[Verdugo]

All right...I finally got the right harness for the unichip due to my blunder and installed it tonight. Installation was a breeze, although getting some of the nuts out was a little bit of a pain. I went out for a test drive right away and I figured that I probably wouldn't get too much instant performance, since the ECU would have to re-learn my driving style. I set my Dual TT to log peak boost and I was off.

I didn't notice anything right off the bat, but I did notice that boost builded up quite a bit faster. I headed for the freeway to do some WOT tests and luckily my cousin and I had a nice open onramp ahead of us. Kicking it into WOT, I kept an eye on my Dual TT and kept the pedal on the floor. Boost peaked at 0.88 bar (12.76 psi), which at first I thought was a little disappointing, since I had been peaking at about 1.08 bar (15.66 psi) before. But then...I noticed that I didn't just peak at 0.88 bar...I stayed at 0.88 bar...all the way from 3k to redline. Holy crap! To quote Tiff from the McLaren F1 Top Gear episode, "The power just keeps going and going...it's simply GLORIOUS!" I had to slow down for traffic, but I decided to go find a longer onramp with less traffic.

I drove up to Supermarkus' place and went on the onramp there...opened her up and before I knew it, I was at 100 and still pulling very hard. I don't think I have much of a top end problem anymore This does lead me to some questions though:

1. Will my peak boost go up as the ECU re-learns my driving style, or should I install the ABC to increase the boost up to the 16.5 psi that's stated in the install instructions?

2. Should I get an EBC (probably an SBC-ID) instead of installing the ABC to get up to 16.5 psi? Or should I use both the ABC and an EBC?

Overall though, I'm very happy with the unichip. If they didn't state 16.5 psi in the instructions, I'd still be totally happy with how it is now. I'm just curious if I can get even more power out of it

PS: Many many thanks to Dan (Godspeed) and Mark (TurboXS)!

 

[Carlo]

Install it. As a precaution to the boost down one full turn. Do a few test runs and adjust it one complete revolution per PSI. I myself only did one turn (approx 1 PSI) at a time and just kept testing until I got to about 15 PSI (started about 8 when I installed it). I then took it easy and did a half turn and tested and then did 1/4 turns until I nailed it at 16 PSI per the instructions.

You were at 15.66 but with the controller and a little tweeking you can be right at 16. Every little bit of boost helps and you might as well get what your paying for.

BTW, the Unichip mapping is set assuming your at 16 PSI per instructions.

Carlo

 

[bedabi]

From what I've ben told, you're not supposed to get full boost in 1st gear, and you're only supposed to peak at 16.5 psi in 5th gear. That 's what they said, that's what I get. I did not install the ABC. Since the "grounding mod" everything'sbn very very good.

 

[pace]

The new TurboXS maps require that you use the ABC to adjust the boost map up to the recommended level. You could use an EBC instead, but try the ABC first. You will notice a huge difference since right now you are about 4psi lower than recommended (I'm assuming you are talking about the stage-2 map).

-Pace

 

[Verdugo]

Nope, I've got a Stage 1 map...I still have 2 cats so that's probably why I'm not up to Stage 2.

 

[pace]

Does it come with instructions that quote the recommended boost level? If it's higher than you are seeing, use the ABC. TurboXS make much of their power gains through modulation of the boost levels, so you are likely not realizing the full potential of your Unichip map.

-Pace

 

[Verdugo]

Yeah, 16.5...I'm going to install the ABC this weekend then...thanks guys!

 

[bedabi]

The new TurboXS maps require that you use the ABC

Mark of TurboXS, himself, told me the chip alone is fine. I'm not making this up. They're very friendly there. Just give a call.

 

[pace]

When did you purchase your chip? I know it used to be the case that the ABC wasn't needed, but the word from TurboXS is that it is necessary with the latest maps. The instructions explicitly state to use the ABC to bring the boost up. If you call Mark and ask him what to do about the low boost he's obviously going to tell you to use the included ABC. If you don't need to use the ABC, that's fine too.

-Pace

 

[pace]

Let's just clarify that use of the ABC is not a 'bad thing'. The ABC is absolutely NOT the same as an MBC. The ECU is still using the oem solenoid to control the boost. The ABC just allows you to shift the boost map 'up' if you need to.

-Pace

 

[Verdugo]

I purchased it from Dan (Godspeed) last week. The instructions specifically state that I probably won't need the ABC at sea level, but it's there just in case. I'm going to go ahead and install it anyway.

 

[Verdugo]

All right, ABC installed...really simple installation, except the black coupler was a PITA to remove. I've got it set perfectly now and the car feels great! Thanks again guys!

 

[pace]

Glad it worked out for you. I'll be running stage-4 spec in about a week or so.... can't wait !

-Pace