Best Parts for a modest NA tune and potential for FI

[wahsaihin]

Hey Guys,

At first I was very set on going for the AVO Turbo + ECUTek (required) tuning software, but after reading some posts about OpenFlash, I am inclined to consider this an option too.

With that, I'm considering a modest NA build with parts that are ideal for the most popular OpenFlash roms that deal with Intake/Header/Exhaust modifications. I'm wondering what modifications work best with these roms but also have the versatility to work with a turbo set up in the future if I choose, without having to modify or change those parts.

I figure I would go this route to save money (in the short term) and still get some gains with parts that can hopefully be re-used for an FI setup if I feel it's not quite what I want. I'm not really big on lots of horsepower and I'm of the school of thought that the BRZ/FR-S just needs a *bit more* power.

Thanks for the advice.

[jflogerzi]

Depends on which FI option your leaning towards. If its a S/C, then a header and tune are your best bang for your buck to get a decent power gain now and still can reuse later. If your going Turbo, then your limited really to everything after the headers. You can go with a few headers that are NA and turbo friendly. FA20Club and P/L are the only 2 that come to mind. Everything else really does not make to much power. A bit more power is a relative goal. Even with most bolt-ons, don't expect more then 25 additional WHP and close to that number in TQ. If you have E85, add 10 HP and TQ to those numbers. But the foundation for any mod is a proper tune from a good tuner. The platform on which the tuner uses should not matter. I hope what i posted helps.

[Circuit Motorsports]

If you plan on going turbo the only thing You can really get right now is a catback/front-pipe. A turbo manifold would completely replace the Header and most kits come with their own Intake.

If you plan on going with a Supercharger kit then you would be safe with Headers on back, I wouldn't waste money on an intake because that would be replaced as well.

Ecutek is the only software right now that supports both N/A and FI, and it is ideal for both, so it can "grow" with your setup. Just choose a good tuner.

We are always happy to answer any questions you might have!

-Tristan

[wahsaihin]

Thanks guys. I would actually be very happy with around 250 hp vs the stock 200 hp. I have had a 240 hp Honda s2000 and a 300 hp Acura NSX; and I think that for the weight of the BRZ, I would be content with 250 hp for a while. Would like to see most of the improvement in the lower to mid range, but the upper range could use a bit too. Is an NA setup possible to achieve this?

ECU/Tuning: OpenFlash + one of their pre-set roms?
Header: FA20Club or P/L?
Exhaust: Catback exhaust + resonated test pipe?
Intake: Stock?

Is 30-35 whp or 50 hp achievable with these parts and a proper tune?

[jflogerzi]

30-35 yes with e85 only. 50 NA is just not possible at this time. If you want 250hp Forced Induction is the only way you will achieve your goal. Good luck

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk

[vgi]

Originally Posted by Circuit Motorsports

Ecutek is the only software right now that supports both N/A and FI, and it is ideal for both, so it can "grow" with your setup.
-Tristan

That's total BS. There is a decent amount of tuners using BrzEdit for NA and FI tuning. As soon as logging is out on OFT tuners will also be able to tune any setup.
What's up with most of your posts pushing EcuTek? If it were I getting a tune you'd be last tuner I'd go to as it seems you're not being fair to any other products out there besides the ones you sell.

[FR-S Matt]

Originally Posted by vgi

That's total BS. There is a decent amount of tuners using BrzEdit for NA and FI tuning. As soon as logging is out on OFT tuners will also be able to tune any setup.
What's up with most of your posts pushing EcuTek? If it were I getting a tune you'd be last tuner I'd go to as it seems you're not being fair to any other products out there besides the ones you sell.

Well, considering he's listed Ecutek Master Tuner in the signature, that should be a good key indicator. Would you go and sell your competitors products for them? I sure wouldn't, especially if I'm not making money off of it.

