What Engine Management Should I Get? Help!!!

Works · 04-30-2003, 08:24 AM

Hello right now I have Joe P MBC,HKS Downpipe,CAI,Walbro 255 Fuel Pump,Stone Racing Headers,Stone Racing Up pipe,Apexi Catback,GFB Stealth FX BOV, Turbo Timer.

I dont know what to get i have been looking at Utecs, unichips, and XEDE. I am going to be getting this new 16g ,18g or 20 g that just came out for the wrx (http://www.turborepair.com/turbos_subaru.htm)
Then like injectors and FMIC. What im looking for is to get the most HP and stuff but i dont know how to tune stuff my self so i dont want to deal with that kind of stuff that can cause me to mess up my engine. I just want to know what you guys think i should be buying? Please and thank you for your help.
Noah

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jblaine · 04-30-2003, 01:29 PM

Everything you've already done to your car can "mess up your engine"...

I suggest gathering your parts and then heading over to Rallispec and having an dyno-tuned reflash of your stock ECU done (if they'll do that).

http://www.rallispec.com/ (in NJ)

Plan to spend $1000 at least.

Your only other real alternative right now would be picking up a UTEC and having someone pretty UTEC-savvy doing the tuning for you (perhaps a trip to TurboXS in Maryland). If you don't want to tune it yourself, then you shouldn't (IMHO) have Joe UTEC Owner down the road trying a tune either on a car as unstandard as that.

teiva-boy · 04-30-2003, 03:32 PM

The fact that you have to ask on what you need and dont have a clue on what you need, makes you prime for a relfash. No offense, but if you have to ask what is best(for you), that goes to show your lack of interest and/or knowledge in engine mangement systems.

CobraKLR · 04-30-2003, 10:28 PM

With the multiple upgrade steps you are looking at a re-flash is going to get expensive. I would recommend a UTEC tuned on a dyno at each stage. The trip down to Maryland to visit TXS would be worth your while.

teiva-boy · 04-30-2003, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CobraKLR
With the multiple upgrade steps you are looking at a re-flash is going to get expensive. I would recommend a UTEC tuned on a dyno at each stage. The trip down to Maryland to visit TXS would be worth your while.

Cobb's isn't. But then again you only need to get flashed once. and said users upgrades are minor enough to not need one till he gets injectors and a turbo.

CobraKLR · 04-30-2003, 10:41 PM

If I understood his origional post correctly he would pay for a flash now. Then a flash for the upgraded turbo. Then a flash for injectors and FMIC. At 395 a pop he would be over the price of a UTEC for guess maps with no dyno time. All said items will definately require a reflash for proper utilization.

teiva-boy · 05-01-2003, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CobraKLR
If I understood his origional post correctly he would pay for a flash now. Then a flash for the upgraded turbo. Then a flash for injectors and FMIC. At 395 a pop he would be over the price of a UTEC for guess maps with no dyno time. All said items will definately require a reflash for proper utilization.

A reflash is not $395 for the 2nd time around. But it's a moot point, a user tunable system is not for him.

CobraKLR · 05-01-2003, 11:31 AM

How much do they charge for reflashes? They didn't have that info on their website. I know most vendors charge full price each time. As for a user tunable solution - it could be for him assuming he has his tuning done by someone who knows what they are doing.

The data logging capabailities, shift light outputs, aux solenoid control, multiple map selection, launch control and possible road dyno with next firmware, could be very useful to him - especially if he is willing to learn - after all we are all noobs at some point.

ryjerk · 05-01-2003, 01:45 PM

If you mean Cobb flashing, here ya go?

$395 - first flash
$20 - reflashing 'service fee' (this is the last I heard, there was a large discussion about this a while back) I believe its also posted in the Cobb Forums. You should call them to make sure though. Of course, you have to add shipping to the above.

Also, if you get a flash now, you will be able to upgrade to the AccessPort when it becomes available (for about $100). With that you'll be able to download multiple (up-dated) maps and flash them into your ECU as you see fit.

Ryan

CobraKLR · 05-01-2003, 02:05 PM

Cool deal. I am actually about 30 miles from Cobb's headquarters. I really need to stop by there soon (dyno tuning

, I'll remember to ask when I am there - that's a very good bargain.

davearm · 05-01-2003, 02:14 PM

This opinion may not be popular but...

First make your car more "standard" by:
Ditching the MBC (not needed with ECU reflash)
Ditching the CAI (causes more problems than it solves)
Ditching the BOV

Then get a reflash (AccessECU or ECUTek).

