UTEC v. Stock computer upgrade

DAC17 · 02-07-2004, 12:10 PM

OK, I'm not a techie, but I'm confused about how the UTEC (basically piggyback computer) compares with say, a Cobb stock ECU upgrade. Is the biggest difference the programmability of the UTEC? I'm interested in low-RPM torque and around town driving, not max power for track use, and I'm not computer-savvy enough to change the programming on my own. Does that mean I'm better off going with a Cobb Stage 1 (or something similar)?

I hope some of that makes sense.

Thanks

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Zola · 02-07-2004, 12:53 PM

Well, the Cobb product costs about $400 at the moment, while the TurboXS UTEC costs over $1000. Much of what you are paying for with the UTEC is, as you surmised, the ability to alter multiple maps and tune as you see fit. So if you have no interest in learning how to take full advantage of the user tuning capability, or don't need maps for different scenarios (summer, winter, street, track, etc), I would not recommend their product.

The advantage of reflashed ECU products is that they are "set and forget" solutions for people who don't want or need to tune multiple maps. However, you do encounter the possibility of "outgrowing" your reflashed ECU if you continue to make modifications that require different parameters than what your ECU has, in which case you might end up paying a second time for a new reflash. I believe in the very near future Cobb is offering a companion product to allow users to do these subsequent reflashes themselves (AccessPort).

Joel

el~sharko · 02-07-2004, 12:57 PM

utec has a great knock monitoring system.

03WRXMA · 02-07-2004, 03:04 PM

Well said above,

The reflash, set and forget

The UTEC, you will need to play with it.

And, this has been covers 1,000,000,000,000 tims in the past

The ECU comparo sticky at the top is a good read

kenchan · 02-08-2004, 08:57 AM

The problem with the ECU upgrade is you can't go back to
stock mode on the fly as you can on the utec. Plus, if you
live in extreme cold areas in the winter, i think you'll want
the ability to change parameters now and then.

02-07-2004, 12:10 PM	#1
DAC17 Scooby Newbie Member#: 14096 Join Date: Jan 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: CT, USA Vehicle: 2011 Outback 2.5i Pearl white	UTEC v. Stock computer upgrade OK, I'm not a techie, but I'm confused about how the UTEC (basically piggyback computer) compares with say, a Cobb stock ECU upgrade. Is the biggest difference the programmability of the UTEC? I'm interested in low-RPM torque and around town driving, not max power for track use, and I'm not computer-savvy enough to change the programming on my own. Does that mean I'm better off going with a Cobb Stage 1 (or something similar)? I hope some of that makes sense. Thanks * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Computer upgrade leftover: memory blowout	rukkie	Private 'For Sale' Classifieds	1	10-24-2004 12:18 AM
n00b computer upgrade question.	Bonzo	Off-Topic	9	09-27-2004 01:59 PM
anyone in need of a computer upgrade?	mofugga	Private 'For Sale' Classifieds	1	09-26-2004 01:18 AM
computer upgrade advice needed	rukkie	Off-Topic	28	08-18-2004 05:55 PM
Computer Upgrade?	Otaku	Normally Aspirated Powertrain	0	01-23-2001 11:07 AM

02-07-2004, 12:53 PM	#2
Zola Scooby Specialist Member#: 16876 Join Date: Mar 2002 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: St Paul, MN Vehicle: 2002 Impreza WRX WR Blue	Well, the Cobb product costs about $400 at the moment, while the TurboXS UTEC costs over $1000. Much of what you are paying for with the UTEC is, as you surmised, the ability to alter multiple maps and tune as you see fit. So if you have no interest in learning how to take full advantage of the user tuning capability, or don't need maps for different scenarios (summer, winter, street, track, etc), I would not recommend their product. The advantage of reflashed ECU products is that they are "set and forget" solutions for people who don't want or need to tune multiple maps. However, you do encounter the possibility of "outgrowing" your reflashed ECU if you continue to make modifications that require different parameters than what your ECU has, in which case you might end up paying a second time for a new reflash. I believe in the very near future Cobb is offering a companion product to allow users to do these subsequent reflashes themselves (AccessPort). Joel

02-07-2004, 12:57 PM	#3
el~sharko Scooby Specialist Member#: 29735 Join Date: Nov 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Westminster,MD Vehicle: 2011 JSW TDI - DSG 2008 EVO X MR	utec has a great knock monitoring system.

02-07-2004, 03:04 PM	#4
03WRXMA Scooby Guru Member#: 35081 Join Date: Apr 2003 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: CT Vehicle: 2012 WRX WRB	Well said above, The reflash, set and forget The UTEC, you will need to play with it. And, this has been covers 1,000,000,000,000 tims in the past The ECU comparo sticky at the top is a good read

02-08-2004, 08:57 AM	#5
kenchan Scooby Guru Member#: 15106 Join Date: Feb 2002	The problem with the ECU upgrade is you can't go back to stock mode on the fly as you can on the utec. Plus, if you live in extreme cold areas in the winter, i think you'll want the ability to change parameters now and then.