I'm gonna go ahead and guess every tuner puts a price on their flash based on the time they have in the R&D for that tune. Back when flashes were $3k-$4k, there was no demand for them, so tuners could charge anything they wanted, as not many were doing it. Fast forward 5 or 6 years and 996tt's are half of what they cost back then and the demand for tunes has gone up. Everyone has to be competitive now. Just because a tuner has a very competitive price on a flash, doesn't mean it isn't a good tune. Truth be told, I'm sure any tuner can lower their price on any of their flashes, any time they want, and still make money.

 

Go with Markski to Protomotive,i did mine with him and is impresive work and Markski back you up all the way.It's worth it.

 

please dont base your tuning decision on whose website looks the nicest

if you research this forum you will find that there are probably 4 or 5 tuners who are used very often, are very well trusted and can do amazing things for your car, expect to pay 1200+ for a good flash, price should not be driving factor in your decision (within reason)

personally i went with epl and will be going with them again for my next upgrade

(its not a simple as buying a tuned ecu and selling your old one, it can be done but hardly ever happens)

 

Bingo.

With a flash you are not buying at item, you are buying a relationship.

Sure, you may buy the flash and never have an issue.... but we read time and again of people with "some flash" and issues that take a lot to resolve- perhaps not even flash related.. shops saying "it must be the flash", the flash vendor who is only a salesman saying "shop is wrong"....owner just shelling out $$$

I don't think P prices are that crazy, really, for what you get....

A

 

I went with GIAC based on their experience and have been very satisfied with the drivability

 

Believe me, I'm not looking for some Ebay-special tune and I wouldn't put anything questionable in my car. I'm just trying to be as smart with my money as possible in this economy. I've gotten some good leads so far, thanks.

 

I think there was more demand back then.. I was one of those paying that kind of money.... Mind you most of these tuners made money back then NOT now... Now we have what is a left over market from the crossover M3, audi, Evo customer where getting a 996tt is $30k... thus a flash for 1/2 of what it used to be is expected...
there are good tunes for a fair price... but there are also differences between some as well... some cheap ones one should never touch.... likewise some highly priced ones do not offer anything more then the good cheaper ones...
But within all that also comes support... custom tuning via datalog/email... etc etc... sometimes its beneficial in the long run to pay upfront a few hundred more and get what you never will with just "buying a flash".
Some tuners sell sell sell.... but when one needs help with a code etc there is no help.... others offer support at a premium... usually come thru when there is a problem.... yet sometimes also are too busy to take care of the customer...
there is no right price for the program... just hope you get the level of service and product in the end that you were expecting....
mark

 

+1. I think the "staples" in this market, provide a good product and a good service, with few exceptions. It's nice to have choices now and we are somewhat lucky to be in the market we are in. If you veer off the beaten path, you will likely get what you pay for.

 

The best advice is don't skimp.

I paid $2,600 for a Revo flash and flash loader with the ability to data log and alter several variables that control boost, timing and fuel quality. I like that control. Dan, Marski and Tony are all reputable and stand by there products.

 

I'll veer this a little bit - who offers flashes for blow thru MAF? Everyone? Just some? Still wishing I could tune this myself....

 

just a few that do it... not to say others can't ....
As far as tuning yourself... If it was only that easy then no one would be paying huge$$$ for the flashes...

 

Are you looking for just a flash or maybe an exhaust as well, already have one?

 

I agree 100%. However in DJM's case he's located in Florida, as are we. As someone mentioned earlier, after-purchase support is essential, and something we pride ourselves on. The EVOMSit software we sell is proven time and time again, and we do everythig humanly possible to support our customers and make sure their entire experience with the product is the best one possible.

 

+1 proto/markski has it going on!!
tim

 

+1 on markski .

BLK , as far as blow through i think there are very few who do that , protomotive is one that i know for a fact.