Artificial intelligence has officially entered the tuning conversation—and not in some theoretical, “someday” kind of way. In a recent episode of The Cooper Bogetti Podcast, veteran GM tuner Matt Sanford laid out exactly how tools like ChatGPT are already helping him tune 2,000+ cars a year, often remotely, and why AI is poised to become a standard tool in the tuning toolbox.
“People think AI tuning is some crazy thing off in the distance,” Sanford said. “But I’m using it every day. I’ve got a workflow now—injector size, cam specs, factory timing tables—I feed it to ChatGPT, and it recalculates the whole thing for the new combo. It saves me 15, 20 minutes every time.”
Sanford’s specialty lies in tuning stock GM ECUs—LS, LT, TRX, Trackhawks, and other platforms where OEM drivability is a must. What used to be long-form math and trial-and-error now takes seconds thanks to ChatGPT’s ability to process log files, convert injector flow data, or even build mass airflow (MAF) tables from HP Tuners log exports.
“You can’t ask it to flash a car for you,” Sanford clarified. “But if you can get your data into a CSV file, ChatGPT can help you read it, interpret it, and even build corrections. That’s powerful. That’s time saved.”
Bogetti, who’s always on the edge of performance tech, floated the idea of a headline-worthy experiment: “We’ve got to do the ‘ChatGPT Tuned My Car’ video. I’m serious. Just to show people how far this has come.”
Sanford didn’t flinch.
“I’ve been thinking about doing exactly that with an Escalade V,” he replied. “Use ChatGPT to help with the neural network tuning. It’s not that far off.”
AI as an Assistant, Not a Replacement
While the idea of AI doing full-blown tuning might sound like the stuff of science fiction, Sanford stressed that it’s more of an accelerant than a replacement.
“I’m still the one making the calls,” he said. “But there’s a lot of repetitive math and formatting that I don’t need to do by hand anymore. ChatGPT takes that off my plate. It lets me focus on the stuff that actually needs my brain.”
Whether it’s generating injector tables for unsupported hardware, building base files for swapped ECUs, or adjusting injection timing for high-pressure DI systems, AI is helping tuners work faster and cleaner.
Swaps, Stock ECUs & Tuning in the Modern Era
Beyond AI, the conversation veered into broader tuning culture—why Sanford prefers stock ECUs over aftermarket options, and the increasing complexity of modern GM platforms like the “Global B” ECU architecture found in C8 Corvettes, Escalade V, and other late-model vehicles.
“Global B is still the boogeyman,” Sanford laughed. “They’re progressing—some of the newer trucks have widebands now—but we’re still figuring out the tables, especially with the TCMs. It’s early days.”
Sanford has also seen people attempting to swap Global B systems into older hot rods—tempted by cheap wrecked trucks with modern drivetrains. But he’s cautious: “It can work. But tuning those is a nightmare. You really have to know what you’re signing up for.”
Tuner Wisdom, the Hard Way
The most striking takeaway from the episode wasn’t the tech—it was the mindset. Sanford spoke at length about how his job isn’t just tuning; it’s diagnosing, educating, and setting expectations.
“I’ll have 40 emails with a customer before I even send a revision sometimes,” he said. “Because the problem isn’t the tune—it’s a vacuum leak. Or a burnt plug wire. Or a counterfeit sensor off Amazon. The little stuff makes all the difference.”
Bogetti summed it up:
“You’d think guys would be chasing power, but half the time it’s about getting the car to run like a car. Not some science experiment.”
Sanford agreed:
“I tell guys all the time—don’t chase chop, chase consistency. You can have a crazy cam and still run like trash. But if everything’s right—good sensors, solid parts, clean mechanicals—stock ECUs can run hard.”
AI Isn’t the Future—It’s Now
Whether you’re a seasoned tuner or a racer looking to understand what’s really happening under the hood, this episode of The Cooper Bogetti Podcast made one thing clear: AI is already here, and it’s being used by the best in the business.
“This isn’t about replacing people,” Sanford said. “It’s about equipping them. And for tuners who are drowning in logs, math, and spreadsheets—AI isn’t a threat. It’s a tool. And it’s damn helpful.”
This story was originally published on June 6, 2025. 
