Would you do this mod?

[swingn]

But depending on where you go, you can get a tune done for around 1k, which would gain you more power, better drivability & realistically better fuel ecco.

Even if the tune was say $1100... I'd be willing to pay an extra $100 bucks to gain another 5-10kw atw's... Wouldn't you?

Peak kW isn't everything when it comes to drivability, delivery of power, fuel consumption. More power can be had by running a bit leaner or more boost but these things can lead to running too hot and shortening life of engine components.

Personally, I err on the side of caution. I'd trade 5kW for 50,000km more engine/turbo life.

I DO agree with you though, if it was me, I'd top up the extra $100 for a full custom tune. But then again, I'd also make a few minor mods before I did that, so it's not a fair comparison.

The key thing is, peak kW mean NOTHING with a daily driver. Look at all those VVTi/VTEC cars. Big peak numbers, drive like civic/corollas off cam.

All modern cars DO NOT come out of the factory pushing their full power potencial. They are all de-tuned for people that are likely to not service their cars on time, not run the best quality oils & fuels etc.

For example, the MPS3 runs extremely rich up high as a safety precaution... But a retune corrects this & obviously results in better power & runs nice & safe (Not that the MPS3 needs more power ).

I had my Lib custom tuned back when it was 100% stock & the power, drivability & fuel ecco were all increased.

Most tuners these days (Unless advised) will tune the car to a safe level to give it better performance, but not push the limits of the hardware. A good tune is the ability to get the most out of what's available be it standard or modified. If you look after you car & service it on a regular basis, I cannot see why a tuned couldn't last as long as a completely standard car... In fact, there would be potencial for a tuned car to outlast a standard one because they would be running more effeciently & therefore cleaner.

At the end of the day, just because your running say standard boost, doesn't mean your not going to destroy your turbo in 50,000kms... It comes down to how you drive it, weather you let the car warm up / cool down etc etc etc.

[smythie]

I think you two are in heated agreement there

[Mr White]

It's odd to me that a reflash costs you around $1000 which is generic, yet a custom tune (specific to my car) is around the same price.

I had my Lib custom tuned back when it was 100% stock & the power, drivability & fuel ecco were all increased.

How much power did you gain from this Swingn? What were the most noticeable differences?

[swingn]

It's odd to me that a reflash costs you around $1000 which is generic, yet a custom tune (specific to my car) is around the same price.

I had my Lib custom tuned back when it was 100% stock & the power, drivability & fuel ecco were all increased.

How much power did you gain from this Swingn? What were the most noticeable differences?

Each tuner charges differently... & depending on the software they use (Open Source vs ECUtek) will also effect the charges. Generally speaking, a tune using Open Source will be around the $1000 mark (But have seen people charging $1500 +!) & ECUtek will be around the $2000 mark as you are technically paying for a software license.

I'm running the 2.0T (Auto) motor, but you should get larger gains from the 2.5T seeing as the capacity is larger & you have a larger turbo then me (I think ) - Remember the standard 2.0T GT Auto was 180kw, while the 2.5T GT was 184kw... So I'm guessing that the 2.5T is significantly more de-tuned from factory when compared with the 2.0T?... Can anyone clarify this?

Anyway, at the hubs, my car was running about 148kws... After the tune (No increased boost or added mods) I was running 165kw. The increase in performance was noticable, as was the drivability & fuel ecco

As most of us already know, the best bang for your buck performance upgrade is a re-tune

[Mr White]

I called AVO for some clarification.

Around $1000 is for a custom tune and a flat panel filter. Even though they called it a reflash, they meant a custom tune. 10-15kw at the wheels increase in power is what i'll achieve.

[smythie]

If you aren't planning any other mods on the engine or in its inlet or exhaust systems in the very near future, go for it.

[GTSPECB STI]

stock Lib plus good tune is way better than stock Lib. Do it asap and let us know the results.

[Spec B Wgn]

Just remember also that every car is different and has been run in and operated differently... a reflash is a generic map and whilst it will work fine , minor adjustments are needed on the generic map via a dyno tune to maximise the full benefit.

i totally agree with GTSPECB STI ^^^^

just for the record and its not a bragging thing here but on my WRX STI
i picked up approx 25 kws with a reflash then another 30 kws with a proper tune...

so a stock 04 STI went to 215 kws atw with a just a TBE and custom tune..

but the best thing... picked up another 50 kms out of a tank of juice.

so you can have your cake and you can it eat too..

more power and more fuel efficient..

[Mr White]

and more fuel efficient..

This fact will get it over the line with the boss

Will it be more efficient than Intelligent and Sports Mode when driven gently?

[smythie]

The benefits realised from any tune done in S# will also be realised in S or I. The difference between the three driver selectable settings is only throttle percentages. AFAIK you can't create a tune specific to one of the three settings.

An open source tuner can however change how quickly the ECU operates the throttle.

[WhiteGTB]

and more fuel efficient..

This fact will get it over the line with the boss

LOL!! my selling point for the wife also

[Spec B Wgn]

The benefits realised from any tune done in S# will also be realised in S or I. The difference between the three driver selectable settings is only throttle percentages. AFAIK you can't create a tune specific to one of the three settings.

An open source tuner can however change how quickly the ECU operates the throttle.

Ecuteck has control over throttle respose as well.

& your correct afaik there is no more power via the 3 setting its just how the power is delivered

[Mr White]

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm going to book it in. AVO have a lead time of 2-3 weeks, i'll let you know how i go . . .

This Saturday I'm going to a dyno day at Kamikaze motors with the Skyline club. I'm going to do 3 runs. 1 in Intel, 1 in Sport, 1 in Sport Sharp.

[WhiteGTB]

This Saturday I'm going to a dyno day at Kamikaze motors with the Skyline club. I'm going to do 3 runs. 1 in Intel, 1 in Sport, 1 in Sport Sharp.

Al, post up the results from the Dyno when you get the chance.

Be interesting to see.

[tangcla]

I can get you a custom retune done for less than $990...