Hi people, I know NOTHING about tuning, so I've been reading articles about it and just getting more confused. See, I have no choice but to learn how tuning works now because since I've installed my new LPP's, my engine power has gone from monstreous to weak over the last month and a half and my transmission shift points seem really off for some reason. I'm not an idiot, so I've always known tuning has to do basically with messing around with your MAF and ECU to adjust the air/oxygen/fuel mixture and transmission shift points.

This of courses gives you the ability to provide better fuel mileage or increase power.

But what I don't get, is with what/ and how do you actually tune a vehicle? I know you can get handhelds but I always hear about how basic they are. What tools do professionals use and when you guys talk about ordering a tune online like HPtuner or going with Wheatley... WTF does that mean? Ordering a program? Ordering a new ECU? Ordering a time slot where you bring it in to a local professional?

I'm much more efficient with computers, so can I actually get a program to work on my laptop to program my truck's ECU like how you can get programs to study engine codes/failures?

I don't want to just bring it to a shop for several reasons. First off where I live, there is no place where people seem mechanically inclined, I'd also like to learn how to do this as well. But most importantly, I'd like to be able to tune my truck in several ways. If one month I want better fuel economy, and then the other, an increase in power, I'd like to have the ability to do that without having to fork over tons of cash each time.

So what is it that one would buy or order to tune his truck?

Thanks.