Drivetrain NEW ALTA R56 Plug-n-Play ECU Q&A Thread
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 153
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Also for what it's worth, it appears that UNICHIP has returned to a proven design (established on other car brands) re pin material for generation 3. This should make all the difference I'm told. One's due here soon and will post my experience.
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 44
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Patiently waitimg for Gen 3 harness and ecu too. Hope this time everything clicks.
Adam has been great on the customer service/pr area and has done a masterful job keeping his customers happy and still behind ALTA despite the hiccups with the ecu harness issue. He goes the extra mile to reassure his customers when problems arise.
Adam has been great on the customer service/pr area and has done a masterful job keeping his customers happy and still behind ALTA despite the hiccups with the ecu harness issue. He goes the extra mile to reassure his customers when problems arise.
ETA on FLUX version ?
What is the latest ETA on the FLUX version of the ALTA customized UNICHIP solution ADAM ?
http://www.unichip.us/flux_power_display.asp
http://www.unichip.us/flux_power_display.asp
The shop doing the dyno work is obviously VERY unfamiliar with the R56 (no slight to them, just not familiar with the car.)
They did an ECU soft reset, then made a pull but only to 3500 RPM, then to 3750, then to 4180. This AFR in THIS range is VERY normal on the car, as well as they pulls were all stopped short of where the ECU begins to have time to adjust the AFR. I have every confidence in the world that if the runs were allowed to go farther it would have cleaned up.
Remember the ALTA PnP ECU doesn't allow the engine to be "ok" with ultra lean conditions and will correct as necessary.
Jeff can likely repost some AFR charts showing this trend shortly. (Our online picture server was compromised a week or so ago and thus many of those plots disappeared temporary.)
My apologies that they freaked you out needlessly! Chat soon!
Is that why you advertise the possibility of removing the ecu when dealer assistance is required? why don't you think the example is relevant? I'm a lawyer and it seems pretty persuasive to me. Are you willing to cover your clients for the risk? Or do you just want their money?
BUT, the example you list ISN'T the same. The SuperChips product in your referenced example was still shown to be in use. The ALTA PnP ECU leaves no traces once removed. The SuperChips product works inside the ECU and thus leaves TONS of traces as values for all kinds of things are now different. The OEM ECU when using the ALTA PnP ECU is NONE the wiser of what had occured.
Now again with that being said there can always be a risk of a non-warranted failure. We don't hide that. But for a dealer service, there is no reason NOT to remove the PnP if one thinks the dealers service team may give undue flack for it.
What I can't understand is the tone you are taking. Have we/I offended you in some way? As a business I CAN NOT survive without "...their money." As an attorney can you survive without clients?
If there is an unresolved concern that is causing the poking, PLEASE let me know so I can help resolve it!
Thanks for your input to the thread though. That is one of the things that makes NAM great!
Why are you ripping on Adam, or even Alta?
Go back and read this thread and the ECU thread, Alta has demonstrated very clear and concise information regarding risk and benefit. Not only that but these guys are exceptional in customer support.
What's next? Because I do not recall SouthWest Airlines informing their customer's about the risk involved in flying on aircraft that were poorly or in some cases not even preflighted. Perhaps your energy as an lawyer would be better spent protecting my real interests.
Go back and read this thread and the ECU thread, Alta has demonstrated very clear and concise information regarding risk and benefit. Not only that but these guys are exceptional in customer support.
What's next? Because I do not recall SouthWest Airlines informing their customer's about the risk involved in flying on aircraft that were poorly or in some cases not even preflighted. Perhaps your energy as an lawyer would be better spent protecting my real interests.
As was/is the case in the VW turbo world any thread like this should always reiterate that there are potential risks involved in modifying your car in this way. People are often lazy and don't read ALL the thread so it is good just to pop a reminder in there once in a while.
There are risks involved and a % chance that something may go seriously wrong with your engine/clutch/drivetrain. There is subsequently a % chance that such a problem may be due to the modification and that the dealer/manufacture may decide it is not warranty and that YOU will have to pay for the repair.
Exhausts, intakes, FMIC, boost tubes etc cary and extremely LOW risk of every causing any damage as often they improve the whole system at a cost that the manufacturer didn't want to include or a noise level they thought was too high for ave Joe.
Chip upgrades carry a MUCH higher risk because of what they do and more so in a turbo vehicle as the extra boost causes additional heat and pressures in the system and additional stresses on clutch/drivetrain/pistons/crank etc causes by the extra torque.
SO.... YOU decide yourself if you are willing to take that risk
I did in my 2002 1.8T GTI and it cost me $800 for a new clutch which never actually fixed a slipping problem I got once the torque got so high from a new manifold and exhaust I added later.
I think most people here are mature enough to have seen this in the past so know how to weigh the risks. What is often the case in VW/Audi/WRX/EVO world (which Adam knows well it seems) is that you get your 17/18 yr old kid who slaps a whole bunch of mods on their car and then cries and whines at the supplier (such as Alta) when the engine blows (extreme case but I saw 3 when working at and Audi dealer as Asst Svc Mgr) or something breaks that the dealer won't repair because it is modded.
