It seemed all too easy. Drive my car down to EPL where Tony would somehow magically transform the performance of my 996TT in hours. Even after reading all these threads, I was still skeptical.

This morning I drove down to EPL and had Tony flash my 21K mile bone stock 01' TT. I plan on no future exhaust or turbo work and I only wanted his non exhaust work (Stage I) Flash.

It took Tony 20 mins to Flash the car and his mechanic , Dave, less than that to install new diverter valves. Now, I was very pleased with the stock 415hp considering my daily driving habits, plus, the car is a star performer stock, no doubt. However, after reading the threads I felt that a basic ECU flash might be able to amplify this engine enough to turn it into a real thrill.

Well, I'm thrilled!

Yesterday while driving my 996TT, I was working the revs to gain hp and speed. Today, it seems that this party is in full swing and the cops are there before 4500 rpm. The difference in acceleration, in all gears, is brutal (I'm saving for a clutch). Above 5000rpm I get some light stuttering as I am on the original plugs. Other than that, I am still amazed at how much horsepower and seat of the pants experience can be added by changing a multitide of different electronic variables in a flash.

After someone flashes your car and charges what they charge you (usually very expensive and EPL seems to be a value) you almost feel suckered. How can it be so simple? I just got here dammit! Then.....

You drive it!

Now, I'm not sure how Tony calculates the numerous tuning figures involved with keeping a flashed car as quiet as new, as smooth as new (if not smoother) and as reliable as new, all the while providing world class performance and better gas mileage. It's almost too good to be true.

I recorded my best mileage ever coming back from EPL.

I guess my days of tuning carbs is truly over. For less than a set of tires I can reliably transform a car into a machine that has few equals. These cars are technical marvels.

Now, many say I'll be be back for more mods, telling me I'll probably yearn for 600-700hp. I understand how much hp is left on the table by not changing the exhaust, nevermind turbos and etc, etc, etc, etc,. For my needs, considering that it's not tracked and that I drive the kids to school in it. This car is just right. Actually, it's perfect.

As blind as we all are to horsepower, we must admit that more isn't always better for a street car. Yes, huge mods have their track advantages, but the mass quantities of power and torque being delivered from those cars is beyond the scope of being safe for daily use. The opportunities to even use 65% of the provided performance envelope of even my car, on public roads where I reside, is not only rare it's irresponsible.

However, when the sun is low, roads quiet and the kids still fast asleep, I'll go 75% .

Cheers Tony and Cheers 6Speed!

Best,
David

 

I heard you came for a visit. Congrats!!!!

 

they speak the truth, i always thought why would anyone need more power, these machines are crazy fast already, then i got an exhaust, then i got a tune from EPL, now i am trying really hard not to upgrade my turbos...at least until next year. Asside from engine performance there are a ton of other cheaper mods that give you great satisfaction also.

its a sickness, you cant help it, you can try and fight it but you will lose...sometimes losing can be awesome

 

Congrats on the flash! I've heard good things about them. If your not local can u still get this stage I done?

 

Yup, give 'em a call...

 

I even got mine done down here in Kentucky. With dueling banjos playing in the background!

That EPL stuff is a mighty spicy meatball!

YEEEEEE HAAAAAWWW

 

Congrats David,
I am also one that is satisfied with a Stage 1 tune and DVs since I don't track. My 01tt came to life two years ago and is still going strong with 40k miles/smiles. My local P-dealer is licensed/approved by Champion Motorsports for the GIAC tuning and I-Forge DVs that they installed. Enjoy Ray

 

Lemonade: Just like you, I drove over to EPL for the flash and diverters. Your post hits it exactly, especially the late nights on the Merrit.

 

Sounds like it was a fun ride home!

 

good to hear the enjoyments of a simple flash, after spending a ton and never ending tweaking to my '04 Marauder I have an every day 4 door driver that I call "stupid but fun," not sure I will ever do that much after market mods to a car again unless it is a third car for me. So now I have this awesome 996TT and as much fun as it is I promissed myself not to tweak it for the first year, that year is over and I am now saying "only a tune" so lets see if I can keep to my word.

 

Ain't gonna happen, but hey, good luck with that...

 

congrats on the flash. definately makes you feel like your in a different car. even better with new plugs and such.

clutch is definately needed though.