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Vortech, why change out the SS box?

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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 10:54 AM
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Default Vortech, why change out the SS box?

Guys with Vortech,

I see a lot of post on guys using their own EMS system on their vortech, but what really is the benefit of using something other then the SS box? I heard about the stock ECU not being able to scale up to 600cc injectors, but is there anything else? When I look at dynos there doesn't seem to be any performance difference.

Thanks!
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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 12:21 PM
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Reguardless what you read personally I would at least go with a utec. Not saying that your wrong it's just better being safe then sorry. As far as the benefits of going with something other then the ss box will you can use sreach for your answer.

Last edited by tgunsg35; Jun 14, 2009 at 12:24 PM.
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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 12:51 PM
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Thanks for the reply. I did do a search and read sentry65's sticky but the only reason it seems people do get the UTEC is because they want to push over 400hp and therefore use larger injector, other then that it seems like there isn't any issues related to the SS box, no blown engine nor performance issue. I actually don't have a Vortech yet, just wondering on the different options out there before making the purchase.
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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 12:54 PM
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ss box is just more limited in its capabilities. It is also sorta retro-fitted to work on these cars. It was made for cars before the computer did EVERYTHING. It works, there are just other options that offer more.

tom
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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 01:16 PM
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Take it from me you will get the mod bug you will want more power. Get the utec and save yourself the headache.
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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 02:30 PM
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The RPM resolution isn't as great. Higher resolution offers smoother tunes. And like you said, the SS box can't scale injectors. Another reason to get rid of the SS box and FMU is because you're pretty much running your stock injectors to the max. Unless I'm wrong about that.
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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 02:37 PM
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That sounds about right.
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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 02:44 PM
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Thanks guys for the reply. I've also read a few post on people using UTEC with some hickups, problem varies, but what alarmed me was that GTM also mentioned that using UTEC is not the best option since it is a piggy back. If I understand them correctly then the following order would be their recommendation

SS Box < UTEC < Osiris Tune (nothing else) < HKS FCON VPro

How would the Greddy Emanage Ultimate fit?
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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 03:04 PM
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Originally Posted by gabe3d
Thanks guys for the reply. I've also read a few post on people using UTEC with some hickups, problem varies, but what alarmed me was that GTM also mentioned that using UTEC is not the best option since it is a piggy back. If I understand them correctly then the following order would be their recommendation

SS Box < UTEC < Osiris Tune (nothing else) < HKS FCON VPro

How would the Greddy Emanage Ultimate fit?
I would say the Emanage Ultimate would still be better than the SS box but not as good as the Utec. The only issue I have with the Utec is that the transition into boost isn't always smooth. But for the price go Utec man. You can find used ones on here all day. Unless you can pony up the cash for a Fcon!
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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 03:21 PM
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haltech is a cheap man's fcon,but non the less he is right. The utec has it's down falls, but it is a lot better then most. The only way I would agree in look in to the haltech or fcon is if i was looking in to make over 475whp.
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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 04:23 PM
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No hiccups going into boost with my utec. You need to get your stock ecu reflashed in addition to the utec to get a smooth transition 100% of the time.

I would rate utec just below a standalone, with everything else (other than standalone) would be lesser than. My reasoning is that the utec offers much better knock protection/control as well as overboost control than a reflash; the stock ecu cannot protect you nearly as well, especially over 5k rpm.

Last edited by djamps; Jun 14, 2009 at 04:26 PM.
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 09:09 AM
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You eleminate 2 components and several fuel connections and added reliability. FMU and Vortech fuel pump but you'll need a walbro fuel pump and larger injectors..
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 09:58 AM
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Thanks for the replies. Which two components are you eliminating? SS box is being replaced with UTEC and FMU is replaced by a better Regulator. I agree that there will be less fuel connection since you don't have the SS box intercepting the fuel connections. . By the way how much does it cost to tune a Utec to work with the Vortech?

I'm going to look more into the Osiris tune, since it seems that most people get a flash to the ECU to make the UTEC work better. This way it's like killing two birds with one stone. I'm sure GTM knows what they are talking about when they say Uprev is a better/smoother solution then the UTEC. They do these installation/tune day in and day out. Anyone has any thoughts on this?
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by gabe3d
Thanks for the replies. Which two components are you eliminating? SS box is being replaced with UTEC and FMU is replaced by a better Regulator. I agree that there will be less fuel connection since you don't have the SS box intercepting the fuel connections. . By the way how much does it cost to tune a Utec to work with the Vortech?

