michael Posted January 6, 2003 Share Posted January 6, 2003 I was planning on fitting a UniChip to my MKIV when I find one I like so made some enquiries about it, just thought I'd post the feedback from Owen Developments here for reference and future searches on the subject but in summary the UniChip isn't really a suitable option. http://www.dastek.co.za From Owens: "It all comes down to how the car gets its signals to tell the ECU what's happening so that it can control ignition timing. Apparently, unlike our MR2s, the Supra gets its signals from both crank and cam angles, and there's no missing teeth in either to allow the Unichip to know what's going on. It's basically all pulse widths. However, the Supra would respond well to a MoTec, and Owen Developments are now recommended by none other than Fraser MacKeller (the ex-TTE guy, and the UK agent and top tuner for MoTec Europe) to fit and map these. Even though prices have recently come down quite a bit, I know it's not a cheap option, but it does offer more in terms of tuning potential and also has some nice add-ons afterwards, like Traction Control, data-logging, etc, etc." http://www.owendevelopments.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Whiffin Posted January 6, 2003 Share Posted January 6, 2003 I didn't think the Uni-chip was available for the Supra yet? I know you can adjust the fuelling with it but not the ignition, there was talk about a new version coming out which can do both, not sure when though. Just fit an AEM and save yourself a load of cash over the Motec, it does everything the Motec can. Plenty of others on the market now as well, Apexi Power FC, Autronic, Greddy E-manage, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted January 6, 2003 Author Share Posted January 6, 2003 Originally posted by Paul Whiffin I didn't think the Uni-chip was available for the Supra yet? I know you can adjust the fuelling with it but not the ignition, there was talk about a new version coming out which can do both, not sure when though. Just fit an AEM and save yourself a load of cash over the Motec, its does everything the Motec can. Plenty of others on the market now as well, Apexi Power FC, Autronic, Greddy E-manage, etc. The "AEM" is new to me so I'll need to do some reading up and that and the others you mention ...... more reading Thanks for the input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Whiffin Posted January 6, 2003 Share Posted January 6, 2003 Have a butchers on there web site, http://www.aempower.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Druid Posted January 6, 2003 Share Posted January 6, 2003 The guys on exvitermini.com (the australian Pro-GTR project) were quite negative in their comments on Motec chips. I quote: Yesterday we found an existing issue with the polished turd that is the Motec M800 I'm not judging Motec myself (no hands-on experience). And, your situation might not be as extreme as the gtr project. So all in all YMMV and ignore my post Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Syed Shah Posted January 6, 2003 Share Posted January 6, 2003 Well, there was a long, and quite in-depth thread about the MoTec vs the AEM ECU on SF, and the general concensus is that the AEM does what the MoTec can and more, for less. So why bother paying more for something that is inferior? Also, who cares if it is new? It was run well on many Supras without any major problems, at all levels of tune. If nothing was new, no progress would be made. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted January 6, 2003 Author Share Posted January 6, 2003 Originally posted by Druid The guys on exvitermini.com (the australian Pro-GTR project) were quite negative in their comments on Motec chips. I quote: "Yesterday we found an existing issue with the polished turd that is the Motec M800" I'm not judging Motec myself (no hands-on experience). And, your situation might not be as extreme as the gtr project. So all in all YMMV and ignore my post Hi "Druid", I've had a quick look over the BBS but can't find the post this is taken from to find the full context and the rest of the story, any chance you can pass this on to me? Cheers, Michael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Druid Posted January 6, 2003 Share Posted January 6, 2003 Michael, you'll be able to find it on exvitermini.com, main page. There are some news posts on December 13th and earlier about the Motec. Cheers, Michiel (the dutch version of Michael ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted January 6, 2003 Author Share Posted January 6, 2003 Originally posted by Druid Michael, you'll be able to find it on exvitermini.com, main page. There are some news posts on December 13th and earlier about the Motec. Cheers, Michiel (the dutch version of Michael ) Thanks Michiel (I'll remember my Dutch name now), I saw all that text and jumped straight to the BBS, I'll have a read through all that now. Michael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nathan Posted January 6, 2003 Share Posted January 6, 2003 Don't forget that even when, and if, the UniChip becomes available for the Mk4 (I've been told a few times by Gerry at Unichip that it's 'coming along') it is still a 'cludge' in that it can't go beyond the stock maps. Thus, if you are maxing out the MAP sensor due to high boost it won't get any more fuel in no matter what you do, even if the injectors are only at half chat. It would be ideal for those using larger injectors on the stock ECU to trim the fuel down though. Thats not bad-mouthing the UniChip at all. Indeed, it's a fine product, especially at the price; and we have used literally hundreds of them on cars whose owners want something more than the (overpriced IMO) abilities of something like a Superchip. 