I've posted this on Nasioc.com and iwsti.com, but I'm organizing a tune with Doug from TopSpeed (www.topspeedsales.com). Doug is one of the most well known tuners in the states on Evos and STis and not only is knowledgeable, but extremely professional. This man gets results. Here is an excerpt from www.iwsti.com: Tuning Cost: Flat fee of $350 for a good daily driveable map. $50.00 an hour extra for any other special requests (extra Cobb protuner maps) Other details: He will need a $100 up front for a deposit so Doug can purchase a plane ticket to get here. That $100 deposit is part of the $350. The $350 will get you a reliable daily driven map on your setup. Doug told me that on average a tune will run anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours on average. Doug can tune the following engine management systems. AEM EMS, Hydra EMS, Ecutek, Cobb Access Port, Utec, Greddy E-manage, Apexi Power FC, Apexi SAFCII, and many more. Currently there are 6 people signed up. Doug needs a minimum of 5 people to make it worth the flight out to tune. Check out my post on iwsti.com and either signup there or pm/reply here. http://www.iwsti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42361 Thanks and hope to see you at the event. *** Just a note that the $350 does NOT include dyno fees. LSE Performance is charging $100/hr (same as RS Motors), so the final price for a GREAT tune is $450-500. Todd Here is the official sign up post on iwsti.com where I'm logging everyone attending: http://www.iwsti.com/forums/showpost.php?p=504735&postcount=1
I'm currently using Ecutek...I do not have to pay to register it again through Doug do i? I'm assuming that $350 includes retuning the ecutek? If I do not have to pay extra on top of the $350 I'd be interested to sign up for it...The only days I can make it is Fridays or Sundays though.
I just got off the phone with Doug. You're correct, only the $350 since you already have Ecutek. Sign up...this would mean only 1 more person would need to join and then I'll firm up dates with RS Motors and we can start seriously planning. **note, just b/c we get 5 people doesn't mean can't add more, so come one, come all, this should be a great event and a first for RS Motors in Burnsville. Out of this $350 comes about 1-1.5hrs of dyno tuning and about 30mins of road tuning, so really this is a great deal from a fantastic tuner. Also, Doug's motto is "he doesn't finish until it's perfect." TopSpeed is also a supplier of SMC Alcohol/Methanol injection kits. Considering the gas issues here in Mpls/St.Paul, this is a GREAT way to cheaply increase your overall octane, increase power safely, AND keep your combustion chamber clean since the alcohol cleans carbon build up Todd
RS Motors has held dyno days for us for the past 3 years. http://www.mnsubaru.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5185
^^ I saw that thread. Just trying to offer a bit of variety and I know several that have requested Doug. I've heard Jorge is a top-notch tuner as well. This is the first for RS Motors to tune with Doug, according to Ron at RS.
I'll put you on the list. Next, just think about what you want to do before now and then and get ready. Also, what timeframe would work for you? April ok? So, as of now this is the list: Day 1 1. RichWRX--PAID 2. RichWRX--PAID 3. RichWRX--PAID 4. SmoothSTi--PAID 5. 6 Day 2 23 April 1. 91TB78 (me--iwsti)--PAID 2. ZenBoy (iwsti)--PAID 3. Subaro (iwsti)--PAID 4. Sogonerg--PAID 5. esperunit-- 6 Doug only likes to tune for about 6 per day and we only need 5 as a minimum to get him out here..so 1 MORE slot..... Thanks, Todd
All of the timing comes down to those wanting to get tuned. Doug has availability starting in April, but we need to firm up the 5th member minimum and then I'll schedule dates for Doug and RS.
Well, if it were later than may I'd sign up. Just no point in getting tuned if I go Stage 2 right afte that.
I asked to be put up there if he does Link. this will save me from driving to Detroit to get a tune. yay.
I'm getting everything I need installed in March so April sounds good...I have tuned my REX already from Dynocomp, but I would prefer a local tune instead where the car gets dynoed and tweaked. I did a mail order ECU to Dynocomp...They did the best they can...But the car really should be on a dyno to get tuned, that's why I want to get re-tuned locally. $350 is a good price at it too.
What do you mean "no point in getting tuned if I go Stage 2 right after that?" Are you planning on getting the Cobb AP during the summer? Doug takes an "off the shelf" stage 2 map and then tunes it. Gains from the OTS map and a Protune vary, but people have gotten huge bumps in torque and usually 15-25hp to the wheels.
Esperunit, I've replied on iwsti to your question. I've contact TopSpeed and should something back tonight or tomorrow, but it shouldn't be a problem. Sogonerg, Dynocomp huh? Funny thing is I used to live in Tucson, AZ, but never took advantage of tuning shops there. I really wasn't ready to tune for power at that phase of owning my car. I've heard good things though. What else are you adding prior to the tune?
I have the AP right now. St. 1 I won't be St. 2 for some time yet I don't think. No point in getting tuned @ St. 1 when I'm going to upgrade to St. 2 a month after that. It would be a waste of money.
^^ I see. Well, if you can make it with Stg 2 before the summer that would be great since Doug really is a top-notch tuner. Are you just short the DP or the full TBE?
