AP and TDC mpas. vs. ECUTEK

[TPLGT]

I am going to either have my car tuned or buy an AP and maps from TDC.

My local dealer offers an ECUTEK tune for about $850. Obivously this is what the dealer reccomends.

I am leaning towards the AP b/c I have more flexibility.

I do not plan on going to stage 2 as I think stage 1 would be plenty for me. More than likely I would not be switching maps very often.

Any input on what I should do? I don't really know much about ECUTEK but I assume it is similair to a cobb/TDC map...

Thanks for the help.

[zmarko]

I don't have a Legacy (yet) so I can't comment on which is better (although I'd go for the AP), but I will say one thing........


I do not plan on going to stage 2 as I think stage 1 would be plenty for me.
Famous last words. Heh heh. Once it's in your blood, it's really hard to not want more. :icon_bigg

[jim1969]

no resale value for EcuTeK.
Can't remove EcuTeK license from your ECU.

[edmundu]

no resale value for EcuTeK.
Can't remove EcuTeK license from your ECU.

What about EasyEcu? Isn't that able to be sold like an AP?

But I agree, I would go with the AP in this case, as the difference in tunes for a stg1 setup are pretty minimal. I would rather have the option to resale the AP down the road... Plus, TDC is a well known & proven tuner, ehat do you know about your local dealer?

[jim1969]

I don't believe EasyEcu can remove the EcuTeK license from your ECU. All it is really is Delta Dash + map switching. Also, there are no free maps from EcuTeK to download. You still must be tuned either in person or an e-tune.
AP + protune or e-tune vs EcuTeK+ EasyEcu + Laptop. The EcuTeK version costs more and has no resale.

[bugblatterbeast]

another advantage of the AP is the street tuner software. at $200 the upgrade is a steal. if the gas in your area is as crummy as the stuff we have here, the ability to tweek the maps alone is worth the extra $$$

[Opie]

AP - Less expensive, transferable/resaleable, lots of safe-switchable maps for many different applications and upgrades.

EcuTek - Slightly more expensive, Offers a precise tune for the particular car and its modifications, generally more power. Must be re-tuned to take full advantage of new modifications.

[2005garnetGT]

imo, the EcuTek is completely eclipsed in value by the accessport.
or the openecu stuff.

[balrock01]

I don't have a Legacy (yet) so I can't comment on which is better (although I'd go for the AP), but I will say one thing........


Famous last words. Heh heh. Once it's in your blood, it's really hard to not want more. :icon_bigg


AMEN!! I was going to just do stage one and now I have an 18G on the way and the AVO fuel pump sitting here already...stage 1 to stage 3 in like 3-4 months..and I want meth...and injectors and then another TDC Custom tune.

[rkl303]

Not sure if it is still an issue with the easyecu, but prior w/ ecutek the dealer couldn't ever access the ecu and I'm not sure if I got this right but ecutek requires you to pay extra so that you can remove the software if need be.

[ADirtyLegacy]

so more tuning capability with EcuTek and a EcuTek tuner, but easier and more versitile tunning with AP along with resale?

Kenda:dm:

[TDC Joe]

PM me if you have any questions I would be happy to assist you!

Once you go Joe you never go Slow!

LOL - Man that was bad

Joe

[TSi+WRX]

so more tuning capability with EcuTek and a EcuTek tuner

^ Unknown...... From what I've read, there are hints from tuners to point this way, but I am truly not sure that a competent tuner couldn't do just as well with the AP + either StreetTUNER or ProTUNER.

ECUTek has a lot of race-bred heritage, though, but Cobb's sponsorships of many teams now is certainly also making this a near null-point.....

:confused:

For a tuning-impared hobbyist like me, I leave this choice completely up to my tuner of choice. I figure that I'd go with their preference, whatever that may be. :)

----

Not sure if it is still an issue with the easyecu, but prior w/ ecutek the dealer couldn't ever access the ecu and I'm not sure if I got this right but ecutek requires you to pay extra so that you can remove the software if need be.

Per the latest Nabisco posts, ECUTek does not "charge extra" to have their "lock" removed - however, what you get in-return for a "stock image" on your car is just that, a stock image, which is not the exact one of your vehicle. To-date, the only sure-fire way to restore completely and totally to-stock is via the Open-Source software....

Not sure if the new AccessPORT hardware and software will address this issue.