Got my Element Hydra unit last friday, got it installed in less than an hour. Spent some time chatting with Phil getting things set up and now I'm cruising on the road better than stock ever was. I'm at a stg4 with a fmic, vf39, sti pinks, and full exhaust... running perfect. I cant even describe how much better it is than OEM.

:disco: :disco: :disco:

Three Disco Monkeys for Phil @ Element, super smart guy, very knowledgeable and helpful.

Now that my car is running I'll get it tuned up and hopefully get to a track sometime soon.

I highly recommend the element unit to anyone ready for a full standalone unit.

What were you using before?

utec and a plx wideband

Does Hydra have anything like w/ AEM where you can download the software just to check it out? (since it doesn't do you any good without the actual unit)

yeah, you can get a version of the software here... its not the same version as what ships with the hydra but its close... http://www.mrcontrols.com/downloads/nemesis.zip

What level of a mechanic do you need to be and do they provide thorough information when you purchase it? I've read about it on the internet and it seems pretty damn cool... more flexible than most.

What level of a mechanic do you need to be and do they provide thorough information when you purchase it? I've read about it on the internet and it seems pretty damn cool... more flexible than most.

sorry but you'll have to be a tad more clear... what level mechanic?

Installing the unit was easy imho. As with anything, there is a learning curve involved while getting used to how the unit operates (i'm still learning) but overall the fuel/boost/spark tuning concepts remain the same.

I'd say call or send an email to Element Tuning ( www.elementtuning.com ) and ask as you would probably be able to get better info.

I just think the unit is big pimpin and so far all is great.

yeah, you can get a version of the software here... its not the same version as what ships with the hydra but its close... http://www.mrcontrols.com/downloads/nemesis.zip


Thanks!

lol big pimpin... hehehe... congrats...

Congrats!

Way to go Luke! I want NOW!!!......RIGHT NOW!!!!!

If only I could get around the OBD-II requirement we have here in idaho (ada) I would be all over this.. grumble stupid emissions crap...

I spent the day with Phil on sunday tuning the Hydra. It was a straight forward installation no harder than a UTEC.

The tuning went very well it started easily,the car pulls like crazy to redline better then it ever did before. It is an ecu I would definitely recommend.

If you are questioning wether to get a Hydra please give Phil a call I'm sure he will answer all your questions. You will definite be satisfied if you choose a Hydra.

woot! more hydra luv... lol told ya it was big pimpin! :D

Mine should be here tomorrow. If all goes well I will be heading up to Godspeed next weekend to hopefully throw down somewhere in the neighborhood of 385hp.

My only impression of Phil is that he is a great guy, he even called me while he was on vacation to answer some questions I had.

Nick

Eraz3r,
Were you using your PLX to replace one of your factory O2 sensor? I was interested in trying one out for datalogging since they come with 2 output lines.

Eraz3r,
Were you using your PLX to replace one of your factory O2 sensor? I was interested in trying one out for datalogging since they come with 2 output lines.

yeah, the plx has a narrowband output you can run directly to your ecu so you can put the wideband in. the m-500 is pretty sweet... it ranks up there with the big boy wide band tuners.

edit: i should be more clear... the plx has a narrowband output in addition to the wideband so your factory ecu doesnt freak out and throw a cel. :D