UNICHIP ENGINE MANAGEMENT - Answers from Jack at unichip.us

ND4MSP<SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_913029", true); </SCRIPT> - We'll be offering the Unichips for the MSP with a basemap for stock cars. We will also offer the Unichip in packages with our CAI, FMIC, or Turbo-back systems as well as for cars that will have our upgraded turbos.

We're still trying to work out the price for re-maps.

As for turn around times, it will generally be the time it takes for you to ship your Unichip here + 2 days and then the time it'll take to ship it back to you. We may do a "core-exchange" thing where we'll program a new unit send it out to you, and have you guys send the old ones back. This would minimize turn-around time.
 
core exchanges would def be ideal. You prob wouldn't have to stock more than a couple extra because of the rate that people are modding.
 
iON Performance said:
We will be offering the Unichip PnP system for the MSP with maps for various stages of tune with our parts.
Does this mean that the maps will not function correctly with other's parts? How do you specifically tune for certain parts?
 
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muohio said:
Does this mean that the maps will not function correctly with other's parts? How do you specifically tune for certain parts?
they put on a part, dyno it and then tune for proper A/F for that mod. then they move on to the next one, then to a pair of mods and so forth until they have every possible combination tuned for
 
Dr.Sound said:
wow, so people with injen and downpipe are SOL?
no, they just wont be tuned "exactly" for those mods. im sure the injen will show the exact same gains as any other cold air and the downpipe will show about 75% of the gains of an actual s-pipe back exhaust. im sure you can just tell them what you have and theyll install the closest possible settings into the ecu. you will not be able to tell the difference in tuning... in other words if they program for an intake and full exhaust your setup will prolly run 0.1-0.2 richer A/F
 
Dr.Sound said:
wow, so people with injen and downpipe are SOL?
I'm willing to bet that there is not much difference in flow characteristics between the injen and ion CAI, but the exhaust side of things is a completely different story. I'm going with Ion's exhaust on the GB, and I'm going to have a different intake, but I probably will go with their FMIC so I can get this chip in the summer.

Jack,

What preprogrammed boost settings are you going to map the chip for? Are the two switchable settings set up one for everyday driving use and one for racing? It would be perfect if you could switch between an 8.5 psi daily use setting, and then flip and you're at a 15 psi race setting safely tuned...
 
Here is an update from Jack pertaining to questions you guys had:

Ben,
Thanks for the reply, and I'll be happy to answer your questions.

1.Switch between two pre set map settings with included switch.( Whats this switch allabout, can someone explain more?)

The Unichip contains two timing maps which are driver selectable via a switch on
the PnP harness. Functionally, the primary reason for the two maps is either to allow
different octane fuel use (one map for street gas, the second for race gas for example). If nothing is specified by the customer, we set one map slightly more aggressive for premium street gas and one slightly less aggressive for the same grade which helps compensate for individual tolerances between vehicles with respect to detonation. Some vehicles may produce a CEL with the B-map while some can run it just fine; the former would either run the A-map or get the Unichip custom tuned since that particular vehicle won't tolerate the B-Map.

2.Specifically set/tuned to work with Cork Sport 'Power Series' product line (exhaust,
intake, etc). Can be reprogrammed at a later time (by specified outlets). (I have a custom 2.5" catback and an apex d/p on the way so do I tell them that when I order? I guess what am trying to ask is how do you order it?)

The Unichip is a custom tunable computer, not a throw away re-flash chip and can be reprogrammed at any time by a qualified tuner. To order the PnP kit, tell the guy selling it to you what modifications you have on the car (including any ECU enhancements already made, although not required, I recommend returning the OEM ECU to "stock" settings before using the Unichip)and they will tell you if they have that map or not. If they have the map, you'll be able to purchase it pre-programmed or with a "zero map" to get a custom tune; if they don't have the map, you're looking at a custom tune to get the best performance out of you car.

3. In an old thread someone said that the unichip ups the boost 3 PSI over stock. So does that means that the boost is set to 9.5 PSI from 6.5 PSI stock??? One last bit that concerns me; if the Unit Chip controls boost then how can it be 100% PnP? You would still have to tap the waste gate line right?

The PnP kit converts the car from manual boost control to electronic boost control and the Unichip takes its load signal from MAP rather than from TPS. We can control/set the boost to any desired level although with the little stock turbo on the car, 9 psi is the max you can get. If someone's running a bigger turbo, they can run more boost... the limit becomes engine strength not ECU control.

