i am new to the board. i am in the market for a flash and soon turbo upgrades.
what should i be looking for?
is there a favorite tuner? epl, softronic,giac?
or are they all the same? what separates them?

i woudnt mind having the ability to reflash to different maps (track, road etc).

 

In my opinion, if you aren't going crazy with power, many tuners will give "off-the-shelf" flashes with similar results. (I'm not saying that there aren't some great tuners out there, and some terrible ones too. If you pick the few guys in the middle, they will be similar.) Based on that, pick a tuner where you are comfortable you can get support. I see you are in Canada, so I'd go out of my way to ask some of the Canadian members of the board which tunes they are using, and why. From there, it's a judgment call. If a tuner will give you some extra horsepower on a stock map (let's go crazy and say 50bhp), but never pick up a phone if you call with a question let alone have a serious issue with the car, you need to decide if that situation is right for you. It's fine for some. Just know what you're getting when you head into it.

 

No, all flashes are not the same. Pick one from a mainstream tuner (Proto, EVOMS, EPL, Switzer, ect...) preferably one you want to buy future parts from so you can build on your car progressively rather than starting over. IOW, many tuners give you a break on future tunes you buy after the initial one.

 

I completely agree with MBailey. (I just wasn't very clear.) My point was that among the "good tuners," there is no "best" for everyone. Do a lot of research before you just buy something. Stay away from someone you've never heard of, or has gotten bashed in reviews that seemed reasonable. Everyone deserves the chance to learn and make a name for themself while they perfect their art, but not with your car. Let them buy their own car to blow up while they practice.

 

+1 to above comments.

Add GIAC to your short list of tried and true tuners.

 

+1 Figure out your end power goal and find a tuner that will allow you to upgrade as your need for speed increases. However before you go nuts on the power quest, spend some time on the suspension. The factory set up is average at best and more power may only highlight it's weaknesses. Also don't forget the exhaust system. Most flashes strongly suggest a free flow exhaust to maximize power gains.

 

Yup, I agree with all above. My stock suspension was useless at the 500whp level.

 

Hi,,There are many to choose from.They all want to make your car faster[in there own way] AND get paid for it...There are ones that are more helpful then others...I have 4 different companies flash my stock Porsches over the yrs....All where good at what they did at that level...In my opinion,its the ones that go out of there way to 'STILL' answer your questions or reply when you have them ,after they sell you the tune.

 

I agree with all the above. I've had good results with FVD and a 70mm exhaust,however.......All these crazy people on this board get you looking at more changes. Personally I contacted Markski and now have gone beyond my original goals......much to my delight. Now that the dollar is at par, it's much easier to get the great tuners and all the right extras to make your car beyond your imagination.

 

What do you have as your goal? stock turbos? X50 turbos? Basic flash + exhaust?

 

Hey BK Doc,I agree with you also,,WE all catch that disease thats keeps us wanting more and never satisfied because some of it is due to your above reason... AND those are also the'Doc's' that treat us for it.........lol........BUTS Its All Good

 

What are your goals? Choose a tuner that gives you an upgrade path as your car changes and offers you good support.

 

+1 for Kevin and UMW. Can't go wrong with that choice.

 

Snoopdog,
Where are you located in BC. We have a couple partners in that area that would love to speak with you about options.

 

Very good post! This is the absolute truth right there! Make sure you know what you want to do so you don't go through multiple tuners/tunes.