Unichip Experience - Nov 26 2013

[exam2300]

Ok… My write up on the Unichip…
I went thru a thorough research of various avenues prior to taking part with this ‘Snake Oil Device (Make sure you read the entire review)”. I have a 2013 FR-S with Airraid CAI and a custom cat and back exhaust.
Install: It was as simple as it comes. It was a very simple process for it was literally plug-n-play. The instructions and videos out there really provided a good clean procedure of how to install this Unichip. So, overall on a rating scale of 1-10, this device deserves a 9.5. I deducted the .5 for the mounting of the unichip could be better configured. I would have allowed a bit more wiring to position the unichip elsewhere and not on top of the plastic box.

Quality & Build: The device seems to be pretty good quality. I live in Southern CA, so time will tell of how well this thing will hold up over time. Being the device is under the hood, I can’t imagine that it will go thru much rough weather. I would give this device a rating of 9 for the wiring could be a bit better, for the switch could be more clearly labeled instead of just a I/O switch. I will explain a bit later for the switch will cause a slight confusion.

Experience:
Day 1 – I used the factory setting that it came with. One mode - A for normal and one mode - B for aggressive. With mode A, I did not encounter anything different but a normal drive. With mode B, the car started to knock. Needless to say, mode B was not a good fit.

Day 2 – USB cable arrives… The USB $30 is needed to program he unichip with the vehicle mappings from the site. I used the suggested maps from Jack himself for I called him several times on the phone. In CA, I only have 91 Octane so I had to use the 92 folder maps. I used standard for all with map A and fuel-plus and timing-less for map B. And here is the rub, after reading thru multiple instructions. I could not find which map loads to which switch meaning does map A load on to switch “0” or “ I “ ? Or vice versus. It wasn’t till I posted something on this site and someone provided an “I think” clarification. So Unijack, if you’re reading… Highlight it in BOLD where ever your instruction states this. Now for the drive, normal is normal. And now for the tuning map, the car seems to be a bit sharper. What I mean by this is that it is slightly noticeable. If I have to compare to my 2012 GTI ECU flash, you definitely could feel that $500 being spend. With unichip it’s quite subtle. It is better but is it $500 (unichip & usb cable) better? That is still up for judgment.
I will have to give a rating of 6.5 for I am not sure is there really any power gain. And if there is power gain, I believe it to be quite minimal.
Support:
You can call these guys and they will answer your questions. But and big BUT. At times, I almost felt like I was bothering them. BUT they do provide the proper support. I know what some of you are saying. This goofy guy probably called them like 50+ times. Long story short, I called them 4x. Call one – sales inquiry and calls 2-4 was all unichip program related.
I will give them a rating of 7. They will help, but DO NOT expect the VIP treatment even though you just spend VIP money.

Overall: 7.5
If you’re trying to squeeze every HP/TQ out of your car without purchasing force induction, then I would recommend this device for I believe it does do the job it advertises. But the gain is minimal, if any. The drive is more linear… The power seems to progressively grows, but it is not what you would expect. Throttle back your expectations and give it a goes if you want a device that does not intrude with your factory ECU. Snake Oil this device is NOT, but just like the label on this car. FR-S – Fun, but REALLY SLOW. That is the DNA within this car that this device does not change.
Please do IM me if you have any questions.

Enjoy,

Exam2300

[pcporo]

I bought a Unichip used and still got great customer support from these guys. Maybe just called on a bad day?

[CK_Bladesmith]

Use the 89 octane map for timing + fuel - , then do the same thing in the 92 octane map and tell me how those maps feel. When I was using my unichip (we have 93 octane here in texas) I used the 92 octane timing + fuel - map and it was a blast.

[exam2300]

CK - You dont have your Unichip anymore? What did you do instead? Did you goto force indusction?

[CK_Bladesmith]

I changed to an ecutek tune instead. Also ordered the innovate supercharger and intercooler...haven't gotten them yet.

[exam2300]

CK, I too am considering ther innovate supercharger and intercooler. Please do keep me in touch and let me know how your install will go. Are you installing yourself?

[1086]

Wow, I am surprised you gave it an overall 7.5 - what I got from your review is that the Unichip is lackluster and doesn't provide the gains you would expect. You are a bit too generous with your overall score in my opinion. Reading your review, I expect you would give a 5 or a 6.

Sounds to me like you should have just went with another flashing option, which yields performance results as well as noticeable gains. What stood out to me was,

At times, I almost felt like I was bothering them.

and

That is the DNA within this car that this device does not change.

With those two statements alone, I get the impression its not worth the money, so it is odd that you would "recommend this device" when it seems your needs weren't exactly met. If I were you I would be disappointed.

[CK_Bladesmith]

Originally Posted by exam2300

CK, I too am considering ther innovate supercharger and intercooler. Please do keep me in touch and let me know how your install will go. Are you installing yourself?

Yes, I will be installing this myself with a mechanic friend of mine. Haven't received the kit yet but it's on its way.

[jdubz13frs]

I just installed my Unichip this weekend, bought it through Autoanything.com for $400.46. With shipping. I was very surprised at the gains I got, I was honestly expecting more power in the low end, but under ~ 4000 RPM there was no noticable change. However, past 4000 RPM before you would get a good pull when the cam profile changed and then it would let off as you rev through to redline. Now, it pulls hard all the way through to redline, just like the initial pull before. Very pleased. Good gain for the money!

[exam2300]

which mapping are you using?

[l0aded]

Originally Posted by CK_Bladesmith

I changed to an ecutek tune instead. Also ordered the innovate supercharger and intercooler...haven't gotten them yet.

How would you compare ecutek to unichip in terms of performance? Assuming you have a non fi map.

And does anyone know what map we should use for the terrible 91 octane Cali gas?

[l0aded]

Originally Posted by exam2300

which mapping are you using?

If you still have the unichip try 92 octane fuel+ timing- and timing normal. I've had good luck with 92 fuel in maps and 89 octane fuel out maps.