HOON+ Custom Tuning is a configurable tuning system inside Penta Tuning Studio. It allows you to adjust supported ECU behaviors using intuitive sliders and generate a corresponding custom tune file based on those settings.
All HOON+ adjustments apply only to a single tune file named Hoon+ Custom, located in the Tuning tab. No other tune files are modified.
This page explains how the HOON+ system works, how to generate the Hoon+ Custom tune file, and how each parameter affects vehicle behavior.
What Is the Hoon+ Custom File?
Hoon+ Custom is a standard ECU tune file that appears in the Tuning tab alongside your other available tunes.
The HOON+ tab does not directly change the ECU. Slider adjustments only modify the configuration used to generate the Hoon+ Custom tune file.
The ECU is affected only after all of the following steps are completed:
- Slider values are saved
- The Hoon+ Custom tune file is generated
- The generated tune file is flashed to the ECU
If sliders are adjusted but the tune is not regenerated and flashed, vehicle behavior will remain unchanged.
HOON+ Workflow
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open HOON+ | Select the HOON+ tab in Penta Tuning Studio. |
| 2 | Adjust Parameters | Move sliders to the desired values. Changes are temporary until saved. |
| 3 | Save Settings | Click Save Settings to store the configuration. |
| 4 | Generate Tune | Click Generate Tune to apply the saved values to the Hoon+ Custom file. |
| 5 | Flash ECU | Go to the Tuning tab, select Hoon+ Custom, and flash normally. |
HOON+ Parameters Explained
No-Lift Shift (NLS)
NLS Clutch Pedal Sensitivity
Controls how much clutch pedal movement is required for NLS activation. Each vehicle differs, so no universal value exists. Use the datalogger to identify the clutch bite region.
- 20–40%: Easier activation, may feel delayed on re-engagement
- 60–80%: Harder to trigger, may cause RPM flare if excessive
- Recommended starting point: ~50%
NLS Gas Pedal Threshold
Defines the minimum accelerator input required to trigger No-Lift Shift.
- 5–10%: Allows NLS at most throttle positions
- 60–70%: Restricts NLS to wide-open throttle
- Recommendation: 5% while learning or practicing
NLS RPM Threshold
Sets the minimum engine speed required for NLS to activate.
- 2800–3000 RPM: Normal driving
- 4500+ RPM: Aggressive or track use
- 7500 RPM: Disables NLS
- Recommended start: 3000 RPM
Launch Control
Rolling Launch RPM
Sets the RPM held during rolling launch. Press and hold the 0 button, apply full throttle, allow boost to build for 2–3 seconds, then release to launch.
- Typical range: 2500–3500 RPM
- Recommended start: 2900 RPM
Two-Step Launch RPM
Defines the RPM limit during stationary launch control.
- Lower values: Improved traction, softer launch
- Higher values: Faster launch, increased wheelspin
- Recommended start: 3500 RPM
HOON Crackle
How Crackle Timing Works
All HOON Crackle sliders adjust ignition timing retard during specific operating conditions.
- More negative values (e.g. -25): More aggressive, louder crackles, higher exhaust temperature
- Less negative values (e.g. -12): Softer sound, lower thermal load
- Important: -25 is more aggressive than -15; -12 is less aggressive
Recommended Starting Method
Set all three crackle-related sliders to the same value. Start at -15 and adjust in small increments based on sound and behavior.
Minimum Working RPM
Defines the minimum engine speed where crackle logic is allowed.
- Crackle is inactive below this RPM
- Prevents unwanted sound during idle and low-speed driving
- Recommended start: 3000 RPM
Dual Crackle (If Equipped)
Allows temporary activation of a second, more aggressive crackle profile.
- Hold the 0 button to activate Dual Crackle
- All crackle values switch to the Dual Crackle value while held
- Common setup:
- Normal crackle: -12 to -15
- Dual Crackle: -25
Boost Control
Turbo Compression Ratio
Defines the boost target using the turbo inlet-to-outlet pressure ratio.
- Higher values: Increased boost
- Lower values: Reduced boost
- Recommended: Match the existing base tune value
HOON+ Buttons Explained
- Save Settings: Stores current slider values on the server
- Revert Settings: Restores the last saved configuration
- Reset to Default: Resets to factory HOON+ defaults
- Generate Tune: Applies saved settings to the Hoon+ Custom file
Safety Notes
Make changes gradually. After each adjustment, regenerate the tune, flash the ECU, and test. Excessive ignition retard increases exhaust temperature and component wear. If abnormal behavior occurs, revert to a known working Hoon+ Custom configuration.