[font=Arial]UNIchip MINI Cooper S ECU Chip Upgrade[/font]
[font=Arial]anyone have any exsperiance with this ecu upgrade?[/font]

 

nope.

 

Yes.
Bit expensive but a nice mod.
I'm happy with it.

 

Yes, I have experience....what would you like to know?

FYI - Ryan at Detroit Tuned is much more knowledgable than I

 

yep :smile:

 

We actually developed all of the maps used in the Unichip, and I would be happy to talk with you about it.


Hope that helps!
Randy

 

Actually I'm not with Detroit Tuned anymore, though there are a few maps I developed for the UNIchip while with DT.

It's a very nice, adjustable ECU product. I still have it and enjoy its benefits of optimised fuel and ignition maps for my MINI.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...0&postcount=42

 

Ok Andy, what's your proposed solution for the following scenario:

*need adjustable fuel and ignition maps
*needs to be under $1k
*not willing to give up e-gas or cruise control functions
*not concerned with observable OBDII data
*do not need to adjust redline

go!

 

The Unichip does not have user-adjustable maps. You need to pay for tuning at an authorized Dastek dealer, which brings the total well over $1,000. If you want a plug and play solution that delivers worse performance than stock for more money than any real chip on the market, go for it:

 

My question is why would you need adjustable timing and fueling maps? Tune it correctly the first time and you shouldn't have to touch it again. I'm not sure if the technology is there for the MINI's DME yet but I know with VW/Audi's GIAC offers different programming that's switchable in the car between valet, 91, 93, and 100 octane. And even that is still under 1000 dollars.


Why would anyone not care about datalogging? Datalogging is one of the best tools you have when something goes wrong or your car just isn't running right. By elimating datalogging you'd be throwing parts at a car in order to try and fix something
my .02
Mike

 

If you get winterized gas and also major changes in temps, you will need to have 2 maps.

hense the problem for me... no local DASTEK tuner in my area.
so was thinking about wiring up a SFC (Apexi) and just get it tuned
locally. haven't done it yet though.

 

What about the Shark? Any better?

 

i donno about the shark cause I haven't personally tried it.

but it's good to have the capability to go back to stock setting if
you need to. I like to do:

1. stock
2. summer setting with summer gas
3. winter setting with winter gas

intermediates if there's enough memory.


Unichip can do all 3 above if you have a DASTEK tuner locally. :smile:

 

Why would you be switching maps for winter gas? The only time you'd need a different map is if you changed the octane of the fuel. I've driven chip tuned cars for 3 years now and never had a problem in the winter.
Mike

 

I've had the 91-octane Shark Injector for two years and I love it. The install wasn't terribly complicated and I was *really* pleased with the results. The only setback is the Shark isn't user-adjustable. It comes with set features that bump the RMP's for shifts, etc. For a Mini that doesn't have any head, cam, manifold, etc. work I think it's a great addition.

 

Im sure you already know this, but wintergas is oxygenated gas...
meaning, it burns much leaner. :smile: Add sub-zero temps in Chicago
and you get... detonation.

I was getting knock from Shell gas, actually. Mobil worked fine.

 

I'm curious too!

 

How do you know you were getting knock? A modern car will just retard the timing via the DME once the car's knock sensors pick up the knock.
Mike

 

Unfortunately, it went past the retard timing limits and put my car
in limp mode. Ive tuned several different cars on piggy backs with
success including turbo's on my laptop. I couldn't tune the Unichip
cause I don't have the Dastek tuner software... so it was too limited
for me. I recommend it for those who has access to a Dastek tuner
to make your own programs. The SFC would be a better choice for
me.

....and i'd like to know answers to Ryphile's questions too. :smile:

 

Sounds like a piggyback-specific problem, no?

 

I have had the Unichip for almost a year. I am not running any special maps nor have I had any custom dyno tuning.

Previously I had tried two oft-discussed flash ECU upgrades and was less than impressed.

I have had the car dyno'd on two occasions since it was installed. Its corrupting influence has resulted in a gain of 8 hp and 8 lb-ft torque.:smile:

Hope that helps.

 

This is all very intriguing. I have had a unichip from Randy for over a year now (tailered for the car's mods) and consistently run the B map in summer (on the track too) and in winter. I have never had a problem. And, there is a noticeable low end difference with the B map. If there was ever going to be a knock issue it would be with the B map, which is more aggressive. I have never used Shell gas. I don't believe your unichip comments are consistent with many other people's experience, but sorry to hear you had problems.

 

I don't think I've seen those dynos. Was the Unichip the only thing you changed between runs? Would you mind posting the graphs a la the Paulmon graph I posted above, that showed a substantial loss with the Unichip?

 

I've never posted them and do not plan on doing so. When I get around to scanning them, I will send them to you via a PM - on the condition they are NOT posted.

There were no additional mods made between runs. The runs were performed four months apart.

I am having some additional work performed in the next couple of weeks - I plan on dynoing the car soon after. I will perform runs with and without the Unichip.