OFT - Warning about the company

[sirsol66]

I own 5 twins, with two on off the shelf tunes and two on custom tunes. The OTS tunes have been just fine. When I did my first custom tune (OFT300 with the vortech), we honestly had some times which were 1-3 weeks inbetween replies from Shiv. But, it wasn't my only car so it didnt bother me.

My second custom tune (OFT350 with the SBD kit) was a MUCH smoother process, with updated tunes basically every other day or so.

I still recommend OFT to everyone that asks me, especially for people newer or tuning or those who are happy with just simple bolt ons. Overall I agree he could use a few more employees but Ferrari's ain't cheap :P

[nikitopo]

Originally Posted by new2subaru

FWIW, I've read enough of these threads that I won't be purchasing an OFT.

Good for you!

[Tysoncrosby21]

I got a beta tune email from him 3 months ago. Have followed up with multiple questions all to the same address he sent the tune file from. Not a single reply. I'm SO glad I got my OFT for free. I wouldn't pay 500 dollars to support shiv based on his recent track record with customer service and support.

Don't get me wrong, it's a simple, easy way to get into tuning the car. But if you have issues or concerns, good luck.

[Baron_T]

I have to tell you all that this hasn't been my experience at all: I had a problem with the mid-march software update to my OFT messing up logging. I emailed Shiv on March 20th, and he replied with a fixed template file the evening of the next day.

I'm a software engineer and understand how things can go, particularly at a small shop. I'm happy with this, and am continuing to use my OFT to lock in MAF values and such.

[Shady195]

Originally Posted by sirsol66

I own 5 twins, with two on off the shelf tunes and two on custom tunes. The OTS tunes have been just fine. When I did my first custom tune (OFT300 with the vortech), we honestly had some times which were 1-3 weeks inbetween replies from Shiv. But, it wasn't my only car so it didnt bother me.

My second custom tune (OFT350 with the SBD kit) was a MUCH smoother process, with updated tunes basically every other day or so.

I still recommend OFT to everyone that asks me, especially for people newer or tuning or those who are happy with just simple bolt ons. Overall I agree he could use a few more employees but Ferrari's ain't cheap :P

On a mostly stock/NA car i'd recommend OFT all day long..

On an FI car I don't think I could after using ECUTek (Mind you my SBD kit was tuned with Shiv before i went ECUTek). Proper overboost protection. Fast map switching, the ability to use an EBCS, the ability to re-puprose stock inputs and outputs (02, evap), aftermarket wideband integration (Especially with AEM's failsafe unit) etc etc

All useful things that help ensure a good running/safe car.

[Shiv@Openflash]

Hi guys,
Unfortunately, what keeps us busy most of the day (custom e-tuning support) cannot be done by anyone else other than myself. So it's not unusual for e-tuning customers to wait 1-2 days for tune revisions once a data log is provided. At any given time, I am supporting 30-40 e-tuning customers. Throw in a couple hundred tech support related emails a day and things are bound to slip through the cracks from time to time. This past year, we have set up a few high volume dealers to take some of the support load and that has been working out well. But with 300-500 new OFT customers per month, we are always in the process of evolving to meet customer needs. A perpetual game of catch-up if you will. It's not ideal. But adding new employees isn't always the answer when the support provided is often high level. In the past I have had to deal with the aftermath of "trained" employees providing wrong or confusing information to customers. For something as critical as engine management, I feel much more comfortable handing that myself. It's not torture by any means since I love what I do. But the downside is customers sometimes having to wait longer than they want to wait for a response.

[BRZoomTX]

Originally Posted by D_Thissen

Seems like now that he has his Ferrari he has zero f*cks to give. Its too bad.

Out of line comments like this are why vendors don't spend the time replying to requests outside of email. Just saying... That was a completely uncalled for connection.

You ever see all the OFT threads in here? Did you ever stop to think how one guy could keep up with so many people using his product?

The guy's company blew up and he is trying to keep up. I don't even use OFT (ecutek), but even I can see this guy is trying hard to keep up with the request load and maintain his reputation. Every issue I see people mention regarding OFT usually always gets resolved. You can't say the same for every company out there.

Cut him some slack, sheesh... Just my $0.02, but thats worth nothing on the internet of course.

[Chronology]

Originally Posted by BRZoomTX

Out of line comments like this are why vendors don't spend the time replying to requests outside of email. Just saying... That was a completely uncalled for connection.

You ever see all the OFT threads in here? Did you ever stop to think how one guy could keep up with so many people using his product?

The guy's company blew up and he is trying to keep up. I don't even use OFT (ecutek), but even I can see this guy is trying hard to keep up with the request load and maintain his reputation. Every issue I see people mention regarding OFT usually always gets resolved. You can't say the same for every company out there.

Cut him some slack, sheesh... Just my $0.02, but thats worth nothing on the internet of course.

While I agree with you on some points a few things I think should be added.

1. This is a community of car lovers, sometimes people vent, it's not up to us to say their venting is correct or not.*****

2. I think threads like this are a HUGE opportunity for the seller/vendor/guy trying to make a buck to respond to, professionally. As Shiv's above post said, he supporting 30-40 cars PLUS a ton of other things. Engine management is a huge risk and shit could go wrong, while I personally believe it's not anyone's business how you, myself or anyone else INCLUDING Shiv spends his money. If he wants X car that's on HIM.

