Ok guys. Forgive my ignorance. I'm trying to understand the differences between tuning and flashing. Are they the same thing? Is one better than the other? A friend of mine has a 99 GSX. He replaced his ECU, and now he can plug in his laptop, and tune his car through that. How does that work? Is that the same thing? Can the Evo X do this? Can you still do this if you have tuned or flashed your computer?

 

Tuning is basically the general term for adjusting various parameters and values in your vehicles computer to change the way it performs. Flashing is basically a technique used to tune cars by hooking up to the Factory ECU and writing over the existing data with new maps. This is usually an inexpensive way to tune a car. Your friend went the route of buying a stand-alone ECU which takes the place of the stock ECU. He then has the ability to hook up his computer and change whatever parameters he wants. This route is more expensive, takes more time, and is way more complex but gives you more freedom in tuning your car.

Search around on the forum and read up to learn more.

 

OK I will. I've also heard that some stock ECUs will allow you to tune them, and others will not. Does the EVO allow you to do this with the stock ECU? If so can you do it yourself with a laptop?

 

Currently you cant tune your own ECU but you will be able to with a tactrix cable and the ecuflash program when it is released from beta. You will be able to download and upload maps directly from and to your ecu.

This is not something to be taken lightly though, you can really mess up your engine if you dont do it correctly.

 

There are several reflashing products available for the Evo X market including ecutek offered by myself and other authorized dealers on this forum and also there are other reflashes available from tuners wuch as Works, etc

With a car as complex as a Evo X I would suggest that you seek the services of a professional tuner in your area

Al

 

No wiser words spoken.....

 

How about when Cobb Tuning comes out with their "Access Port Device." Is that descent? http://http://www.cobbtuning.com/products/?id=3942

 

Cobb Access Ports are very good and will be a great solution - although when you combine the cost of the AP and the custom tuning its usually a few hundred more than the Ecutek tune. Although for the extra investment in the Cobb unit you do get a lot more features and functions.

An issue with the Cobb is how quickly they intend to release the pro tune software so we can custom tune the maps. On some of the applications they have lagged behind for a long time to relase the pro software.

With the Subaru Cobb is certainly a world class option.

Al

 

That's the thing. If I have the Access Port, I still need a tune? I thought the AP would take care of all that?

 

The AP will be able to upload a "base" map for you, but to get extra power from your setup you will need a custom tune.

 

The access port can be loaded with base mapping from Cobb which is usually geared towards specific mod paths -

eg

Stock

Stage I

Stage II

etc

The pro tune custom mapping helps wioth customers with customized or complex modification combinations

OR

To give a more car specific and individulaized tune up to match the individual car.

Generally the base Cobb maps run very well but by nature as base maps must be erring on the conservative side as they are used by many seperate cars in many locations.

On the Subaru side many customers buy an AP when their cars are fairly stock and grow with it as they perhaps go into more complex mod paths with larger intakes and injectors for example which require custom tuning. We also do a lot of stage I and II customers looking to pick up some extra power with custom mapping.

Al
Al

 

Need is a strong word. Want is more like it.

Genreally we can make about 15 - 20 more WHP and TQ over a Cobb base map with custom tuning on Subarus.

Al

 

OK...So right now, my car is stock. Let's say I got the car tuned, for whatever reason, right now. Later on, if I put an intake, exhaust, and intercooler piping, on the car.....Now I have to come back to you and get it tuned again? But with Cobbs AP, I can do it myself?

 

The AP would allow you to upload an already produced map based on evo X's with mods similar to yours. It would not be a custom tune, but an already produced map.

And ECUtek tune would require you to make another trip to your tuner or to send in your ECU and get it reprogrammed by them and cost you another few hundred depening on what they charge for a retune.

But dont think you need an ecutek tuner, or an AP to change maps and get a tune. Opensource ways are coming out VERY soon which will be far cheaper (160 dollar cable and your are ready to tune or upload maps all you want) and just as easy to load maps that are produced by those supporting the opensource community.


Always weigh your options.

 

Now your speakin my language. Tell me more about this "Opensource." I'm having trouble finding it.