Will I buy a UNICHIP for my MCS ? ... YES, once the early adopters have a few 1000 miles on their cars and see no major issues arising. I weighed the risks and I am again willing to take them even though I got burned before.
What is life without risks !!!!
Do you want to ride the merry-go-round of life all the time which is smooth and safe or occasionally jump on the rollercoaster
The whole idea is to have FUN with your car and if modding it in such a way is going to stress you out about possible damage then don't do it. Stick to intake, boost tubes, FMIC and exhaust and you will still be VERY happy with your MCS.
Enjoy
There are risks involved and a % chance that something may go seriously wrong with your engine/clutch/drivetrain. There is subsequently a % chance that such a problem may be due to the modification and that the dealer/manufacture may decide it is not warranty and that YOU will have to pay for the repair.
Exhausts, intakes, FMIC, boost tubes etc cary and extremely LOW risk of every causing any damage as often they improve the whole system at a cost that the manufacturer didn't want to include or a noise level they thought was too high for ave Joe.
Chip upgrades carry a MUCH higher risk because of what they do and more so in a turbo vehicle as the extra boost causes additional heat and pressures in the system and additional stresses on clutch/drivetrain/pistons/crank etc causes by the extra torque.
SO.... YOU decide yourself if you are willing to take that risk
I did in my 2002 1.8T GTI and it cost me $800 for a new clutch which never actually fixed a slipping problem I got once the torque got so high from a new manifold and exhaust I added later.
I think most people here are mature enough to have seen this in the past so know how to weigh the risks. What is often the case in VW/Audi/WRX/EVO world (which Adam knows well it seems) is that you get your 17/18 yr old kid who slaps a whole bunch of mods on their car and then cries and whines at the supplier (such as Alta) when the engine blows (extreme case but I saw 3 when working at and Audi dealer as Asst Svc Mgr) or something breaks that the dealer won't repair because it is modded.
Will I buy a UNICHIP for my MCS ? ... YES, once the early adopters have a few 1000 miles on their cars and see no major issues arising. I weighed the risks and I am again willing to take them even though I got burned before.
What is life without risks !!!!
Do you want to ride the merry-go-round of life all the time which is smooth and safe or occasionally jump on the rollercoaster
The whole idea is to have FUN with your car and if modding it in such a way is going to stress you out about possible damage then don't do it. Stick to intake, boost tubes, FMIC and exhaust and you will still be VERY happy with your MCS.
Enjoy
Thanks for the business!
Patiently waitimg for Gen 3 harness and ecu too. Hope this time everything clicks.
Adam has been great on the customer service/pr area and has done a masterful job keeping his customers happy and still behind ALTA despite the hiccups with the ecu harness issue. He goes the extra mile to reassure his customers when problems arise.
Adam has been great on the customer service/pr area and has done a masterful job keeping his customers happy and still behind ALTA despite the hiccups with the ecu harness issue. He goes the extra mile to reassure his customers when problems arise.
What is the latest ETA on the FLUX version of the ALTA customized UNICHIP solution ADAM ?
http://www.unichip.us/flux_power_display.asp
http://www.unichip.us/flux_power_display.asp
This includes basic road tuning functions when you combine the existing ALTa PnP ECU product to the upcoming Flux. So everyone can upgrade down the road.
Thanks for asking!
Coordinator :: Emerald MINI Car Club
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,790
Likes: 0
From: Eugene, OR
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Coordinator :: Emerald MINI Car Club
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,790
Likes: 0
From: Eugene, OR
I am currently holding off for the flux now I think as I want to see what data is actually shown and how "live" (or delayed) the info is. That way I can better determine if it fulfills certain system monitoring needs such as boost, oil &/or water temp etc.
I have a HUGE space in the middle of my center console I don't use that some use as a speedometer** so may mount the PDA there.
**I have the speed showning under the rev counter so I do actually watch my speed
I have a HUGE space in the middle of my center console I don't use that some use as a speedometer**
so may mount the PDA there.**I have the speed showning under the rev counter so I do actually watch my speed
I am currently holding off for the flux now I think as I want to see what data is actually shown and how "live" (or delayed) the info is. That way I can better determine if it fulfills certain system monitoring needs such as boost, oil &/or water temp etc.
I have a HUGE space in the middle of my center console I don't use that some use as a speedometer** so may mount the PDA there.
**I have the speed showning under the rev counter so I do actually watch my speed
I have a HUGE space in the middle of my center console I don't use that some use as a speedometer**
so may mount the PDA there.**I have the speed showning under the rev counter so I do actually watch my speed
Just got back from test driving my PNP ECU,
Holy crap...
let me rephrase that... Holy Crap!
Freaken torque steer, tires keep breaken free, I need to relearn how to drive her.
JAce is now an antisocial beast... unbelievable.
Oh, and no CEL's
I am going away for awhile, but when I get back I need to fix the install to pretty it up a little, and will have more time to drive her so I'll post up a little more info.
