UTEC: My first impressions and review.
Thread Starter
Sponsor
Forged Performance
Forged Performance
iTrader: (92)
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 13,733
Likes: 1
From: Marietta, GA
UTEC: My first impressions and review.
I had the opportunity to tune my first two forced induction 350Z's with the UTEC. Unfortunately, some mechanical issues with the fuel pump assembly kept us from completing the tunes, but I did get some good experience and seat time with the unit. I'll be going back tomorrow to complete the tuning process.
After taking some time to become accustomed to the HyperTerminal interface, it was pretty easy to navigate through the various screens. By far, the UTEC provides the most precise control over fuel and timing, I have yet experienced on the VQ35.
You start by setting by the basic parameters and constants (thanks to Mike at AAM for walking me through this and saving us a bunch of time). Up to 5 maps can be loaded into the UTEC and both cars had the remote map switch, which allows a quick and real-time toggle between the various maps.
The UTEC has two modes, and it seamlessly transitions between the two. In the 0% load column (idle and light cruise), the stock ECU controls the car. After injector scaling, this means your car will start, idle, and run just like it normally does. With a full standalone, you would spend hours and hours dialing in idle and start fueling and the various correction maps and compensation tables. With the UTEC, this is not needed, as the stock ECU remains to safely and conveniently control the engine under these conditions.
The fun begins at 10% load (the load factor is scaled based on the boost parameters you setup on the UTEC). Load is referencing boost pressure, just as it should on any proper FI engine management system. By datalogging and reviewing each pass, you can make very precise and granular adjustments to both fuel and timing, and the AF ratio at each RPM and load point is displayed on the logger. At each point, you will also see knock count, if knock was present.
So far, I am impressed with the VQ35 UTEC, and look forward to gaining more experience with its interface and capabilities.
My favorite features are:
1) Ability to increase the rev limit
2) Absolute and precise control over fuel and timing (the ECU cannot make changes)
3) Ability to adjust the knock sensativity, and the actions and corrections the UTEC can automatically make when knock is present
4) Real time data logging of AF ratios with the Tuner Reg or Tuner Pro upgrade
5) With the addition of a boost control solenoid, we can map boost across the entire RPM range.
I'll keep you all posted.
After taking some time to become accustomed to the HyperTerminal interface, it was pretty easy to navigate through the various screens. By far, the UTEC provides the most precise control over fuel and timing, I have yet experienced on the VQ35.
You start by setting by the basic parameters and constants (thanks to Mike at AAM for walking me through this and saving us a bunch of time). Up to 5 maps can be loaded into the UTEC and both cars had the remote map switch, which allows a quick and real-time toggle between the various maps.
The UTEC has two modes, and it seamlessly transitions between the two. In the 0% load column (idle and light cruise), the stock ECU controls the car. After injector scaling, this means your car will start, idle, and run just like it normally does. With a full standalone, you would spend hours and hours dialing in idle and start fueling and the various correction maps and compensation tables. With the UTEC, this is not needed, as the stock ECU remains to safely and conveniently control the engine under these conditions.
The fun begins at 10% load (the load factor is scaled based on the boost parameters you setup on the UTEC). Load is referencing boost pressure, just as it should on any proper FI engine management system. By datalogging and reviewing each pass, you can make very precise and granular adjustments to both fuel and timing, and the AF ratio at each RPM and load point is displayed on the logger. At each point, you will also see knock count, if knock was present.
So far, I am impressed with the VQ35 UTEC, and look forward to gaining more experience with its interface and capabilities.
My favorite features are:
1) Ability to increase the rev limit
2) Absolute and precise control over fuel and timing (the ECU cannot make changes)
3) Ability to adjust the knock sensativity, and the actions and corrections the UTEC can automatically make when knock is present
4) Real time data logging of AF ratios with the Tuner Reg or Tuner Pro upgrade
5) With the addition of a boost control solenoid, we can map boost across the entire RPM range.
I'll keep you all posted.
MAN, IT IS GETTING TO THE POINT WHERE I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT KINDA ENGINE MANAGEMENT I WANT. Sharif please state your opinon on which EMU is better? We really need to come to some kinda conclusion about my engine management.
