+1

Don't think it's really worth the extra $$$. If you're looking at dropping in more in mods down the road, then I'd hold off and wait for a more complete EMS solution.

As always, just my

 

+100 Utec!!!!

 

here's an unbiased approach, add the costs up:


AAM reflash:
-reflash $595
- w/ dyno tuning 385
total= $1,000


Utec:
Utec unit - $900 (1-time cost)
installation - ~$100 (1-time cost)
dyno tuning - ~$400
total: $1,400

1) At 1 dyno-tuning, get the AAM reflash
2) At 2 dyno-tunings, AAM=$2K, Utec = $1,800...
3) At 3 or more, it's not really a question that the Utec would save much more $$.

**if you're only going to get AAM's reflash (without dyno tuning), the break even point for getting a Utec is at 5 tuning sessions.

Of course this assumes that you'll have someone do the tuning for you...if you're competent in doing it yourself and plan on getting more than 1 tune, the Utec will most likley save you $. Don't forget that things add up when buying parts...if I had gotten the Utec, I would have gotten the remote map selector and a wideband O2 sensor. (Almost forgot - you should also factor in residual value of the components...not sure what these go for used)

I'm really not trying to be biased towards AAM just because they sponsor me, the #'s should speak for themselves.

-Peter

 

I'm glad you're not biased, because the numbers add up against AAM. For every AAM reflash session, it's $1000. For every UTEC dyno tuning, it's $400 after the initial install. After just 2 rounds, AAM is $200 higher. After 3 rounds, $800 higher. After 4, $1400 higher. The numbers do speak for themselves.

 

you are in a loosing argument here first350

unless he is done modding which i highly doubt it does not make sense to do this reflahs and tune...

What he should do is just get a simple ecu reflash...maybe... i still think its not worth it n/A but if you do it its ok, then you can run the UTec in parallel.
But even if he does not get a Utec, he could get another system like a unichip or SpliTSB, EMB, FCON CZ and have an ECU that will work down the line as he adds more mods or if he goes FI down the line....

youa re saying he shoudl be happy to spend 1000$ on a reflash and tune and be stuck with it?
Yah so you are sponsored by aam, and youa re telling us you are not bias to saying "he needs this"?

 

I just looked back through my posts - I really didn't mean to come across as if I was arguing for either the AAM reflash or Utec (honestly)

I total agree that if you're planning to continue to mod your car and want the ability to re-tune it after each iteration, going with a Utec or similar device will cost less in the end. (the only reason I'd see someone getting a reflash is to remove the top speed limiter and bump up the Rev limiter or if there's no tuner available)

**for myself, I'm going with the reflash because I'll be competing in AutoX next year and I'm limited on what modifications I can run...once I get all my power mods done, I'll get the relfash. (Since I plan to stay in my SCCA BSP class, I won't be adding any further power modifications)

hope that clears up where I stand

-Peter

 

so you cannot run aftermarket ECU in your class peter?

in any case, yah Id say dont get a reflash at all at this moment...get more mods until you are basically done N/A and then get a proper ECU(utec,unichip,fconcz,etc) and tune...

jsut dont get pulleys... dont mean to start a big arugment on this one, but imo those are not worth it

 

I can run any ECU in my class...but since I can get all of my power mods done and then do the tuning, I'd save some $$ going with an AAM reflash vs. Utec (or similar). I also want to raise the rev limiter which should help considerably.

-Peter

 

I've heard that the former AAM general manager quitted and is starting up his own store in Sterling, VA. I don't know if it's up and running yet. But it's supposed to specialize in 350z and G35. Sorry.. this is kind of out of topic. But you'd think that guy'd have all the AAM knowledge.. or maybe even a dyno for cheaper?

 

utec can help you advance timing and stuff like that which will be good since you are n/a

ha ha sorry dude, but you just cannot convince me that a tune with a re flash can be as good as a Utec tuned... 300-400 bucks more is WAY WAY worth it considering what you get and can get with the utec over a reflash...

 

He is taking some business now, but the shop is still being setup. He is knowlegable and can dyno tune, he does so for the going rate, but I doubt he has ECU flash. Technosquare licensed and sold their setup to AAM, which is the only reason AAM can do this too, but I doubt any tuner would buy that now. There are too many alternatives (piggy-backs) on the market or right around the corner (Cobb, etc) for me to think the reflash setup would be worth the initial investment for a shop anymore.

edit to add: at the OP. I told you my AAM opinion, but regarding adding on for a dyno tune, I wouldn't. You will get some more out of it with it, but it ain't worth the price IMO. When you get the reflash, if it doesn't work well he will work with you to get a map that does as he has several. That = pretty close to a custom tune anyway. My 2 cents.

 

Pay 75.00 for a dyno before you go, use the gift you got and have them set the maps...you dont have all the N/A bolt ons so I dont think you will get 15whp out of the 400.00 dyno tune.If you take a dyno sheet into them they can look at your A/F and adjust the ECU maps to your A/F. Not worth 400 bucks for them to dyno tune with your current mods. Good luck

 

fug it i think i'm just gonna go for the dyno tune. When i get a large bonus in the middle of next year I'll either do cams and a utec or a jwt TT with a utec. I just want to max out my na power for right now.

 

and my girlfriend already bought the reflash so its not really even a discussion about the utec vs reflash. you guys just kinda turned it into one

 

well I'm scheduled to drive up on the 22'nd hope its not snowing anywhere along the way. Think Ima go ahead an just splurge on the dyno tune. I WANT POWER

 

report back with before/After dynos - I'd be interested to see what the difference would be between their normal reflash and dyno-tuned reflash (try to get a few dyno print-outs through the process)

-Peetr

 

Look the guy already has the 3 only real sensable mods for a na car. Anything else is going to really not be worth the money spent and if he is looking for more after the reflash then look at some fi solutions. The AAM reflash I think is an ideal solution for what he is looking to accomplish right now.

Anyway you look at a utec its a 1500 dollar venture and a day of traveling for him at least. I think the reflash is worth it even with the utec and I'm sure Mike would set him up with some different parameters if he opted for FI later.

 

well thats what my poitn was as far as not get even the reflash at all yet and rather use this money on other mods

 

+1 Utec

 

guys guys.... you keep getting off subject. When I graduate in a couple years I will go FI and either get the utec or fcon. right now its not about utec vs. reflash... my girlfriend already bought me the reflash. I want to know if the dyno tune is worth it and if anyone knows about how much extra power, responsiveness ect. i will get from the dyno tune on top of the reflash.