UNICHIP ENGINE MANAGEMENT - Answers from Jack at unichip.us

Will this also cure the rough idle issues many of us have (even after the flash)? In another thread, I mentioned that my idle is sometimes rough after the car is warmed up and it has a horrible hesitation during passing speeds (and it's not even WOT... probably 3/4 throttle at the most).

If this mod can fix/resolve this issue by making my car run smooth like my past hondas and acuras (read that again please mazda), then I'm buying asap.
The msp is a cute econobox with some spirited gusto which I think it lots of fun (I'm having more fun driving this than my prelude, accord, civic and integra, honestly. And yes, I was a diehard honda buff). (silly)

If it fixes rough idle and hesitation, then this mod sounds like a real winner to me. HP mods can come afterwards.

(p5black)
 
BinaryRotary said:
20 hp and an extra 30 ft lbs is nothing to laugh at. You're really only getting an extra 25% at the most in added boost. You're only increasing it 1.5 psi. ,stock is 7.5 max press.
uhh, IIRC stock pressure is 6.5, you're right it's not 50% increase, only 38.5%.

If we look at it this way, the turbo is giving us 30hp right now above the stock motor with is 140hp, at 6.5psi. If you divide 30 by 6.5, and multiply by 9, you get about 41.5. So if the unichip were only increasing boost, and the gain was perfectly linear (I wouldn't expect it to be) you'd be at around 181 hp. Since it looks like it's putting us up to more like 190 hp, I guess that's none too shabby.

I agree that it's probably not a good idea to boost much more than that for daily driving, but it's sad that we can't get more than this out of this engine when other manufacturers are getting 100hp/liter easily. Even the stupid VW's are getting 180hp out of their 1.8L turbo, and Honda's hitting the same figures N/A! I'm not saying this is unichip's fault, or that it's not totally worth the $875, but I feel like 200hp should be there somewhere! =] (better compression?)
 
I would bet that the Unichip would start to make a database of their custom programs. I remember that SuperChips use to keep a record of every program they ever did. You could call them and ask them for a customers program by giving them the customer's name and they would pull up the file. It would list the mods done to the car and program used for it. If you didn't know of someone that got the reprogram then you could give them a list of mods and they would search their database for the best program for you. I would bet and hope that unichip does the same thing. One thing that people have to understand is that yea this is a pnp but they're would/could be more benies from dyno tuning. Everyone is use to intakes and exhaust upgrades in which you just install and go. With this product you could have this too but with ALL MODS dyno tuning is still going to be your best bet to get the most out of your mods.
 
I got this today (5/13/04:



Subject: RE: CORK SPORT 'Power Series' Tuner Computer (Mazdaspeed)<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Hello,<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

We are expecting those to be "officially" released finally mid next week. <o:p></o:p>

We will give you a call before it ships.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

We have your order by the way, I just needed your name to find it was all.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Ben
 
so would it be safe to buy the chip not tuned for my mods? I have intake, DP and exhaust.
 
BinaryRotary said:
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
I need some more help before I order. So according to this, the Unichip will automatically raise boost from stock (~6.5 psi) to 9 psi?
If so, how is that possible? I always thought the wastegate controls boost?
Thanks.
 
I know the benefits of this Unichip, but for the average Joe looking for just power, buying a MBC for $50 and setting it to 9 psi would yield the same HP gains?
 
03MSPRO said:
I know the benefits of this Unichip, but for the average Joe looking for just power, buying a MBC for $50 and setting it to 9 psi would yield the same HP gains?
not exactly and you wouldnt be solving any of the inherent problems the stock ecu has. as well as increasing your chances of engine failure
 
I was curious about the post below as it has not been answered (unless I missed it)...

jurgs01 said:
Jack,

I still have a couple of questions hopefully you can answer. Since so many of us are flashed, are you going to do maps for a flashed car? I've heard you might have to find an unflashed ECU to get this mod. Also, since this chip raises the boost roughly 3psi without tapping the wastegate line, what would those of us with MBC and EBC do? Would we have to go back to the stock config on this? Raising the boost will require a completely different program. I do agree that we shouldn't expect too much from this chip as was previously stated, but a daily driving setting (setting A) with a race setting (setting B) at about 13-15psi (which we would have to adjust our MBC/EBC to) would make this a must have mod. Most of us aren't expert tuners and could not safely tune a standalone, and a mod that allows us to run higher boost in a "safer" manner would be a great addition.
 
03MSPRO said:
another question, my car is flashed. Is that OK?
about 99% of all the msps are flashed now so if they didnt factor that into account theyd be silly
 
DZnutz said:
not exactly and you wouldnt be solving any of the inherent problems the stock ecu has. as well as increasing your chances of engine failure
I concur, and can attest to the above. My friend, who shall remain nameless, was using a MBC, and blew an engine. He still has a hole in his engine bay, from the last I heard from him. Mazda is denying his engine replacement due to "modifications". All he had at the time were a manual boost control and a turbo timer, and maybe a boost gauge, I think. He said the boost was actually set close to stock. I think he was about 7 PSI. The estimate was almost $7000 for a new engine and turbo. I think he needed a new MAF also, it had debris in it or something. I would not risk it. Run a search for blown engines, and see how many there are. None of them had an electronic boost controller. I would rather be safe, and control all aspects: air/fuel ratio, timing, fuel curve, fuel cutoff, boost cutoff, boost settings - spool up time (less lag), PSI setting, etc. I spoke to CorkSport about his car with the Unichip installed, and he couldn't say anything bad about it. He said all of the issues with the lag and hesitation are gone. I am all about this chip if they work out the details. I don't need it as a boost controller if I get my Profec B Spec II I ordere forever and a day ago. I just need it to control everything else. I want to make sure someone locally can tune it properly if I make changes also. They are checking on that for me. Perhaps XS Engineering in Huntington Beach? Lemme know...
 
they dynos show a 190 bhp for a stock MSP? I know the MSP is a lil underrated for a change, but I don't think it's 20 bhp underrated.
I really want this Unichip, but I might wait for other people with lost of cash to get it firts and be the Ginea Pigs. I know that if everyone thought like that, nobody would get it, but there somepeople that have excess cash and do not mind blowing it. That's not me.
 
Not sure why everyone is having such a hard time understanding this system. The unichip for the MSP has built in electronic boost control...that is how it raises the pressure to 9psi. On other unichip applications (WRX for example) the boost control is an added option if you so choose. I thought the boost on the MSP was already electronically controlled from the factory...most new turbo cars are. The wastegate does control boost...but its being done electronically from the factory...same as if you bought an EBC (you just can't raise the boost yourself). If the boost is electronically controlled by the Mazda ECU then its easy to see how the unichip raises the boost since its a piggy back to the factory ECU. Its all just part of the unichip desing for this particular car. Like I mentioned before boost controll is not standard on all unichip applications...they have just made it part of the MSP application.
 
Thanks. This is my 1st FI car and not sure how everything works yet. I am used to Hondas making 175 whp NA.
 
the msp doesnt have electronic boost control from the facotry..its regulated by the wastegate only......the unichip uses a solinoid (sp?) to regulate the boost just like the factory electronic boosted cars (wrx, gti, etc)
 
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