Last edited by Gumpdriver; Jan 5, 2006 at 05:29 PM.
Originally Posted by KTaylor
Fuel pump problems seemed to be resolved now and the car has been running pretty good. looking forward to tomorrow. Thanks for all of your help and time Sharif.
Kurt
Kurt
Trending Topics
Originally Posted by roncfpz
^^^ wait til you read that AEM is also now developing one for the Z. This is all good news though, more choices for our car, albeit more difficult to make a decision. 
Originally Posted by GdriverinZ
Good stuff. Have any TT z's been tuned with a UTEC yet?
Our FI car was used by Turbo Xs in developing the UTEC and make some base maps.We dropped the car off with 417 Whp and 409TQ and picked it up with 530whp and 505 TQ..
We will be retuning with a set of built heads and cams and 3" exhaust very soon, were shooting for another 50-80hp.
We have been running this set up for over 3 months now and are controlling 650CC injectors flawlessly..
WWW.RACEMRC.COM
For your 350z/G35 performance needs.
Authorized Turbo XS UTEC distributors
Authorized Dyno Dynamics load based tunning facility comming 3/06!!
Authorizes Greddy Dealer/Installer
Authorized GTSPEC dealer
Authorized Unlimited Tuning Revolution dealer
Authorized Speed Force Racing Dealer
Email: Sales@racemrc.com
AIM: salesmrc
Phone: 732-251-8200
Mobile: 732-558-4560
MRC MOTORSPORTS
116 Main St.
Spotswood NJ 08884
Thread Starter
Sponsor
Forged Performance
Forged Performance
iTrader: (92)
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 13,733
Likes: 1
From: Marietta, GA
The two cars I am tuning are an ATI procharger at about 8psi, return fuel system, 380cc injectors, and a stock motor. The PE TT car is fully built, and should produce 500whp+ without too much trouble.
GDrivingZ, The EU are UTEC are different animals. If I owned an EU (which I do), I would not necessarily dump it for the UTEC, as there is a lot of investment involved. I will say, that the UTEC on an FI car, is more in the domain of the professional or experienced tuner, as the interface and parameter setup can be a bit daunting for the novice tuner, IMHO. The EU and other some other EMS systems have a more graphically oriented interface.
But all that said, the purpose of an EMS is to precisely control the motor. In that respect, the UTEC wins.
GDrivingZ, The EU are UTEC are different animals. If I owned an EU (which I do), I would not necessarily dump it for the UTEC, as there is a lot of investment involved. I will say, that the UTEC on an FI car, is more in the domain of the professional or experienced tuner, as the interface and parameter setup can be a bit daunting for the novice tuner, IMHO. The EU and other some other EMS systems have a more graphically oriented interface.
But all that said, the purpose of an EMS is to precisely control the motor. In that respect, the UTEC wins.
Sixto, here you go.....sounds like some progress.....maybe not.
https://my350z.com/forum/engine-and-drivetrain/162888-aem-ecu-for-the-350z.html
https://my350z.com/forum/engine-and-drivetrain/162888-aem-ecu-for-the-350z.html
Originally Posted by MRC Motorsports
We dropped the car off with 417 Whp and 409TQ and picked it up with 530whp and 505 TQ..
Is there more to the story?
Thats great to hear!!!! Once I get my 650cc inj and full tune with the 5 settings we are shooting for 535whp at 13-14psi hope it works out will post soon.... note will be on a stock block for now 
Originally Posted by D350Z10
Thats great to hear!!!! Once I get my 650cc inj and full tune with the 5 settings we are shooting for 535whp at 13-14psi hope it works out will post soon.... note will be on a stock block for now
DB350Z10 do you have a dyno yet of that 450RWHP run? Please post it. Thanks.
Registered User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,906
Likes: 1
From: jacksonville, FL
Originally Posted by GdriverinZ
MAN, IT IS GETTING TO THE POINT WHERE I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT KINDA ENGINE MANAGEMENT I WANT. Sharif please state your opinon on which EMU is better? We really need to come to some kinda conclusion about my engine management.