I'm having some issues with the Unichip that came with the APS twin turbo kit. It's been having crank position sensor check engine lights problems and the local tuner who installed it said that it was the wiring harness for the Unichip. Well, it's still coughing up that code and since it's been sitting a garage for two years, I'm sure i can't get them to send me another one. In the current state, the car is not usable now. Even worse is, there is no one local that can even tune the Unichip.

So I'm throwing around the idea of just getting rid of the Unichip and going with an Uprev since there is a local tuner. As I was disassembling some basic stuff I realized something; the Unichip also controls the boost. If I go with the Uprev, I would have to purchase a different boost controller, correct? Can anyone recommend me a solution that would work for my conundrum? I would appreciate any information!

 

You need to ditch the unichip, and you are correct in thinking you would need a boost controller with a stock ecu reflash tune - as the stock computer has no way to control boost (nor does it have overboost protection). I would recommend a Haltech plug&play standalone, with advanced boost control package, dual wideband controller, dual wideband sensors, dual wideband gauge, and uprev osiris reflash... all in a bundled sale in my signature (link to sale). This would give you complete control and not have to go through this headache again. Also, I will include a custom base map for your setup to get you up and going quickly too. PM or call for more info.

 

^ OP, not only is that the right way to do it, but that price is very, very good. Jump on the deal. You will not regret it.

 

Stock block or built block? Where are you located?

 

Stock block. I'm in Salt Lake City, UT.

 

i;d just run uprev with a $50 manual boost controller. On a stock block, anything else is super overkill.

 

i made great power on stock block APS TT with uprev, but keep in mind you will need to buy a license and tune from a good tuner with VQ/uprev experience and you will also need a PMAS, which shound be ~$1200 its still significantly cheaper than the Haltech alternative (although i won't argue its nearly as safe) so you sound consider your future plans in the decision, do you ever plan to build the block? If so save yourself some money and headache down the road and get the Haltech now.

And as far as the boost controller, like Hal said you will need one unless you go with his Haltech package, or unless you only want 6psi (~380rwhp)

 

Thanks for the great information. Since the motor is all stock internals, I don't plan to try and make crazy power because I know it won't be able to handle it. I'd just like to get it running right now and later on down the road go with a built motor; when more money comes in. The Haltech does seem like the magic bullet that would cure all my headaches right now but I can't seem to muster up the extra money and I don't know how long it would take me to work up the money to build the motor.

If I did get a manual boost controller, is there one that is better than another?

 

they are all the same. set and forget. no reason to change your boost settings on a stock block car.

Heck, honestly, I'd go with a UTEC. you can get one used for ~400. has boost control, overboost, knock control. easy as heck to tune. Utec and a AEM wideband along with Jeffsoftware tuning software and you could get it 90% dialed in in like 30 mins of road tuning. I doesnt have all fancy windows GUI, but i have very good experience with mine. Plus the added features make it much more boost friendly.

 

HKS EVC6 / HKS AFK / UpRev Osiris

 

Boost controller, UpRev, and some kind of overboost protection is reasonable for a stock block. I wouldn't consider UTEC. Having the Cipher cable and reflash will be helpful even if you decide to get a standalone later...

 

^True i forgot about that.

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate the information. I'll mull over this and see how much money I can throw at this thing to get it at least some of it done right.