Rickerman Tuning

08/16/2026

Hey everyone, with the openport 2.0 no longer in production and hard to get without paying an exorbitant amount of money, and no news on the openport 3.0, it would seem all hope is lost. But luckily the guys at HPA put together an article explaining the current alternatives.

I can say the washinglee openport has been working well with several of my clients, so that would be my recommended cable to use. You do have to install their drivers, but other than that it should work fine.

Feel free to click the article and read more, or message me with any questions you may have, im happy to help.

Looking for a reliable tuning cable and finding that the highly recommended Taxtrix Openport 2.0 is no longer available for purchase outside of a dodgy Teemu clone waiting to brick your ECU, or a crazy $1,000 USD eBay listing? You're not alone.

07/21/2026

Hi everyone,

I have a couple of announcements regarding changes to the tuning process and the return of my engine building program.

Starting after the first week of August, to accommodate those who want to complete their tune faster while maintaining high quality, I am moving away from the standard 1–2 revisions per day (Monday–Friday) and offering two new options:

Option 1: Same-Day Complete Tune

- Pros: Very quick turnaround time; the car is up and running properly immediately.
- Cons: The tune may require adjustments down the road since it does not encompass changes in weather and driving conditions over time.

Option 2: Combined Drivability & Scheduled Full-Throttle Tuning

- Process: We will continue the current process of 1–2 revisions per day only while dialing in the MAF or fuel injectors. Once the car drives to my standards, we will schedule a single day to complete the full-throttle portion of the tune.
- Pros: Usually does not require future adjustments since the car is subjected to multiple days of varying conditions.
- Cons: The overall tuning process takes longer before full-throttle tuning is ready.

Additionally, I am restarting my engine building program now that I have the dedicated space for it. When you get a built engine from me, you benefit from 16 years of Evo X and 4b11t experience. Every engine comes with a complete report detailing all important clearances so you know exactly what you are getting. I exclusively use micrometers and dial bore gauges accurate to 1/10,000th of an inch to ensure bearing clearances are exact.

Please let me know which tuning option you prefer or if you are interested in a built engine, and we can go from there.

Best regards,

Rickerman Tuning

07/07/2026

600 whp on the stock block? AGT 64mm on E85 can do it without getting super aggressive. Mark is using a 100% stock engine, but didnt mind pushing it since he plans on building it anyway.

Along with the AGT 64, he is using FIC 2150cc injectors, a tubular exhaust manifold, downpipe, ETS Intake, upgraded intercooler and piping.

The first graph is at 32 psi boost, the second graph is at 30 psi boost and 1-2 degrees less timing advance.

06/03/2026

Hi everyone,

Since Tactrix cables are currently difficult to source, I am frequently collaborating with shops that may not specialize in Evo X tuning but have the necessary equipment available.

If you are having trouble finding a Tactrix cable or need assistance, send me a message and please let your local shop know that I offer remote tuning services. I can help ensure your Evo X is running properly and efficiently, regardless of your location.

05/12/2026

500 whp on 93 pump gas? The GTX3582 gen 2 can do it. Brandon's Evo X is using the 3582 with FIC 1200cc injectors, a Full-Race exhaust manifold, MAP downpipe, Tomei cat-back, and ETS for the rest of the bolt ons, all on a completely stock motor.

04/11/2026

MHI 18K turbochargers continue to demonstrate their value on this platform. They offer a great combination of quick spool, affordability, durability, and consistent performance under demanding conditions.

Each graph represents a different Evo X, all equipped with the 18K turbo, stock motor, utilizing either ID1300 or FIC1200 injectors, a 3-inch intake system, and all are running on E85 fuel.

04/07/2026

I will continue to say these 57 to 58mm inducer stock frame turbos are the best you can get for a stock motor 4b11t. The spool up and power potential is right at the sweet spot for this engine.

These two charts are from two completely different cars, in different locations, but both are running AGT 57mm turbos, ID 1300 injectors, Walbro 450 fuel pump, and 3 inch intakes on E85.

Message me if you want to get setup with a well proven parts combination!

03/28/2026

I have said before that rolling anti-lag is not possible on the OEM ECU, but I was proven wrong. Carlos at Continuum Labs made a really ingenious module that allows for actual rolling anti-lag. As you can see in the video, his module along with my tune builds boost very quickly while still controlling boost properly. Samir's Evo really takes off!

Shoot me a DM if you want to get setup with this extremely fun new feature.

Disclaimer: using any type of anti-lag can carry some risk of turbo or engine damage due to the conditions necessary to build boost.

03/23/2026

Dan's TRU 62.5 putting in work! It was actually making closer to 600 whp, but his fuel pump couldn't keep up, so I had to turn it down to a safe level. This is on the stock bottom end and normal pump E85 as well

If you are interested in a tune like this or for any setup, send me a DM and I will help with anything you need. It does require a Tactrix Openport 2.0 though, unless you are local to CO.

His mod list consists of:
FIC 2150
AMS Fuel Rail
Turbo R Us 62.5MM Turbo
Rev9 Tubular Manifold
Depo Racing 4in Intercooler
ETS Intercooler Piping
3in Upper Turbo Inlet
COBB 3 Port Boost Controller
MAP 3.5in Intake
TiAL QR BOV
Excess Power Open Dump Downpipe
ETS Race Test Pipe W/Manzo Exhaust
GSC S2 Cams With Dual Mivec
GSC Standard Size Exhaust and Intake Valves
GSC Titanium Springs and Retainers
ARP 2000 Head Studs
Walbro 450 Fuel Pump
MAP Catch Can
E85

02/26/2026

Hey everyone — quick PSA.

As the Evo X platform continues to age, I’ve been seeing ignition coil failures (or early signs of failure) becoming more common.

This seems to be especially prevalent on cars running upgraded turbos and E85, where the demand for spark energy is significantly higher.

If your coils are over 10 years old, it’s probably time to consider replacing them. OEM coils are still the best option in my experience and have been proven reliable at boost levels up to 45 psi — both on my setup and others’.