New PCLink Features Nov 2026

Big updates are coming to PCLink, Link's free engine management software, bringing expanded vehicle compatibility, advanced tuning tools and powerful new capabilities.

From new and improved OEM CAN integration and advanced transmission control to torque management, injector characterisation, CAN diagnostics and knock audio analysis, these updates are designed to give you greater flexibility, precision and control.

Expanded OEM CAN Integration

PCLink is expanding its OEM CAN capabilities with four new or improved CAN modes, supporting a wider range of vehicles, factory systems and transmission configurations.

The updates introduce enhanced integration for BMW, VW/Audi/SEAT/Škoda, Fiat/Alfa Romeo/Maserati and Mazda RX-8 platforms, including support for selected automatic, automated manual and dual-clutch transmissions.

Improved communication between the Link ECU and factory vehicle systems opens up more possibilities for engine conversions, transmission swaps and advanced vehicle integration.

BMW

Expanded CAN integration for a wide range of BMW platforms, including the 1 Series (E8x), 3 Series (E9x), X1 (E84) and Z4 (E89), with additional compatibility across E6x 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series and E7x X5/X6 platforms.

The new mode supports factory chassis communication and automatic/automated manual transmissions, including DCT, SMG, 6HP and (E70) 8HP systems. BSD communication support also enables integration with compatible factory engine accessories.

Note that this gearbox control support is with factory TCUs using the factory CAN mode. It will support TCU's flashed by 3rd parties, provided they still use the OEM CAN mode.

Support for transmissions removed from one of these vehicles and installed in a different vehicle to come in a future update (where the ECU sends normal vehicle mode messages plus the other messages the TCU requires like ABS data etc).

VW / Audi / SEAT / Škoda

Enhanced CAN integration across a broad range of Volkswagen Group vehicles, including popular PQ34/35 Golf, Scirocco, Passat, Audi A3/S3/RS3, Audi TT/TT-RS and SEAT Leon platforms.

Support extends to selected DQ250 and DQ500 DSG transmissions, opening up new possibilities for factory drivetrain integration and performance conversions.

A dedicated drivetrain swap mode allows the Link ECU to manage selected CAN messages normally supplied by factory vehicle systems, helping maintain transmission functionality when installing compatible drivetrains into different chassis.

Fiat / Alfa Romeo / Maserati

New CAN integration for a wide range of Italian performance vehicles, including selected Fiat, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Ferrari platforms.

Confirmed applications in the support data include the Abarth 500/595/695, Alfa Romeo MiTo and 4C, Fiat Grande Punto, Alfa Romeo 159 and Maserati GranTurismo.

The expanded CAN capabilities also support selected automated transmission systems, including Alfa Romeo DCT and Maserati/Ferrari F1 transmissions, creating more opportunities for advanced engine and drivetrain integration.

Mazda RX-8

A dedicated CAN mode developed alongside the new RX-8 G5 Plug-in ECU, providing integration with the Series 1 Mazda RX-8's factory vehicle systems.

The new mode combines the convenience of a vehicle-specific Plug-in ECU with the advanced engine management capabilities of the G5 platform.

Vehicle compatibility varies by model, year, drivetrain and factory control systems. Not all listed vehicle families have been individually validated. There is currently no specific support for automatic transmissions in this CAN mode.

Advanced Torque Management

Modern vehicles rely on communication between the engine, transmission and other electronic systems to manage torque delivery.

The upcoming PCLink update introduces enhanced OEM-level torque management, including user-configurable maximum torque tables with individual gear-based limits.

Support for torque requests from external systems enables more sophisticated integration with automatic and dual-clutch transmissions, ABS, cruise control and other CAN-connected vehicle systems.

By allowing the ECU to respond to requests for increased or reduced torque, these new capabilities help tuners develop more integrated engine and drivetrain configurations while maintaining precise control over engine performance.

Injector Characterisation Made Easier

Setting up fuel injectors is being made easier with a new injector characterisation data import feature.

The upcoming PCLink release will include characterisation data for 28 port and direct injection injectors, allowing tuners to import supported injector data directly into their ECU configuration.

A dedicated import wizard automatically places the data into the appropriate primary, secondary or tertiary injector settings, reducing manual data entry and simplifying the setup process.

The included library covers a broad range of popular OEM and aftermarket applications, including:

• BMW: B58 Gen 2 and related B-series direct injectors.
• Ford: 3.5L EcoBoost port and direct injectors.
• General Motors: LT1 direct injectors.
• Subaru: FA24DIT direct injectors and EZ30R port injectors.
• Toyota: FA20 port and direct injectors, 2UR-GSE and 3S-GTE applications.
• Mazda: MX-5 NB port injectors and ND MX-5 direct injectors.
• Volkswagen: EA888 port injectors and 3.6L VR6 FSI direct injectors.
• Aftermarket: Selected Bosch EV6 and EV14 injectors, Xspurt and other applications.

With characterised injector data ready to import, tuners can spend less time entering settings and more time refining engine performance.

Introducing LinkCAN

A powerful new CAN analysis tool is coming to PCLink.

LinkCAN introduces professional-level CAN sniffing and message transmission capabilities, giving tuners and developers greater visibility into CAN bus communications.

Using compatible G5 ECUs, LinkCAN monitors CAN traffic, captures messages and transmits CAN data for testing and development.

It can also operate while the ECU is powered via USB-C, allowing factory CAN communications to be investigated before the Link ECU is installed.

LinkCAN works alongside existing USB functionality, meaning tuners can use PCLink and monitor CAN traffic simultaneously through the same ECU.

Whether you're investigating factory CAN messages, developing custom integrations or troubleshooting vehicle communications, LinkCAN adds another powerful tool to your tuning workflow.

CAN sniffing is supported on compatible G5 ECUs with 1GB internal logging, excluding the G5 Voodoo Pro V1 and GT86.

Enhanced Knock Audio Monitoring

PCLink is introducing improved knock audio recording, monitoring and analysis capabilities, providing tuners with another powerful tool for evaluating engine performance.

Compatible G5 ECUs can capture knock audio from all available knock channels and transmit the signals to a connected computer via USB.

The audio can be monitored and recorded through PCLink or analysed using compatible third-party audio software, giving tuners greater flexibility when evaluating knock activity and refining engine calibration.

With improved access to knock audio data, tuners can make more informed calibration decisions and optimise engine performance with greater confidence.

Available on compatible G5 ECUs with 1GB internal logging, excluding the G5 Voodoo Pro V1 and GT86.

More Possibilities with PC Link

From expanded OEM CAN compatibility and sophisticated torque management to simplified injector setup and advanced diagnostic tools, the upcoming PCLink updates continue to expand what's possible with Link engine management.

More vehicle compatibility, greater drivetrain control and more efficient tuning workflows mean greater flexibility for workshops, professional tuners and performance enthusiasts around the world.

And as always, PCLink is free to download.