I am in the process of starting to play with ECUFlash to do ECU based boost control and tuning. My plan was to set up the boost tables and then after I can control the boost to the setpoint and curve I want take the car to a local tuner to fine tune the AFR, Timing and who knows what else he does.

The thing is that he uses EcuTek for his tuning and I am wondering if I will still be able to play with the boost and settings after the ROM is flashed with EcuTek. He also recomends a MBC for boost control but I want to use ECU controlled boost.

Will I be able to edit the tables with ECUFlash after the my ROM is flashed with an EcuTek software. Will he be able to read my ECUFlash modified (boost tables) with his EcuTeck software? Any advantage to use an EcuTeck tune vs a ECUFlash tune? He is a really good tuner but I am not sure if he will do any changes with ECUFlash because he uses EcuTek.

What are my options with this?

 

As far as I have seen - Ecutek doesnot do anything special except changing the init code so you are not able to read it with Ecuflash only. However with Unlocker (aktivematrix.com) it works.

When you edit and save (changes in any tables) - I am not sure whether he will be able to work with it later - as some checksums might be used (I do not know ecaxtly this part of the story). However - you can do your changes and the before going back to him - you can put back his original ROM so he doesnot have issues with checksums. And let him change the boost tables according to what you like them.

 

I wouldn't go with Ecutek. You have to pay stupid amount for license and get nothing more than you can with free ecuflash. If you set on using that tuner bring him your laptop and show him ecuflash and see if he will use that. If not look elsewhere for a tuner

 

If I make my changes and put the stock ROM on it before the EcuTek reflash I may not be able to further tune it right? Is it basically locked?

I will contact him to find out if he can use my laptop and use ECUFlash. Maybe he knows how to use it.

Are there any table or settings that can only be changed with EcuTek and not with ECUFlash? What I mean is that there is no special tune ariable that can only be changed with EcuTek for the EVO right?

If all the maps and table are the same I should see the same power with both of the softwares. Makes sense?

 

ECUTek tries to lock the ROM by changing the init code, but there is a free program called ECU Unlocker that makes it possible to read the ROM. I initially went with an ECUTek-based flash, and then started tuning on my own with ECUFlash. No problems at all using ECU Unlocker. I eventually got tired of using ECU Unlocker, and just changed the init code back to the stock values, and then I didn't have to use the Unlocker program any more.

 

So in theory I can tune with my tuner with EcuTek and give him the boost table values for ECU Boost Control. Then use ECU Unlocker to unlock the ECU and read the ROM of hte EcuTek image. Then use the ROM values in a previously saved Original image of my ROM and make an ECUFlash clone of the EcuTeck ROM made by my tuner and then flash with the new (and equivalent) ECUFlash image on top of the EcuTek? Is this right? Can I flash on top of an ECU Flashed with EcuTek? Does this makes sense?

 

Yes, that's all possible. You're almost making it more difficult than it really is though. ECUTek modifies the ROM in the exact the same way that ECUFlash does, so with the exception of the init code change, the two methods are intercompatible. You can make changes to a ROM, then your tuner can change that ROM, then you can change it, then he can change it, etc.

 

All the procedure that I described is for the case that my tuner does not want or know how to tune with ECUFlash. If he is friendly enough I can get the data from him on the same dyno tune day modify my OEM tables with ECUFlash with his new values and after the tune ask him to remove the flash so I can Flash my ECUFlash version of it. Lets see. If I do not need to use teh ECU Unlocker that would be great. I am sure something will happen at the time of the unlock and I may get screw (you know Murphys Law).

 

If you use ECU Unlocker (it does not change the flash), you and your tuner can work on the same ROM file. Its really that simple.

 

When you said that my tuner and I can work on the same ROM file does that mean I can read, modify and write a new modified file with ECUFlash? Or does it mean that I can just look and modify the ROM but cannot flash it back to the ECU?

 

Yes, you can read and modify the same ROM that your tuner works on.

 

What about the EcuTek License and/or Init code. Will I delete the EcuTek license or init code when I modify and write back the ROM. Any issues with that?

 

EcuTek license will not be deleted. ECU Unlocker will handle the init code. It does not change it. It only circumvents it.

 

Is there a way to remove the EcuTek License and Init code by using just ECUFlash once I am confident with making changes on the ROM. Or do I need to go to my tuner to remove the license or put the stock image back in? Based on the info I have I do not see any real advantage to have the ECUTeck license on the ECU. Or am I missing somehting here?

 

The license does not do anything. Its is merely a sort of receipt. Its purpose is to show that the owner of the ROM purchased an ECUTek license. Not much point in removing it as it does have value if you decide to ever have your tuner work on your car again. Yes, the init code can be changed back to the stock value using ECUFlash. The tables to do this are not currently available though. Someone would have to provide them to you.