OpenFlash Tablet VS EcuTek tuning

[stlgrym3]

i'm new at this software tuning stuff. i had my mind made up to purchase an OpenFlash tablet to for stage1 (for now) and possibly stage2 tuning after i get a catless header, until i saw the thread about EcuTek. from a nutshell both gain similar numbers for stage 1, OFT you can do it on your own, whereas EcuTek you can take to a tuning shop and do it. which route is more reliable? any pros and cons for both of them? this is strictly for stage1 and stage2 tuning, nothing crazy, no FI.

[Teseo]

1st

[Spuds]

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=106068

Read through that if you haven't already. I started down this path this time last year and went with OFT if that helps.

[stlgrym3]

^^^thanks. i'm still leaning toward OFT, however, i've read for 2017 model we were have to send OpenFlash the factory ECU file and then wait for them to send you the new tune for 2017 model specifically. i understand the reason behind that since the manual equipped 2017 models have different manifolds, but mine is an auto, do i still wait for the new tune or just use the current one comes with the tablet?

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by stlgrym3

^^^thanks. i'm still leaning toward OFT, however, i've read for 2017 model we were have to send OpenFlash the factory ECU file and then wait for them to send you the new tune for 2017 model specifically. i understand the reason behind that since the manual equipped 2017 models have different manifolds, but mine is an auto, do i still wait for the new tune or just use the current one comes with the tablet?

The 2017+ software is actually different than earlier years as I understand it. Doubtful that the OFT would ship with anything for a 2017 since those files are still in beta. Meaning that you would not be able to flash your car with the OFT since it only let's you flash a file with the correct CALID as a safety feature. That is, unless you got the correct beta files from Shiv.

[stlgrym3]

why is it ECUTek tuning packages for stage 1 and 2 are substantially more expensive than OFT versions? does ECUTek tuning allows you to revert back to stock ROM like OFT does? lastly, OFT tuning is pretty straight forward according to youtube videos, how difficult is it for ECUTek? do i need a shop to do it?

[steve99]

Originally Posted by stlgrym3

why is it ECUTek tuning packages for stage 1 and 2 are substantially more expensive than OFT versions? does ECUTek tuning allows you to revert back to stock ROM like OFT does? lastly, OFT tuning is pretty straight forward according to youtube videos, how difficult is it for ECUTek? do i need a shop to do it?

Same level of skill requored to tune NA car if you ise ecutek or oft.

On na car no great advanrage usong ecutek unless yo want multiple maps or fanch launch flat foot sgift auto blip fwatures.
If you jist want basic na a tune pick the cheaper option


Oft comes with basic NA tunes as part of package

Ecutek does not come with ant tunes other than stock roms

Both systems can flash back to stock if needed

But ecutek lcience will remain in ecu once you have used ecutek and that licience is detectable.

Its possible to remove the ecutek licience but then you would need to purchased another one to tune ecutek again and they are $300

Ecutek has more features but if you dont use or need them then its not worth thte money

[stlgrym3]

^^^ thank you for the reply. Can I use OFT for stage 1 tune now and then change it to stage 2 after I get the catless header? Do I need to flash my car back to oem first then do the stage 2 tuning or just a straight upgrade from stage 1 to stage 2?

[Spuds]

Originally Posted by stlgrym3

^^^ thank you for the reply. Can I use OFT for stage 1 tune now and then change it to stage 2 after I get the catless header? Do I need to flash my car back to oem first then do the stage 2 tuning or just a straight upgrade from stage 1 to stage 2?

The OFT marries to your car, then you can load any tune you want. Flashing from stock to stage1 is the same process as flashing from stage1 to stage2. It just replaces the tune file on the the ECU with another one.

[stlgrym3]

Originally Posted by Spuds

The 2017+ software is actually different than earlier years as I understand it. Doubtful that the OFT would ship with anything for a 2017 since those files are still in beta. Meaning that you would not be able to flash your car with the OFT since it only let's you flash a file with the correct CALID as a safety feature. That is, unless you got the correct beta files from Shiv.

i PM'd Shiv about this, and yet to have his reply. can anyone confirm this? i'm so itch to buy the OFT tablet for my 2017

[stlgrym3]

if i plan to go FI eventually, is does Ecutek a better buy than OFT? i have my new OFT about to delivered to me this week, but still contemplating on returning it for Ecutek

[steve99]

Originally Posted by stlgrym3

if i plan to go FI eventually, is does Ecutek a better buy than OFT? i have my new OFT about to delivered to me this week, but still contemplating on returning it for Ecutek

oft will be ok for FI if you want to run one of the supported turbo kits like SBD kit and your happy to run the kit out of the box. If you want to do stuff like electronic boost control then your better going ecutek. Or you want to run a different kit that will need custom dyno time. Or you want map switching features.

If your car is a 2017 oft doesnt have flex option or the overboost cut for those cars yet , and it might be a way off

So for 2017+ FI you will need ecutek in most cases

[Teseo]

@steve99
2016 and early models will see benefits with v3 tunes?

[steve99]

Originally Posted by Teseo

@steve99
2016 and early models will see benefits with v3 tunes?

v3/V4 tunes for 2012-2016 cars are more aggressive than the v2 tunes, you will need good fuel to get the benefit on v3/v4 tunes. If your on 91 limited benifit