Opinions on ECUTEK
01-16-2003 | 08:02 PM
#16
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 540
From: Hoesville / Sacto
Car Info: Soon to be a 2011 WRX?
Yeah Chris... That would seem appropriate, but I believe most of what I've been seeing (albeit NOT from I Speed) is listing flat rates.
If the cost is actually relative to the time you spend with each car on a dyno and the tuners time then we're talking about a fair trade. Money for service.
If we're talking about an off the shelf map being plugged into each car with no dyno time then I call it a rip off.
Thanks for clarifying... If you can clear this up for me, at least in terms of how I Speed handles things I'd appreciate it.
-Alan
If the cost is actually relative to the time you spend with each car on a dyno and the tuners time then we're talking about a fair trade. Money for service.
If we're talking about an off the shelf map being plugged into each car with no dyno time then I call it a rip off.
Thanks for clarifying... If you can clear this up for me, at least in terms of how I Speed handles things I'd appreciate it.
-Alan
01-16-2003 | 09:22 PM
#17
Registered User
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 439
From: Blackhawk, CA
Car Info: 996 Turbo,Gallardo,BMW 335,125cc shifter kart,etc
Originally posted by ShotgunTC88
By the way VISH,
Im NOT knocking the initial reflash,
Just the flashes if we have to change up/down because of boltons or boltoffs (emmissions)
(pain in the *** for yearly tests in some states.
)
You da man!!!
Be seein ya soon!!!
Shotgun
By the way VISH,
Im NOT knocking the initial reflash,
Just the flashes if we have to change up/down because of boltons or boltoffs (emmissions)
(pain in the *** for yearly tests in some states.
)You da man!!!
Be seein ya soon!!!
Shotgun
Our charge for successive re-mapping is $175, not $275. We charge this amount to offset the time and effort we put into our map calibration process in addition to the time it takes to actual conduct the flashing process. Not to mention my impending lung and brain transplant from inhaling exhaust fumes all day on the dyno. Making effective and safe maps isn't a trivial affair. Fortunately, we do a lot of in-house ECU re-mapping so per-unit costs are reduced substantially. Also, as with every tuner offering, we assume a degree of risk when offering our services or parts to the public. Not charging fairly for a service or component would be question business practice.
Cheers,
Shiv
________
Stobart Motorsport
Last edited by Vishnu; 03-07-2011 at 03:53 AM.
01-16-2003 | 09:36 PM
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
Alan,
Perhaps it may seem a "rip-off". But look at it this way:
We only charge $75 an hour to tune and the dyno usually runs about $100 an hour.
Keeping that in mind, I must admit that the $175 fee Shiv charges is certainly fair and reasonable.
Maps just don't appear out of thin air. It does require some work
Perhaps it may seem a "rip-off". But look at it this way:
We only charge $75 an hour to tune and the dyno usually runs about $100 an hour.
Keeping that in mind, I must admit that the $175 fee Shiv charges is certainly fair and reasonable.
Maps just don't appear out of thin air. It does require some work
01-16-2003 | 09:40 PM
#19
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 48
From: SF Bay Area
Car Info: 2005 PSM STi
Originally posted by Vishnu
Hi Shotgun,
Our charge for successive re-mapping is $175, not $275. We charge this amount to offset the time and effort we put into our map calibration process in addition to the time it takes to actual conduct the flashing process. Not to mention my impending lung and brain transplant from inhaling exhaust fumes all day on the dyno. Making effective and safe maps isn't a trivial affair. Fortunately, we do a lot of in-house ECU re-mapping so per-unit costs are reduced substantially. Also, as with every tuner offering, we assume a degree of risk when offering our services or parts to the public. Not charging fairly for a service or component would be question business practice.
Cheers,
Shiv
Hi Shotgun,
Our charge for successive re-mapping is $175, not $275. We charge this amount to offset the time and effort we put into our map calibration process in addition to the time it takes to actual conduct the flashing process. Not to mention my impending lung and brain transplant from inhaling exhaust fumes all day on the dyno. Making effective and safe maps isn't a trivial affair. Fortunately, we do a lot of in-house ECU re-mapping so per-unit costs are reduced substantially. Also, as with every tuner offering, we assume a degree of risk when offering our services or parts to the public. Not charging fairly for a service or component would be question business practice.
Cheers,
Shiv
01-16-2003 | 10:59 PM
#21
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 540
From: Hoesville / Sacto
Car Info: Soon to be a 2011 WRX?
Sorry Chris... I wasn't clear in my last post.
I didn't realize that getting a reflash included actual dyno time for each car.
So if everytime that I get a reflash I actually get my car onto a dyno with some tuning done (even if it's just some tweaks done to a base map that you in your experience have established as a decent map for my mods) then it is NOT a rip off.
