Warr Ecutek is $700 and always has been. Also, most dyno tuning shops would charge you $200-300 for a custom tune, so how is that "absurd"? Most shops/ tuning services arent cheap with the exception of road tuning and of course mail ins. These kinds of flashes will more than likely do the job. But its safer and more beneficial power wise to go the custom route since every car is different.

 

It is not more beneficial power-wise, but if you want to continue believing that, it's fine. Just don't try to proliferate that idea. Safer? Yes, it is safer on a dyno - that is undisputable. However, you're wrong about EcuTek being 700 then having to add 200-300 of dyno time. It's $650 for EcuTek - some shops include the dyno tuning time into the EcuTek price. Charging a full $1000 for a flash is unbelievably ridiculous. However, it seems you think it's normal, and if I didn't know any better, I guess I'd pay that $1000, too.

Luckily, I know that I (any customer) can get a set of cams for $450, an LICP for $170, then get a full custom tune for $375, and gain more than twice as much power for that same $1000. Spending a whole $1000 just for a custom flash is unbelievable (to me)...

 

How can you argue its not more benefical powerwise? Each mail in is DETUNED a little to leave a better margin of safety and I have yet to see any shop include the dyno tuning for the $650 price on the entire west coast. I guess you guys get better deals.

 

Bret, the new Mass emissions testing is done directly through the ODBII port without the exhaust hose, so as long as you have the rear o2 sensor fix (meaning no CEL for at least 300 miles) then you will be ok.

Of course 95% of the inspection shops will visually check the car for exhaust mods..but there are a few friendly ones who might be willing to work with you on the issue, PM me for more info on that...

 

Call Gruppe-S and schedule an Ecutek flash & dynotune with Mike. You pay a one time fee of around $600 for the license. Subsequent tunes only cost $200 IIRC. He's an awesome tuner. This mail-in stuff is really more for people who live a long ways from a tuner shop. It may be cheaper but you get what you pay for.

As for getting a downpipe. That's a good idea but there's really no point until you replace the stock catalytic converter with something less restrictive. Once you have a full TBE then take it in for a(nother) flash, as each time you add more modifications you'll need another flash and tune.