m interested in some insight on the WOT shift points and what exactly is involved other then typing in the shift points . I’m guessing there’ll be more adjustments for the shifting points to work. I’m guessing the Graph adjustments must match the typed in shift RPM points for it to work correctly. Thanks again for all your information.

[@mountainsgarage]

Thanks! I am subscribed and now a student!

[@davelowets]

Thanks for the video. I just got my Terminator X system, and I know shit about F.I. Very helpful! 👌👍🍻

[@jesscneal]

Thank you for doing this. I struggled with HP Tuners. Holley seems a bit more intuitive. Merry Christmas Joe

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

I find the Holley stuff to be far easier to learn than hp tuners but it’s a lot closer to the stuff i had done before hp tuners! Thanks, you too!

[@jaydubb71]

I use HPTuners and Holley stuff. The Holley stuff is way easier for the beginner.

[@Virtualspeedperformance]

Don’t have efi have carbs but love learning, great video

[@jamiebush1829]

Thanks Joe....

[@ehworkshop9922]

Good job joe . can you make AE enrichment tuning video

[@petehalasz7547]

Just came across a couple of your great videos. I'm a 40 yr license mechanic and I have never gone as deep and crazy as you have.. Great work on the explanations.. My son and I are restoring/ restomod his 86 Jag XJS. It has the V12 -5.3 in it. No mechanical massaging but tons of port and polishing of intake,, large snorkels with K&N torpedo filters, with cold are supply tubes into the ER. Remove all emission BS. Unfortunately this old ecm is archaic, and we want install a stand alone.. but we want sequential injection instead of group inject. Also will be adopting a DIS system.. supposedly Mega squirt pro3, can perform full sequential for a v-12 .. this is only for a street car. Not crazy HP.. in your vast knowledge, what do you recommend? Thank you. Pete

[@408lethal]

Could you do some transmission tutorials for the term max

[@mjminino]

I agree with this

[@antwonharges3960]

Did you figure it I’m having the same problem right now 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@eliasmelendez1271]

Which one do you recommend of the 3 holley system out there right for a all motor 398ci Ls4 running on 8 o2 sensor and traction control system? Do you recommend the HP, dominator or the terminator system?

[@QuigzDrifts]

Thanks for your video and sharing your extensive knowledge. Why do you disable the learn feature? Does the computer self adjust the base fuel table or will it only do that if you press "Transfer Learning to Base"?

[@ervinthomas9939]

Hey Joe thank you fir the videos!! Question can you tune my car by conecting to my computer ?

[@fredstarr5373]

Hey Joe, I loved your cop boat video! I'm building a 59 corvette with a 6L ls2 bone stock no power adders naturally aspirated. I did the initial start up with the hand held and it seems to run well. What do I need to look for to make sure it's safe to drive and won't blow up on the way to the tuners?

[@jasonwoodruff6747]

Joe I'm a big fan bro ! I'm also a DC kid lived in Northern Virginia we would make are way to DC every chance we could.

[@mrjimmylynch1320]

“If you’ve bought injectors that are worth owning, they’ll come with this information” real talk 😂

[@95turbostang21]

I would love to see how you go about adjusting the ve fuel table on different loads without using the learn function. I see a lot of videos with people explaining all of the features but never quite see a video on a step-by-step of adjusting the fuel table with a data log of someone cruising the car around

[@BojanDrifts]

Showing you how to do it step by step takes business away from him

[@95turbostang21]

@@BojanDrifts it's a Holley Terminator X it isn't that much of a secret of how to operate it you're acting like it's some big secret no one else can know how to do it eventually people that purchase one will figure it out and besides that's not going to take business away from him you can not get a car tuned 100% it's always better to put it on a Dyno and that's where he will come into making money

[@timnijakowski2998]

I used this video to build a tune for my LS swap and it is running great. QQ - how do I program tach output? I hooked up aftermarket tach to the white striped blue wire but signal is low.

[@95turbostang21]

When are you releasing part 2 I would love to see how you go about tuning the ve table with learn turned off

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

Don’t have a set date or anything jist as soon as i can haha.