Sorry if I was being unclear and thanks for taking the time to respond.
-Alan
I didn't realize that getting a reflash included actual dyno time for each car.
So if everytime that I get a reflash I actually get my car onto a dyno with some tuning done (even if it's just some tweaks done to a base map that you in your experience have established as a decent map for my mods) then it is NOT a rip off.
Sorry if I was being unclear and thanks for taking the time to respond.
-Alan
01-19-2003 | 09:22 PM
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
Shiv,
I can relate to Shotgun's concern about the emission tests. If you haven't planned to do this already, I have an idea that may both benefit your loyal customers and your business.
If you can keep available a handful of stock WRX ECU's for 'rental' purposes. These can be 'rented' out for say $40-$50 for 2 weeks (plus shipping and core deposit) for your 're-flashed' customers (and may be a bit more $$$ for others not tuned or reflashed by you).
This should help with the emission issues for us once per year or 2 year. It wouldn't require any more reflashing effort or $$$. It will definitely be more affordable to us and could also be a source of easy income for your company.
If you like this idea, I wouldn't be opposed to a small discount when I am ready to order your reflashed ECU.
Regards,
Henry
I can relate to Shotgun's concern about the emission tests. If you haven't planned to do this already, I have an idea that may both benefit your loyal customers and your business.
If you can keep available a handful of stock WRX ECU's for 'rental' purposes. These can be 'rented' out for say $40-$50 for 2 weeks (plus shipping and core deposit) for your 're-flashed' customers (and may be a bit more $$$ for others not tuned or reflashed by you).
This should help with the emission issues for us once per year or 2 year. It wouldn't require any more reflashing effort or $$$. It will definitely be more affordable to us and could also be a source of easy income for your company.
If you like this idea, I wouldn't be opposed to a small discount when I am ready to order your reflashed ECU.
Regards,
Henry
01-19-2003 | 11:45 PM
#23
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,780
From: San Diego
Car Info: Boosted Geo Prizm
Originally posted by arborwoodie
Shiv,
I can relate to Shotgun's concern about the emission tests. If you haven't planned to do this already, I have an idea that may both benefit your loyal customers and your business.
If you can keep available a handful of stock WRX ECU's for 'rental' purposes. These can be 'rented' out for say $40-$50 for 2 weeks (plus shipping and core deposit) for your 're-flashed' customers (and may be a bit more $$$ for others not tuned or reflashed by you).
This should help with the emission issues for us once per year or 2 year. It wouldn't require any more reflashing effort or $$$. It will definitely be more affordable to us and could also be a source of easy income for your company.
If you like this idea, I wouldn't be opposed to a small discount when I am ready to order your reflashed ECU.
Regards,
Henry
Shiv,
I can relate to Shotgun's concern about the emission tests. If you haven't planned to do this already, I have an idea that may both benefit your loyal customers and your business.
If you can keep available a handful of stock WRX ECU's for 'rental' purposes. These can be 'rented' out for say $40-$50 for 2 weeks (plus shipping and core deposit) for your 're-flashed' customers (and may be a bit more $$$ for others not tuned or reflashed by you).
This should help with the emission issues for us once per year or 2 year. It wouldn't require any more reflashing effort or $$$. It will definitely be more affordable to us and could also be a source of easy income for your company.
If you like this idea, I wouldn't be opposed to a small discount when I am ready to order your reflashed ECU.
Regards,
Henry
Why bother when we have the i-club and good friends? ask one of your subaru buddies to borrow his ECU for a couple hours do your test and return back to your own ECU.
01-20-2003 | 05:54 AM
#24
Registered User
iTrader: (7)
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,029
From: Sacramento CA
Car Info: 02 Impreza WRX sedan
Originally posted by arborwoodie
<snip..>
If you can keep available a handful of stock WRX ECU's for 'rental' purposes. These can be 'rented' out for say $40-$50 for 2 weeks (plus shipping and core deposit) for your 're-flashed' customers (and may be a bit more $$$ for others not tuned or reflashed by you).
This should help with the emission issues for us once per year or 2 year.
<snip..>
<snip..>
If you can keep available a handful of stock WRX ECU's for 'rental' purposes. These can be 'rented' out for say $40-$50 for 2 weeks (plus shipping and core deposit) for your 're-flashed' customers (and may be a bit more $$$ for others not tuned or reflashed by you).
This should help with the emission issues for us once per year or 2 year.
<snip..>
I think we're better off taking care of the problem ourselves. These mods are sold with the understanding that it is for 'off-road use', only. My WRX is never driven on public roads.
The XEDE control system looks like the hot ticket for keeping different engine maps handy.
