Just when I thought I was ready to pick up the XFlash... I found a used XEDE for $500.

Is there anything that XFlash can do that the XEDE cannot? (closed loop tuning?)

And if I did get the XEDE, will the XEDEflash be critical to the operation of the XEDE? I do not plan on taking the car past Stage1+, nor do I see myself revving past 7400rpms on the car (and those are the major reasons why anyone would get XEDEflash).

Can you do cam idle adjustments with the XEDE, or is that only available through a reflash?

Sorry for all the questions guys.. I just wish there was more documentation for this stuff. The UTEC also looks rather appealing but there's nearly no documentation on it. Plus, if I can pick up the XEDE for $500, there's no reason why I'd pay $1K for a brand new UTEC. Please let me know guys... thanks.

 

You would need some kind of reflash to easily eliminate boost (MAF) cut (which is very beneficial for torque in the midrange).

Regarding the rev limit increase, I personally thought it was kind of frivolous until I took my dyno charts and gear ratios and did the calculations for optimal shift points. Turns out that the optimal shift point on even a stock Evo is pretty close to redline despite what your butt might tell you. After stage 1+, my optimal shift point rose to above stock redline in some gears - so this feature does have some usefulness even if your HP peak is significantly below stock redline (in other words, the adage of "shift at the power peak" doesn't always hold true, especially when the torque curve drop-off after the power peak slopes gently not precipitiously).

If it's a comfort issue though(valvetrain concerns), that's different, but all existing reflash vendors seem pretty comfortable raising it to at least 7850rpm.

I'd pick up both (XEDE + XEDEFlash).

 

To me, XEDE>UTEC.

Pick up the XEDE and get the reflash and a custom tune the next time Shiv is near you for a dyno day... Or not so near. You can be a trooper like we were (myself and some WRX friends) and drive ten hours each way for a Shiv tune. It was TOTALLY worth it.

 

I had the XEDE Stage 1+ for a couple of weeks before getting the XEDEFlash done.

The reflash is worth it mainly for getting rid of the midrange "boost cut" where you would get fuel cut near 3000 - 4000 RPM under WOT, especially in 5th gear. I haven't had such a problem since the reflash.

Secondarily, the reflash greatly improved the idle quality with upgraded cams. Before the reflash, the engine at idle usually felt like it was one wrong turn away from stalling out. Now it's much nicer, although still just a bit rougher than stock.

 

Make sure that the XEDE works before buying it. I bought mine 2nd hand from a local person which worked out great for me, but I would not of bought it from some random internet person without lots of good feedback.

I am always a little shakey about buying any expensive electronics 2nd hand.

 

Hm, so $600 for XEDE+XEDEFlash eh? I suppose I can always sell the XEDE in the future, whereas I can't sell a reflash. XEDE it will be.

Yeah, I have obtained a s/n of the XEDE unit and will check with Shiv tomorrow before buying it. Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I guess this means no cam gears for me, since if I got a XFlash I could get the cam gears... I suppose I shall wait to get the cam gears and cams and get them installed simultaneously.