what do you guys think is better? Zchip can be taken out in case you need to go to dealership, but with the reflash you tune more stuff. I think thats what ams is saying. performance wise which is better? they are both priced about the same, one has more down time than the other. For heavier tuning/aftermarket parts i would think the ecu is better. Well let me know what you people think.

 

Do you care about your warranty? If no, then go reflash. If yes, then go Zchip.

 

What about using an AccessPort? Can't you flash it back yourself?

 

No AccessPort for the RA yet, but when it comes it will be popular.

 

Im not familiar with AP. How much control does then end user have without using AP TunrePro software? Where can you get TunerPro software?

 

My understanding is that with the accessport, you can tune it if you want but you don't necessarily need to. I know Cobb got in **** a while ago because they essentially locked the ECU thus making any changes impossible but I'm pretty sure they changed that. Regardless of how you do it, a tune is a tune. Going with a piggyback does make it easier to remove but at the same time, you have to splice wires thus leaving evidence of what you did, if they check. A reflash requires that you have the ability to change back to stock (not something everyone can do) but if you can, you leave literally no trace of what you did. Either way, if you have warranty issues, and you think it may be tune related, your best bet is to just suck it up and tell them. Otherwise they could spend days or even weeks trying to figure out the issue.

 

What I really want to know is how much end user control does one have with just the AP and Cobb tune file. Do you have to use TunerPro software? Is that software licensed?

 

I'm not sure, you can find that info easily on NASIOC though.

 

where can we find how to install the zchip? And where is the ecu of the ralliart?

 

The zchip plugs in between the MAP sensor, and the ECU (w/matching connector), the only other thing is one wire which ttp provides that requires no splicing. It's a quick install, and would leave practically no evidence behind if you uninstalled it.

Since there is still plenty of work to be done on interpreting the ECU's ROM, only partial tunes are possible. You can certainly get lots of extra power, but at the expense of some other issues.

I personally would rather have an ECU reflash, but if you want some extra juice right now, without having to go to a tuner shop, then maybe the zchip is right for you. Otherwise, just wait it out a little bit.

 

^ thanks that was very helpful

 

I called Ecutek, and they said that the Evo X tuning will work for the ralliart, you just need to go to an authorized ecutek dealership with the Evo x programs to get it done.

 

ECUtek is nice, just pricey.

 

Yeah Ecutek is nice, but I also called Cobb AP, and the guy that i talked to , said that they arent sure if they will come out with anything with for the Ralliart, and he said if they do it won't be for awhile, I'm going with Ecutek, its abt a hour and a half drive from where im at, and its costing me $1250 including all the dyno runs etc.. so yeah it is pricey. Z chip is good, but like TTP has said theres a max torque that you can reach before the tranny starts slipping, but if you reflash the ECU that doesnt happen, you can tune your car farther, without worrying abt putting in exhuast, and a intake like you if you go with the Z chip route. Yes it's more costly but you can go further, which im sure alot of ppl want. But make no mistake Z chip is a great product, just depends on what you want

 

Even if you flash the ECU, you still have the TCU to contend with regarding max torque, don't you?