[vgi]

Originally Posted by FR-S Matt

Well, considering he's listed Ecutek Master Tuner in the signature, that should be a good key indicator. Would you go and sell your competitors products for them? I sure wouldn't, especially if I'm not making money off of it.

well, this isn't a private EcuTek store but an opened public forum where people expect to learn about available options. there are vendors and classifieds sections for what you're referring to.

PS problem of US - all is about money, anything goes.

[utekineir]

vendors gonna vend

[mid_life_crisis]

If you want to start NA and then go turbo, it looks like FA20Club is your best bet. They have a header that works well NA but is designed to be used with their turbo kit (good reviews) as well and will work with you when it is time to upgrade.

[cantholdanymore]

Originally Posted by wahsaihin

Thanks guys. I would actually be very happy with around 250 hp vs the stock 200 hp. I have had a 240 hp Honda s2000 and a 300 hp Acura NSX; and I think that for the weight of the BRZ, I would be content with 250 hp for a while. Would like to see most of the improvement in the lower to mid range, but the upper range could use a bit too. Is an NA setup possible to achieve this?

ECU/Tuning: OpenFlash + one of their pre-set roms?
Header: FA20Club or P/L?
Exhaust: Catback exhaust + resonated test pipe?
Intake: Stock?

Is 30-35 whp or 50 hp achievable with these parts and a proper tune?

Save your money. I'm on the same boat as you but from users reviews in this forum it looks like you need to go FI. I'm inclined to the innovative s/c.

[Hawaiian]

As stated before, the P&L header works with na and FI options. It fits with all of the current SC options, and it also fits with their turbo kit. If you do go with their kit you get a discount as well.

[Circuit Motorsports]

Originally Posted by vgi

That's total BS. There is a decent amount of tuners using BrzEdit for NA and FI tuning. As soon as logging is out on OFT tuners will also be able to tune any setup.
What's up with most of your posts pushing EcuTek? If it were I getting a tune you'd be last tuner I'd go to as it seems you're not being fair to any other products out there besides the ones you sell.

Originally Posted by vgi

well, this isn't a private EcuTek store but an opened public forum where people expect to learn about available options. there are vendors and classifieds sections for what you're referring to.

PS problem of US - all is about money, anything goes.

Originally Posted by utekineir

vendors gonna vend

Originally Posted by FR-S Matt

Well, considering he's listed Ecutek Master Tuner in the signature, that should be a good key indicator. Would you go and sell your competitors products for them? I sure wouldn't, especially if I'm not making money off of it.

It actually is true, BRZedit is not setup ideally for a turbocharged car.

Ecutek is the only software that will allow you to manage boost electronically via the ECU.

It is also the only software that allows you to build in electronic overboost protection (monitoring manifold pressure).

There are a lot of misconceptions with some of the software out right now and people are unfortunately learning it the hard way.

I know some guys will look at our posts and think - "Ah they are just pushing what they sell, Jerks, Blasphemers"!

That's fine, we just post facts and what we know. When/If other good tuning solutions come out that support the 86 and can do both tuning, logging, N/A, and FI the eight way, we'll support that too. We primarily tune WRX/STi's with Cobb, so we just don't push "one" software, we recommend what we know works best. Best is usually not the cheapest.

But as of RIGHT NOW, the ONLY tuning software that can do FI correctly, with the electronic control and safeties, is EcuTek.

[UnOvertime]

Yeah unfortunately, right now, getting to 250hp is not going to happen without FI.

The FA20club header is compatible with their kit, but that pretty much locks you into buying their kit. The fa20club kit is about 4k total which is not bad for everything to get you to your goal. The problem with saving money in the short term almost always means you spend more in the long term.

I would save money and get what you really want the first time although I know how hard it is to tell yourself to wait when you want something now.

As for the debate on tuning software, it depends on what you are comfortable with and what research you have done. You only have to justify your choice to yourself. Someone will always have another view and see another product as superior because they don't like something about product A. There are plenty of threads about Ecutek v unichip, BRZedit and now openflash so just browse around those to try and make an informed decision, I know it is really tough with all the information to find the "best".

Good luck with your research and build.