Can anyone elaborate on how the UTEC compares to the FCON V Pro? They look very similar in functionality to me but I do not know much about the HKS FCON V Pro. Does it also function in a parallel type of mode with the ECU as the UTEC does? It is considerably more expensive than the UTEC, is it better?
Also, realistically what is the best price for the HKS FCON V Pro ?

 

The HKS Fcon is a full standalone system. While the Utec only takes control if the motor at certain load points the HKS essentially takes over ALL functions of the motor at ALL times. The stock ECU remains just to drive your amenities like AC, windows, etc. THe HKS has complete and total motor control at all times. It is more expensive because it is a FULL standalone system and leaves nothing motor related up to ECU control.

 

its about 1495.00 ( if you can get it for cost take off 30%), and you need to buy it from a authorized HKS Vpro tuner. IMO its the best , alot of the 350z FI'd that have a vpro make big numbers at low boost (i made 406hp @ 6psi). Its the closest thing to a standalone for a Z, the AEM EMS wasnt even at the sema show, so i bet that aint gonna be out for another year or so. I havent seen the UTEC, but ive heard weird stories about how you can feel it come into play. Utec hasnt been used on alot of Z's the Vpro has, if it aint broke, dont fix it right? Plus i wouldnt want to be a guinne pig with a new piggyback

 

How is the HKS installed? Does it plug right in like the UTEC or do you have to splice it in and/or buy a harness?
Also looks like you need a knock amp?
best place to purchase one (not that I'm ready to yet) ?

 

you have to wire it up, and buy a harness. Its alot of wires

 

and more cost. Thanks.

 

I think phunk said that HKS makes a harness for the Z33. You dont HAVE to have th A/F knock amp unless you want to use AFR tuning. Basically you tell it what AFR you want it to maintain and it adjusts things to keep it there.

 

+1

 

sound sweet... so whos got the best deal on one?

 

Check with Sharif at www.forgedinternals.com or SGP Racing.

 

For the 350z/G35 you need the following for the HKS:

F-CON V pro = Part# 42012-AK001 - Retail = $1395.00
VQ35 Wiring Harness = Part# 42002-AN005 - Retail = $495.00
3 Bar Pressure sensor = Part# 4299-RA008 - Retail = $225.00
Air Intake sensor = Part# 4603-RA001 - Retail = $55.00
Pressure/Air Intake Harness = Part# 4299-RA016 - Retail = $36.00

Total Retail = $2206

The system has to be purchased and Tuned by a Pro dealer and most won't discount the price off of retail. So for the base map and any additional tuning you will always be forced to go to a HKS PRO dealer. It can not be adjusted by anyone other then Pro dealers.

Hope this helps.

 

I thought you kind of need the knock amp too?

The whole thing gets kind of pricey.

 

You do not have to have the Knock amp but most of the tuner/dealers will push it because it makes tuning the midrange eaiser with the wideband feedback. For it you need:

HKS Knock Amp = Part# 44006-AK001 - Retail = $890.00
Wideband O2 sensor = ~$350

It does get very expensive fast....I sold several for $3500+ Installed

 

It does get expensive but this is also one of the most accurate and reliable EMS' out there. With a 32X32 map for fuel and timing and a good tuner at the controls you have a car that can run like stock even with 850s installed.

 

what about all the harnesses and knock amp needed with the main unit? I was quoted $4200 installed and tune. That is way more than a UTEC. Not saying that the Vpro isn't better, but that is a big difference in $$$$.

**edit** never mind I just read all of kyle's posts.

 

Love my FCON V Pro. For a standalone, its where its at. Those who want a full standalone, this is the one. I would never use anything else anymore. Its more for when you go to a hardcore pro tuner and have them build you a car and tune it for you. Its not a DIY system, and you cant buy it from basement bargain forum shops.

I wouldnt compare it to the UTEC tho, as first of all the UTEC isnt even out yet... and cars that need a standalone and cars that need a piggyback are completely different cars IMHO. However, if the UTEC is as functional as we are hearing, it might really move over the edge on that decision.

I will put it this way, the FCON V-Pro ****ing rocks. Its that simple. After using it in my car and some customer cars, I have no intentions or desire to use anything else. I have tuned Motecs, AEMs, a little playing around with Electromotive systems, and have been there to witness every other system under the sun tuned on the dyno I used to own.

There is a new version of the FCON out now, that has more features... I dont have that in my car so I dont know what exactly they are, but I believe it includes knock feedback and stuff.

 

Yeah I figured its overkill for my application (TNetics ST) but I was thinking ahead for the future. I figure its one of those pieces that won't go to waste. But the price difference is significant so I might have to take the gamble on the UTEC.

 

you dont need the knock-amp, i dont have it. The knock-amp is used if you want the car to tune itself to a certain AF, i dont have the knock amp, the harness is about 450.00. my tune took 2 hours

 

The F-con is a wonderful unit, but it is unfair to call the zUTEC a piggy-back. The zUTEC can run the Z from start, idle to redline. When the zUTEC is installed it runs the car under all load conditions.

The zUTEC code is hugely different from anything you’ve ever seen in a UTEC, so much so that it is hard to even call it a UTEC.

 

I do understand that the UTEC has the ability to run the engine standalone... the only reason I have refered to it as a piggyback unit is because I was under the impression that it mostly operated as a piggyback, and swapped over to full control at a preset point.

I didnt mean to toss it in with the other systems... There is a lot more I have to learn about the zUTEC, I havent been keeping up with the thread on it, just waiting to actually use one so that I can build a hands on opinion rather then a bar stool opinion.

As I said a few posts up, it sounds like the zUTEC will really be raising the bar, perhaps its time for a new classification of aftermarket engine management.

A client and I eagerly await our chance to test this on his built engine APS TT car with Forge Actuators and CJM fuel system.