The Official Unichip Q Tuning Thread

T

tchuck

iS VIP
iS VIP
Location
Portland, OR
I am starting this thread to discuss tuning with the Unichip Q version. I think so far it's just Handy_Andy and I that have tuning capabilities with the Unichips, but I know there are many more members with much more tuning experience than the two of us so feel free to chime in if you have something good to add. I'm hoping to snag a few more users with this thread in order to grow our little knowledge base.

If you have any questions about the specs of chip itself, pricing, or vehicular applicability, please contact Unichip HERE.

I'll let Andy speak for himself but I've had my Unichip installed for a few months now and love it so far. I started out running maps that other tuners had created for the 350z, and they work great. I've since started my own map and have made a couple minor changes to said map. I'll get to those later.

Here's the tuning interface, called "UniQ". In the center are the editable cells, along the left side are the calibration/map loading tools above the monitored values, and along the bottom are the configurable parameters. The file show is the "Master file" that is the basis of each individual custom file. One interesting aspect of the Unichip is that all the cell values are delta figures rather than absolute figures, meaning that adding a "1" in a cell of the timing map gives you one degree of advance over what the oem system is already doing. This means that at any point you can zero out the whole map (or load a blank map) and you'll have a completely stock FX. In this state the Unichip is completely electronically undetectable. This method of delta alterations also means that all of the factory engine safeguards (knock sensors, rev limiters, etc...) are retained in their full capacity. For a fledgling shade-tree tuner such as myself, this is a huge bonus. :

UniQ.jpg

I'll add more to this later, including the few mods I've done so far.
 
Cool Tim. Subscribed! I will add to this thread when I have something to contribute. I think you're way ahead with tuning the chip by far. Need to catch with you!

Currently, I'm using a 350Z maps that was downloaded into my chip by Unichip Support. I have installed an PLX SM-AFR Gen2 Wideband Module and a DM-6 Multi gauge. Click HERE is the full description of kit sensor. With this kit, I can begin to log data for creating my custom maps. After installing the kit, I realize that I need additional cable to pass the data from the PLX Wideband. Click HERE for the cable. Instead of spending the money on the cable I made my own. I will test it and report back. If the cable works, I will put a DIY for the cable together. There are cheaper alternative to the cable as well, but not sure if they work. Once I confirm my DIY cable works then I'm pretty confidence that the cheaper alternatives cable should work.
 
Last edited:
Rev Limiter Adjustment

The first mod I performed with the Unichip was adjusting the rev limiter. I believe the stock setting is 6500rpm, and the 350z maps from Unichip carry a setting of 9900prm. I reset mine to 7200 for piece of mind.

In the "Timing 1" column there is a button called "Map Setup" that brings up the dialog box in the picture below. The rev limiter figure is the fifth value from the bottom on the far left. Type in any number you want, click "send and close", then "Download" the change to the Unichip and you're done. I have verified this one by hitting it intentionally on a freeway on-ramp. :burnout:

Revlimiter.jpg
 
This evening, I also lower the rev limiter on my map from 9900 to 7500. I also did the +2 timing. When out for a test driving to get a feel of the +2 timing advance mod. It is such a noticeable change how the car launch from a stop. This is such an easy mod with the Unichip. Here is screen shoot of the software how I made the +2 timing mod.
Plus2timing.jpg
 
YES! Very nice. I'm terribly anxious about your DIY wideband cable as well. I can't handle the thought of paying PLX $70 for a regular USB->1/8" adapter cable...
 
My DIY datalog cable was a failure. Spoke with Aaron at Unichip, he'll send one out to me. He didn't ask for my CC, so I assume it's free?
 
Andy, you are bound by IS code to dissect that cable upon receipt.

I was all ready to post my 100% throttle mod here, but I found out this evening that it's not actually working, and that the ECU is still adapting to my driving style. It turns out I am in fact monitoring the TPS signal instead of intercepting it, so I need to do a quick re-wire and test again. Boo.


Sent from my BlackBerry 9800
 
la_fx35 said:
...
Throttle mod? Very interested to hear about this.
Click to expand...

I'll post more in detail when I get it working, but in essence I built a voltage output map for actuating the throttle body that is controlled by the input signal from the accelerator pedal. The Unichip monitors the input signal to the ecu and adds 2.55V (the upper limit for the chip) to the output signal from the ecu to the throttle body at any point over 95% throttle. I also clamped the summed output to the TB at 4.9 volts to avoid the upper voltage limit CEL. The problem is that right now my output from the Unichip is going to the ecu instead of to the TB, so the TB is receiving the ecu's learned values instead of my adjusted values. Unless I'm missing something it should be a fairly quick wiring fix... Hoping to get it done tomorrow. <Fingers crossed>


Sent from my BlackBerry 9800
 
I am very interested in this kind of stuff but i know nothing about it...when more data is put in can someone dumb it down to break down what things mean as far as how any form of gains are being made?

Sent from my DROIDX
 
blueduck1105 said:
I am very interested in this kind of stuff but i know nothing about it...when more data is put in can someone dumb it down to break down what things mean as far as how any form of gains are being made?
Click to expand...

I suppose a "goals" line for each of these mods would be helpful.

Quick recap: The rev limiter lowering is simply for piece of mind as the Unichip came with a setting so high (9900rpm) that it's essentially "off".
The +2 Timing mod is something popularized in the FX scene many years ago. You can find a lot of info on it via search, which is why there isn't much of an explanation in this thread. It's a pretty noticeable mod in terms of throttle response though, and so far I've logged several runs after the +2 and the ecu doesn't seem to mind (it doesn't pull the timing back out).
The 100% throttle mod is a result of the ecu's built-in ability to adjust the throttle plate's movement relative to the accelerator pedal's movement, based on your driving style. For example, if you perform the throttle position reset (pedal dance), immediately afterward your throttle body will open 100% when you put your right foot to the floor. However, if you drive like a grandma for 20miles or so, the ecu will recognize your subdued driving style and adjust the throttle body response so that when you depress the acc pedal fully the throttle body only opens 80%. This makes tuning very difficult because in order to have reliable and repeatable results, you have to reset the throttle body position before each run.


Sent from my BlackBerry 9800
 
Subscribed! Great info here!

I'm trying to get my M tuned but I'm hitting a snag. I've contacted Unichip to see if they are able to tune it but haven't received a response yet. I'm hoping there are some similarities between the early FX ECU and the Y34/F50 ECU since they were released around the same time. Does anyone here have a diagram of the ECU pinout on their FX?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top