4. I'd be concerned about pinging with this thing on there. Will this be an issue?

We have complete control over timing, fuel, and boost so we can control all the
parameters associated with power production and detonation. If tuned correctly, the
engine won't have any detonation at all. Obviously, individual cars have individual
tolerances and some detonate with less timing than others; that's one of the main reasons we offer two timing maps. Everyone should be able to Map A, a few cars will get a detonation CEL from Map B. You won't hurt the engine from briefly running the Map B, even if you get a CEL.

5.How much for the reprogramming for the exhaust and other mods after you get the pnp for a stock Mazdaspeed?

Our re-programming fee is $35.

6.Will it control my 460cc injectors?

Yes, but you'll require a different map than a "standard" injector map. People typically "over inject" their engines because they can't adjust the duty cycle... the real
question is does the engine really need the bigger injectors?

7.I do wish I knew if that dyno chart was with the boost @ 9 PSI or not.

The dyno sheet I sent you is a 9 psi chart... an otherwise stock MS Protg will
automatically run 9 psi when the Unichip PnP kit is installed.

Please let me know if I can answer any additional questions.

Cheers,
Jack

Jack Friedman, General Manager
Unichip of North America
www.unichip.us
Toll free 1.866.643.7400
 
muohio - our maps may function with other parts, however they wouldn't be the ideal maps for the individual cars w/ those parts specifically.

DZnutz<SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_913635", true); </SCRIPT> - each part has its own unique characterisitcs, it would be impossible to say exactly how it would affect the A/F. Depending on the A/F the ignition curve is different. Thus off-boost response as well as on boost response would be different as well.

jurgs01<SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_913645", true); </SCRIPT> - Actually our CAI flows more then others currently released on the market. The flow is a function of surface area of the filter. Rate of flow is also a function of volume.

In regards to the maps that will be available, it will all depend on which parts are on the car.

Ideally we would like to have the following maps made for the MSP: (on 91 octane Map A, and perhaps race fuel for Map B).
(a) our CAI alone (b) Our stage 1 FMIC w/ K&N panel filter (c) our CAI and stage 1 FMIC (d) Our Turbo-back exhaust alone (e) Our Turbo-back w/ stage 1 FMIC & K&N panel filter. (f) Our CAI, stage 1 FMIC, and our Turbo-back. etc. along with our turbo upgrades as well.
 
BinaryRotary said:
The dyno sheet I sent you is a 9 psi chart... an otherwise stock MS Protg will
automatically run 9 psi when the Unichip PnP kit is installed.

You cant run stock boost....beat
 
Let me get this straight in my head, so this unit from Unichip is not a piggy-back where they modify the incoming signal to the ecu right? Instead it works more like a full stand-alone where it takes care of all ignition and fuel and let the stock ecu handles the other stuff? Also, I'm a little bit sketchy from their dyno that they got their gain from both tune and 9 psi. I would really like to see a stock vs. stock + unichip tuned run. At least then it's comparing apple to apple. Looks good though
 
I don't see a correctly tuned MS PCM gaining more than 10hp. Its when you add boost and other items and don't tune for those products when you start to lose power and where the gains are the greatest.
 
Why does the reply state that our small turbo is only capable of 9 psi? I know there is a point where it yeilds no return between levels but isn't that above 15 psi? What is mine doing when at 10+ psi?

iON, I understand that your tuning can't be ideal since you would have to test 100s of other products besides your own, but how close would you be if I said tune for a Injen intake, Apex 2.5 dp, 2.5 custom exhaust, and a FMIC? Would it be better in that scenario going with a local company that can tune my car? I would think that Corksport would be in the same position with their products and tuning.
 
electronic boost control via software -- i could live with that... isn't this a $100-$300 saving plus the time to get the gauge and the controller installed? sounds good to my fresh newb ears
 
ok after reading just about everyones response and comments in regards to this new PnP i must say that people are expecting too much... our car is a cheap economy car with a very small market and with very little performance... and little hope of gaining much. to add to this it has a poorly tuned ecu right from the factory... you guys cant expect too much from a piggyback. i'd be happy with something that will just lean out our mixture a lil and fix the timing, thats all. the difference between a perfectly tuned ecu specifically for you car and an ecu that will be "guesstimated" for your mods will be negligible at best. i honestly dont think that the few ponies will make any difference at all... especially with 99% of the people driving the msps not being very performance minded drivers or even capable of distinguishing 10hp this way or that way. if i was looking to double the horsepower in the msp (340hp, and it was capable of doing so) then i might be asking the same questions and being as picky as most of you are but the truth is that its just not gonna happen and the tuners will not waste their time developing something that will be capable of doing that for such a small market.

you guys should be happy that something is being developed period... i personally will be one of the first to buy it, not in order to gain any power but to have a properly running vehicle.
 
