Drivetrain Questions about ECU and performance Mods
#1
#2
At first, you don't NEED to do anything...
the car will still run fine. When it comes to maximizing power, none of the solutions are perfect, and all have some issues.
When I was digging into this stuff, I came to a couple of conclusions. First, if you're going to keep modding, make sure you get something that is inexpensive to upgrade. Second, support for stuff like this is key, so if you have a local tuner you trust, work with them. If you don't, use someone who is remote with a GOOD REP! Third, not all do everything, so make sure you have your priorities right. WOT power makes nice dyno curves, but doesn't tell you squat about day to day (read part throttle) driveability.
For a somewhat out of date summary of many of the offerings, I think the 4th MC Squared issue has my article in it. It's introductory in nature, and will get you up to speed on many of the offerings, so you can carry on more informed discussions.
Good luck!
Matt
When I was digging into this stuff, I came to a couple of conclusions. First, if you're going to keep modding, make sure you get something that is inexpensive to upgrade. Second, support for stuff like this is key, so if you have a local tuner you trust, work with them. If you don't, use someone who is remote with a GOOD REP! Third, not all do everything, so make sure you have your priorities right. WOT power makes nice dyno curves, but doesn't tell you squat about day to day (read part throttle) driveability.
For a somewhat out of date summary of many of the offerings, I think the 4th MC Squared issue has my article in it. It's introductory in nature, and will get you up to speed on many of the offerings, so you can carry on more informed discussions.
Good luck!
Matt
#3
I am starting with suspension mods first, have my parts sitting here and just waiting to get them on. Then I will start with adding some more horsepower. I was going to look for some tuners in my area and have some conversations with them.
BTW - Nice stang! I am looking to pick up an old ford truck as another hobby.
Thanks for the information.
BTW - Nice stang! I am looking to pick up an old ford truck as another hobby.
Thanks for the information.
#4
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As pointed out based on the mods you listed/intend, you do not NEED to upgrade your ECU. My experience w/ an ECU upgrade is that it seemed to tie together/maximize all of the mods. Most noticeable for me was the smoothness and crispness.
Take a look at a thread I did called "ecu giac upgrade" in the middle I do a pros/cons on 3 main programs - MTH, GIAC and Unichip. These were my perceptions based on my research. Appreciate that you are not just buying a file, installation varies and don't forget service and support.
DrO makes good points - the value of a local shop should not be under estimated. As well Dynos compared to seat of the pants daily driving.
Most importantly, while we all pursue "the best" in any mod when it comes to Ecu upgrades there is no BEST, unless you have a custome file made for YOUR CAR. The ecu upgrade vendors have libraries of files and they sell you the one closest to your cars specifications. These files are significantly cheaper than a true custom tune and can/do imrpove performance.
Take your time in making this decision.
Take a look at a thread I did called "ecu giac upgrade" in the middle I do a pros/cons on 3 main programs - MTH, GIAC and Unichip. These were my perceptions based on my research. Appreciate that you are not just buying a file, installation varies and don't forget service and support.
DrO makes good points - the value of a local shop should not be under estimated. As well Dynos compared to seat of the pants daily driving.
Most importantly, while we all pursue "the best" in any mod when it comes to Ecu upgrades there is no BEST, unless you have a custome file made for YOUR CAR. The ecu upgrade vendors have libraries of files and they sell you the one closest to your cars specifications. These files are significantly cheaper than a true custom tune and can/do imrpove performance.
Take your time in making this decision.
#5
This is why I signed onto these forums. To get a good understanding of what others have been doing for their Mini's. This is my first Tuner car and I am learning about the pro's / con's of the multitude of parts out there.
This can be extremely overwhelming, what to do? what do purchase? What works together?...etc.. I have read the article you suggested and gained a lot of input from the other people using each product.
As stated before I am starting with some suspension upgrades to give the car a better stance and stick to the ground a little better. I have the list of performance mods laid out already, and just need to decide which manufacturer I will buy from.
This can be extremely overwhelming, what to do? what do purchase? What works together?...etc.. I have read the article you suggested and gained a lot of input from the other people using each product.
As stated before I am starting with some suspension upgrades to give the car a better stance and stick to the ground a little better. I have the list of performance mods laid out already, and just need to decide which manufacturer I will buy from.
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There are some factory mods in the works. The first is to be intake, exhaust, and ECU mods. Rumor is that they have been delayed by heat problems. Might be something to think about before trying it yourself. If the factory engineers are having trouble keeping it from self-destructing, perhaps this engine is not easy to mod safely?
From what I hear, the stock R56 S has more power than the R53 JCW mod. Might be wise to sit back, enjoy the suspension modes, and see how things shake out with engine mods. It is pretty early days for the R56 engine.
Just a thought.
From what I hear, the stock R56 S has more power than the R53 JCW mod. Might be wise to sit back, enjoy the suspension modes, and see how things shake out with engine mods. It is pretty early days for the R56 engine.
Just a thought.
#12
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No Don, you posted a teaser, not a shred of factual information. You even said in that teaser post you'd add information a week after that post, however that was 3 weeks ago. Yesterday was the first time you posted a price, which at $950, is astronomical. You still have yet to post what this MTH remap actually does, let alone any proof of its effectiveness.
How about some factual information Don? How does the MTH map adjust the boost controller, ignition mapping, air-fuel ratio, redline, top speed limiter, DSC interaction, and Sport button settings?
How about some factual information Don? How does the MTH map adjust the boost controller, ignition mapping, air-fuel ratio, redline, top speed limiter, DSC interaction, and Sport button settings?
#15
#17
No Don, you posted a teaser, not a shred of factual information. You even said in that teaser post you'd add information a week after that post, however that was 3 weeks ago. Yesterday was the first time you posted a price, which at $950, is astronomical. You still have yet to post what this MTH remap actually does, let alone any proof of its effectiveness.
How about some factual information Don? How does the MTH map adjust the boost controller, ignition mapping, air-fuel ratio, redline, top speed limiter, DSC interaction, and Sport button settings?
How about some factual information Don? How does the MTH map adjust the boost controller, ignition mapping, air-fuel ratio, redline, top speed limiter, DSC interaction, and Sport button settings?
#18
Originally Posted by dmh
It adjusts all you mentioned. At $950 I think it is well priced, if not cheap!
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