[@rodneygodin7773]

Joe do u remote tuning, like u to go through and figure my rich cruise issue

[@dalecottingham8696]

Great video, suggestions on Air temp enrichment for cold weather like 40F. Mine backfires when cold was fine in warmer temps.

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

Unless you have crazy values in there that’s probably something else. You can basically zero that table out then adjust as needed per temperature. Does it backfire at start up or all the time?

[@dalecottingham8696]

only at start up when it is cold out. Then once it runs a few minutes it is fine. Do you do custom tunes?

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

@@dalecottingham8696 yea that’s in your start up enrichment stuff not in the air temp enrichment. Yes i do when i have available time!

[@boostedthirdgenracing]

What kind of safe timing to run on ls 408 with .twin 66/73 vs racing turbo on 91 pump gas timing at idle and cruise in full throttle with 20 pounds of boost

[@maxthemadtuner]

Do you know which cable to purchase to use laptop for Terminator X Max. Summit adivsed 558-413. I trying to reach Holley for confirmation. ..also thanks for the video!

[@badass3rdgen654]

I recently purchased the Terminator x max. My current setup is a 5.3 with a 4l60e. After installing, my transmission shifts into gear super aggressively. What do you recommend? Tuning is definitely not my strong point.

[@roadrunner1393]

Before doing a first start , it’s good to do all this ? Or I can do just the engine setup ?

[@chrisiztheman1618]

Can you make some HP Tuners videos?

[@mp3man963]

thanks for your time great video...do you do any remote tuning?

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

Thank you. Yes when i have time

[@mp3man963]

@@JoeSimpsonAtTempest cool is it possible for me to book some time with you

[@jacobbock5720]

Built a 363 dart. 70m turbo set up. I'd love to ask u to build me a base map. The terminator x is going now but not yet completely install. Almost thow.any Chance?

[@jdbchrome1512]

I have a terminator x max on a fox body with 5.3 my son and l built, the thing seems temperamental it refuses to keep a tune and will not compensate for temperature change for some reason? Thing runs and starts great at 70 degrees or above, got down to around 40 degrees and runs like garbage, seems like the self tuning is working backwards? We can tune the car so it runs great then after driving a couple hundred miles it's back to starting hard and running poorly, any ideas? had an old holley projection years back and it acted the same way

[@MOOGAS1]

First time with terminator X, Ford 302, .30 over with forged internals, crank not 100% sure, dual Sync Holley, 340 lph aeromotive fuel pump, 76mm HP turbo and TREMEC first Gen tko. Will be running off the spring at around 8 or 10 psi. Don’t know the first thing about Holley Terminator X, how do I begin?

[@christophermartinez4371]

So i have do this be for i can update firmwear mine say cant find ecu nn updated it but still.nada

[@momentummotorsports6137]

Great vid im a true beginner to this holley efi stuff , i have a new build and was wondering if i should do first start with or without the turbo hat hooked up i have the term x stealth 8 inj , thx for your time im also in md

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

Doesn’t matter the turbo doesn’t do anything at start up and cruising etc

[@momentummotorsports6137]

@@JoeSimpsonAtTempest ok cool thx for your reply , cool vid last night with matt and devin

[@momentummotorsports6137]

@@JoeSimpsonAtTempest i only watch u 3 so thx again im sure you help a lot of people and your super knowledgeable in your craft lol

[@davidsimmons4491]

I have no %&^#ing clue what I’m doing I was just debating buying terminator X instead of paying to be dyno tuned. I think I need more practice and research lol thanks for the help

[@mikemichael4960]

What kind of intec manifold you running

[@garyhuffman6125]

Would have been nice to see how you save it and download it to the car itself

[@mohofrojo321]

Hi, I'm Antonio from Vegas,do you have any video for tune a 4l80e transmission with the Holley terminator x set up?

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

Not yet. Have a million different videos to make still and no time to do it!

[@HeyLiana1]

I can’t get my LS two injectors to work on this terminator X max, they’re not in the options #SelfLearning?

