I am definately looking to do some sort of engine management soon, getting tired of current power, and I was just wondering if you guys knew any pros and cons to my choices. I can get Cobb and Greddy Emanage Ultimate easily and both are tunable by laptop, but from what I have heard EcUtek is definately the best. My cons are on EcUtek, in the fact that I am in WV and no one close does it, I have to either go to MD or down to you guys to get it done, and the fact that I need to have it tuned by them again for new mods. Let me know what you guys think...
What makes you think ECUtek is the best? Cobb's solution allows plug'n'play, user tuning, or professional tuning. Shouldn't be any limitations there, short of finding a shop that uses the ProTune software. IMO, the reason people rave over ECUtek is that in the past Cobb didn't allow for custom tunes; also, a lot of good tuners have used ECUtek and people equate good tuner with good software. I would bet that Scott or Doug can crank out equally great tunes with Cobb's setup.
each EM has their pros and cons. Most people make their own decision on what best fits them, of course some people like to force their opinions on you by bashing other types of EM. Basically, in my opinion, if you want a "set it and forget" custom tune get Ecutek. If you want the ability to tweak your own maps get Cobb, Utec, Etc.... I must say that the Protune software is very interesting, and if local tuners can support it and i find myself needing to use multiable maps I may change over. That being said, I have been very happy with my Ecutek tune by Scott.
Didn't mean to come off as bashing you or anything, hope you didn't take it that way! Anyway, here's a breakdown from what I understand: Plug'n'play by end user: Cobb supports, though it will be less power than a custom tune. ECUtek would require a tuner. Multiple maps: Cobb supports 10, ECUtek supports 2 (though limited in function) on 02-03, and only one on 04-05 User tuning: Cobb supports (StreetTuner), ECUtek does not yet Professional tuning: Cobb supports (ProTuner), ECUtek supports. Advantage of ECUtek is more tuners have and know it. Neither solution appears to offer any clear advantager over the other from a pure tuning and performance standpoint. Ease of transfer: Unmarry the Cobb AccessPort and you're done. ECutek would involve swapping ECUs, not sure what complications might come from that.
I highly recommend that you go with Cobb Access Port. Because you dont want a standalone because emission techs can't get a readout off the ecu. Unless you are running around with florida plate on your car . Then you dont need to do emissions
like milo said if your not looking to make huge power in the future i would stay away for the greddy unit. i had one i was gonna install on my wrx but chose not to cause of all the wire hacking and such. some people used to have the greddy on there car but have removed it to use other types of management. no but the greddy emanage is. im still rockin my florida plate also! alachua county baby!!!!
Great info guys, I am still debating though, and will probably get what I can most afford at the time. I am still wanting to get as much info as possible though... Do any of you know about the new GReddy Emanage Ultimate piggyback? Everyting I have read says it is the best in between unit out there (piggyback vs standalone)..
so you can't pass emissions with Ecutek?....I thought that if you were catless and got Ecutek you would pass emissions, as long as there's no visual test.....does the AP offer the same thing?.....also has anyone gotten a custom tuned AP from TP yet?
ahh cool the one i had was the older one and it required you to tap over 50 wire if you had all the goodies. im glad they changed that.
after my experience with UTEC, i probably will never go back to piggy back... it felt like the UTEC and the ECU were battling for control u can pass emissions with ECUTEK
I cannot speak for all Ecutek tuners, but SS keeps your stock base map for this very reason. You are nto getting your money back, however, you are not giving the next owner of the car the free tune. But yes, this is another drawback to Ecutek. Most commonly, I've seen owners swap the ecus + cash, and then add the remainder to the price of the car.
Stay away from the Greedy Emanage!!! Before the ECUtek or UTEC was available for the Sti, people were tuning with the Greddy. Seems like every STi that had a blown engine was using the Greddy unit and tuned buy the "best". Search at NASIOC. You can't go wrong with the AP or ECUtek.
Trey, I guess this post should have been directed to you anyway... Have you heard anything about the new Ultimate unit... I know alot of people had problems with the old Emanage, but this one seems to be ok, maybe I am wrong. I dont know if the shop (notice the singular tense) up here can tune AP... Anyway they can't dyno tune me because they only have a single axle dyno, so that is why I figured on Greddy or AP so I could get my laptop going and get base maps to load in and tweak with guidance...
josh, what is the name of that shop? also, how do the suby dealerships up there treat ya? btw, i may be in town next weekend
The shop is Upgrades, and the Subaru dealer is full of douches...there is one guy that works ther that I was told knows a lot about the wrx from when he used to work at Carl Grover, but they are out of the import thing now, just track racing.
so who here is running the cobb AP stage 2 on their STi? i am still looking at getting the ecutek done; however, it is cool how you can load different maps into the car. i haven't heard much about cobb, so what are ppl's experiences with them. is it very user friendly? i'm always a fan of plug n play cause i'm faaar from being a tuner.
A guy I know who posts on iwsti (WolfPlayer) probably knows more about the AP/Cobb and STi than anybody out there. He does the StreetTuner and everything. The AP basic maps are about as user friendly as you can get. You plug it in, push a few buttons, and your car's done.