Maybe this is a stupid question, but here goes.
I have installed the usual breathing mods -- Nismo catback, MD plenum spacer, K & N typhoon CAI. Now I think it is time for a reflash to take full advantage of these changes. Here comes the question -- would a proper tune not include the dyno and then reflashing the ECU to get the most out of the motor? If I send the ECU for a reflash, generic at best, am I not leaving potential horsepower on the table because no two engines will respond exactly the same way? Does a tuner normally have the ability to make changes to the ECU for optimum performance? Isn't this the purpose of a dyno tune? Thanks for any help making me understand this!!

 

You'll always be better off with a custom dyno tune. A reflash may work and gain power, but you're right that each car has slight differences, especially when various mods are added into the equation.

I'd recommend grabbing a UTEC and getting a custom tune.

Also, since you're NA and the tune is a little less touchy, it might be a good time to do some research and learn to street tune your own car.

 

So, help me understand this -- UTEC is piggy back to the ECU? So you program the UTEC to the parameters you are seeking, and it modifies the mapping on the ECU?

 

Yes it is a piggyback, but it doesn't change anything on the factory ECU. At a set throttle position it will switch from the factory ECU's fuel/timing maps to the ones programmed into the UTEC piggyback. The factory ECU retains the stock maps but they are overridden when the car is under load.

If you want to change certain things that are controlled by the ECU (idle, speed limiter, etc) you will need to reflash or adjust the factory unit.

 

The light is starting to come on in my brain! Now, if I am finished with my engine mods, then is a reflash the way to go? Do I just drive to Md to have them flash the ECU, then dyno it to verify that's all there is?

 

ok. there are two groups of people.

group 1: lives off getting every ounce of power regardless of cost and time. super **** about everything, and dyno numbers rule the world
group 2: not in group 1.


So. if you're in Group 1, then a mail-in reflash may not be the exact product you're looking for. you might be better off finding a local tuning shop that is experienced with a piggy back or new systems that can squeeze every ounce of power from your engine, but you must think about the time and cost effort that goes into it.

now you'd like more power, but could really care less about a 1-2 rwhp difference at the peak levels, then a mail in option might be for you.

if you dyno the car before tuning, and record accurately the A/F ratio. the mail in option reflash is quite good for power and the price-. especially with the mods that you have, those are already 'generic' since the majority of the population has those types of modifications and, in the case of Technosquare, they have the maps tuned quite well- basing off of cars that have come in and done dyno tuning with your similar mods. true, every engine is not the same, but the hp difference typically falls within the error limits of most dyno machines.

technosquare has a money back guarantee on all their 350z reflashes.., so if you're not satisfied, you can always send it back in and go the utec route if you feel that will net you more power in the end-

if you're in MD, and you're thinking about going to Altered. I'm sure they have similar experiences with reflashes and would probably tell you the same thing.

 

Great information, I appreciate the input!