- Location
- Chicagoland
Nice! Everyone is getting chipped except for me. :eek.:
Unichip Installation
- Thread starter la_fx35
- Start date
How is class? :smile (2):
Cool....thx Ed. Yeah, let me get the chip first and install it. Then, I'll see how it runs w/ the 350Z maps....but it looks like Andy likes them so far. Then, I'll see about the custom tuning.
FX45Chicago
Member
- Location
- Chicago
- Car
- 2005 FX45 AWD
Finished up the install yesterday and I'm as well running rich perhaps if we get it dyno'ed at UniChip tuner shop they can also adjust the A/F Ratio therefore not needed the software etc. We should see if we Andy, yourself and I can get a deal on the dyne if we do it together?
Not surprise at all, cause Aaron is using the same map as Ed's. The only Unichip tuner shop around us that I'm aware of is GRD. I call them about a month ago, the wait on their dyno is about 4 weeks out at that time. Their tuner only comes in part time as I understand in speaking to them last month. Apparently, the list that I was on doesn't exist anymore. The guy that in charge of it left. There is a new guy now.
We need to get the tools. I'll call Aaron.
- Location
- Portland, OR
I stopped by the Unichip world headquarters today. I had a tour of the facility, a demonstration of the tuning software, met some employees (Aaron was gone for the day), and chatted with the GM for almost 2 hrs. Nice guy and seemed pretty knowledgeable. They technically close at 5pm and we talked until 6pm, which is the only reason I didn't leave broke.
Interesting notes from the meeting:
1) All UnichipQ devices are physically identical. The unit I'm going to install in my FX can be later moved to my Audi and back to the FX again with a simple software flash.
2) The "only tunable by a Unichip tuner" deal applies to the UnichipQ without the tuner package. They offer two tuner packages (software+USB cable) that are essentially a personal and a shop version. Full tech support comes with both, but the personal version only applies to one person/vehicle while the shop version is unlimited in that respect. The personal tuner software+USB cable, which allows full user customization without any input from Unichip, is $290. The shop version allows unlimited tech support for multiple people and multiple vehicles is $565.
3) The UnichipQ itself is also $290 ($330 for the UnichipQ+)and comes with any maps you want and the 2-way switch in Ed's post above. The cable Handy Andy bought allows you to "plug and play", but costs an additional $275.
The GM said that if I'm at all technically proficient that I should skip that cable and just hard wire it in. (splicing into the harness is also 99.9% reversible) He said the cable is so expensive because he has to order them in such small quantities. He also said Aaron would install it for me if I wish for $100.
4) There are two interface options not mentioned in this thread; the "Flux-1" and "Flux-2". The Flux-1 is a hidden module that works via bluetooth with any Windows Mobile device. Sort of a bummer (the Windows Mobile part) because it's way more capable than the Flux-2. I can't remember everything it does, and it isn't currently listed on their website but you can call Unichip if you're interested. The GM said that they have currently contracted a third party programmer to get Flux-1 to work with iOS and Android. He expects it to be done "soon".
5) The only tuning limitation with the UnichipQ is forced induction. If you might even remotely opt for FI in the future you'll want to spend the extra $40 and get the UnichipQ+, which is essentially the UnichipQ with boost accommodations.
At this point my plan is to get back out there sometime this week (I have a few more questions for them but felt bad for keeping them so late) and get the UnichipQ+ ($330), the personal tuner package ($290) and depending on how accessible the harness is and how confident I feel about hacking it up, possibly having Aaron install it for me. The GM said it would take him less than 20min to install. That is the Unichip with every 350Z, and G35 map they have (They still don't have one for the FX35), the two way selector which I will set to "aggressive" and "valet". the USB cable and the fully functional tuner software package for $620 out the door. $720 if I chicken out on the install. I also may upgrade to one of the Flux interface kits later if I get bored. Honestly though with the data logging capabilities of the tuner package I don't think it's very likely. The reason I didn't opt for the 5-way switch is for the sake of the Flux upgrade.
Anyone have any questions they want me to ask when I go back? I'm hoping it will be tomorrow, but this week for sure.
Interesting notes from the meeting:
1) All UnichipQ devices are physically identical. The unit I'm going to install in my FX can be later moved to my Audi and back to the FX again with a simple software flash.
2) The "only tunable by a Unichip tuner" deal applies to the UnichipQ without the tuner package. They offer two tuner packages (software+USB cable) that are essentially a personal and a shop version. Full tech support comes with both, but the personal version only applies to one person/vehicle while the shop version is unlimited in that respect. The personal tuner software+USB cable, which allows full user customization without any input from Unichip, is $290. The shop version allows unlimited tech support for multiple people and multiple vehicles is $565.
