which flash?
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Danbury, CT
which flash?
Okay, here goes. There are many tuners out there and I have searched and read now for 2 months. I really can't make up my mind based upon the available information, so I am asking for help. Which tuner would you go to for a flash on a IX with no other mods? I am looking for any experiences that you have had, both good and bad. I am going to use the mail-in flash method. I don't want an ecutek as it is detectable by the dealership. I have read about flashes that hold boost, some that say they do but don't based on things I have read. I have seen prices ranging from $200 to $600. Price isn't the issue, but I want the one that is most reliable.
Thanks.
Thanks.
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Joined: Feb 2006
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Originally Posted by mrdevo9mr
I don't want an ecutek as it is detectable by the dealership.
The concept that the dealer can detect a flash is greatly flawed for several reasons:
1. It assumes that the dealer is competent to even know what to look for. (No Friggen Way!)
2. It assumes that they have nothing better to do than spend time trying to figure out if your ECU has been re-flashed. (they are way too lazy and also way too busy screwing up simple things like oil changes to do that). My apoligies in advance to the few competent mechanics out there.
Even if they did somehow detect the re-flash, the burdon of proof is on them, they would have to prove that the flash somehow caused the problem that you have the car in for. Read the Magneson Act. I think you are pole-vaulting over a mouse turd. EcuTec flashes are the best option since they retain the factory safe-gaurds, like timing retard under knock for one. Isn't the factory FQ series cars re-flashed with ECUTek? Im not sure on this one, but I think they are? I would get an ECuTek flash from any competent tuner if I was you (Works, Vishnu, DF, etc.) Aren't you close to any tuners? Im not the world's biggest fan of the mail-in.
1. It assumes that the dealer is competent to even know what to look for. (No Friggen Way!)
2. It assumes that they have nothing better to do than spend time trying to figure out if your ECU has been re-flashed. (they are way too lazy and also way too busy screwing up simple things like oil changes to do that). My apoligies in advance to the few competent mechanics out there.
Even if they did somehow detect the re-flash, the burdon of proof is on them, they would have to prove that the flash somehow caused the problem that you have the car in for. Read the Magneson Act. I think you are pole-vaulting over a mouse turd. EcuTec flashes are the best option since they retain the factory safe-gaurds, like timing retard under knock for one. Isn't the factory FQ series cars re-flashed with ECUTek? Im not sure on this one, but I think they are? I would get an ECuTek flash from any competent tuner if I was you (Works, Vishnu, DF, etc.) Aren't you close to any tuners? Im not the world's biggest fan of the mail-in.
All 05+ flashes are detectable if the dealer tech knows what he's doing. No matter what flash you settle on, ask two important questions:
1) does it control the shape of the boost curve or just the peak
2) does it tune partial throttle and WOT, or just WOT
1) does it control the shape of the boost curve or just the peak
2) does it tune partial throttle and WOT, or just WOT
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Originally Posted by mrdevo9mr
Okay, here goes. There are many tuners out there and I have searched and read now for 2 months. I really can't make up my mind based upon the available information, so I am asking for help. Which tuner would you go to for a flash on a IX with no other mods? I am looking for any experiences that you have had, both good and bad. I am going to use the mail-in flash method. I don't want an ecutek as it is detectable by the dealership. I have read about flashes that hold boost, some that say they do but don't based on things I have read. I have seen prices ranging from $200 to $600. Price isn't the issue, but I want the one that is most reliable.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Originally Posted by voidhawk
All 05+ flashes are detectable if the dealer tech knows what he's doing. No matter what flash you settle on, ask two important questions:
1) does it control the shape of the boost curve or just the peak
2) does it tune partial throttle and WOT, or just WOT
1) does it control the shape of the boost curve or just the peak
2) does it tune partial throttle and WOT, or just WOT
FYI - all my 2003 - 2006 evo flashes can be flashed back to 100% stock for any reason at any time without any trace - free of charge
Originally Posted by KawRider
The concept that the dealer can detect a flash is greatly flawed for several reasons:
1. It assumes that the dealer is competent to even know what to look for. (No Friggen Way!)
2. It assumes that they have nothing better to do than spend time trying to figure out if your ECU has been re-flashed. (they are way too lazy and also way too busy screwing up simple things like oil changes to do that). My apoligies in advance to the few competent mechanics out there.
Even if they did somehow detect the re-flash, the burdon of proof is on them, they would have to prove that the flash somehow caused the problem that you have the car in for. Read the Magneson Act. I think you are pole-vaulting over a mouse turd. EcuTec flashes are the best option since they retain the factory safe-gaurds, like timing retard under knock for one. Isn't the factory FQ series cars re-flashed with ECUTek? Im not sure on this one, but I think they are? I would get an ECuTek flash from any competent tuner if I was you (Works, Vishnu, DF, etc.) Aren't you close to any tuners? Im not the world's biggest fan of the mail-in.
1. It assumes that the dealer is competent to even know what to look for. (No Friggen Way!)
2. It assumes that they have nothing better to do than spend time trying to figure out if your ECU has been re-flashed. (they are way too lazy and also way too busy screwing up simple things like oil changes to do that). My apoligies in advance to the few competent mechanics out there.
Even if they did somehow detect the re-flash, the burdon of proof is on them, they would have to prove that the flash somehow caused the problem that you have the car in for. Read the Magneson Act. I think you are pole-vaulting over a mouse turd. EcuTec flashes are the best option since they retain the factory safe-gaurds, like timing retard under knock for one. Isn't the factory FQ series cars re-flashed with ECUTek? Im not sure on this one, but I think they are? I would get an ECuTek flash from any competent tuner if I was you (Works, Vishnu, DF, etc.) Aren't you close to any tuners? Im not the world's biggest fan of the mail-in.
The ecutek is the only one which can NOT be restored to stock BTW as it retains the license on the ecu
Originally Posted by DynoFlash
FYI - all my 2003 - 2006 evo flashes can be flashed back to 100% stock for any reason at any time without any trace - free of charge
. I meant to say the flash is detectable if there, after reflashing the ECU to stock, it would seem obvious that it should appear stock to a dealer tech.
Originally Posted by voidhawk
except for the overnight shippng . I meant to say the flash is detectable if there, after reflashing the ECU to stock, it would seem obvious that it should appear stock to a dealer tech.
. I meant to say the flash is detectable if there, after reflashing the ECU to stock, it would seem obvious that it should appear stock to a dealer tech.
Evolving Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 383
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From: Fremont, Ca
I think you should give WORKS a call. Their tune is very reliable and dont require MBC nor a fuel pump. 20psi all the way to redline, plus they have a factory match 3 year warranty. I have had the flash for one year with 5 track days (not Drag racing) with no problems.
Last edited by evo637; Mar 10, 2006 at 05:00 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2006
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Originally Posted by DynoFlash
The ecutek is the only one which can NOT be restored to stock BTW as it retains the license on the ecu