[@morriehuckel3499]

Hey Joe, love your work.. great videos humble knowledgeable real world content.... i'm new to the holley product and working my way through it... all really nice to work with so far... hardest part with a new format is finding the software function to achieve what you want to adjust or tune... whats your thoughts on setting up a global file for an e85 tune... i like the idea of staying in gasoline to stay relatable in afr table etc... i want to use Volumetric efficiency for reasons you stated... so if I'm in gasoline to i simply compensate for e85 by higher ve table numbers so ill be running in the 80-130ish range rather than 40-110..?? or do i touch up injector data to compensate for the 30% extra flow demand and have relevant ve values? simple answer may be another video where yu cover this you can point me to?? regards Morrie Huckel

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

You can either just add to the ve table, skew injector data or set up a custom table to just add fuel all the time. All options will do the same thing just depends on how you want to tackle it

[@morriehuckel3499]

@@JoeSimpsonAtTempest thanks for the reply...

[@finlay230]

bloody awsome vid !!! thanks for posting, 1 question, when you are moving a tune from laptop to TX do you have to use the SD card or can you just load it from laptop via USB cable ? cheers

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

Directly from the laptop to the ecu. If i had swap a sd card in and out for every change i wouldnt use the system! Haha

[@finlay230]

@@JoeSimpsonAtTempest cheers man

[@finlay230]

@@JoeSimpsonAtTempest so just to check with yourself, will the 3" screen on TX show the changes made via the laptop and softwear or will you have to use the SD card to upload the new map/tune to the ecu and 3" screen, i know its a very similar Q to the first one but i just want to make sure im doing it correctly as i cant seem to find any documentation on the proper way to do it, maybe you could do a very short vid on this ? much appreciated for taking the time to answer my Q, cheers

[@trulyblessed2677]

Do you remote tune sir?

[@mikecraft29]

Can you do more with the terminator_x for the foxbody 5.0

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

I have like 10 termX cars scheduled a few of them are foxbodies but they tend to be LS cars but if a Ford one comes in, sure 😂

[@TurboMalibuV6]

I wish there was a basic Buick Grand National Turbo V6 set-up in all those menus. It appears that HOLLEY caters to the GM LS engines.

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

Terminator X is cheap as it was intended to be sold in mass volume which has the LS crowd written all over it haha

[@tenbears1648]

I am building a 2004 S10 Blazer ZR2 with a 1994 4.3 V6 with a GMC Syclone intake, and turbo. I bought the Holley HP ECU, a 58x reluctor with a 1x cam Sync. I am putting LS coil packs on it with old style LS truck injectors. I recapped them and had them flow tested. They flow 76-78 GPH. I have been experimenting with the software to try and figure out my initial startup. I opened the basic file for the 58x tune. Do I need to change my injoector flow rate in the software to what they actually flow or leave it at the stock 22GPH?

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

What they actually flow

[@russellbroadwell]

What do you do with the injector end angle? I would like to see a video on that. I am about to put injectors in that have 3 times the flow rate of the stock ones.

[@SamSheepDoq]

You shouldn't have to modify the injector end angle. The start and end angles should already be far enough apart to support the flow rate of your injectors. On the other hand if your injector pulse width was putting you against the injector end angle, your DC is probably maxed out anyway.

[@russellbroadwell]

@@SamSheepDoq my understanding of injector end angle is if the DC is low you can only us the injector while the valve is open and it will make improvements.

[@dbagwell71]

Any resources for NA applications? Non LS setup. X max 4150 on a SBC 355.

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

NA and turbo really has minimal differences in the tuning process other than the boost control part of it. I sort of started this series when my slow time of year started but it hasn’t slowed down any yet so i have not gotten to make as many videos as i would like. Hopefully more coming soon

[@Billy-the-Chi-man]

Omg. Im fucked. I should just sell what I have bought and go carburetor. I'm just about ready to wire the vehicle front to back and then add the holly harness and I want to throw the towel in before I even start. I hit one wrong button and I will go weeks trying to figure it out. Then I will start smashing things like an idiot and that will cost me money. Thanks for the great video!

[@Ethan-mn9gi]

What are the odds that I just bought a foxbody and have a turbo 5.3 ls that I’m putting in it and I bought the Holley terminator and this man has a turbo ls foxbody

[@rdy2run332]

So should i have a question should i select speed density or VE when im not tuning the fuel im just letting the computer and learn function do it . Its a 427 stroker in a foxmustang.