3) The UnichipQ itself is also $290 ($330 for the UnichipQ+)and comes with any maps you want and the 2-way switch in Ed's post above. The cable Handy Andy bought allows you to "plug and play", but costs an additional $275.
The GM said that if I'm at all technically proficient that I should skip that cable and just hard wire it in. (splicing into the harness is also 99.9% reversible) He said the cable is so expensive because he has to order them in such small quantities. He also said Aaron would install it for me if I wish for $100. 4) There are two interface options not mentioned in this thread; the "Flux-1" and "Flux-2". The Flux-1 is a hidden module that works via bluetooth with any Windows Mobile device. Sort of a bummer (the Windows Mobile part) because it's way more capable than the Flux-2. I can't remember everything it does, and it isn't currently listed on their website but you can call Unichip if you're interested. The GM said that they have currently contracted a third party programmer to get Flux-1 to work with iOS and Android. He expects it to be done "soon".
5) The only tuning limitation with the UnichipQ is forced induction. If you might even remotely opt for FI in the future you'll want to spend the extra $40 and get the UnichipQ+, which is essentially the UnichipQ with boost accommodations.
At this point my plan is to get back out there sometime this week (I have a few more questions for them but felt bad for keeping them so late) and get the UnichipQ+ ($330), the personal tuner package ($290) and depending on how accessible the harness is and how confident I feel about hacking it up, possibly having Aaron install it for me. The GM said it would take him less than 20min to install. That is the Unichip with every 350Z, and G35 map they have (They still don't have one for the FX35), the two way selector which I will set to "aggressive" and "valet". the USB cable and the fully functional tuner software package for $620 out the door. $720 if I chicken out on the install. I also may upgrade to one of the Flux interface kits later if I get bored. Honestly though with the data logging capabilities of the tuner package I don't think it's very likely. The reason I didn't opt for the 5-way switch is for the sake of the Flux upgrade.
Anyone have any questions they want me to ask when I go back? I'm hoping it will be tomorrow, but this week for sure.
Tim, just call Aaron or be sure to meet him. Tell him Ed with the 2003 FX45 sent you and you want the deal for your FX35.
In actuality, the 02 sideband sensor and data logger is what I am getting with Handy_Andy and a few others. The Flux2 is nice but not required for tuning.
Can you ask the GM if the Flux2 can store data for custom tuning without a laptop?
Pm me for more details, but it is a material difference.
In actuality, the 02 sideband sensor and data logger is what I am getting with Handy_Andy and a few others. The Flux2 is nice but not required for tuning.
Can you ask the GM if the Flux2 can store data for custom tuning without a laptop?
Pm me for more details, but it is a material difference.
- Location
- Portland, OR
By "data logger" do you mean the shop version of the tuning software?
I did, and it can't. It's basically a fancy switch. It does some other cool stuff but to be honest I changed the subject when he mentioned the upcoming Flux-1 revamp. I figured I can deal with the 2-way until they update the F1, and at that time I can really compare the F1 and F2. Both of which are also 5-way switches, btw.
Damien, I'm on the 350Z maps. Mine 35 run perfectly fine. The 45 (Ed & Chris) guys are running rich. We're getting the AFR Combo from Aaron and their ScanXL scantool to log the data for custom maps.
Cool...thx Andy. I'll be getting the 350Z maps also....then I'll see if I really need
a custom tune.
- Location
- Portland, OR
I just got home! I dropped your name and got the hookup! Left with a UnichipQ for the FX, a UnichipQ+ for the wife's A4, all Audi/VW, Nissan/Infiniti maps, fully supported tuner software for both, USB interface cable, two 2-way map selector switches, and a pre-order for the PLX wideband sensor+module+digital gauge.
I waited on the scan tool because I didn't really get a chance to research them yet. I figure I have enough reading to do (the chip manual is 750 pages long) before I start changing anything anyway. I think I'll probably end up going with the PC based software version just so I don't have to keep track of another little black (or red as the case may be) box.
BTW, that pre-ordered wideband package is a STEAL at $199. I saw the one that has the display built in that goes for $315. Not as cool by a long shot.
I also asked one of the techs about the Flux-1 supporting Android in the future. His reply (with a skeptical expression) was "that's a long way off". Bummer. I really liked the idea of the Flux-2's functionality sans box.
Overall, I'm stoked to get this thing installed!
I waited on the scan tool because I didn't really get a chance to research them yet. I figure I have enough reading to do (the chip manual is 750 pages long
) before I start changing anything anyway. I think I'll probably end up going with the PC based software version just so I don't have to keep track of another little black (or red as the case may be) box. BTW, that pre-ordered wideband package is a STEAL at $199. I saw the one that has the display built in that goes for $315. Not as cool by a long shot.
