ECU Tuning Opportunity - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Kirk · 10-26-2009, 10:06 AM

Generally you're looking at what, $995 for a GIAC or similar ECU tune, right? Softronic is a bit cheaper at $895:

http://www.softronic.us/index.php

Then there's also Upsolute, which I can't find an exact price on, but I think it's the cheapest at $700:

http://www.upsolute.com/

Now FVD comes along with this offer at $500 (normally $995). That's a GREAT deal!!! Especially considering that FVD doesn't do anything half-assed. They're a top quality German tuner. Only problem is that you get "free" upgrades to the program, but only if you buy their stuff/parts and their parts are EXPENSIVE. Headers for my 986S go from about $1,500 for standard headers to $3,700 for headers with a cat. Still, if you just want the ECU upgrade this is a deal you can't beat!

Kirk

Johnny Danger · 10-27-2009, 09:20 AM

I received my new ECU file this morning from FVD. It will be a couple of days before I can actually upload it. I will post my results when I do.

McLuvin · 10-28-2009, 11:08 AM

And to add into the mix of great deals, Softronic is advertising that Planet-9 members get their software AND Durametric software for $716!

http://www.planet-9.com/news-items/37627-2009-softronic-winter-special.html

That's really a better deal than FVD since the Durametric software is around $350 by itself.

Now I am scratching my head on which one will give me better tuning results! Decisions decisions...

Can anybody give pros and cons between the two?

I will probably go with the Softronic deal as I need the Durametric software to see what's up with my recent CEL.

JAAY · 10-28-2009, 12:14 PM

HA!! They wouldnt even answer my questions about the softronic in my car. They just said it was more indepth. I dont get it. I just have a 996 motor in my car with a stock porsche reflash. Its not like I put a v8 in the car or something.

√: thanks
< - Porsche Specialist>: I don't have a user account to see the price. and I have worked out that custom tunes are not part of the special however
< - Porsche Specialist>: so the flash is much different and for that car does require you to mail in your ECU
: 716 on a 3.4 996
< - Porsche Specialist>: yeah it is different price
: why is the tune different is my question?
< - Porsche Specialist>: its not a simple obdii flash
< - Porsche Specialist>: difference paremeters etc
: if it is the same dme and the same motor what are the variables?
< - Porsche Specialist>: Jay, I am not able to answer the indepth tuning functions, I can tell you that the conversion or custom files are not on special

blue2000s · 10-28-2009, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAAY

HA!! They wouldnt even answer my questions about the softronic in my car. They just said it was more indepth. I dont get it. I just have a 996 motor in my car with a stock porsche reflash. Its not like I put a v8 in the car or something.

√: thanks
< - Porsche Specialist>: I don't have a user account to see the price. Scott and I have worked out that custom tunes are not part of the special however
< - Porsche Specialist>: so the flash is much different and for that car does require you to mail in your ECU
: 716 on a 3.4 996
< - Porsche Specialist>: yeah it is different price
: why is the tune different is my question?
< - Porsche Specialist>: its not a simple obdii flash
< - Porsche Specialist>: difference paremeters etc
: if it is the same dme and the same motor what are the variables?
< - Porsche Specialist>: Jay, I am not able to answer the indepth tuning functions, I can tell you that the conversion or custom files are not on special

Which DME do you have?

JAAY · 10-28-2009, 01:03 PM

I have just a stock 99 boxster 2.5 manual. It has been reflashed with 996 software.

blue2000s · 10-28-2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAAY

I have just a stock 99 boxster 2.5 manual. It has been reflashed with 996 software.

I guess I can see their point. They probably have to go through some extra steps to work with your set-up. If you were using a 996 DME, then I would totally agree with you.

McLuvin · 10-28-2009, 01:25 PM

Just spoke with Softronic and brought up your issue Jay as I was confused by the conversation you had with them and she said that your setup is not normal due to you converting your car to a 3.4 996 engine and that your car's base year is a '99. She said there were several variables involved with conversions and that their software harness is not even compatible with models prior to 2000. She also confirmed that conversion files are not on special. You might want to give them a call to get better clarification on your setup but it doesn't sound like your setup will work with what they are offering and requires something different.

2K3_Boxster_S · 10-29-2009, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAAY

< - Porsche Specialist>: so the flash is much different and for that car does require you to mail in your ECU
<

I would have a problem with that. You should have it tuned on a dyno IMO. I'm looking at EVOMsit. I don't have it yet. See what you think. should be a dyno there for your car plus Vids.

http://www.evomsit.com/Porsche_MAIN.htm

JAAY · 10-29-2009, 05:47 AM

That's deffinatly the way to go. If they were not so far from me I would go there. I have a tuner in Pa. I don't know what software you need to into the Porsche dme.