But for now... Adam & Alta thanks do not do that mod justice!
Holy crap...
let me rephrase that... Holy Crap!
Freaken torque steer, tires keep breaken free, I need to relearn how to drive her.
JAce is now an antisocial beast... unbelievable.
Oh, and no CEL's
I am going away for awhile, but when I get back I need to fix the install to pretty it up a little, and will have more time to drive her so I'll post up a little more info.
But for now... Adam & Alta thanks do not do that mod justice!
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,821
Likes: 6
From: Mililani,Hawaii
Just got back from test driving my PNP ECU,
Holy crap...
let me rephrase that... Holy Crap!
Freaken torque steer, tires keep breaken free, I need to relearn how to drive her.
JAce is now an antisocial beast... unbelievable.
Oh, and no CEL's
I am going away for awhile, but when I get back I need to fix the install to pretty it up a little, and will have more time to drive her so I'll post up a little more info.
But for now... Adam & Alta thanks do not do that mod justice!
Holy crap...
let me rephrase that... Holy Crap!
Freaken torque steer, tires keep breaken free, I need to relearn how to drive her.
JAce is now an antisocial beast... unbelievable.
Oh, and no CEL's
I am going away for awhile, but when I get back I need to fix the install to pretty it up a little, and will have more time to drive her so I'll post up a little more info.
But for now... Adam & Alta thanks do not do that mod justice!
I'll second that!
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,821
Likes: 6
From: Mililani,Hawaii
look at the female pins. on gen 1 and two they are all square. Gen 3 has a bunch of round ones.
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
ECU 3 Installed
ECU generation 3 installed this morning. Since I've done this before it was easy to install and, at the same time, take some photos
There's a bunch of detail in the images that might help someone installing for the first time. Note the switch was not installed through the firewall, just zap strapped in the engine bay (for easy removal).
Tools used:
10mm wrench (battery disconnect),
knife (open box, cut zap strap in box, trim zap straps after install)
thin, flat-bladed screw driver (remove OEM ECU cover)
It goes.
The switch 0 on this car is set to stock R56. In a post install short run, the "kick in the pants" was certainly noticeable, even at this stock setting. (car currently has turbo back, inlet, intake, opened scoop grill with SS, LSD and Mach V springs)
What about switch 1? Well, it's programmed for an intercooler and boost tubes as well (that aren't on the car yet). The car is going on a 1300 km road trip next week with a stop at ALTA for intercooler and boost tubes. Will report back with more "miles" on the ECU and on switch 1.
it was easy to install and, at the same time, take some photosThere's a bunch of detail in the images that might help someone installing for the first time. Note the switch was not installed through the firewall, just zap strapped in the engine bay (for easy removal).
Tools used:
10mm wrench (battery disconnect),
knife (open box, cut zap strap in box, trim zap straps after install)
thin, flat-bladed screw driver (remove OEM ECU cover)
It goes.
The switch 0 on this car is set to stock R56. In a post install short run, the "kick in the pants" was certainly noticeable, even at this stock setting. (car currently has turbo back, inlet, intake, opened scoop grill with SS, LSD and Mach V springs)
What about switch 1? Well, it's programmed for an intercooler and boost tubes as well (that aren't on the car yet). The car is going on a 1300 km road trip next week with a stop at ALTA for intercooler and boost tubes. Will report back with more "miles" on the ECU and on switch 1.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
From: Orange County California
Great Photos
How easy do the stock harnesses come out of the computer. Do they pull right out or are they tricky. Secondly, Do you think taking them in and out could cause damage to the harness over time so the dealer could tell it was messed with. Great Pictures,
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
They come out quite easily; the oem harness has a small push tab to depress then the whole large "lever" can be rotated to pop each connector out. Very easy.
Tough to get the one closest to the front of the car back in as the oem harness is a bit short with the unichip add-on. But it does go in there.
Other's might have more info, but there is no wear that can be seen after 7 or eight installs. I don't believe it's an issue. And, now that the gen 3 seems to be stable, probably only needs to come off once/yr...
Tough to get the one closest to the front of the car back in as the oem harness is a bit short with the unichip add-on. But it does go in there.
Other's might have more info, but there is no wear that can be seen after 7 or eight installs. I don't believe it's an issue. And, now that the gen 3 seems to be stable, probably only needs to come off once/yr...
Last edited by ACooperS; Apr 10, 2008 at 01:19 PM. Reason: learned to spell "connector"
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Portland, or
ACooperS,
Glad to hear that you love the PnP and that everything went well with the install.
We all look forward to seeing you next week.
Enjoy the drive down!!
Ken
Ken Jubb
Sales
ALTA MINI PERFORMANCE
503-693-1702 ex. 101
Glad to hear that you love the PnP and that everything went well with the install.
We all look forward to seeing you next week.
Enjoy the drive down!!
Ken
Ken Jubb
Sales
ALTA MINI PERFORMANCE
503-693-1702 ex. 101
