Power FC + HC install results

[Torrens]

Thought I'd share the experience here.

This will be of most interest to QLD'ers as it seems there is no real clear best tuner up here that we know of to tune these things. Some are too expensive, some have had bad stories - there didn't seem like there was any clear best tuner.

I decided to go to Brisbane Tuning and Turbo Center, because they seemed to have a pretty good reputation with the board members here. They also had the dyno facilities on site which gave them a big plus in my books.

When I arrive, I saw a R33 GTR and an Evo VI parked on the premises - cool. Apparently the GTR was making around 1000hp - with a t78 turbo kit. They are now selling a R33 GTR FMIC for $700 if anyone is interested. Painted black...

Took them less than 5 minutes to remove the standard ECU which was a bit of a surprise because I wanted them to do a before-and-after dyno run. Was no problem - but had to go to work before I saw anything else done. I gave them both the PFC and hand commander manuals in a printed english format - they absolutely loved that.

To get to the good bits:

My R33 gtst already had a full exhaust. Apexi pod, CAI, custom 3" front and dump pipes, high flow cat, and apexi N1 cat back. Boost is untouched from stock.

Picked up the car next day - got a 10k service done as well.

Result?

Before Apexi PFC: 150rwkw (201rwhp)

After Apexi PFC: 175rwkw (236rwhp)

Dyno cost was $500 - maybe a touch expensive - but I've never had anything like this done before - and they are experts after all.

Next step is to get a FMIC and PFC boost kit and upping boost to 11/12 or so PSI (R33 series 1). Should be looking for close to 200rwkw (and a burnt clutch no doubt

[Gianni]

Nice work Torrens,

How much better did your car feel in power wise and smoothness when you fitted the power fc? Was it a major gain? dyno results show a significant difference! If you don't mind me asking, how much did the power fc and hand controller cost you? do you actually need to buy the hand controller or do some performance shops already have it to do the tuning themselves?

Anyhow, great work!

[dabigbolf]

thats pretty damn good, considering you are still running the stock intercooler, and stock boost. 175 kw is about what most people make with a front mount intecooler and some boost (with zorst and stuff too).

just make sue you always go back to the same dyno, otherwise comparing results will be inconsistant.

if you dont mind me asking, what was the total cost of installing the powerfc.

$500 aint too bad, and they didn't blow your motor up so i'd be happy.

good stuff

[Torrens]

How much better did your car feel in power wise and smoothness when you fitted the power fc? Was it a major gain? dyno results show a significant difference! If you don't mind me asking, how much did the power fc and hand controller cost you? do you actually need to buy the hand controller or do some performance shops already have it to do the tuning themselves?

The car feels more as if it has way more torque.

I forgot to mention that I told the tuner that I wasn't interested in high HP fiqures I just wanted better "street" performance i.e. more torque. I want the car to do the talking, not the dyno sheet. I'm quite nervous pushing it, I have the feeling that the clutch is going to get hurt if I do - was hard enough convincing the girlfriend of the cost already Deep down though, she just wants me to keep trashing those commodores / falcons.

I got this gear second hand through Nengun (should be able to find information on him by doing a search) - cost me $1400 - just before the good AU dollar rise

You should be able to pick a set brand new at this price now.

I say get the hand controller - I have already used it to turn of the permanant engine light because the PFC was set to us ethe EBC kit. Without the hand controller, I couldn't do that. It also has the ability to give you plenty of feedback - knock sensor - various temperature settings - any sensor issues - a/f ratios. Plus it'll allow you take it to any tuner without problems.

[dabigbolf]

thanks for that.

so they are $1400 with handcontroller brand new now?

or saw nengun was selling them second hand for that on there site.

[rofocale]

Where did you get the powerfc manual in english? I've been looking for an english version of the BCNR33 powerfc manual.

[Torrens]

http://www.rs-competition.ru/texpodderjka.html

Hmm, actually this site seems to have some good english manuals.

Wouldn't hurt for people to make archives of these as they can be quite difficult to find.

Enjoy.

[s14a200sx]

so was the $500 including the service so the if i just wanted mine tuned it would be around/????

[Torrens]

In light of recent information, I wouldn't ever bother going to the place I mentioned for Apexi tuning. PM me if interested.

[paulr33]

manuals have been mirrored