Hey guys i suck when it comes to computer tunning. I am at that stage where i want to tune my car. What stand alone computers do we have for our cars, which ones are close to them? How about a SAFC, or greddy e manage? THanks for all your advise.
Sami

 

There are a lot of threads that cover this topic...do a search for ECU and you should turn up a bunch

 

Others to look for are the GIAC, UniChip, MTH, Shark, AMD One-Click. EvoTech and Dinan do Mini tunes as well. I'm sure there are others. Not a lot posted on the Greddy here in NAM.

Matt

 

From what i understand the SAFC only alters fuel. What system should i look for? My mods will be 15% pulley, CAI, Headers, One Ball (maybe cat back), Bigger injectors, maybe in the future a bigger Throtle body and the computer work. What system would be the best for me. I could save up and get the best system, but the most expensive is not always the best. What would be the best for the money.

 

i was talking to guys from ALTA on Friday and asked them with ALTA 15%, CAI, exhaust and header, would i need any ECU programming, and i have been told that it is not a must, or in other words a necessity. At the same talking, i heard about a possible ALTA ECU program is on the way. BTW, everytime i talk to guys at ALTA, it becomes another enjoyable experience, they all are experienced, have the stuff in their cars and also they know about the competitors as well. Good job ALTA.

Anyways back to topic, my whole idea is to get the tuning like motorsport said, i really would careless about getting extra power. I just need to have the parts work in harmony.

 

Our ABS, traction control, and probably some other functions are distributed throughout several subsystems on our cars, one of which is the ECU. Without some serious programming, it's possible that a replacement like an AME unit or whatever may through those systems out the window......

Just something to think about....

Matt

 

I dont know much about computers, but isnt a replacement a "stand alone comp," and one that adds to it lke unichip, mth, safc... A "piggy back," so if ou add to it wouldnt you keep these functions, like most people do?

I see now that in the original post i asked about a stand alone, but i ment piggy back.

So my question is whats the best piggy bak for these addons, so they al work to thier bst potental. Thanks
Sami

 

They throw away the stock ECU.
Chipping or remapping works with the stock ECU either via changing a EPROM (single chip), or reprogramming.
Piggy Backs are like the Unichip.

Best? You'll never get an answer to this one, as some posts in this thread (and others) have shown...

Matt

 

I've had MTH Tuner for a long time (since it came out) and I love it!

It gives a smoother eingine operation, better low-RPM torque, and more HP!
And it is the only ECU software that changes the traction control sensitivity!

If I had to do this again, I'd choose MTH for sure! And you get a very good support from MTH staff too! It's the best mod I've done to my engine, with 15% pulley and Alta CAI.

The only downside it that you'll drive your car harder since it pulls so strong!

 

Yeah im leaning toward the MTH, at first i was unsure of it, quality ane reliability wise, but it seems to have proven itself. I just hate to have to wait to send files to them and back, but Whatever.

 

The waiting is really not that long... You have to understand that MTH needs some time to reporgram every single file according to the car's mods.

And if you get the Tuner version, you'll also get a 1 year free updates, to match your upcoming mods.

I've been running MTH files for almost 2 years now, and I love it! The Standard files are good for removing the annoying traction control but the Tuenr files are much better! The newest version (Version 7) is the best I've ever had! The low-RPM torque is great, and it pulls really stronger and smoother than ever before!

As I said before, MTH Tuner is the best mod I've done to my car! Another MINI owner near my place, which has become a friend of mine, also got the new Tuner file and love it! We were so amazed by it when we first upload it! And we will upload our 94 octane file very soon! So more power is on the way! lol

GIAC is also a good alternative, but it will lack of support like MTH does! MTH can make a file to match your engine mods without a single problem!

And many well-known tuner use MTH files on their kits. Hartge, GTT, to name a few!

 

I know this should be asked in the mth forum, but you have been so helpful, thanks BTW, I have one last question. Do i have to dyno my car, or just tell them my mods and they tune the program for those mods? Once i have the program i have to download it to my car via my labtop and car soft, correct? Thanks i appreicate all of you help. I know the questions might sound dumb.

 

no questions are stupid, there is only stupid answers! lol

You don't need to get your car on a dyno to get your MTH file, but MTH can adjust your file according to a dyno graph if you want to.

Here is a quick "how-to" for MTH :

1- pay for the CarTune software and license
2- receive the CarTune softwareby email or through MTH website
3- get (or borrow) a OBDII cable and connect it with a Windows-based computer
4- download your stock ECU software (and keep it in security!)
5- send that file (there are 2 files in reality) to MTH
6- wait 7-10 days to receive your new MTH file
7- upload the file to your car
8- enjoy your new MINI driving experience!
9- share this great ECU software with all MINI owners you come across, since you'll love it so much! lol

btw, I jsut sent you a PM... :-)