Works · 05-01-2003, 09:15 PM

Hye guys i appreciate all the help. Well im definately a noobie. I would like to know and learn how to tune my car i just dont trust myself yet because i dont really know what to do. I was looking at the utec because they have maps and i could run the maps they offer but i would prefer to go get it tuned to a place near me to get the most hp out of the utec. Also was wondering where i could get a reflash. Does this act like a utec just you cant switch maps what you get flashed is there to stay unless u get it flashed again. What the place nearest to me for this im kind of interested cause it would be the easiest prob and then after each mod could go get it reflashed again. Sorry i may not be clear cause my knowledge is limited because im just getting into this stuff.
Noah

CobraKLR · 05-02-2003, 12:16 AM

The UTEC and a re-flash are 2 completely different systems, although they both modify your ignition timing, fuel maps, and boost maps. A re-flash is simply an overwright of the factory programmed map, using the same ECU chip. The UTEC is a "piggy back" unit that works in conjunction with your stock ECU. The UTEC adds detonation correction, data logging capabilities, multiple map support, user programmability, auxiliary solenoid control, 3 stage shift light outputs, etc. Future improvements are going to include a secondary rev limit for drag launching and flat shifting, and I am hearing rumors about wideband O2 support and road dyno capabilities. The UTEC is a much more serious piece of equipment if you are willing to learn (it is not that hard to program if you take your time and do some research). If you want a plug it in and ignore it - at least until your next upgrade, then a reflash may be the way to go.

jblaine · 05-02-2003, 09:27 AM

Works: See my post above. Rallispec is in NJ and does EcuTek reflashes. With your mods, you would need a custome tune (I don't know if they do that). There are no base maps that I am aware of for the turbo you've specified (not for the UTEC, EcuTek reflashing, or anything).

04-30-2003, 08:24 AM	#1
Works Scooby Specialist Member#: 32339 Join Date: Jan 2003 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Philadelphia, PA Vehicle: 02 WRX 325whp / 300wtq	What Engine Management Should I Get? Help!!! Hello right now I have Joe P MBC,HKS Downpipe,CAI,Walbro 255 Fuel Pump,Stone Racing Headers,Stone Racing Up pipe,Apexi Catback,GFB Stealth FX BOV, Turbo Timer. I dont know what to get i have been looking at Utecs, unichips, and XEDE. I am going to be getting this new 16g ,18g or 20 g that just came out for the wrx (http://www.turborepair.com/turbos_subaru.htm) Then like injectors and FMIC. What im looking for is to get the most HP and stuff but i dont know how to tune stuff my self so i dont want to deal with that kind of stuff that can cause me to mess up my engine. I just want to know what you guys think i should be buying? Please and thank you for your help. Noah * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

05-01-2003, 02:05 PM	#10
CobraKLR Scooby Newbie Member#: 12986 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Planet Utah Vehicle: 2002 WRX White	Cool deal. I am actually about 30 miles from Cobb's headquarters. I really need to stop by there soon (dyno tuning, I'll remember to ask when I am there - that's a very good bargain.

05-01-2003, 09:15 PM	#12
Works Scooby Specialist Member#: 32339 Join Date: Jan 2003 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Philadelphia, PA Vehicle: 02 WRX 325whp / 300wtq	thanks for all the help Hye guys i appreciate all the help. Well im definately a noobie. I would like to know and learn how to tune my car i just dont trust myself yet because i dont really know what to do. I was looking at the utec because they have maps and i could run the maps they offer but i would prefer to go get it tuned to a place near me to get the most hp out of the utec. Also was wondering where i could get a reflash. Does this act like a utec just you cant switch maps what you get flashed is there to stay unless u get it flashed again. What the place nearest to me for this im kind of interested cause it would be the easiest prob and then after each mod could go get it reflashed again. Sorry i may not be clear cause my knowledge is limited because im just getting into this stuff. Noah

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04-30-2003, 01:29 PM	#2
jblaine Scooby Guru Member#: 8512 Join Date: Jul 2001 Chapter/Region: South East Location: St. Pete, FL Vehicle: 2002 WRX chassis... stage-infinity.com	Everything you've already done to your car can "mess up your engine"... I suggest gathering your parts and then heading over to Rallispec and having an dyno-tuned reflash of your stock ECU done (if they'll do that). http://www.rallispec.com/ (in NJ) Plan to spend $1000 at least. Your only other real alternative right now would be picking up a UTEC and having someone pretty UTEC-savvy doing the tuning for you (perhaps a trip to TurboXS in Maryland). If you don't want to tune it yourself, then you shouldn't (IMHO) have Joe UTEC Owner down the road trying a tune either on a car as unstandard as that.

