Tuning for all 2020-2026 Gladiator 3.6 Models (BMP Calibrations Tune)

[bmpcamry09]

I apologize if I missed any reference to the manual version tuning, But I would be interested in cleaning up the lower end of my manual gladiators tune. Its pretty dead below 2200 rpm, 3k and up it pulls as good as I can expect for a jeep on 37's Also can you address rev hang with the manual?

Yep. I tune more manuals than automatics. Rev hang greatly reduced with the tuning plus much smoother linear power below 2200. Grab my tuning guide from the first post of this thread to read up on the process.

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[Morris]

I am interested, watching this thread now.

 

[bmpcamry09]

For guys that are dead set on dyno data, I am going to the dyno with my Jeep on 7/15. Datalogging already shows anywhere from 10-30 HP and 10-30 TQ in various places through the rev range depending on octane and environment.

 

[addy003]

People asked for a condensed thread for tuning, so here it is.

I own a 2025 3.6 JL Auto after previously owning a 2020 and a 2018. Some Wranglers and Gladiators suffer from a hesitation/stutter/misfire at low load/low RPM situations. Brand new off the showroom floor I noticed the issue. Most noticeably felt between 3rd and 4th gear at RPMS below 2000, but can also be felt at highway cruising speeds in the same area. They also have a terribly uneven power band at low throttle.

One of my side gigs for the last few years has been tuning. Mostly Ford Ecoboost and some occasional GM. I am OCD about the way my own vehicles drive. Tuning/calibrating has consumed most my free time for the past few years.

A Jeep tech on the forum (shout out to @alphawolff) dealt with this issue and determined it was a tuning problem, but no one had a fix, not even Jeep. Jeep Cares and their tech support area has known about this since as early as 2023 and they have not been able to fix it.

Within a few days of testing and development, I found multiple issues within the factory tuning. Here is a brief summary:

JL Wranglers and Gladiators with the PUG (2nd gen) 3.6 V6 have VVL and an EGR system. For years, people have said the VVL was like Honda VTEC, activating at high load/high RPM to increase power. I discovered that is NOT the case. At no point in a wide open throttle run do these us "high lift". The ONLY time VVL is active is low load/low RPM situations. VVL is activated by cutting the 12 volt power supply to the VVL solenoids. When these solenoids are deactivated, the high lift mode engages, locking out the center rocker of our complex rocker arms. The way this system is set up paired with poor VVT mapping, torque management, spark mapping, and 8 speed transmission mapping focused on economy, was the root cause for the "stutter" and overall makes driving these a sluggish experience.

I developed tuning on the JL and JT platform for all 3.6 owners, including eTorque models. I am one of the few companies out there doing this platform. My tuning addresses all aspects of the engine and transmission and completely transforms the driving experience. Smoother, better power, more refinement, more usable torque, and much more. Expect power gains of up to 30 HP/30 TQ or more on 93 octane, 87 octane gains will be more conservative, but all octanes will result in huge improvements in drive-ability, response, and usable power below 3500 RPM. The full tune is a dramatic night and day difference in your ride. It is a must have on ALL 3.6 models, but even more on 2023 and up models with the bad hesitation/stutter from VVL.

I will provide the tune file and I do it all remotely through email. The tune is built upon your current factory OS. You can return to stock at anytime! But It is your responsibility to buy the MPVI4, Access Cable, and PCM unlocking. Once you have your stuff, then I build your tune from your existing stock tune, which will be read out with your new MPVI4 on your windows PC.

Attached you will find my tuning guide which will walk you through pricing, process, and what you need to get started.

Here is a Youtube video I made that walks through the process from PCM removal to datalogging.



Thanks!

I've read through this thread and the post on the JL forum and just had a couple questions.

I believe you stated in the JL thread that the end user can switch the tunes if they purchase the MPV14, correct? If so, would it be worth having different tunes for different octane fuels? My thought process being run 87 daily and have a higher-octane tune for towing for example.

Also, would the end user still be able to make changes via JScan or comparable? I'm looking to regear my JTR and wonder if I will be able to change those parameters myself or if I would need a new file from you with that changed.

 

[bmpcamry09]

I've read through this thread and the post on the JL forum and just had a couple questions.

I believe you stated in the JL thread that the end user can switch the tunes if they purchase the MPV14, correct? If so, would it be worth having different tunes for different octane fuels? My thought process being run 87 daily and have a higher-octane tune for towing for example.

Also, would the end user still be able to make changes via JScan or comparable? I'm looking to regear my JTR and wonder if I will be able to change those parameters myself or if I would need a new file from you with that changed.

I’ll give you multiple tunes for multiple octanes as requested. It’s all included in my single price. No extra $ for another octane tune. Switching tunes takes just a couple of minutes with your laptop and MPVI. You can also go back to stock any time.

You can still use JScan and or Tazer. They both maintain full function. Many of those same functions can be done by your MPVI using VCM Scanner ie. TPMS changes, gear/tire changes, etc.

