Aside from the gains, how does OFT differ from Unichip or Ecutek?
 

So I had a Unichip, which was a piggyback and never flashed the ECU. I don't want a full Ecutek or dyno tune where it flashes my ECU for warranty purposes. So the next option would be OFT. Is it similar to an Accessport? I've looked at some of the threads but there's so much info to try and sift through in threads that are so long.

I guess I'm just wanting someone to tell me in the simplest terms what exactly OFT does to tune the car and how it's better than the other options out there. I have a full exhaust (headerback right now with an FT86SpeedFactory catted header on the way) a drop in filter and inlet hose. I would like to squeeze even more power out of it and I keep seeing more people recommend the OFT over anything else. Any simplified responses will be much appreciated.

OFT ref lashes the ECU just like Ecutek, it's just a different tool. If warranty concerns keep you from Ecutek, the same concerns would keep you from OFT.

It's not that OFT is really better than the other options, it's just cheaper and the tunes can be shared, unlike the locked down Ecutek tunes.

I think the concern with ecutek is that flashing back to a stock flash isn't really stock flash. It still has unique license information written in the ROM. Whereas the OFT reads your original flash and stores it in memory. So flashing back to stock restored your original ROM, byte for byte.

Huge advantage to OFT is the dead simple 5 minute reflash to stock should you need warranty work done.

They all have their advantages and disadvantages. Except unichip, which frankly has no real advantages at this point.

Basically oft is cheaper. Ecutek is more powerful. Both are equally 'open' given your tuner is willing to unlock your ecutek rom. Oft maps are all open, but that's because they're ots maps, not custom tunes from a tuner bespoke to your car (yet, people will start tuning with it once some features are added in sure, mainly logging).

I always tell people if you want a tune for your car, get oft. If you want to tune your car, get ecutek. If you're running a turbo, ecutek is the way to go for now but that will likely change in due time.

But at the end of the day if your NA and all you want is a bit more power and no o2 codes, oft is the one for you. If you want a custom tune for your car, either done by you or a pro, go ecutek.

You'll also need ecutek if you're running larger injectors until more logging params are added.

Enhanced datalogging will be enabled next week by my estimates. To me, being able to view and log data without a laptop makes for a pretty powerful user tuning device.

EDIT, NeverMind :)

There's lots of 'marketing' to sift through, but the reality is that an EcuTek tune is supported by MANY tuners, not just one. So if you get an EcuTek based tune from us or anyone else, if you're not happy for any reason you are able to get a tune from someone else on the cheap. EcuTek has many more features and is scalable to any power level, has RaceROM features, and custom mapping that works well for FI. Even if you choose to stay NA, the ability to go flex fuel and make custom traction control maps is awesome.

In regards to going back to stock, having the EcuTek license in the ECU is a simple hash code that is written in empty space, and has no bearing on performance. Just like hooking up a datalogger or scan tool doesn't void the warranty, placing an EcuTek license (but with a stock tune) cannot be used to void the warranty on the car. That and I'm not aware of a single dealer that checks for an ecutek license. If you really wanted to you could remove it as well.

Yes, there is a lot of marketing to sift through :)

Btw, the presence of the ecutek license alters the checksum of the ROM file. Which makes it easy to tell if it's been tampered with.

Checksums are easy to see by a software engineer. I have not yet met a service adviser who makes warranty judgments who is also one.

And if we're on checksums, they could theoretically see the flash count anyway so it won't matter if it is OFT, EcuTek, or any other suite. Even then, it has no bearing on the warranty except on the ECU itself.

Highly recommend OFT. If these other tuners would stop using outdated shoddy business practices, I'd purchase tuning from them. But since Shiv is awesome and OFT works perfectly, and also allows me freedom to modify & take my tune elsewhere, I'm loving it.

Also, something to note is *all* the OTS maps are free including e85, header, 91 oct, etc.

Where in the ROM is the flash count Mike? Address?

Just my .02, as big of a pita as it is to have to flash all the time when tuning, I'd consider having to add another step transferring the map to a device first to be a serious practical drawback. Especially considering you have no map switching to aid in this area. Dyno time isn't cheap.

And we shouldn't argue over which device makes it easier to defraud your dealer.

Well as oft doesn't support rom editing on the device it's self this doesn't benefit me when tuning. Since I have my laptop in front of me at the time to edit the tune it ends up actually taking more effort to download the logs from oft then view them on my laptop vs logging straights the computer. I think a handheld with logging has quite a few benefits I even made my own that was compatible with ecutek datloggimg for these reasons but for tuning I feel the point is mute, and mostly marketing.

I tell people if they are going to stick to minor bolt one and aren't looking to pinch every last hp out or high boost oft is great. But if they plan on dyno time the time in flash time alone ends up costing the same if nit mire than the difference of an ecutek cable and license.

P.S. what can I expect to be added with the new data logging? I would love to nit have to meet people and use my ecutek cable for detailed logs, and have them simply log with their oft and email me their logs.