I also asked one of the techs about the Flux-1 supporting Android in the future. His reply (with a skeptical expression) was "that's a long way off". Bummer. I really liked the idea of the Flux-2's functionality sans box.
Overall, I'm stoked to get this thing installed!
Wow Tim, what map did you got for the FX. Aaron loaded me up with the 350Z 93 Octane, 91 Octane, 83 Octane, Valet and Immobilizer. Since you only have the default on/off toggle switch for now. Low the highest Octane map and a "normal/regular" will be good. I love the way it drive more then whatever map he put on it originally. Ed, Chris and I also got their AFR Combo. Ed worked on Aaron an got us a great deal on the Combo. Kudo for Ed on the AFR Combo.
- Location
- Portland, OR
The default "off" setting is the 350z 91 octane performance file (we don't have 93 here in Portland. :sad and the switch will activate valet mode.
Thanks to both you (Andy) and Ed for the leg work! I probably would not have looked so much into this option without you guys.
Quick correction: The UnichipQ cannot be installed in my Audi as it is for NA applications only. The UnichipQ+ is the one that's compatible with NA and FI applications.
and the switch will activate valet mode. Thanks to both you (Andy) and Ed for the leg work! I probably would not have looked so much into this option without you guys.
Quick correction: The UnichipQ cannot be installed in my Audi as it is for NA applications only. The UnichipQ+ is the one that's compatible with NA and FI applications.
Last edited:
- Location
- Portland, OR
I talked to Aaron this evening and got my tuning software installed. I also downloaded all the applicable maps, diagrams, manuals, and vehicle specific schematics from their remote server.
One thing that I love love love about the Unichip tuning interface that differs from the standalone EMS tuning software that I played with recently is that the adjustments are delta figures rather than absolute figures. By that I mean a "0" in a fuel map cell indicates an unaltered OEM value, as opposed to zero fuel being delivered. Much less stressful as you get closer to an ideal figure. It's like having the stock ECU as a tuning safety net. If you alter a value that creates a dangerous condition, the stock ecu will step in and keep your screw up from doing any real damage. Maybe that's just how all piggyback setups work, I don't know. Either way it's awesome. I can't wait for the wideband kit and scan tool to arrive. Hopefully I'll be familiar enough with the system by then to start actually doing something.
One thing that I love love love about the Unichip tuning interface that differs from the standalone EMS tuning software that I played with recently is that the adjustments are delta figures rather than absolute figures. By that I mean a "0" in a fuel map cell indicates an unaltered OEM value, as opposed to zero fuel being delivered. Much less stressful as you get closer to an ideal figure. It's like having the stock ECU as a tuning safety net. If you alter a value that creates a dangerous condition, the stock ecu will step in and keep your screw up from doing any real damage. Maybe that's just how all piggyback setups work, I don't know. Either way it's awesome. I can't wait for the wideband kit and scan tool to arrive. Hopefully I'll be familiar enough with the system by then to start actually doing something.
I have some questions that hopefully one of you can answer for me. I have a friend that is selling a Unichip that was installed on his Toyota. Questions that I have are:
From what I have read it seems that if I bought it I would need a new harness for Infiniti(possible to wire in to the factory harness to negate buying a new harness?)
Do I need to buy something else to get access to maps for my car or does my friend already have access to maps and not know it(he said any performance shop could "upgrade" it for me)
Are there any other things I would need to make it work on my FX?
thanks guys
From what I have read it seems that if I bought it I would need a new harness for Infiniti(possible to wire in to the factory harness to negate buying a new harness?)
Do I need to buy something else to get access to maps for my car or does my friend already have access to maps and not know it(he said any performance shop could "upgrade" it for me)
Are there any other things I would need to make it work on my FX?
thanks guys
1) If it is a UniChip Q or Q+ it will work.
2) You will either need a) new harness b) hard wire it. I highly recommend getting a new harness.
3) You will need new a new map or maps loaded.
My suggestion is to call Unichip and ask for Aaron, drop my name and that you need the following:
1) UniChip reflashed with maps for your car. Tell him you want the 350z one.
2) new harness for your car.
That's it. He will email you a ticket number and instructions on how to mail it to him.
You will get special pricing.
2) You will either need a) new harness b) hard wire it. I highly recommend getting a new harness.
3) You will need new a new map or maps loaded.
My suggestion is to call Unichip and ask for Aaron, drop my name and that you need the following:
1) UniChip reflashed with maps for your car. Tell him you want the 350z one.
2) new harness for your car.
That's it. He will email you a ticket number and instructions on how to mail it to him.
You will get special pricing.
- Location
- Portland, OR
^His name is Ed btw...