Bob,

I will offer my experience. If all you are after is a stage 2 set-up, I had the FVD stage 2 (exhaust, ECU) for almost 4 years with no issues. Just change the exhaust, install the ECU and drive (I did DV's because everyone said to change them out - back then Baily was the DV of choice and based on my 1/4 mile times this year they must still be operating fairly well). Very reliable, solid performance. FVD was conservative on the boost (mine only boosted .9), but the car ran strong.

I have since upgraded to low clearance K16/24's, ported headers, etc. from The Speed Gallery and have another very good performing package (about 10K miles on this set-up). I would recommend SG, as well. No problems. I have not required post sale support from either vendor (other than initial adjustment of the SG billet waste gates, which was simple) and I drive a lot, i.e. 65,000 miles in 4.5 years - mostly all modded. Based on my experience, I would consider the above two suppliers "safe bets" for the packages I have utilized.

 

Hmm... I wonder who your talking about...

 

he knows that we're a couple big pussies when it comes to the track though

 

g8rbob-

Please call me when you have a moment. I would like to discuss software by G.I.A.C.

Industry leader in Porsche/Bentley/VW/Audi software.

I will discuss the difference between good and bad programming. I will discuss the shortcuts some programmers take to achieve the desired results.

You can read more about G.I.A.C. here:
www.giacusa.com

You can read more about the company that I work for here:
www.awe-tuning.com

We were the first G.I.A.C dealer ever. I can give you a history lesson on it's founder and how the company started.

I look forward to speaking with you.

I can be reached at 1-888-565-2257.

 

depends on what you are looking for. type of driving , drag, course, street? what type of torque power and where do you want it?

 

The one shortcoming that most tuners have is that they do not custom tune or better yet fine tune an ecu for a particular customer. they use third party programmers and or companies that refuse to do it. Thus stage xxx is what it is without having the ability to put the car on the dyno and or road with a laptop and fine tune the car...
I have a feeling that some companies would like to do it but are bound by contracts.
just my opinion- not picking on anyone.

markski

 

Thanks Mike, In the middle of a bit of a family issue today - but I will call - eventually.

 

I have a custom file for just me...actually 4 or 5 . Kevin

 

There are so many definitions of 'custom'. I think you are describing custom-based on set-up, but no real feedback loop. Also, what parameters were really changed for each of the custom files?

Custom can mean that you have a low-boost file vs quarter-mile, high octane program...but is this program really tuned for your particular car? How are the programmers getting the feedback on the impact of the changes?

Also, what parameters or really changing? Are they changing timing, etc. for each custom-tune?

 

File is written for my altitude...roughly sea level. Written to my specific fuel. Peak torque is tapered off at rpms we discussed based on rod protection issues. My file was written for my driving choices..I could care less about HP.. I wanted low to mid range grunt at the cost of peak HP.Lots of low end timing for quick spool. Rain file written with very little tq down low.. all moved to the midrange. File written specifically for my custom wastegate springs and the measurements off the actuator rod. 510AWHP/565AWTQ on a Mustang Dyno.File written for my wife when she tracks the car.1/4 mile file written for me...no one else at UMW has it.The programmer was sent back to be tweaked several times based on indicated boost levels, and some data logging. He offered to write a "winter" file if I was going to drive in temps below 40 to take advantage of the cold air....didnt get that one though.Anything else? Kevin

 

This is all great info! Do you happen to have dyno charts for each program so we can clearly see the differences?

What is the cost of each of these custom programs?

I'm curious now, for example, whether programs can be written for each racetrack...and what inputs are required. Also, is the tuning differences and results between each program so dramatic that the custom programs are actually 'worth it'?

 

My comment went even further then what KPG meant... but all in all Kevin at UMW is doing something very nice- offering custom maps even though they are not tuned on the car.
My whole point was that most tuners do not take ur car... install the bolt ons.. and take the car on the dyno and or street for calibration...
If I knew what I know now I would save myself $35K.
markski

 

Custom File means only 1 thing - a file that is tuned specifically for your car. By tuned, I mean Air/Fuel ratios and timing are specifically optomized on your vehicle. This can only be done by reading your data log numbers, making adjustments and then taking more datalogs. After several repititions, you then have a file custom made for your car. Anything else is a generic file that is made to apply to your general hardware configuration.

The only tuner I am aware of that offers true custom tuning is Todd @ Protomotive. Others, like Garrett @ GIAC are capable, but I'm not aware of anyone with a custom file.

As far as who is best, that's a difficult question. Perhaps answering it with a question will cause others with more experience to explain: 1) who has made a "software" adjustment for the 1.3 throttle body shut down? 2) Who can write a file to work with an aftermarket MAF? I'm not sure if this truly indicates who is best, but it sure indacates to me who is a strong candidate.

 

The only file I dynoed was the street 1.25+ bar file. I did not have the 1/4 mile file for the dyno and that is a 100 octane only file anyway, I will dyno that before the car gets put away. The other files are reductions of timing and/or boost.As for is it worth it? I guess so since he didnt charge me for any of the files, although I was racked with guilt and sent him payment for his time. I think the results paid off... great power and a stunning TQ curve from relativley small turbos. As for the racetrack... you would have to ask him on that one.

 

Well, I guess you are wrong. Kevin