04-30-2003, 03:32 PM	#3
teiva-boy Scooby Guru Member#: 22825 Join Date: Aug 2002 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Seattle, WA	The fact that you have to ask on what you need and dont have a clue on what you need, makes you prime for a relfash. No offense, but if you have to ask what is best(for you), that goes to show your lack of interest and/or knowledge in engine mangement systems.

04-30-2003, 10:28 PM	#4
CobraKLR Scooby Newbie Member#: 12986 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Planet Utah Vehicle: 2002 WRX White	With the multiple upgrade steps you are looking at a re-flash is going to get expensive. I would recommend a UTEC tuned on a dyno at each stage. The trip down to Maryland to visit TXS would be worth your while.

04-30-2003, 10:41 PM	#6
CobraKLR Scooby Newbie Member#: 12986 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Planet Utah Vehicle: 2002 WRX White	If I understood his origional post correctly he would pay for a flash now. Then a flash for the upgraded turbo. Then a flash for injectors and FMIC. At 395 a pop he would be over the price of a UTEC for guess maps with no dyno time. All said items will definately require a reflash for proper utilization.

05-01-2003, 11:31 AM	#8
CobraKLR Scooby Newbie Member#: 12986 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Planet Utah Vehicle: 2002 WRX White	How much do they charge for reflashes? They didn't have that info on their website. I know most vendors charge full price each time. As for a user tunable solution - it could be for him assuming he has his tuning done by someone who knows what they are doing. The data logging capabailities, shift light outputs, aux solenoid control, multiple map selection, launch control and possible road dyno with next firmware, could be very useful to him - especially if he is willing to learn - after all we are all noobs at some point.

05-01-2003, 01:45 PM	#9
ryjerk Scooby Newbie Member#: 16393 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Indianapolis Vehicle: 2003 WRX / 03 EVO8 02 Aprilia RSVmille	If you mean Cobb flashing, here ya go? $395 - first flash $20 - reflashing 'service fee' (this is the last I heard, there was a large discussion about this a while back) I believe its also posted in the Cobb Forums. You should call them to make sure though. Of course, you have to add shipping to the above. Also, if you get a flash now, you will be able to upgrade to the AccessPort when it becomes available (for about $100). With that you'll be able to download multiple (up-dated) maps and flash them into your ECU as you see fit. Ryan

05-01-2003, 02:14 PM	#11
davearm Scooby Newbie Member#: 18926 Join Date: May 2002 Location: Madison, WI Vehicle: 2002 WRX wagon Silver	This opinion may not be popular but... First make your car more "standard" by: Ditching the MBC (not needed with ECU reflash) Ditching the CAI (causes more problems than it solves) Ditching the BOV Then get a reflash (AccessECU or ECUTek).

05-02-2003, 12:16 AM	#13
CobraKLR Scooby Newbie Member#: 12986 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Planet Utah Vehicle: 2002 WRX White	The UTEC and a re-flash are 2 completely different systems, although they both modify your ignition timing, fuel maps, and boost maps. A re-flash is simply an overwright of the factory programmed map, using the same ECU chip. The UTEC is a "piggy back" unit that works in conjunction with your stock ECU. The UTEC adds detonation correction, data logging capabilities, multiple map support, user programmability, auxiliary solenoid control, 3 stage shift light outputs, etc. Future improvements are going to include a secondary rev limit for drag launching and flat shifting, and I am hearing rumors about wideband O2 support and road dyno capabilities. The UTEC is a much more serious piece of equipment if you are willing to learn (it is not that hard to program if you take your time and do some research). If you want a plug it in and ignore it - at least until your next upgrade, then a reflash may be the way to go.

05-02-2003, 09:27 AM	#14
jblaine Scooby Guru Member#: 8512 Join Date: Jul 2001 Chapter/Region: South East Location: St. Pete, FL Vehicle: 2002 WRX chassis... stage-infinity.com	Works: See my post above. Rallispec is in NJ and does EcuTek reflashes. With your mods, you would need a custome tune (I don't know if they do that). There are no base maps that I am aware of for the turbo you've specified (not for the UTEC, EcuTek reflashing, or anything).