I'm going to look more into the Osiris tune, since it seems that most people get a flash to the ECU to make the UTEC work better. This way it's like killing two birds with one stone. I'm sure GTM knows what they are talking about when they say Uprev is a better/smoother solution then the UTEC. They do these installation/tune day in and day out. Anyone has any thoughts on this?
You're eliminating the FMU and weak inline fuel pump. And the Utec doesn't need a special tune just because you're using it with the Vortech. It just needs to get tuned.
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Everybodywildou
You're eliminating the FMU and weak inline fuel pump. And the Utec doesn't need a special tune just because you're using it with the Vortech. It just needs to get tuned.
So if you don't use the SSbox, then you don't need a regulator? I was under the impression you needed one regardless. I know that if you want a RFS then of course you'll need one. The inline pump is not being eliminated per say but rather replaced, since you'll just get a better one, correct? I know it doesn't need to be tweaked to work with the vortech, I was just wondering how much it cost to get tuned. It is more or less special tune since it is one for your setup and it's not a plug and play item out of the box.
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 10:10 AM
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Originally Posted by gabe3d
So if you don't use the SSbox, then you don't need a regulator? I was under the impression you needed one regardless. I know that if you want a RFS then of course you'll need one. The inline pump is not being eliminated per say but rather replaced, since you'll just get a better one, correct? I know it doesn't need to be tweaked to work with the vortech, I was just wondering how much it cost to get tuned. It is more or less special tune since it is one for your setup and it's not a plug and play item out of the box.
I would say about $500 for the tune. ullBut if you're not using a RFS then you don't need a regulator. I'm just running a Utec, walbro 255lph intank fuel pump, and 550cc injectors. I made 378hp on a dyno dynamics with the 3.12 pulley.
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 02:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Everybodywildou
The RPM resolution isn't as great. Higher resolution offers smoother tunes. And like you said, the SS box can't scale injectors. Another reason to get rid of the SS box and FMU is because you're pretty much running your stock injectors to the max. Unless I'm wrong about that.
Their all a lot of people on this site that "think" they now what they are talking about.

The Fact is the SS Box have been around for a long time.
The resolution is every 500 RPM/ every .50 PSI, not the best out there.
The SS Box can Handle 550cc Injectors, with no Start Up or Idle Problems.
As with all Tuning Equipment, you Must know how to use it.
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 02:28 PM
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Originally Posted by OldManZ350
Their all a lot of people on this site that "think" they now what they are talking about.

The Fact is the SS Box have been around for a long time.
The resolution is every 500 RPM/ every .50 PSI, not the best out there.
The SS Box can Handle 550cc Injectors, with no Start Up or Idle Problems.
As with all Tuning Equipment, you Must know how to use it.
I just wouldn't feel comfortable with the SS box controlling bigger injectors. Even if they were just 440cc. The resolution of the Utec isn't all the great either. But I couldn't imagine my car if the SS box were running things.
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 02:57 PM
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Main reason I was asking is because I went to my install shop that has done quite a few of these and told him I want to use the UTEC or UPREV, but he scolded at me for wasting money and going away from a proven system. He told me he has never ran into any issues, not even one, with the SS box and doesn't see the reason to spend extra cash on the others, not that he can't do it. He also warranties his SC install and tune for one year, so if blown motor or stalling or any other issues he'll cover it.

OldManZ350, those are incredible times you have. Also thanks for clarifying on the issue.
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 03:44 PM
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If you have a trusted tuner, then go by what they say, as you will also be relying on them for diagnostics and support....and you can wail on them if things fail...

Originally Posted by gabe3d
Main reason I was asking is because I went to my install shop that has done quite a few of these and told him I want to use the UTEC or UPREV, but he scolded at me for wasting money and going away from a proven system. He told me he has never ran into any issues, not even one, with the SS box and doesn't see the reason to spend extra cash on the others, not that he can't do it. He also warranties his SC install and tune for one year, so if blown motor or stalling or any other issues he'll cover it.

OldManZ350, those are incredible times you have. Also thanks for clarifying on the issue.
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