Just had a 15% pulley put on my fiance's MCS...we havent picked it up yet. However, my mechanic is a GIAC dealer. Should I have him put on the file for the 15% pulley? Is it beneficial? or should the stock ECU run the car fine?
Only upgrades are plugs, K&N Filter Panel, 15% pulley........

Thanks!
Steve

 

absolutely UNLESS you plan on doing a lot more mods and then you might want to consider something else.

 

Agreed! I love my GIAC. It was great for the money. The throttle is much smoother. Without GIAC the pulley is fun, but its much smoother and drivable with GIAC.

One thing to watch for, make sure the dealer doesn't flash it. The one time I didn't make a big deal about it, they flashed it. Back the the GIAC dealer to get it put back in, I miss the go fast.

 

I dont plan on doing any other mods past the pulley, air filter, plugs.....
so GIAC i guess is worthwhile and benefical.

If it improves the overall drivability of the car, i think im all for it.

 

If you dont like it, return it. It is my understanding you have 30 days to evaluate.

 

People that have it love it...if your stopping mods where you say you should love it too.

 

Yes, i am stopping mods where i say......
This is her car, she just wanted it a tad quicker.

I currently have a GTI 1.8T with turbo upgrade, etc. Makes around 315whp(check my signature for a link), so im good to go as far as fast needs. Im just trying to make this car the way she wants.

IF people are havign success with GIAC, then i feel it would be a welcomed addition. Not as if the MCS factory tuning is anything great, i think it drives sluggish and herky jerky. Id like to get rid of it in favor of GIAC thats for sure.

 

wow, i used to drive a 337...and i can say that your GTI is pure HAWTNESS!!!! ye-a

 

nice numbers on the GTI..... Eric at Helix is a big proponent of GIAC and I know him to be straight shooter.... my best, Bob

 

god . the GTI is hot..
I've seen the last pic on ur site from somewhere.. hmm

 

THE Gti looks sick..NIce work.

 

just got back from Helix last night, awesome is all i have to say. i had Eric install JCW injectors, JCW spark plugs, Magnecor wires, and the GIAC program. i already had a 15% pulley on the car that Eric had installed for me about 2 years ago, and this time the GIAC definitely brought everything together, much smoother acceleration, shifting, and car definitely revs more freely and easily. is your mechanic Mike at TyrolSport? Eric actually recommended him to me if i wanted someone local to do oil changes rather than dealer after warranty is out. your golf is beautiful by the way.

 

How does the MINI run with JCW injectors and the GIAC. I was under the impression that you did not need to upgrade the injectors until you went to the 19% + GIAC. I may have a new upgrade....

 

Yes i go to Mike at Tyrolsport in Queens. Mike is a terrific guy. Ive known him for a good 5 years now and have brought all my cars to him for various items.

I should be getting the MCS back tomorrow from him and I am going to have Mike flash it with GIAC i think.
I am running IK20 plugs, but i am going to upgrade to IK22 or JCW plugs to satisfy the software.

Thanks for the comments on the GTI. Ive worked many hard days on that car. My blood sweat and tears (not to mention hand skin) are in that car.

As for oil changes, i bought the 36mm socket that BMW uses to take off the oil filter and oil changes are a breeze. Id rather spend an hour or so on the car then give the dealer 70-100. Although DIY oil changes arent for everyone. Sometimes more mess is involved then it is worth.

 

if i've got a header ,cat back cai and pulley will the giac be noticeable? :impatient

 

yes

 

I reread my post and my comment about "stopping where you say" sounds a bit condescending and I did not mean it that way..... the right words just did not come....a friend has a saying "never attribute to malice what can be adequately described by igonrance" no 'dis' intended

 

no worries....i appreciated your suggestion.....Most likley going to be flashing with GIAC...
I have a bunch of qualms with the MCS stock ECU from lumpy idle, to poor starts, to crap throttle response, to bogging, to yo-yo, to no power, etc. So i think upgraded to a different ECU re-flash is the smart way to go.

 

I am one of the very fewthat lost power with a GIAC. I have a JCW 210 w/headers and custom CAT back. The good news is they have a 30 day money back guarantee, no ??? asked. Two different Unichip programs didn't work for me either but I'm stuck with that or pay extra for a custom tune.

 

Well i had Mike at Tyrolsport flash it with GIAC. Im picking it up tonight. Cant wait. Hopefully the car brings new found joy back to my fiance.

 

Where in queens? I might have my pulley install there next.

 

Mike is in flushing right off Willits Point Road. Near Francis Lewis Blvd.
Very easy to get to.
But he is opening up a new shop location in Ridgewood off the Jackie Robinson in the next couple months.

 

So did you pick it up? What do you think?

 

We picked it up last night. It feels like a new car, its amazing. Besides for the power increase which was really nice from the pulley, the GIAC reflash has made the car drive like it should. Its smooth, punchy, and drives the way a MINI was meant to drive.
No more idle hunting, smooth shifts, acceleration is smooth and linear, no ups and downs when decelarating, its great. Smart decision.

THe power gains are nice as well. I notice in between 3-5000 has definetly increased dramatically. We are very happy. Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

 

Glad they lived up to expectations.