So I've been trying to see what's available as far as tuning options go for the MCS but it seems like everything i've found are all just reflash modules or reflashed ecu's, aside from the Unichip module which i know nothing about.

So i'm wondering whats available as far as actual engine management systems, i'm not looking for a stand alone ems, i just want more than a reflash, and preferably something that i can find a tuner for in my general area.

 

Lol...what is you general area...good piece of info...
As fo stand-alone engine management systems...lots of vaporware...a few demo's, but not really any real products that have truely advanced very far beyond the prof of concept or demo stage.
The few standalones had major intergration issues, due to the computerized nature of our cars...if you don't mind loosing traction/stability control, cruise, etc, they are out there...I think mynes tuning did a demo of a standalone... Revolution Mini Works ...aka RMW might be worth talking to...but keep this in mind, you are talking several thousand dollars to start just for the box, a lot more for install, and intergration, tuning, etc.
That is why most folks go to ecu tuning... Good gains for the $$, and with bolt-on parts, pleanty of power is avalable for the $$.
And I will point out....custom tuneing is not just a reflash or canned tune...they are a fully customized programming, optomizied to make your car as good as it can be with the parts installed. With the flash tools, the computer stays in the car, and it gets updated in place. Mailing you ecu in is just a "canned tune" and is not car/mod specfic.....it is better than none...but not nearly as good as a custom ecu tune.
Tunes are done, both in person or remotely...the mini requires some special tools to tune...so it is a small community....the flash tool let's you do a tune remotely....and let's you store earlier tunes, and the factory baseline too, so you can switch....tuneing in person does not require a tool...the tuner brings what is needed.....but you loose the ability to revert to the pretune setup.

 

you know this is the first place, or rather the first car where i've heard of ecu tuning, i'm used to only having reflashes available for stock ecu's, and as far as my area, i live in edmonton, alberta, canada.

 

So do WMW have about the same reputation as RMW or is one better than the other?

 

I really like WMW...they sell good stuff, and offer honest advise. They just started offering remote tuning a few months back....but like mynes, seem to be very honest about average gains...not a lot of hype or bragging, but I know he offers good advise, and is one of the best mechanics around when it comes to mini's.
RMW has been at it for a while...both with tuning parties, and remotely.
Most other cars are usually "chipped", where a chip is cliped in the ecu in place of the factory chip...the mini has memory that can be changed...so replacing the chip is not needed...the "chipping" gives you a canned tune...a generic tune for the mods on your car.
With the mini, custom ecu tuning is optimum...partly because of varriations in the motors, fuel, and endless combinations of mods.

 

just to clarify when people say custom tuning are you guys referring to getting it remotely tuned? like with the RMW flash tool?

 

Yup...the tool let's you pull you computer info off your car, and send it with the Dino info to the tuner, who can then update the tune, and send it yo you. Then you upload it..and do it again!!
It also works as a odb2 reader...the rmw one does anyway.

 

obd2 reader? so it can read codes? what about resetting?

 

I think the r53 can reset too.
It is not something that has a guage on it like a few of the odb2 readers that people install as an extra guage, but it think when I plugged mine it it gave the option to reset...I had none , so I did not pay attention too closely...I'll be using it at a tune event in a couple months...instead of a remote tune.
The tool will let me go back to the factory tune for trouble shooting or dealer visits, if needed, and back to custom for when done. That way, I never have to worry about " loosing" my tune to a reflash.
Some folks have more than one tune...maybe one done on race gas for autox, maybe one for water/methol injection, and a street tune...and in 2 minutes, you can switch. It is a neat item.
I think wmw may use a similar tool...I keep waiting for an announcement or review...I'm assumeing it will be comming soon!