Tuner question

3445 Views 14 Replies 6 Participants Last post by BluJay, Jun 3, 2010

Griff

Discussion Starter · Feb 27, 2010

I would like to add a tuner, either a Cortex or BD GT. Are there any negative long term effects a tuner can cause to the engine? Also, if these things do boost MPG by 2 or so, why are they not tuned for the boost at the factory? My guess is emissions, but I have never messed with tuners. Thanks in advance.

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rcr_kx250f

· #2 · Feb 27, 2010

the boost comes from a slightly more precise fuel map than the factory. You are way better off taking that money and having your truck tunned using uprev. they use a dyno to get a fuel map exactly for your truck.
Since every truck as different imperfections in castings and clearances, its impossible for a one size fits all tuner.
there's no long term downside to have a different tune, but there's no way to know for sure that you will gain 2 mpgs from a generic tuner, they often have a decrease.

Griff

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 27, 2010

It was my understanding that a flash on a stock truck from Uprev would be pretty much the same thing as what the Cortex or BD would do? It will be years before I do a bunch of engine mods to the truck. At that time I may consider an Uprev unless my current thinking is off base.

rcr_kx250f

· #4 · Feb 27, 2010

Griff said:
It was my understanding that a flash on a stock truck from Uprev would be pretty much the same thing as what the Cortex or BD would do? It will be years before I do a bunch of engine mods to the truck. At that time I may consider an Uprev unless my current thinking is off base.

No, uprev is much more precise. Also, the $300 for the first license to unlock the ECU for tuning stays there forever, so when you do modify the engine, tunning is as simple as dyno time, in the long run saving money.

Griff

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 27, 2010

Hmm, interesting. I will do more research into Uprev as well. My only concern is long term damage a tuner may cause.

With the Uprev is it easy to return to stock for warranty work? Not real sure how the system works I guess.

rcr_kx250f

· #6 · Feb 27, 2010

think of the ECU as your regular computer, but without the "control panel". Uprev takes a copy of the data/operating system from the truck and adds the code to have a "control panel" and allow fuel, ignition, and sensor data to be changed. When the engine is tuned, a fuel map and/or ignition map is created to give the engine is exactly what it needs at a certain rpm. Doing this improves efficiency, which improves emissions. The dealer can't detect the changes since their computers still work perfectly.

rdrfronty

· #7 · Feb 27, 2010

Uprev does due a basic tune map for those that cant go to them or a pro tuner. However its just a starting tune. From the basic tune you would simply do a datalog, updoad it to Uprev, they would then write you a custom tune based your datalog results, they email it back to you, download the new tune, flash your ECU via your laptop, and voila-your custom tuned. Its still not as good as an actual dyno tune where they do alot of tweaks to see where the best sweet spot for all your parameters, but it still beats a handheld tuner.

rdrfronty

· #8 · Feb 27, 2010

If a dealer actually looks for a tune and new what they were doing they could find it. But I doubt they would or could in most cases. I know I've had my truck in the dealer before and even left it in its performance tune. Nothing was ever said about it. They did however stupidly complain about my exhaust when I had just 1/2 of what I have now. They thought my exhaust was creating my "sound" that was actauly my transmission synchros. They were threatening to charge me $100 labor.

NCFronty

· #9 · Feb 27, 2010

For basic all around performance which is what most of us have done a Coretex does everything you may need. If I were that much more into my performance tuning I might go Uprev. SO far My SUperchips works great. Plus, when I'm done with it I can sell it to someone else to use. Can you resell your Uprev? I don't think so.

rdrfronty

· #10 · Feb 27, 2010

NCFronty said:
For basic all around performance which is what most of us have done a Coretex does everything you may need. If I were that much more into my performance tuning I might go Uprev. SO far My SUperchips works great. Plus, when I'm done with it I can sell it to someone else to use. Can you resell your Uprev? I don't think so.

Actually, yes you can resell Uprev. The software can be removed from your vehicle just like superchips can. The cable(which stores your paid for license) along with the software can be sold to another person to use on another nissan vehicle. There is a fee involved though to relicense it to the new owner.
However that aside, I agree that superchips is a great tune system and is the smartest choice for most people. Unless you are getting very serious with mods, superchips will give you nice gains and gives you the handheld ability most people prefer. But If you are very serious about performance go with Uprev.

bimmernut318

· #11 · Feb 27, 2010

If your just looking to boost performance and economy a handheld is going to be the easiest and most convenient way to go, ie. DIY with no need to go to a tuner to get dyno'd for your specific application if there is a tuner local to you. The handheld is a generic tune that works well based on an overall tune. Uprev is great for setting many parameters on YOUR truck from what the dyno tells you.

Griff

Discussion Starter · #12 · Feb 28, 2010

Thanks for all the thoughts guys. Tuner is a few months away. So it sounds like one shouldn't expect any long term issues using a tuner for what would basically be the life of the truck?

bimmernut318

· #13 · Feb 28, 2010

Griff said:
Thanks for all the thoughts guys. Tuner is a few months away. So it sounds like one shouldn't expect any long term issues using a tuner for what would basically be the life of the truck?

The tunes are well within what our motors can handle, manufacturers set these things up for a balance of emissions, economy, and power and the tuners just play on that to get a bit more but just by tweaking things here and there with no ill effects

NCFronty

· #14 · Feb 28, 2010

rdrfronty said:
Actually, yes you can resell Uprev. The software can be removed from your vehicle just like superchips can. The cable(which stores your paid for license) along with the software can be sold to another person to use on another nissan vehicle. There is a fee involved though to relicense it to the new owner.
However that aside, I agree that superchips is a great tune system and is the smartest choice for most people. Unless you are getting very serious with mods, superchips will give you nice gains and gives you the handheld ability most people prefer. But If you are very serious about performance go with Uprev.

Interesting, thanks for clearing that up I really didn't know you could 'resell' the uprev. good to know.

BluJay

· #15 · Jun 3, 2010

does uprev remove limiter and leave it with WOT?

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