Poll: STi Hydra vs STi UTEC

SupraScooby · 08-10-2004, 12:39 PM

which one and why

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cronic · 08-10-2004, 12:49 PM

pretty vague question, need more info on the set-up and what the car is drive/used for.. its like comparing a vf30 to a gt35r, the 30 is better for some people while the 35r is better for others, it depends on your set-up and goals really..

NeaD · 08-10-2004, 12:53 PM

I'd go with the Utec only because it has been around for a lot longer on the wrx then the hydra. But if you can wait a little longer...a new version of the hydra software will come out.

happasaiyan · 08-10-2004, 12:56 PM

stock functions with the tuning freedom you want. STi UTEC.

TheMadScientist · 08-10-2004, 01:23 PM

If you have never used EM before the Utec is much user friendly. There is no messing around to get the car to start and idle, no messing with A/C comp, and all the other parameters that a stand alone will have. The Utec is also good for the normal upgrade path.
The hydra is much more than the Utec is, but there is alot more tuning to do to get your car running right. Being a stand alone EM system allows you to do more unconventional upgrade paths.

Right now I have a Utec and that has quenched my thirst for more power for now. When I start really modding the car with custom fabbed parts then I will switch to the hydra.

TMS

big_adventure · 08-10-2004, 01:38 PM

The Hydra's two biggest advantages are targetted high-load fueling with the optional kit and MAP-based fueling. Obviously, targetted is the way to live, but MAP-based is nice for really high power cars that don't change climates too much.

The UTEC doesn't offer those features, at least not yet. However, the engineers who put together the UTEC/ECU NON-wide-open features spent dozens of thousands of man hours and dozens of millions of dollars making cruise good, getting idle and pressure comps perfect, working out cooling, etc. The guys on the Hydra for the WRX (Hydra and Element (Phil)) spent dozens of man-hours and (perhaps) dozens of thousands of dollars doing the same.

UTEC advantages:
1. Stock drivability much of the time, widely variable ECU can take care of almost any conditions you will encounter.
2. Easier to change your maps.
3. More people use UTECs, so it's easier to get help.
4. OBD-II still works.

Hydra advantages:
1. Targetted and MAP based fueling NOW.
2. No crossover issues between two different control systems - this is an issue for many UTEC users and many tuners - it takes work and patience to tune the crossover almost perfectly.

Remember, running a car wide open involves optimizing fuel, air and spark. Both the UTEC and the Hydra give you 100% control of all three of those things. The amount of power you will make on top in all but the most insane circumstances is going to be the same with a UTEC or a Hydra. So, look to the other features of the two designs and decide what you want.

-Sean

RiftsWRX · 08-10-2004, 03:27 PM

To emphasize the point that Sean is bringing out on #4 of the UTEC's. That is KEY to someone who lives in an emission controlled state that requires OBD-2 testing.

Jorge (RiftsWRX)
www.ProjectWRX.com

happasaiyan · 08-10-2004, 04:06 PM

like me!

SupraScooby · 08-11-2004, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cronic

pretty vague question, need more info on the set-up and what the car is drive/used for.. its like comparing a vf30 to a gt35r, the 30 is better for some people while the 35r is better for others, it depends on your set-up and goals really..

a setup with the FPGreen turbo
car used for quarter mile / city driving

View Poll Results: Which EM do you prefer for the STi
STi Hydra	15	68.18%
STi UTEC	7	31.82%
Voters: 22. You may not vote on this poll

08-10-2004, 12:39 PM	#1
SupraScooby Scooby Specialist Member#: 52123 Join Date: Jan 2004 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: SIN City 702/757 Vehicle: 05 WRB STi 04 AW STi GT30R [RIP]	Poll: STi Hydra vs STi UTEC which one and why * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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08-10-2004, 12:49 PM	#2
cronic Scooby Guru Member#: 9749 Join Date: Aug 2001 Chapter/Region: SWIC Vehicle: -	pretty vague question, need more info on the set-up and what the car is drive/used for.. its like comparing a vf30 to a gt35r, the 30 is better for some people while the 35r is better for others, it depends on your set-up and goals really..

08-10-2004, 12:53 PM	#3
NeaD Scooby Specialist Member#: 43371 Join Date: Sep 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: St. Louis, MO Vehicle: 1998 Impreza 2.5RS-T Hydra User, Blue	I'd go with the Utec only because it has been around for a lot longer on the wrx then the hydra. But if you can wait a little longer...a new version of the hydra software will come out.

08-10-2004, 12:56 PM	#4
happasaiyan Scooby Specialist Member#: 37731 Join Date: Jun 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Rolling Meadows, IL Vehicle: '07 TL-S 6MT '07 RDX-T	stock functions with the tuning freedom you want. STi UTEC.

08-10-2004, 01:23 PM	#5
TheMadScientist Scooby Guru Member#: 23717 Join Date: Aug 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Beverly, MA Vehicle: 2005 Big red	If you have never used EM before the Utec is much user friendly. There is no messing around to get the car to start and idle, no messing with A/C comp, and all the other parameters that a stand alone will have. The Utec is also good for the normal upgrade path. The hydra is much more than the Utec is, but there is alot more tuning to do to get your car running right. Being a stand alone EM system allows you to do more unconventional upgrade paths. Right now I have a Utec and that has quenched my thirst for more power for now. When I start really modding the car with custom fabbed parts then I will switch to the hydra. TMS

08-10-2004, 01:38 PM	#6
big_adventure Scooby Specialist Member#: 40501 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Paris, FR Vehicle: 2005 Decathalon 21sp One WheelSeanPower	The Hydra's two biggest advantages are targetted high-load fueling with the optional kit and MAP-based fueling. Obviously, targetted is the way to live, but MAP-based is nice for really high power cars that don't change climates too much. The UTEC doesn't offer those features, at least not yet. However, the engineers who put together the UTEC/ECU NON-wide-open features spent dozens of thousands of man hours and dozens of millions of dollars making cruise good, getting idle and pressure comps perfect, working out cooling, etc. The guys on the Hydra for the WRX (Hydra and Element (Phil)) spent dozens of man-hours and (perhaps) dozens of thousands of dollars doing the same. UTEC advantages: 1. Stock drivability much of the time, widely variable ECU can take care of almost any conditions you will encounter. 2. Easier to change your maps. 3. More people use UTECs, so it's easier to get help. 4. OBD-II still works. Hydra advantages: 1. Targetted and MAP based fueling NOW. 2. No crossover issues between two different control systems - this is an issue for many UTEC users and many tuners - it takes work and patience to tune the crossover almost perfectly. Remember, running a car wide open involves optimizing fuel, air and spark. Both the UTEC and the Hydra give you 100% control of all three of those things. The amount of power you will make on top in all but the most insane circumstances is going to be the same with a UTEC or a Hydra. So, look to the other features of the two designs and decide what you want. -Sean

08-10-2004, 03:27 PM	#7
RiftsWRX Scooby Guru Member#: 6124 Join Date: Apr 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Glendale Hts, IL, USA Vehicle: 2000 NFR AP1 S2000 '07 Honda FIT sport (5MT)	To emphasize the point that Sean is bringing out on #4 of the UTEC's. That is KEY to someone who lives in an emission controlled state that requires OBD-2 testing. Jorge (RiftsWRX) www.ProjectWRX.com

08-10-2004, 04:06 PM	#8
happasaiyan Scooby Specialist Member#: 37731 Join Date: Jun 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Rolling Meadows, IL Vehicle: '07 TL-S 6MT '07 RDX-T	like me!