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

Doesn’t matter it’s just a preference thing

[@rdy2run332]

@@JoeSimpsonAtTempest ok cool man thanks for all of your videos with the terminator x system

[@hellboyperformance]

How do you choose cam option from the software you never did that

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

You don’t you tune for the cam haha

[@hackjobgarage9289]

acceleration enrichment please.

[@NorthRacing]

I'm having this issue right now wideband went out and afr is jumping from 10 to 35 and all over put a new widband and still can't get it fixed. Do you happen to do remote tuning?

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

I do when i have the time. You can shoot me an email with your global file. [e-mail]

[@bluecollarfox916]

When I try to drag and drop it in the data log “E” tab it doesn’t allow me to drag the Boost PSIG into any of the boxes. Any idea why?

[@bluecollarfox916]

Nevermind, I found it. Sorry. Thanks for the help. I had too many things in the box I was looking at. Had to remove one so I could add the boost option

[@Terribleguitarist89]

Came for the tuning info... stayed for the dry humor

[@VeghTheHun]

Does most of this transfer/relate over to the Sniper software as well?

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

Yes, all 3 softwares are very similar. Sniper has the least amount of stuff, term x is in the middle, and hp/Dom has the most stuff, simply put but the core tuning tables and such nearly identical

[@95turbostang21]

Hey Joe would you be willing to do a remote tune for me I don't live nowhere near you and it would be hard for me to bring my turboed Mustangs down to you anytime

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

Shoot me an email. [e-mail]

[@kevinwest3689]

1:39 minutes and you've talked me out of buying the Terminator X max, I was getting it because I didn't know how to tune, don't have a laptop and no local tuners in my area. Maybe I should get a second opinion, I heard it's great it's awesome it's easy.

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

Being in your situation it’s probably the easiest system out there. If you use the hand held it comes with and answer a few questions the car will start and run. Your just not taking full advantage of the system if you do it that way but it will get you up and running

[@kevinwest3689]

@@JoeSimpsonAtTempest your opinion please, if you were doing an LS swap in an daily 4×4 (not a race vehicle) would you buy the Terminator X Max or send your computer off to lt1swap.com and reconfigure on wiring harness to stand alone?

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

@@kevinwest3689 the easy answer is id use terminator X but there coming from a standpoint of being able to configure it how i want and constantly being able to upgrade and do cool stuff. If your totally new to it, and just looking to run the engine as If it’s a factory car, the other option may be better for you. Really depends on how you plan to use the car. 99% of my customers are constantly changing stuff, forced induction, race cars etc. and In those situations Holley is the easy answer

[@kevinwest3689]

@@JoeSimpsonAtTempest ive got it, I shouldn't have said what would YOU do, just what you would recommend for someone in my situation, thanks I appreciate your time.

[@Billy-the-Chi-man]

Do we get the software when we buy the Terminator x to load on a laptop?

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

You Download it from holleys site. You don’t need to buy anything to get the software it’s free

[@POliver8888]

Can you make changes with the car running?

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

Yes to most tables. Major changes you have to shut the car off and cycle the ignition afterwords (like crank trigger set up, for example)

[@TheProchargedmopar]

👍💪

[@jacobbock5720]

Hey Joe I can't figure out how to rotate my base fuel and timing graphs. Trivial but I can't figure it out??????

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

There is a little square on the right side and the bottom that you click and drag on. They are kinda hard to see and work kinda crappy haha

[@jacobbock5720]

@@JoeSimpsonAtTempest thanks bud I appreciate it . I study a lot on this I suprized I missed it .

[@radone3922]

@@JoeSimpsonAtTempest thanks for this answer and thanks for all your videos!!! I understand what this means . I try and explain to other people and they cannot understand and I cant tell them in a easy way to get them to understand. They tell me i am wrong for selecting gasoline because e85 has a different AFR.