No tune change needed for gears and tires. Just update the values with Jscan or VCM Scanner and it’ll adjust as needed.

 

[bmpcamry09]

Going out on a limb here.......

It is no secret the number 1 limitation of getting our Jeeps tuned is the ECU unlock process. The busier HP Tuners gets, the longer the turnaround is for this service, and it sucks frankly.

I have been doing A LOT of research into the software and hardware needed for me to offer the ECU unlocking service myself from my house. As of a couple weeks ago, FLEX/Magic Motorsports is supporting GPEC5 via OBD/Boot now, in addition to GPEC2A that they have always supported.

https://tunertools.com/products/mag...tcu-and-ecu-programmer?variant=45991832649960

I would like to offer this to you guys, I have seen it done and it is definitely something I can handle and want to do. What this would mean is with their kit and software, I can do the ECU unlocking myself for my customers. There would be a brief learning period, but I have seen it done and the Flex software walks you through the process.

I would do the unlock service myself for $200 with customer paying for shipping. This is $50 cheaper than other places. I will consider lowering the price further if it helps boost the business.

I could also do it in person in about half an hour or so. This powerful hardware and software, paired with a bench read setup, I could also bench tune and clone the ECUs and unlock and clone other modules, essentially expanding on the “calibration” side of my business.

The problem is, the most affordable way to do this is going to cost about $4,430. A tough pill to swallow right now with the early stages of the business. I don't even have the funds in the business to make it happen right now. I have tuned 40 Jeeps to date, which is AWESOME, but the biggest thing hurting the business is the fact that my customers have to be 1-2 weeks without their Jeep while waiting. And it pains me seeing how long HPT turn around is.

I have created a PayPal donation link to anyone who would be generous enough to donate to the cause to get this off the ground. It is here:

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7KM73ADCSMHLW

Any donation would be GREATLY appreciated. I am working as hard as possible to make this come to life soon and hope to have this service available in the next month or two.

I thought long and hard before making this post, as it is frankly embarrassing for me, but I didn't know where else to go with this request. If I can make this happen, you guys will be the first to know, and my tuning guide will be updated to reflect this service.

Thanks everyone for sticking with me through this. We have come a long way and I can't wait to see what the future brings.

 

[MSFTMatt]

I just did my tune through BMP with 87 octane and holy crap it is night to day! First off I had a few emails with Brad of BMP and he talked me through the pregame of doing this. I couldn’t go without my truck for an extended amount of time so I bought another ECM to get unlocked. After I got the new ECM unlocked/installed I followed the instructions from
Brad to run the scan to clear any DCT’s and ran into a hiccup. I called Brad and he actually answered and talked me through the fix, I had 2 versions of the VP scanner installed, my fault not his. Brad literally took the time to walk my IQ of 6 brain to get my file sent to him, tuned, and sent back to install plus the data he needs to make sure I’m running at 100%.
The driving difference is unbelievable! The throttle response is instantaneous. The improved performance is way better than I could have imagined. I spent about $1500 after a 2nd ECM, updating OS at dealer, the HP Tuners stuff/equipment and BPM tune and that alone is worth it. The customer service Brad provides is well beyond the price you pay, 10/10 I recommend to do this mod from BPM. If anyone has any questions feel free to hit me up.

 

[bmpcamry09]

I just did my tune through BMP with 87 octane and holy crap it is night to day! First off I had a few emails with Brad of BMP and he talked me through the pregame of doing this. I couldn’t go without my truck for an extended amount of time so I bought another ECM to get unlocked. After I got the new ECM unlocked/installed I followed the instructions from
Brad to run the scan to clear any DCT’s and ran into a hiccup. I called Brad and he actually answered and talked me through the fix, I had 2 versions of the VP scanner installed, my fault not his. Brad literally took the time to walk my IQ of 6 brain to get my file sent to him, tuned, and sent back to install plus the data he needs to make sure I’m running at 100%.
The driving difference is unbelievable! The throttle response is instantaneous. The improved performance is way better than I could have imagined. I spent about $1500 after a 2nd ECM, updating OS at dealer, the HP Tuners stuff/equipment and BPM tune and that alone is worth it. The customer service Brad provides is well beyond the price you pay, 10/10 I recommend to do this mod from BPM. If anyone has any questions feel free to hit me up.

Thank you for the kind words. It’s hard to convince people but a true custom tune really does improve the whole drive that much more. It’s so much more than a HP and TQ number. Thanks for trusting me and taking the tuning leap!

 

[Zachattack50]

Just chipped in. If you can get this up and going I would be more than happy to meet up and just have you unlock and tweak my setup. Best of luck moving forward!!

 

[bmpcamry09]

Just chipped in. If you can get this up and going I would be more than happy to meet up and just have you unlock and tweak my setup. Best of luck moving forward!!

Thank you Zach! Means a lot!!!

