This is easy,
Here are the numbers behind my post above Phantom ESC (the way most owners will run it) vs. Innovative/Sprintex Stg.1. More torque, nearly equal HP, better torque curve. Add e85 and the ESC sometimes matches a Stg 1 Innovative on both numbers. For a much smaller total investment. @
dtek, In my case this is not spiruking, it's the sound of a person who took a risk, invested a fair amount of money and time to be rewarded with over-delivery on value and customer service by @
Robftss (and @
fenton) The enthusiasm is the sound of a satisfied owner. Odd to car forums that are generally filled with dissatisfied voices, trolls (overt or in attempted disguise), competing vendors with F.U.D. attempts, or worse. In the case of ESCs in general my prediction is that there will continue to be a growing chorus of content voices like the many you read here. @
Robftss and @
shiv@vishnu freaking nailed it.
The Phantom ESC is:
- MUCH less expensive
- Offers more torque with a better torque curve for street and track
- Nearly square with the Innovative on WHP. Sometimes bests the Innovative Stg1 in WHP when the ESC is on e85.
- Cheaper to upgrade to e85 due to OFT tune (thanks @shiv@vishnu).
- Less complex with fewer moving parts.Probably much more reliable due to solid state technology.
- Much lighter weight.
- Owner installable.
- Owner removable.
- "Trackable" with $35 upgrade (thanks @Thatruth2001 @nlowell @Sojhinn @Target70)
Phantom ESC
TQ25024V 1.5 + OFT -
est $2400 installed
Install time - 2hrs does not require technical skills or special tools. Remove in 45 minutes for dealer visits
Performance
Pump 93 1.5x - 208 WHP - 192 WTQ @
Thatruth2001
Pump 93 2.0x - 217 WHP - 195 WTQ @
shiv@vishnu
e85 - 223 WHP / 201 WTQ @
Sojhinn beta e85 tune without 1.5 dump upgrade or header. 1.5 upgrade will add est 6-10/6-10 - header will add est 6-10/6-9.
Final est. 235-242 WHP/213 - 220 WTQ
Innovative (Sprintex) Stg 1 SC
+ ECUTEK Tune - est $3700 -
est $4400 installed
Install time - 6 hrs - May require mechanic unless buyer is skilled mechanic (6x100hr labor = $600-$700). Remove in ??? for dealer visits.
Performance
Pump 93 - 225 WHP / 184 WTQ
e85 (add Flexfuel kit + Tune $1000) -
253WHP / 204 WTQ
Stg 2 - $4695 + $600 - $700 labor -
est $5400 installed
Pump 93 - est 243 / 201 WTQ
e85 (add Flexfuel kit + Tune $1000)
- 268/220
Innovative Stg 1 (as far as I could tell) OWNER LIST (by serial number/production date)
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40066
FEBRUARY 2013 PRODUCTION
S5-210-050213-0005 @
Alabang 86 
160/--- 
210/---
S5-210-050213-0009 @
stockysnail 
206/158
249/202
S5-210-130213-0003 @
zcarter92 N/A
237/193
S5-210-130213-0013 @
whataboutbob N/A
206/174
S5-210-140213-0002 @
Assunta N/A
234/198
S5-210-150213-0003 @
sw20kosh N/A
233/181 (pre 5/24 tuner)
S5-210-150213-0005 @
xjohnx 185/149 240/199
S5-210-150213-0023 @
swift996 175/161 236/196
S5-210-180213-0005 @
NickFRS 190/150 239/203
S5-210-180213-0012 @
DarrenDriven 163/139 244/199
S5-210-210213-0005 @
evo4g63 N/A
242/197
S5-210-210213-0010 @
Ethan 152/125
190/160
S5-210-210213-0020 @20firestorm13 N/A 225/184 (93) 253/204 (E85)
MARCH 2013 PRODUCTION
S5-210-080313-0002 @
Kodename47 166/140
230/184
S5-210-140313-0003 @Ryan86 (Sprintex Stage 2) 154/141 268/220
SHORT SERIAL NUMBER? (MEANING?)
SERIAL NUMBER NEEDED @
BerkTechnology 160/136 213/181 (pre 5/24 tuner)
SERIAL NUMBER NEEDED @
Jerf 150/125 218/174
SERIAL NUMBER NEEDED @
Pure Automotive N/A
266/216 (SC owner is shop's customer)
SERIAL NUMBER NEEDED @
robispec 139/120 252/216 (pre 5/24 tuner)
SERIAL NUMBER NEEDED @
TemeCal
SERIAL NUMBER NEEDED @
trackjunkie 164/136 228/178