I have a new (not installed yet) Unichip Q set up for CAI, pulley and exhaust for an '06 MCS. The local MINI chapter is having a Jan/RMW dyno tune in August. My questions are (and I'd appreciate replies supported by experience):

1. Should I install the UniChip and forget about the dyno tune?
2. Should I just do the dyno tune and sell the UniChip?
3. Should I install the UniChip first, and then have the dyno tune?

Looking forward to your input,
Bahman

 

Bahman,
Here is a link:
http://www.motoringalliance.com/foru...chip-tune.html from Nathan, gnatster, Nate.

Bryan

 

Nate makes a good response over at the other site.

I have to agree with Nate. But I admit I'm biased since I believe in tunes versus chips.

Don

 

OK, if after reading ALL the countless and numerous threads regarding this issue and STILL feel compelled to install UNICHIP then DO IT. And don't go back and re-read those threads, then later post if you should get rid of UniChip for $99 or best offer and get a custome tune. BTW Number 3 is impossible to both at the same time.

 

ditch the unichip get a custom tune

 

I ran a unichip for a little over a year prior to getting an RMW tune. They do work, at least on my car it did (car has basic bolt-ons). No drastic major power increase, but it definately helped smooth the car out a bit, especially around the 3k rpm flat spot. Every now and then I'd pull the Unichip and reset the ecu just to make sure I wasn't losing my mind, but the difference was definately there. I never dynoed the car with it installed to see what kind of numbers, if any it made, but I wish I had.

If you get one, don't expect miracles or major increases, you'll be disappointed. But I just hoped for smoother power and i got it so i was actually very satisfied with it. And don't buy a new one, they are absolutely not worth the money, you can pick up a used one (including mine FYI) for around or under $200, at that price and if you have some expendable cash I'd say it's a worthwile mod.

That said, if you want miracles, get 380s and the tune. No comparison. I don't regret running a Unichip one bit, but I do regret not getting a real tune sooner. BIG difference between the two. B I G.

 

agoodsign

I sent you a pm.

 

I will let you know the exact power difference on Saturday. I am removing the Unichip and getting a RMW tune. I have dyno results from February (w/ UniChip) and will have the RMW tune results on Saturady. If you are interested...

 

cant wait to see the results!

 

A few thoughts....

The main supplier (ALTA) has discontinued carrying the unichip because of the severe unreliability in general. (I'm sure there are a few people that didn't have problems).

If the main supplier drops it, that should give you a clue.

Second, get an RMW tune. Shy of doing a tune with a laptop so the car can be tuned for and during street use, the next best thing is a dyno tune.

Piggy back programmers have one really good feature.... if you ever have to take your car back to the dealer, it's simply a matter of removing it.

(of course, now RMW offers a standalone unit to install the stock tune back into the ECM should the need arise)

I'd go RMW.


Mark

 

Me too. I hope it's worth the money. I've heard some conflicting "stories" that scare me a tad...

 

Drive the car there with the unichips on it so you can get the numbers before and after on same day and same dyno

 

I will do that Jan. And looking forward to it!

My results from a few months ago may be the proof although because I changed the injectors and figure w/o them being accounted for I should(?) show less power.

 

Orangecrush and RMW:

I had installed the UniChip and drove to Minis in the Mountains (MITM) last weekend, and was planning to run before and after tests on Aug 15 at MAC. However, the UniChip started generting multiple codes (as many as 15 at one time), and after I reset it a few times, decided it's not worth risking engine problem, and removed it. I noticed a little bit of improvement before I removed it, but not enough to warrant taking the risk of damage. I did notice that it substantially reduced torque steer, but it also activated the yellow dynamic stability control light.

Anyway, for Aug 15, I'll be showing up without the UniChip, although I would have loved to have the car dynoed with the UniChip before RMW tune. As it turns out, "shadyj" will hlep us with the before/after scenarios.

Bahman