Looking into getting some EM. Some dealer is trying to sell me a Unichip setup, but I can't find much about that on the forums here. What is the difference between that and say a re-flash like from Vishnu, or an AP. How exactly does a Utec work (is the Unichip just a type of Utec) (is it a piggyback system or re-flash, other?) Sorry for such a noob question, but thanks for the help.

Theres a whole forum dedicated to EM right below this, with a great FAQ. Might start there.

I read that FAQ earlier, but it didn't reference any of the options I'm looking at (AP, Unichip). It seemed more for User tunable, whereas i'm not needing that type of flexibility since I know nothing about tuning. It's talking about XEDE type devices, where I'm thinking more a re-flash.

Utec is a piggyback chip. AccessPort and EcuTek are systems for re-flashing the stock ECU.

As others have said, search in the engine management forum. Also take a look at Vishnutuning.com for EcuTek descriptions (though many others also offer EcuTek reflashes, some at better prices), cobbtuning.com (for the accessport), and turboxs.com (for the Utec). As you will see in the EM forum, there are many more options than those three. But... unichip is old school, and though I have no experience with it, I would avoid it in favor of EcuTek, Cobb, or Utec, for a starting EM point.

Basic (very) overview:

Accessport: very straightforward, less flexible (must stick to specific mods)
EcuTek: very flexible, can be dyno tuned or reflashed via mail order (i.e., mail your ecu in, wait a day or two, and get it back in the mail)
Utec: very flexible, can run your own maps, friends' maps, or pre-made, canned maps. Requires a certain amount of responsibility; put a map that is a poor choice for your setup, and you are asking for problems (though you can run into problems with any form of EM if you are not responsible about it).

Read a lot. Do more searches.

Thanks for the feedback. So the Unichip is basically an old school version of Utec?

Thanks for the feedback. So the Unichip is basically an old school version of Utec?

Not even close. I wouldn't let someone pay me to run a Unichip at this point, considering the state of engine management for subarus at this point.

Since you aren't looking for user-tunability at this point, I would go with the EcuTek reflash from a local dyno tuner.

So what are the limitations of the Unichip? I still see a lot of places that sell and tune them, but everyone here seems to be running Utec.

Unichips will trip CELs after awhile. Plus I would bet (but I lack the supporting documentation for this statement) that the current EM approaches have better safety parameters (e.g., EcuTek preserves the stock knock sensor protections). I have been running my EcuTek reflash for 15,000 miles, and no CELs.

I also have a noob ???, Okay I have about 6,000-5,500 for parts I was looking to buy a hydra, FMIC, Injectors Fuel-pump, air-intake anyone have something to add?? Would I need a boost controller?

Would I need a new turbo? I have gp-moto headers and exhaust.. so if i bought a new turbo I would have to get a up-down pipe and headers right.. which would put me over my limit.

well if any one could help me out that would be great thanks :)

Has anyone tripped a CEL after running a Unichip setup? Or is anyone running that setup now and is happy with it?

I have a dastek piggyback uni-chip

what does tripin a cel mean I have no clue

Check Engine Light. What mods do you have and how do you like it?

ohhhh!!! HELL YEA like every time I get on the Free-way Check engine & Crusie control
flash I Hate Piggybacks,I was so stupied I bought my crap for xcceleration.com!!! they rip you off so bad but you live and learn!!!

I have dastek piggyback-unichip, gp-moto headers, 1 piece up-down pipe,
exhaust,air intake but I like my gauges


thanks Sean

Sounds like a similar set-up that I'm looking at: GP moto header w/ integrated UP, GP Moto TBE with high flow cat, Unichip PnP, and I already have Injen CAI. I'm pretty much planning on not modding anymore after TBE, EM and possibly headers, so would an EceTek tune be the way to go?
I just want something safe, reliable, and with more HP than stock and a good midrange. Sounds like the Unichip would be a constant battle to keep it running correctly. Anyone disagree?

I already have Injen CAI.

Anyone disagree?

Ahh, you better do a lot more research. Read the "Intake FAQ."

The stock air intake is very good, and CAIs can kill engines. If they don't orient the MAF properly (and some vendors' CAIs do), then the ECU sends the wrong amount of fuel through the injectors. Result is a lean condition, and your EGTs climb until you bust something. Or at least that is the danger.

Yea, i bought the car used with that mod, so don't have the stock to replace it with--otherwise I would. It's the Injen CAI with the MAF sensor flange, and think it's set up right. It's a real pain trying to find a re-flash that will work with it though (and i'd feel comfortable with w/out dynoing it)