 

[46flattie]

BMP's tuning has me interested....and I messaged him a little about this question, but I am interested in the opinions of people who have used his services also......
@zuki_dan , @MSFTMatt, @DronePilot, @hephaestus, and any others. It looks like you are happy with the results based on your comments here....

but would you tune or regear, and if both which one 1st (considering overall improvements, not considering cost)?

My situation...like many
Sports S max tow gladiator, 35" skinny's, 4.10 gears - tow small camper occasionally, live and drive in hilly areas. I can install and set-up my own gears (would install 4.88's), so cost is about the same between tune and gear change for me. Wanting to improve towing performance. Truck is OK empty. Was on 33's and towed marginally OK before, but now it sorta sucks and head winds suck too.

Thank you!

 

[zuki_dan]

BMP's tuning has me interested....and I messaged him a little about this question, but I am interested in the opinions of people who have used his services also......
@zuki_dan , @MSFTMatt, @DronePilot, @hephaestus, and any others. It looks like you are happy with the results based on your comments here....

but would you tune or regear, and if both which one 1st (considering overall improvements, not considering cost)?

My situation...like many
Sports S max tow gladiator, 35" skinny's, 4.10 gears - tow small camper occasionally, live and drive in hilly areas. I can install and set-up my own gears (would install 4.88's), so cost is about the same between tune and gear change for me. Wanting to improve towing performance. Truck is OK empty. Was on 33's and towed marginally OK before, but now it sorta sucks and head winds suck too.

Thank you!

I my opinion Brad’s tune has been the best thing I have done to my truck and JL! Both of mine I have done gears in and the power band change from the tune completely changes the driving dynamics of the 3.6 and Brad’s latest revisions after the dyno testing has improved low end power even better on both 87 and 93 tunes.
His newer 87 tune now feels like his previous 93 tune and the 93 tune makes the 3.6 a completely different animal.
I also drove my truck around on the factory 4.10’s and 37’s and my wrangler on the factory 3.42’s and 37’s for awhile before re gearing. The gearing change did not really change my gas mileage on either just more use of the gears in the 8 speed and better off the line acceleration even though factory gears and the low first trans gear are tolerable. Both of mine with 5.38’s and 40’s and the Jl on 5.13’s and 37’s make first gear really short and shifting to 2nd pretty quickly.

 

[hephaestus]

BMP's tuning has me interested....and I messaged him a little about this question, but I am interested in the opinions of people who have used his services also......
@zuki_dan , @MSFTMatt, @DronePilot, @hephaestus, and any others. It looks like you are happy with the results based on your comments here....

but would you tune or regear, and if both which one 1st (considering overall improvements, not considering cost)?

My situation...like many
Sports S max tow gladiator, 35" skinny's, 4.10 gears - tow small camper occasionally, live and drive in hilly areas. I can install and set-up my own gears (would install 4.88's), so cost is about the same between tune and gear change for me. Wanting to improve towing performance. Truck is OK empty. Was on 33's and towed marginally OK before, but now it sorta sucks and head winds suck too.

Thank you!

I agree with @zuki_dan. The tune was a more noticeable change. I bought my Jeep on 35's with 4.10's, then tuned, then regeared to 4.88. I specifically did them separately and got used to driving the tune before doing gears so that I'd recognize the difference.

Just yesterday BMP sent me the updated tunes and they are a big change on top of the original. Pedal feel on the 6MT tune is much improved.

 

[46flattie]

I noticed in a previous post zuki compared the tune to making the 3.6 drive more like the old 4.0L. IF this is even 1/2 way true - that's a game changer in my opinion. I've been driving Jeeps for over 40yrs...from L134's thru 401's, so yeah I'm used to a little more torque.

 

[bmpcamry09]

I noticed in a previous post you compared the tune to making the 3.6 drive more like the old 4.0L. IF this is even 1/2 way true - that's a game changer in my opinion. I've been driving Jeeps for over 40yrs...from L134's thru 401's, so yeah I'm used to a little more torque.

I’ll speak to this a bit.

On the 3.6, it’s all about variable cam management. On the factory tuning, the cam mapping, especially on the intake, is hot garbage. Not only is it reducing torque, but it’s doing it in a weird way to dance around the variable high lift system and the EGR system.

On my early tunes, I focused too much on the typical “tuner” things like torque management, spark timing, WOT fuel, disabling the VVL high lift, and pedal response. It wasn’t until I got on the dyno I realized that the variable cams are the sources of nearly every complaint I personally had with this engine, having owned a 4.0 previously also.

Now all my latest stuff makes the whole power band below 3000 nice and linear naturally with cam timing without artificially screwing the power/torque delivery by modifying pedal and torque maps. You can comfortably hang around 1800-2000 RPM now just like the old 4.0. But it’ll pull way harder than the 4.0 past 4000 RPM.

It was a balancing act I had to play with to find the best outcome. These modern engines can get quirky when tuning them.

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