[@raymurphy3049]

Joe I'm in nova how do I get in touch with you? I have a turbo ls 80 el camino and wanted to see about putting it on your hub dyno. Please send me contact info

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

Email is best. [e-mail]

[@Darkeiser.7]

Noob question. How are you transferring this to the holley? Sd card or some other method?

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

@@Darkeiser.7 usb to can cable

[@BmoreFox]

I forget his name but I love his coupe in the beginning

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

Tyrone Yates

[@BmoreFox]

@@JoeSimpsonAtTempest like to see some video of that

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

@@BmoreFox did a whole video on it a while back. It’s gone through a lot of changes since the video but there is one

[@aaronchandler152]

Can you do a trans tutorial please

[@drewdoestrucks]

You said even if we were only planning on running e85 you’d still suggest using gasoline as the setting. Why is that?

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

Because nothing changes but the scale and nobody uses the ethanol scale. If changing the scaling actually changed the fueling it would be a different story but all it does change the numbers you see for the target

[@drewdoestrucks]

@@JoeSimpsonAtTempest copy that. Just makes it more relatable/comparable to what others are doing and tuning and therefore easier?

[@kylefentz]

curious as to why you use an Alienware pc? obviously theyre cool as shit but do you find any other advantages?

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

I don’t for tuning. I just use that for editing videos

[@nickortega9987]

Do you have a beginner video for the sniper system

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

i do not, basically all the same though

[@hiteracing1489]

So this format we're looking at is a free download to your laptop

[@TristynRusselo]

cant find a video on knock sensors for terminator

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

That’s because the Holley knock control is pretty much useless

[@TristynRusselo]

@@JoeSimpsonAtTempest is it good enough for a beginner to monitor knocking?

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

@@TristynRusselo no. Probably does the exact opposite for beginners.

[@TristynRusselo]

@@JoeSimpsonAtTempest ok. maybe THAT needs a video explanation... for us noobs

[@oldscutless24]

Mines idle like shit holley is confusing 😕

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

There’s a lot to it but it’s pretty easy compared to a lot of other systems. Ask specific questions and I’ll see what i can do to make some videos on them

[@fiddlercove]

235 mp/18gal. no table no injector tank drained looking for tank with Walbro pump I do full episode in my haunted garage

[@michaelallen2501]

Ok, I'm sure I'm overlooking this, but how the fuck do I upload a GCF from the software to the PCM in the car?!

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

I made a video on that i think. Look back through some of my other videos haha

[@michaelallen2501]

@@JoeSimpsonAtTempest I found it, thanks! I gotta stop playing with the software when I can't sleep lol.

[@markim5087]

Dang be nice if this system had a self tune as their other systems do, granted I believe they stop self learn at a set HP level, but I’d rather have the ability to self tune as well as simply being able to finish or add to the tune if the motor is above whatever level they may have.. Although in my mind I don’t get why HP LEVELS MATTER , as it’s really about having the correct AFR,& timing which I wouldn’t think it would matter if it’s 400hp or 800 Hp …since this system allows you to set up boost nos and choose the injection system self learning shouldn’t be hard to add I’d think …

[@JoeSimpsonAtTempest]

It has the same “self learn” that all of the other Holley systems do

[@RD-zq7bp]

So we swapped a 2001 6.0 ls into a 86 grand wagoneer. We retrofitted a 1997 chevy blazer tank and fuel pump in since the original motor was carbureted. It has the holley terminator x max system and it says "fuel pressure ERR "if I try to give it a quick rev while parked. Is the fuel pump pressure too low for our application? Thanks

[@monzamoose]

So were is the Beginner stuff talk talk

[@killerfrostgarage.8095]

Starting to think my money would have been better spent on a fi tech. Start the car up, idles, and then starts heavy surging. Take away fuel, still surges, add fuel, still surges. No vac leaks, no fuel leaks. The terminator X sucks so bad

[@whatthefox302]

I know people are gonna be like “why you hating” lol but come on man why y’all Chevy boys ruining the foxbody mustang and not using a Chevy based chassis for your Chevy based motor? Y’all have to admit y’all need our FORD platform to go fast 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BP021]

Just like you need our chevy motors to go fast

[@jaivette]

Full of crap I don’t understand