McLuvin · 10-29-2009, 10:33 AM

Pulled the trigger on the Softronic deal although I don't think I would have gone wrong going with FVD. Just liked the fact that Softronic was in the US and I read on one of the boards the Scott was working with Flat6 on something (can't find the post or remember what the heck it was about!!). I'll post my my thoughts when I get the software.

2K3_Boxster_S · 11-11-2009, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McLuvin

And to add into the mix of great deals, Softronic is advertising that Planet-9 members get their software AND Durametric software for $716!

http://www.planet-9.com/news-items/37627-2009-softronic-winter-special.html

That's really a better deal than FVD since the Durametric software is around $350 by itself.

Now I am scratching my head on which one will give me better tuning results! Decisions decisions...

Can anybody give pros and cons between the two?

I will probably go with the Softronic deal as I need the Durametric software to see what's up with my recent CEL.

Same problem. I'm trying to decide. Is the Durametric software really that usefull? you can erase a CEL, but in most cases it will just return. and I can already do that with a $20 scanner from Autozone. You can view all kinds of values, over revs etc.. but you can't modify them.

Also, how are there ECU flashes in comparison to FVD? I have intake, headers, Full exhaust and am looking for maximum benefit from these mods. how is Softronics reputation compared to FVD? wouldn't mind the extra software but FVD's price is in enticing.

Help

manolo · 11-12-2009, 10:08 AM

I havent used the Durametric syuff but I think it allows you to clear more codes than a basic scanner. Like airbag/immobilizer codes and others maybe.

But what do I know, I only have 20 posts... wait, now I'm at 21!!!!

On my way to being an expert!!!

Johnny Danger · 11-12-2009, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2K3_Boxster_S

Same problem. I'm trying to decide. Is the Durametric software really that usefull? you can erase a CEL, but in most cases it will just return. and I can already do that with a $20 scanner from Autozone. You can view all kinds of values, over revs etc.. but you can't modify them.

Also, how are there ECU flashes in comparison to FVD? I have intake, headers, Full exhaust and am looking for maximum benefit from these mods. how is Softronics reputation compared to FVD? wouldn't mind the extra software but FVD's price is in enticing.

Help

2K3 Boxster,

Read the reviews on 6Speed and Planet 9 regarding all of the positive experiences members have had with FVD and their products. Their commitment to customer service is unsurpassed, and their products all perform in an exemplary manner. Also, in all due respect, I suspect the reason why you keep getting CEL's is because of the NHP exhaust components on your vehicle. I know several others who are experiencing the same as a result of that brand.

2K3_Boxster_S · 11-12-2009, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

2K3 Boxster,

Read the reviews on 6Speed and Planet 9 regarding all of the positive experiences members have had with FVD and their products. Their commitment to customer service is unsurpassed, and their products all perform in an exemplary manner. Also, in all due respect, I suspect the reason why you keep getting CEL's is because of the NHP exhaust components on your vehicle. I know several others who are experiencing the same as a result of that brand.

Yes, I know for a fact the CEL is from the O2 sensors in the sport CATS. Not unhappy about that at all. That just tells me they are working like they should be. Flowing freely and the ecu is reading no change in values in the Post sampling. easy fix O2 bung extender.

Thanks for your opionion on the quality of FVD and there products. After reading your post. I have decided to go ahead with FVD. Will be calling them Monday, hopefully there sale is still on. Thanks again

lbrown2009 · 11-03-2009, 03:46 PM

Worked with Rhonda and Flo and FVD, A+ experience... car was tuned within 24hrs of sending my file to their server, can't wait to add some upgrades and retune for a little more juice

. I have not dyno'd the car and didn't drive it/own it for more than two weeks before I tuned it so I can't say where I am seeing gains but I will tell you 110mph in 4th gear feels sweet at 5400 rpm

Thanks FVD!

clickman · 11-03-2009, 10:53 PM

This all sounds great, but I always wonder if there's a down side. As a newbie to this concept, are there any negatives to this, other than the price?

Cartel · 11-04-2009, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clickman

This all sounds great, but I always wonder if there's a down side. As a newbie to this concept, are there any negatives to this, other than the price?

The heightened risk of speeding tickets.

BoxsterLewis · 11-04-2009, 08:46 AM

Hmm i wonder if they can do it with my 3.6L engine with reflashed DME.

FUHRIUS · 11-04-2009, 02:10 PM

first: congrats on getting such great reviews for you products and services form forum members.

I'm wondering if you think I'd get incremental gains with you flash from my current setup which was done by techart after adding their v3 performance kit (headers, exhaust, enlarged throttle body, etc).

I've done no other significant mods to the car (at least, on the engine) since then.

that mapping was done in 2002 and I've never had a problem with it...just wondering if you think you could drive add'l performance benefits over and above their mapping.