UTECH vs. EXede
UTECH vs. Xede
I am looking for an engine management tool to make the most out of my mods. Currently just TBE, intercoller piping, K/N filter and gauges (boost, EGT, and fuel pressure). Near future plans are for cams and timing gears after which have no plans as of yet, but I will see if I like the way the car performs at that point. I have done a good deal of research on the Xede but lately the UTEC has been brought to my attention. Amoung reasons for considering the UTEC is that TurboXS is rather close to where I live and oviously Vishnu is across the country. I guess what I would like to know is how the UTEC compares to the Exede in terms of easy of use, capability, safety, and cost? I am a newbie to engine management but am fairly capable in most tasks given good enough direction.
Dcsleeper
Dcsleeper
Last edited by DCsleeper; Sep 1, 2005 at 09:19 PM.
MalibuJack,
Actually I am glad that you responded since you seem to be the resident guru in engine management. I understand your desire for everyone to search first so that you don't have to answer all the same questions over and over.
Actually though I have done some research. Scanned through most of the UTEC forum. Found a few posts but none really answered my questions. First, was a post which compared the UTEC to the AMS EMS. This I understand. I have no desire to go with a full standalone. From what I understand the amount of tuning would be just to much for a beginner such as myself and I really would like to keep the daily drivability of my stock ECU as well as my diagnostic port. Second, I did find a post which actually compared the Xede to the UTECH, but the only points that were made was the the UTECH could up the rev and boost limits without a reflash were the Xede could not. The UTECH does have a type of lauch control as does the Xede and finally that the UTECH does not have a SMART type control system available.
I understand the the Exede basically works by offsetting inputs from the stock sensors to the stock ECU. The UTECH contols them directly. I really don't understand how this is done? Also, I know that both systems can control boost, fuel, and timing. This is about as far as I have gotten.
From what I have read it seems that you have experience with both systems. Any feedback would be appreciated, or if there is a post which I have missed that directly answers my question could someone direct me to it. Thanks.
Dcsleeper
Actually I am glad that you responded since you seem to be the resident guru in engine management. I understand your desire for everyone to search first so that you don't have to answer all the same questions over and over.
Actually though I have done some research. Scanned through most of the UTEC forum. Found a few posts but none really answered my questions. First, was a post which compared the UTEC to the AMS EMS. This I understand. I have no desire to go with a full standalone. From what I understand the amount of tuning would be just to much for a beginner such as myself and I really would like to keep the daily drivability of my stock ECU as well as my diagnostic port. Second, I did find a post which actually compared the Xede to the UTECH, but the only points that were made was the the UTECH could up the rev and boost limits without a reflash were the Xede could not. The UTECH does have a type of lauch control as does the Xede and finally that the UTECH does not have a SMART type control system available.
I understand the the Exede basically works by offsetting inputs from the stock sensors to the stock ECU. The UTECH contols them directly. I really don't understand how this is done? Also, I know that both systems can control boost, fuel, and timing. This is about as far as I have gotten.
From what I have read it seems that you have experience with both systems. Any feedback would be appreciated, or if there is a post which I have missed that directly answers my question could someone direct me to it. Thanks.
Dcsleeper
Last edited by DCsleeper; Sep 1, 2005 at 09:20 PM.
MalibuJack,
Found another post which I think is what you were refering too...
"Although tuning isn't rocket science, and everyone can do it, its important to have the tools and knowledge to do it correctly. Even back in the days of carburetors, I've seen countless guys blow headgaskets or other sorts of damage due to detonation (Glowing header is usually a dead giveaway on the old cars).
I believe tuning is for everyone, its not voodoo, and its not magic.. But it is common sense, and what we have available to us is amazing tools that can do amazing things, but in the hands of an idiot, it can also do idiotic things." (MalibuJack)
I read most of this post, but like most of its kind it regresses to comparing piggybacks to standalones which comparision I understand. I would like to learn to tune myself and would like some input as to which piggyback would be the easiest for a newbie such as myself to work with. Also, where can I find direction as to the basics of how to tune with either system?
Found another post which I think is what you were refering too...
"Although tuning isn't rocket science, and everyone can do it, its important to have the tools and knowledge to do it correctly. Even back in the days of carburetors, I've seen countless guys blow headgaskets or other sorts of damage due to detonation (Glowing header is usually a dead giveaway on the old cars).
I believe tuning is for everyone, its not voodoo, and its not magic.. But it is common sense, and what we have available to us is amazing tools that can do amazing things, but in the hands of an idiot, it can also do idiotic things." (MalibuJack)
I read most of this post, but like most of its kind it regresses to comparing piggybacks to standalones which comparision I understand. I would like to learn to tune myself and would like some input as to which piggyback would be the easiest for a newbie such as myself to work with. Also, where can I find direction as to the basics of how to tune with either system?
Evolving Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 199
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From: Houston
Go UTEC i have heard alot of good stuff from some of my buddys who had it..other hand on my past evo i was running Vishnu XEDE with Adjustble cam gears and it was a mess they sent the chip with no program in it then they had to send me a special map and do a bunch of diffrent stuff then finally after i got it all together it wasnt the power gain i thought it was going to be...just my 2 cents.
