Since Helix has provided an update on the GIAC and stated that it is right around the corner, I guess it is fair to ask some questions about the chip.

1. Will the upgrade require me to remove the chip and send it to GIAC and/or Helix for the upgrade?

2. If so, will another process be provided at a later date to assist in the upgrade process for those who cannot have their car not working for a few days, such as a serial cable?

3. GIAC states on their website that all their products are for "off road use and racing only" and that they are not "recommended for street use". How does this statement affect the fact that this chip is being sold to consumers? What is the affect that it will have on our car?

4. The IBE Chipswitch looks really cool. Has GIAC stated that they will make the Mini Upgrade compatible with this product either at the release of the Mini chip or sometime in the future?

5. How many dyno runs have you made with this chip while testing/producing it with GIAC? A rough number if you don't have the exact number.

6. When a new update comes along (i.e. due to fixes in any potential bugs or problems) will this be covered under the original purchase price? Will this require shipment of the ECU?

Thanks in advance for answering these questions. I am interested in the product and hope that it comes to market soon.

 

call Helix and talk to Eric. He's a good guy and will answer your questions.

 

Any info you get on the GIAC chip would be much appreciated, so share it and post away. :smile:

Impatiently waiting in Wisc.

 

dgszweda1,

I just got off the phone with Eric at Helix13 and he knows about your questions and will try to post a response
as soon as he gets a chance.

To start with the ECU needs to be removed and send to a GIAC authorized location or Helix13. Either the car can be brought to one of those locations or ECU shipped. Later the correct connect cables and software will allow installation much like Powerchips does their install.

I think updates are included- hopefully with the easier method of install.

First version out will be for the 15% pulley upgrade and 17% and 19% pulley versions to follow.

 

I can answer at least some of those questions:

1, 2. The first version will be available at authorized GIAC retailers. That means that you've got to go to the shop to have it done, or send us your ECU. A couple of weeks after the release, GIAC will have their Mobil Tuner, a PC based tuning tool which will allow the end user to upload the chip files themselves.

3. I'm no lawyer (and I don't play one on TV), but I think that falls under the cover-you-butt-legal-bilge category. GIAC could answer better.

4. I don't know what the future holds for the IBE switch. In the MINI world, our initial focus will be on getting as much power into the hands of the user in terms of tuning their car with a computer.

5. We probably have 100 or more dyno runs on various maps (I think 12 different sets) from GIAC. But they have their own 4wd dyno, and did all of the final tuning there in Cali.

6. Sort-of, and Yes. Some GIAC dealers charge $20 for their time to do the update. Others are free, and I think they will be free from GIAC for those with the mobile tuner.

Those are the facts as I know them--things are changing and moving by the minute right now. I am cautiously optimistic that we will have something within a week (after a year of working and waiting, you can understand the caution to my optimism). Garrett is a freakin' genius, and can do stuff other tuners only dream of. My hope that--like his chips for other cars--this means that he will put out a good product.

 

i cannot wait to see the release of this chip and see how it performs next to the next best chip out there, the Webb.....

i eagerly await this comparison.

 

Eric,

Thanks for the update.... GREAT questions dgszweda1!

So to clarify... this Mobil Tuner... is that a product the consumer can keep full time so that we can switch to stock if a dealer visit is required, assuming a laptop is available to the consumer?

(Holding breath with high hopes)

Thanks Eric! :smile:

 

ttt

 

Thanks for the info Eric. I may have missed it but has a price been announced? Thanks again

Dave

 

>>Thanks for the info Eric. I may have missed it but has a price been announced? Thanks again
>>
>>Dave


Yup. The Mobile tuner is a software package that is part of a chip package. All you need is a computer, preferably a laptop, and an interface (a cable). When I source a good one for a reasonable price, I'll offer it as well.

The price for the chip will be aroun $500. I'm not sure what the Mobile Tuner or interface will be. I'll let you know.

 

I am very excited to hear anything about the release date. I really want one.

 

bump

 

Let's not start another "Where's GIAC?" thread when all we get is everything but a release date. Eric - We're ready.

"Vision Without Action is Just Dreaming"

 

What is the dealer going to see when they run a diag on the chip? Can the dealer flash over the version that's already out there? Will the convenience settings be affected?

Blu

 

>>What is the dealer going to see when they run a diag on the chip? Can the dealer flash over the version that's already out there? Will the convenience settings be affected?

The dealer can flash over any software that is on the ECU and erase the ECU upgrade you have no matter which brand you buy. Having an easy way to restore the software upgrade is always something that is worth having.

I'm not sure what the dealer might see other than the version of the ECU software that is on the MINI itself.