3. This is a bit size ways on my first point - I think comments positive or negative should have some type of foundation. Personal attacks should be checked at the door, if you are unhappy tell the community what the ISSUE is. The ISSUE is not the vendors car, home or where he/she spends money.

4. Proper understanding of how this market works, you are NOT spending 300/hr for a tuner, you are NOT on a dyno. You WILL wait for CUSTOM work. Hell I am on ECUTek and worked with another tuner, I got my basic tune and spent 2 weeks getting SOLID logs, everything was noted for the tuner for them to have the BEST understanding of what I was doing. It took my tuner another 2 weeks to get back to me JUST to tell me they are reviewing, 1 week later I had my tune. DO NOT HAVE EXPECTATIONS like you are sitting on a dyno with the tuner in your car. If you want that, go pay for it.

If I was going to stay N/A I would 100% backup Shiv and his OFT. I know tons of cars that have it in my area, the owners LOVE it and it's at a price point for most people who want ECM/ECU management to reach. If you don't belive me check out the costs of other car ECU/ECM prodcuts. My Si on Hondata (K-Pro) was way more then an OFT and tune.

Ill toss another $0.02 in with BRZoomTX.

[86geek]

Originally Posted by Shiv@Openflash

Hi guys,
Unfortunately, what keeps us busy most of the day (custom e-tuning support) cannot be done by anyone else other than myself. So it's not unusual for e-tuning customers to wait 1-2 days for tune revisions once a data log is provided. At any given time, I am supporting 30-40 e-tuning customers. Throw in a couple hundred tech support related emails a day and things are bound to slip through the cracks from time to time. This past year, we have set up a few high volume dealers to take some of the support load and that has been working out well. But with 300-500 new OFT customers per month, we are always in the process of evolving to meet customer needs. A perpetual game of catch-up if you will. It's not ideal. But adding new employees isn't always the answer when the support provided is often high level. In the past I have had to deal with the aftermath of "trained" employees providing wrong or confusing information to customers. For something as critical as engine management, I feel much more comfortable handing that myself. It's not torture by any means since I love what I do. But the downside is customers sometimes having to wait longer than they want to wait for a response.

Your reply to address the comments in this thread has sold me on buying your OFT when my new car warranty expires in the fall. 👍👍👍👍

[EnoOnraefi]

Originally Posted by Chronology

While I agree with you on some points a few things I think should be added.

1. This is a community of car lovers, sometimes people vent, it's not up to us to say their venting is correct or not.*****

2. I think threads like this are a HUGE opportunity for the seller/vendor/guy trying to make a buck to respond to, professionally. As Shiv's above post said, he supporting 30-40 cars PLUS a ton of other things. Engine management is a huge risk and shit could go wrong, while I personally believe it's not anyone's business how you, myself or anyone else INCLUDING Shiv spends his money. If he wants X car that's on HIM.

3. This is a bit size ways on my first point - I think comments positive or negative should have some type of foundation. Personal attacks should be checked at the door, if you are unhappy tell the community what the ISSUE is. The ISSUE is not the vendors car, home or where he/she spends money.

4. Proper understanding of how this market works, you are NOT spending 300/hr for a tuner, you are NOT on a dyno. You WILL wait for CUSTOM work. Hell I am on ECUTek and worked with another tuner, I got my basic tune and spent 2 weeks getting SOLID logs, everything was noted for the tuner for them to have the BEST understanding of what I was doing. It took my tuner another 2 weeks to get back to me JUST to tell me they are reviewing, 1 week later I had my tune. DO NOT HAVE EXPECTATIONS like you are sitting on a dyno with the tuner in your car. If you want that, go pay for it.

If I was going to stay N/A I would 100% backup Shiv and his OFT. I know tons of cars that have it in my area, the owners LOVE it and it's at a price point for most people who want ECM/ECU management to reach. If you don't belive me check out the costs of other car ECU/ECM prodcuts. My Si on Hondata (K-Pro) was way more then an OFT and tune.

Ill toss another $0.02 in with BRZoomTX.

I can say that as a former small business owner myself Shiv is holding up marvelously. Trying to keep customers, family and yourself happy all at the same time is a very delicate balance. And supporting as many customers as he does is incredible. Yea he could train someone to take some of the load but it would take years to do so properly... Do you want a tune from " the new guy"? I know I don't

[PetrolioBenzina]

The internet exposes customers as d-bags more often than business owners.

[Ghost of Akina]

Originally Posted by PetrolioBenzina

The internet exposes customers as d-bags more often than business owners.

This ^

[brz11b]

Im honestly impressed with how active shiv is on forums, emails discussions etc. just my opinion. Ive had no bad experiences with the product people or services.

[RedFRS4me]

A few months back Shiv replaced my cracked prototype OFH that I bought from another member the same week I ordered from him while hooking me up with a discount even when I wasn't the original purchaser. He didn't have to honor any warranty or anything but he totally helped me anyway.

Every situation is different but give the guy the credit for the support Shiv has given for the 86/brz community. I love my tunes and OFH.