Part 38

Unlock the secrets to Need for Speed Underground 2's performance tuning. Learn optimal settings for ECU, Turbo, Tires, Brakes, and Nitro to dominate every race and build your dream car.

Alright, let's dive into fine-tuning your ride in Need for Speed Underground 2. This section is all about getting the absolute most out of your car's performance parts. We'll break down the optimal settings for everything from your ECU to your Nitro, so you can leave your opponents in the dust.

Performance Tuning Explained

Getting your car's performance dialed in is crucial, especially as you progress through the game. The settings you choose here can make a huge difference on the track, even if they don't always show up on the dyno.

Tires and Brakes

For your tires and brakes, the goal is maximum grip and control:

• Tire Grip: Set both Front and Rear Tire Grip to the maximum value of 10.00. This is essential for cornering and acceleration.
• Brake Bias: Set the Brake Bias to 0.50. This puts more braking power on the front wheels, helping to prevent oversteer under braking.

ECU (Engine Control Unit)

The ECU settings are key to getting the most out of your engine's torque, especially in the higher RPM ranges. You want a strong powerband from around 4000 RPM onwards. The numbers below refer to the stages of tuning, with 0-1 being the first stage and so on:

• 0-1: 130-135
• 1-2: 140-145
• 2-3: 150-155
• 3-4: 155-160
• 4-5: Maximum
• 5-6: Maximum
• 6-7: Maximum
• 7-8: Maximum
• 8-9: Maximum

Turbo

Similar to the ECU, the Turbo settings are about building torque in the high RPMs. Here's how to set it up:

• 0-1: Nothing
• 1-2: Nothing
• 2-3.1: Nothing
• 3.1-4.3: 20-25
• 4.3-5.4: 60-63
• 5.4-6.5: 88-90
• 6.5-7.6: Maximum
• 7.6-8.8: Maximum
• 8.8-10: 60-63

Nitro

For Nitro, the best strategy is to maximize its duration. Since many races can be quite long, having a longer-lasting boost is more beneficial than a shorter, more intense burst.

General Hints and Money Management

Beyond the specific tuning parts, here are some general tips to help you get ahead:

• Starting Out: Use Rachel's car for early Outrun and Circuit races to maximize your starting cash.
• Early Game Spending: In the first stage, avoid spending money on visual upgrades like graphics unless absolutely necessary. Focus on performance first.
• Stage 2 Strategy: Once you unlock cars like the Tiburon in Stage 2, you'll likely have around $12,000. Prioritize performance parts before worrying about aesthetics.
• Car Choices: The Tiburon is a great all-around car. Other good choices for visual customization later on include the RX-8, Audi TT, and RX-7. Avoid the Toyota Supra for graphics, as its handling isn't the best.
• Drifting Trick (PS2): If you're playing on PS2, try raising the back of a front-wheel-drive car with hydraulics while drifting. This can put more weight on the driving wheels, potentially leading to faster starts. It's unclear if this works for RWD or AWD vehicles.