DZnutz said:
ok after reading just about everyones response and comments in regards to this new PnP i must say that people are expecting too much... our car is a cheap economy car with a very small market and with very little performance... and little hope of gaining much. to add to this it has a poorly tuned ecu right from the factory... you guys cant expect too much from a piggyback. i'd be happy with something that will just lean out our mixture a lil and fix the timing, thats all. the difference between a perfectly tuned ecu specifically for you car and an ecu that will be "guesstimated" for your mods will be negligible at best. i honestly dont think that the few ponies will make any difference at all... especially with 99% of the people driving the msps not being very performance minded drivers or even capable of distinguishing 10hp this way or that way. if i was looking to double the horsepower in the msp (340hp, and it was capable of doing so) then i might be asking the same questions and being as picky as most of you are but the truth is that its just not gonna happen and the tuners will not waste their time developing something that will be capable of doing that for such a small market.

you guys should be happy that something is being developed period... i personally will be one of the first to buy it, not in order to gain any power but to have a properly running vehicle.


AMEN.
 
DZnutz said:
ok after reading just about everyones response and comments in regards to this new PnP i must say that people are expecting too much... our car is a cheap economy car with a very small market and with very little performance... and little hope of gaining much. to add to this it has a poorly tuned ecu right from the factory... you guys cant expect too much from a piggyback. i'd be happy with something that will just lean out our mixture a lil and fix the timing, thats all. the difference between a perfectly tuned ecu specifically for you car and an ecu that will be "guesstimated" for your mods will be negligible at best. i honestly dont think that the few ponies will make any difference at all... especially with 99% of the people driving the msps not being very performance minded drivers or even capable of distinguishing 10hp this way or that way. if i was looking to double the horsepower in the msp (340hp, and it was capable of doing so) then i might be asking the same questions and being as picky as most of you are but the truth is that its just not gonna happen and the tuners will not waste their time developing something that will be capable of doing that for such a small market.

you guys should be happy that something is being developed period... i personally will be one of the first to buy it, not in order to gain any power but to have a properly running vehicle.
You've got the idea buddy.
 
With only a small market for our cars we should be picky and make sure we are getting what fits our needs as best as possible. Granted there are not many choices we should still find out as much as we can about new products and how we will best benefit. Even if we had a car with tons of aftermarket support Im sure people would still try to find the best product for their needs. Im not ragging on this product at all I personally think it will be great. Just dont think everyone should be condescended for wanting to know about something new
 
FBI14 said:
With only a small market for our cars we should be picky and make sure we are getting what fits our needs as best as possible. Granted there are not many choices we should still find out as much as we can about new products and how we will best benefit. Even if we had a car with tons of aftermarket support Im sure people would still try to find the best product for their needs. Im not ragging on this product at all I personally think it will be great. Just dont think everyone should be condescended for wanting to know about something new
i completely understand that people want to know what the product offers and features, even how it works but ive found that alot of people seem to be focusing on the less significant side of things. like stating "i dont like it since i cant tune it myself" or "i dont want it since theres no tuning shop for it near me and i want it tuned everytime i put a new set of sparkplugs in to guarantee a perfect tune". this PnP does NOT need to be tuned for specific brands of aftermarket parts... but rather a more generic set of "tunes". for example: either a 2.4" DP or a 3.0" DP... which brand they are or whether they have a high flow cat or not doesnt really matter as theyll show just about the same HP gains and theres no need for further diversity as once again the difference between them will be very minimal and not worth the time to dyno each setup. same goes for a catback exhaust, you only need two options: either a 2.5" or a 3.0"... muffler or brand doesnt matter either as theyll show just about the same gains (even as large a difference as 5 HP doesnt matter between all the brands) since i know noone will be able to tell the difference nor will there be a significant difference in tuning between the least gained and most gained.

so as stated it really doesnt matter whether you get this PnP from Ion or Corksport nor whether you mix and match parts from either company. if a tune for catback and FMIC is set for the corksport items itll work just as well with an Ion catback (relatively same size) and FMIC with the same tune. there is NO need for as specific tuning as people are leading themselves to believe
 
If you wanted a more accurately tuned chip why couldn't you get your car dyno'd send the tuner all the slips with mods on your car at the time of the dyno. This way out of the box it'll be ready for whatever yourt mods are and tuned to fix or run with you A/F ratio... This is what I did with the SHO when I got a new ECU (totally different circumstances), but it's simple enough, saves time getting it tuned specifically for your car and no headaches of having to send it back if it's off a little bit. With a list of mods and a good dyno sheet, I'd think they have enough information to properly (or REALLY close to) tune for YOUR car.
 
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