Sogonerg, Dynocomp huh? Funny thing is I used to live in Tucson, AZ, but never took advantage of tuning shops there. I really wasn't ready to tune for power at that phase of owning my car. I've heard good things though. What else are you adding prior to the tune?[/quote] Oh don't get me wrong...Dynocomp is great, but my car wasn't there physcially to get dyno tuned. I just told Richard my mods and basically cut and paste the Map for me (Mail order ECU). You can never tune a car perfectly without it being there. So it is just kind of like "guessing". But they did come close to where I want it. I just want to have it retuned to adjust the A/F Ratio and timing retard. I think that would help the irregular boost that I get from running rich. Believe me if Richard (dynocomp) was here I would take it to him in a Heartbeat...But I just do not want to travel 1500+ miles just for a tune. I have the VF34 setup with a few upgrades and adding Header/new upipe/larger Radiator, which should help cool & give it better air flow throughout. I'll be getting that done first week of March through LegacyPGT (mike). It should run fine until I get it retuned through Doug.
I see. I think you'll be very pleased with Doug. Sounds like you have a pretty loaded car. I'm looking forward to seeing it and chatting up about cars.
Yea...looking forward to meet with you guys! I'm already excited about the installs...haha...I also work for White Bear Subaru, you'd be suprise how many WRX we get with people thinking they can just slap stuff on WRX without tuning for it and blow a headgasket, Crack Block, plugs burnt (extra crispy) etc. A lot of kids that have too much $$$ and not enough knowledge about these cars.
Hey, solicit this tune to get those guys on track and running CORRECTLY!! We have 5 people signed up right now...I should find out more info regarding esperunit's question and then I'll reserve time with Doug and RS Motors. Sometime this week or early next week I'll need to work the deposits as well. Always good time to meet other enthusiasts!
Oh...I've dealt with the know it alls...I just decided to keep it to myself. Whoever is interested in fine tuning their WRX, I usually just bring it up during a conversation. The rest just don't care enough about their REX. Don't get me wrong...We do have people that is religous with the service maintanence, but just want to leave it stock. (warranty issue). Just me know how much deposit you need.
Yeah, I have the UP in, just need the DP and prolly a new muffler for better flow. I have a buddies wedding in St. Thomas Virgin Islands in May and its mucho $$$. Plus me and the old lady are finding a new place. Its a toss up between getting those parts or saving up more money for wheels and shoes. Is there a rough estimate of the date you'll be flying him out?
Dizmal, Yeah, I think probably towards the end of April. I need to get availability dates tomorrow from RS Motors and Top Speed. Another thing to think about is maybe going with a stock STi axle-back. It doesn't have the sound other aftermarket axel-backs have, but it's 2.5" piping and flows decently, plus you can get them used for less than $100 sometimes. I'm currently going to get tuned with a TurboXS Stealthback, probably intake, SMC alcohol injection, and other small supporting mods (fuel pump, colder spark plugs, and maybe new boost solenoid).
Well, I was probably going to go the cheap and eazy route with the ERZ dp and exhaust. They seem to be alright. Then somewhere down the line I'd replace the exhaust or just the muffler. Just put me down. I'm sure I will have more than enough money by then.
Great news! I've heard really good things on the ERZ DP and catback..just loud. Of course, the great thing about parts it you can resell, etc. Look on www.nasioc.com or www.iwsti.com for for-sale classifieds. I buy most of my stuff used to be able to budget.
Yeah, well I wouldn't mind keeping the ERZ catback. But I think it will be pretty F'n loud for my tastes. I originally wanted to go with the Borla Hush dual tip for a stock look and quiter sound. But thats quite a bit of money.
Depends on where you want to take it. I chose the Stealthback for power, but to keep it stock and subdued. Plus, I could always upgrade the muffler later on. I bought mine used for $500 shipped used. I've seen them lower too.
Alright guys, I need to get some info to finalize up this. Dates: April 15-16 or May 13-14 Granted this should only be 1 day of tuning since we have 6 people getting tuned, but I'm preparing more and therefore the whole weekend. Also, when you're ready call Doug or Tray at TopSpeed to give your CC # for the $100 deposit. 1866-94-SPEED. When you finish, post or PM here. If you have any questions, call me on my cell: 520-247-7544--Todd
Where are you located Todd? Can I give you the $100 and you can pay Doug for me? I just do not feel comfortable yet giving out my CC#
I live in Minnetonka off Hopkins Crossing off 394. I can do that and then just pay $200 instead. Send me a private message with your phone number and I'll call you. Todd
Nice chatting with you. Looking forward to meeting and the tune. As soon as you pay TopSpeed, let me know, and we'll be well on our way to this shindig!
UPDATE 17 Feb 1:30PM The date has been pushed back to the 23rd of April since the 16th is Easter. Also, we're scheduled with LSE Performance in Maple Grove for that date since RS was booked up. The good news is the price is the same or less, I'm still working out final numbers with Josh @ LSE. Additionally, they are getting in a new Dyno Dynamics dyno in we get to break-in properly!!! Enjoy, Todd Any questions call me at 520-247-7544 cell...and get your money into TopSpeed to secure everything.
I didn't know that LSE is Mitsu oriented. Should be a good time. Krees if you know anyone that wants to get in on this tune, direct them here. We have the required number covered, but it's always good to have others and expand the event.
^^ Good deal! Just let me know when you do send in payment so I can mark you off. I'm planning on calling Josh @ LSE Perf regarding the finalized details of the dyno use.