--
^ww^
"...axles of evil..." - George W. Bush
Last edited by Wingless Wonder; 01-20-2003 at 05:57 AM.
01-20-2003 | 11:49 AM
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by teiva-boy
Why bother when we have the i-club and good friends? ask one of your subaru buddies to borrow his ECU for a couple hours do your test and return back to your own ECU.
Why bother when we have the i-club and good friends? ask one of your subaru buddies to borrow his ECU for a couple hours do your test and return back to your own ECU.
02-10-2003 | 06:48 PM
#28
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 67
From: Los Angeles, CA
Car Info: '02 WRB WRX Wagon
Originally posted by Wingless Wonder
I don't think this would work the way we'd like, Henry. I think there could be a lot of trouble from the CARB and BAR if a shop were to blatantly circumvent state law regarding emissions testing. A second problem would occur at the test station when they compare the VIN of the vehicle to the registration - I think they check this to make sure the vehicle they're testing hasn't had a license plate swapped.
[
I don't think this would work the way we'd like, Henry. I think there could be a lot of trouble from the CARB and BAR if a shop were to blatantly circumvent state law regarding emissions testing. A second problem would occur at the test station when they compare the VIN of the vehicle to the registration - I think they check this to make sure the vehicle they're testing hasn't had a license plate swapped.
[
On a different note, how stealth is the ECUTEK?
Other than the butt-dyno difference, would a service tech be able to detect whether an ECU has been reflashed? If so, how much trouble would that tech have to go through to figure it out? Would he be able to tell by accident, for example, just by checking for CELs, or is it something you specifically have to look for?
Finally, would an otherwise stock WRX with an ECUTEK'd ecu pass a CA smog test?
Thanks in advance for your help. This discussion already has been immensely helpful.
02-10-2003 | 08:24 PM
#29
Guest
Posts: n/a
The Cali DMV only tests idle, 3000 RPM's and the OBD-II for codes and to make sure everything looks good. There is no way they can tell if the ECU has been flashed.
The DMV pushes to many cars through a day to check for small little things that could be inaccurate, like horsepower differences.
So as long as it is not dyno'ed there really is no way to tell whether the ECU has been flashed or not.
In theory the ECUTek should pass emissions as the ECUTek is tuned to an A/F ratio not a set value like in the WRXLink or other like units. I am pretty definite that with the ECUTek flash you will pass emissions.
The DMV pushes to many cars through a day to check for small little things that could be inaccurate, like horsepower differences.
So as long as it is not dyno'ed there really is no way to tell whether the ECU has been flashed or not.
In theory the ECUTek should pass emissions as the ECUTek is tuned to an A/F ratio not a set value like in the WRXLink or other like units. I am pretty definite that with the ECUTek flash you will pass emissions.
02-11-2003 | 02:06 AM
#30
Guest
Posts: n/a
Shiv's Lung and Brain transplant
Dear Shiv, I am an ardent supporter of the advances that have been made in the WRX ECU reflash/ Exede arena. From everything I can get my hands on re: empirical research, Vishnu , seems to be leading the way. No mean task for a small company! I will be driving up to P-town for a Stage 1 dyno reflash this Spring.
All tuning not withstanding, my real concern is with the constant barrage of environmental toxins you are sujected to on a daily basis! On several occasions you have alluded to "constant fumes, extremely high Db levels, and mentined future organ transplants". Also disconcerting was an anecdotal reference from a customer that You " didn't use ear protection, even though it was hanging in front of You".
None of Your business, I can hear i-club members saying. True enough! But, for what it's worth, for the last 28 years, I've worked full-time as a Registered Respiratory Therapist, dealing primarily with Occupational Lung Diseases. Personally, I would hate to see someone with your aptitude, and automotive aumen, debilitated with a crippling Lung Disease.
This message would probably be better suited in the form of a PM to Shiv, but there are probably many people who, I hope, can benefit from this.
Sincerely Collins
Professional courtesy: All questions: e-mail: grace.21@***. net
All tuning not withstanding, my real concern is with the constant barrage of environmental toxins you are sujected to on a daily basis! On several occasions you have alluded to "constant fumes, extremely high Db levels, and mentined future organ transplants". Also disconcerting was an anecdotal reference from a customer that You " didn't use ear protection, even though it was hanging in front of You".
None of Your business, I can hear i-club members saying. True enough! But, for what it's worth, for the last 28 years, I've worked full-time as a Registered Respiratory Therapist, dealing primarily with Occupational Lung Diseases. Personally, I would hate to see someone with your aptitude, and automotive aumen, debilitated with a crippling Lung Disease.
This message would probably be better suited in the form of a PM to Shiv, but there are probably many people who, I hope, can benefit from this.
Sincerely Collins
Professional courtesy: All questions: e-mail: grace.21@***. net