Pfc + Stock Turbo Setup: Worth To Get Full Tune Or Stick To Base Map?

[Andi]

This is pretty much where I stand. I eventually want to upgrade to a high flow turbo, injectors, cams, afm etc. But this most likely won't be happening until a sometime in the second half of next year. But I do have the PFC now so my question is;

With the stock turbo and most stage 1 modifications (fmic, turboback exhaust, ebc, fuel pump, pod) is it worth spending the money to get a full PFC tune?

Or should I just stick to the base map of the PFC and get it tuned when I fit all my other upgrades?

Apart from the obvious power gains to be had from the tune am I going to see better fuel economy, driveability and mid-range torque etc. ?

All experiences and opinions appreciated.

Thanks

Andy

[paulr33]

a tune is highly recommended, better fuel economy, higher average power everywhere and the car will drive like brand new. be sure to get shop around and get a few prices and find out what a full tune is, make sure its not just a max power run

[d00dz]

What ^^^^ said..

Do a full tune.. Then you can do touch up tunes later..

[Andi]

Thanks guys,

Paul would it be safe to assume that a 'full tune' would consist of the entire map being used? Its a 20x20 for both fuel and ignition correct?

[paulr33]

by using the whole map do you mean editing all the values or it being used in a map tracer / max load run? most gtst's when they are tuned only hit around row 15/16 on max load. a full tune should consist of

cold start (out of the box thanks to the FC)

fuel economy (reasonable out of the box thanks to the FC, but make sure cruise AFR's are good)

max power (should be safe and lean enough to make good power)

there should be a good increase in IGN timing under 3 grand to make the engine be more responsive.

[drewr33]

I have the same mods as you. Just got my PFC and tune done last Monday.

I would get it tunned. Your car will run heaps better

[JD-33]

hey guys,

this sorta branches away from this topic a little, but does anyone know why APEXi has discontinued the Power FC for r33 GTST's ?? Was just about to buy one from nengun, but they're no longer available..

cheers

-JD

[sinistaGTR]

theres a massive thread on this aleady with regards to pfc being discontinued

[Sydneykid]

My 20 cents;

The base maps are pretty good for your level of mods

Use Shell V Power Racing 100 ron only

Monitor the knock, check dash warning at 60, you should get no warning flashes

Check the fuel economy, if you are OK with it, then no tune required until you do the rest of the mods

cheers

[gtst25]

Got to agree with SK here,

I was impressed with the pfc's factory tune too - got excellent fuel economy and power was quite noticably up from factory. No serious knock either.

You have to remember too that quite a few tuners will tune it for flat out 100% power runs - especially if it's only a quick tune so nothing for fuel economy but hey - you've got closed loop so it doesn't matter - light throttle will bring it back to stolich.

If you're planning on turbo uprades etc soon I'd wait before handing over $for a full tune and like sk said - use as high octane fuel as you can to prevent knock.

cheers

Edited December 19, 2006 by gtst25

[BAMR33]

Just leave your stock ecu in there until you get some more mods and up the boost a bit. The power difference wouldn't be that much at stock and you won't have to pay extra to get dyno time again.

I was lucky I got mine second hand with a great tune on it already, as the guy who was selling had the same mods as mine.

[Andi]

Thanks guys!

Yep the PFC I purchased apparently already has a tune for essenstially the same mods as mine from BEL Garage. I was tempted to use it to see how it runs but I wouldn't know how to check if its a good/safe map - do a dyno run and look for something?

I think I'd save the $$ and stick to the base map for a few months, judging by what a few users have said there are gains to be had but I don't think its justified if I plan to upgrade in a few months time.

Oh and BAM, I think I'd throw in the PFC even if I'm not getting it tuned. Mainly because it doesn't have the factory ECU rich and retard protection.

[BAMR33]

Fair enough.

[Sydneykid]

Just leave your stock ecu in there until you get some more mods and up the boost a bit. The power difference wouldn't be that much at stock and you won't have to pay extra to get dyno time again.

So 25 rwkw average (not just max) power increase isn't that much?

Just for the driveability alone it's worth it.

Plus it will get better fuel economy on the default PFC maps than it will on a standard ECU with those mods.

cheers

[driftmeister]

Wow then it worth to invest just to get the economy. Now im getting around 300-320km's per tank, gonna check my O2 sensor first. I am also planning to use the base map first since my mods are in stage 1 only. Didn't know the PC factory map is much better.

With the stock turbo and most stage 1 modifications (fmic, downpipe, exhaust, pod, oil cooler), what would be the next best mod after the PFC?

Edited December 19, 2006 by driftmeister

[Robo's]

I found the base ignition maps to be excelent and i hardly have changed them. Fuel maps where a little rich. Went heaps better though so its a worthwhile upgrade

[driftmeister]

Thanks guys!

Yep the PFC I purchased apparently already has a tune for essenstially the same mods as mine from BEL Garage. I was tempted to use it to see how it runs but I wouldn't know how to check if its a good/safe map - do a dyno run and look for something?

I think I'd save the $$ and stick to the base map for a few months, judging by what a few users have said there are gains to be had but I don't think its justified if I plan to upgrade in a few months time.

Oh and BAM, I think I'd throw in the PFC even if I'm not getting it tuned. Mainly because it doesn't have the factory ECU rich and retard protection.

Hi Andi

Im interested to know the amount of actual figure increase (KW)with base map if your gonna just do a dyno without tune. Keep us posted ya..