'Proper' ECU's like the HKS F-CON are able to overcome the headroom problems of the stock ECU by either running their own extended range MAP sensor (say 3 bar) or even more simply by re-scaling the original signal from the OE MAP sensor, but obviously at the cost of accuracy. This is on top of being able to directly access the injector signals themselves. That is, an F-CON is also it's own injector driver, something which a cludge is unlikely to be able to do. In short, if you are in the market for an ECU make sure it can at least run the injectors at whatever duty cycle you want, irrespective of what the stock ECU is saying. Simple signal-altering devices like Unichips, Apexi Super AFC's and HKS Super AFR's have their place but on most Japanese turbo cars with boost upgrades their abilities are limited. Cheers, Nathan TDI PLC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted January 6, 2003 Share Posted January 6, 2003 That "polished turd" was on a GTR and running a car that is heading for 1,500BHP. The M800 is tried and tested bit of kit. Mario had his problems and fixed them. The AEM has its advantage in the fact that it plugs into the stock loom. A Unichip would be pointless IMO...might as well get a e-manage or Fcon.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Syed Shah Posted January 6, 2003 Share Posted January 6, 2003 Originally posted by Alex Holdroyd That "polished turd" was on a GTR and running a car that is heading for 1,500BHP. The M800 is tried and tested bit of kit. Mario had his problems and fixed them. The AEM has its advantage in the fact that it plugs into the stock loom. So? The AEM has made well over 1200RWHP on Supras. Why should 1500bhp create a problem for the Motec? The AEM is also a more flexable unit, and more capable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted January 6, 2003 Share Posted January 6, 2003 Originally posted by Syed Shah So? The AEM has made well over 1200RWHP on Supras. Why should 1500bhp create a problem for the Motec? The AEM is also a more flexable unit, and more capable. ITS A GTR, DON'T COMPARE THE TWO, WAS MY POINT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Terry S Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 Guys the AEM is good for the £'s. As to it being better than the Motec or Autronic.......... I have seen the software which IMHO is more difficult than either of the others. Is the ALS up & working yet? Traction Control?? Auto tuning ( fuel)?? Please don't get me wrong it is probably the best Pound/Power solution for the Supra, purely because it can be PnP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Whiffin Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 Yep, very difficult to work out what everything is does, I'm more or less there now but still learning, it is a tad over complicated. ALS and automapping has been working for awhile now, traction control has been out for a few weeks but haven't tried it yet as my laptop blew up! Can't wait to though, I'm in the same boat as you Terrence, slight traction problem.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Terry S Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 How does the AEM ALS work. Does it use a throttle " kicker " switch?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Whiffin Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 No idea, I haven't used it yet, dont think I'll bother either. U tried it on yours? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Terry S Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 No I would need a throttle kicker to make it work properly, that's why I was asking. I don't think I need ALS but I would like to try it. Apparently it isn't very turbo friendly though! As an aside I am getting VERY worried about my back box. The expolisions & resulting flames I am getting out of the rear now are ridiculous, literally lighting up the night sky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz Walker Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 I'd be more worried about the rear bumper! Gaz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Whiffin Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 Yep, know the feeling, bumper seems to be coping quite well so far, you'll have even more flames with ALS on though... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Terry S Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 I am having 2 aluminium heat shields made up. 1 for me & 1 for Leon. Do you want one?. I have a CF one at present & it's burnt to a crisp! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Whiffin Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 No ta, my bumper seems to be ok so far, think the Super Dragger hangs out the back so probably dont get the bumper as hot or may be my flames just aren't big enough! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Terry S Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 Try harder;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Whiffin Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 Bet your using a flamer kit aren't you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Terry S Posted January 7, 2003 Share Posted January 7, 2003 I promise, I am not that SAD! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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