I am planning on doing an ECU upgrade. When this is done, is the ECU swapped out or do they just do a flash programming? Is one better than the other? Are there any differences in the companies? I have quotes from FVD and Evo.

 

flashing is the easier way out & probably will give u much less hassle down the road.

 

You can send the ECU out and they will "install" the appropriate programs. I know Stephen at IA does this (as well as others I'm sure), this is a GIAC program and you can get your own flashloader to switch between programs. There is also an Upsolute chip, FVD makes one...Todd at Protomotive also does some hot upgrades. Look around and decide what you really want. Talk to some folks...Stephen, Todd and Kevin (ultimatemotorwerks) then decide.

 

Like Wross said, it depends on A) where you live,
and B) what company you want to do it.
I.E. Ruf, and PSI to name a couple do not "flash" while it is in
the car, ECU comes out (5-10 minute job, one handed) and then
is downloaded from a laptop.
good luck.
Marty

 

Yes, we flash in the car or on the bench and actually are the only option when it comes to multiple programs in a single ECU and remaining undetectable by the dealer. The ECU has to stay with the car. You can not just swap it.

 

Many choices, both of the ones you mention are fine, plus many other good options, I think Marty's advise above is on the money.
good luck

 

Our Software is totaly undetectable and flashed on the bench.Done by the same programer as Manthey.

Neil

 

You can easily remove the ECU or bring your car to a GIAC dealer. They log onto the GIAC server, paid and received a password code to download the map program onto the laptop. They then transfer the mappings via ODBII port or bench flash it into your ECU.

The only thing I can't comprehend is why there is difference in pricing for each stage of the same software alone.

 

Honestly.. it may took longer to develop different stages... thus more research and development....
Some companies get u once and then for a minimum price upgrade and or adjust the program...
I wish more companies had the ability to actually tune the ecus... instead of selling ready programs... thus offering more of a custom set up...
for example, if I upgrade my intercoolers and go to a bigger Throttle body.. my parameters will change.. and yet we dont have an easy option of going to the tuner to put it on the duno and retune it...
Im not directing this towards anyone ... just my opinion...

 

I hear you on that one. There is so much secrets regarding Bosch Motronic that makes me sick.I love the AEM EMS where you can see and do minor tuning and data logging on various aspects of your car and the condition you're running in. Communicating with your car via a laptop is much more involving to me than pushing a couple buttons on the Flashloader or boost controller.

 

I came back form my shop where I tune my evo... and we took it out... put 110 octane... retuned it in 20 minutes.... change in temperature( got very warm)... and I raced a gsrx1000 by chance and I even pulled him in 4rth

 

Good way to kill time while waitin on your Pcar.NICE....

 

yes it is... and it was the evo that made me go all out with the P car...
we are doing some very interesting stuff with the heads/manifold...

 

I have to PM you about your project when the car is ready to be tune.

 

Todd got his hands on some really cool gt3 RS heads and a manifold from a world cup challenge car... along with gt3 cams and lifters.... thanks chad...
the vario will be gone... but it will go up to 8500 rpms