now i know that an ecu helps more as u modify, but is it bad to not get an ecu upgrade?

say a car has the following mods... 15% pulley, 2% pulley, intake, exhaust, header, injectors, intercooler

so is it bad to not get an ecu with these mods or will there just be less power?

 

The simple answer, NO.

If you want to optimize the mods You will want an ECU mod.

 

Presuming the injector upgrade is for larger injectors, you need an ECU upgrade to realize any benefit from the larger injectors. Be sure to get an ECU upgrade that has a fuel map for the specific combination of modifications you have done to your engine. Otherwise, you will likely end up with less than optimal performance.

 

Someone that knows more than me about car ECU systems, check out some stats on the Apexi AFC-II controller.

 

I agree with the above - the ecu upgrade tied all my mods togther and made everything smoother. Based on the mods listed you will have several providers to choose from.

 

i'm trying to figure out the best "bang for the buck" ecu mod for my brother's car.

it's an 04 mcs with alta intake and is getting the 15% pulley put on tomorrow. i really think an ecu will be the next and final mod on the car. (we're keeping it simple for the sake of civility).

am i wrong to think that the MTH setup is probably our best bet?

 

I ran my Mini with stock ECU, 400CC injectors, 19% pulley CAI and Exhaust for a trip to southern FL and back. The car ran fine but sucked gas like a champ. My thing would say 14 miles until empty while a buddy of mine in s stock mini would still be at a quater or more tank.

I ended up going with MTH and don't regret it. I feel it's the best bang for your buck ECU mod as LONG as you have a laptop (or access to one) to do your tuning. It's very simple and straight foward and the directions that MTH gives you are extreamly easy. Good luck -- Johan

 

Well I dont know much about MTH but I do know that it needs to be professionally installed, and if the dealer flashes your ECU you need MTH to re-flash it for you to get the mapping back. Thats what prevented me from going that route.

Also I do have a UNICHIP for sale that I would like to sell for $410 shipped. If you remove it prior to getting the car serviced at the dealer they will never know you have or had an ECU on the car so it wouldnt effect your warranty. PM me if you are interested.

BEATNUT

 

[quote=BE4TNUT;1233275]Well I dont know much about MTH but I do know that it needs to be professionally installed, and if the dealer flashes your ECU you need MTH to re-flash it for you to get the mapping back. Thats what prevented me from going that route.[/quote

Thats why they offer free updates and/or reflashes for a year

I have heard good things about UNICHIP but who wants to swap ECUs everything they get the car serviced? Not me. The dealership wont even know MTH is there when it is. My local club has 2 MTH authorized guys so if anyone needs and update or reflash or to geth MTH they always have there stuff with them, its nice

 

Similar to my situation. I have a 15% pulley, cat-back, cai and JCW flash wihich is written for 380 cc injectors. I don't have the 380's and have noticed a drop in MPG. I guess that should be my next mod.

 

No.
One of the features of MTH is that you have the ability to install it yourself.

 

If you have the ability to log onto NAM and post, then you have the computer skills to operate Cartune (MTH software)

However one the con's are you either need a laptop and cord, or a desktop in the garage with an extention usb to reach your Mini.

 

I got MTH from Don and installed it myself. I'm no professional, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

 

[quote=IrishCooper;1233333]Untill the dealer flashes the ECU with an update.

I am partial to MTH, it is an easy install & upgradeable ( it's on my car ). On the other hand I reciently installed a Unichip that was a very pleasent suprise.

 

There a various quality ecu upgrades so your criteria is most important. Do your homework to determine which one is for you. Definetly search the threads! I did a post that outlined what I purchased and how I got to that selection (ecu giac upgrade) which may help you figure out the right one for you!