Hi

Given my understanding of the better upgrade packages for the XR6T- the ones that are tuned to the individual vehicle...

Is it possible that Ford might take measures to counteract the effects of the chip using future PCM software "fixes" ? Even if it's "accidental" ?

If a car was fitted with a "stealth" upgrade like the much anticipated APS harness upgrade, what would happen if the upgrade was removed for a visit to my local Ford dealer and they upgrade the firmware in the PCM ?

Could this throw out the "tune" of the chip when it is re-installed ?

Given normal wear and tear on a vehicle, what happens to the "tune" long term? I've read that the standard Ford fuel pump loses some pressure, no doubt there are other changes over time, do the upgrades have the ability to respond to these changes ?

Have any of the tuning community thought of offering a "subscription" service, so that a vehicle could be brought back (once a year ?) and have the tune checked to see if it is still effective ?

Thanks

Good Q twinxrs, we will have to leave that one to the Guru's

Hi

Given my understanding of the better upgrade packages for the XR6T- the ones that are tuned to the individual vehicle...

Is it possible that Ford might take measures to counteract the effects of the chip using future PCM software "fixes" ? Even if it's "accidental" ?

If a car was fitted with a "stealth" upgrade like the much anticipated APS harness upgrade, what would happen if the upgrade was removed for a visit to my local Ford dealer and they upgrade the firmware in the PCM ?

Could this throw out the "tune" of the chip when it is re-installed ?

Given normal wear and tear on a vehicle, what happens to the "tune" long term? I've read that the standard Ford fuel pump loses some pressure, no doubt there are other changes over time, do the upgrades have the ability to respond to these changes ?

Have any of the tuning community thought of offering a "subscription" service, so that a vehicle could be brought back (once a year ?) and have the tune checked to see if it is still effective ?

Thanks

twinxrs, I thought I was finished for the day, then you throw a curve ball, thanks a lot. Any way good question now I need a bloody good answer.

It is possible theoretically for what you described to occur, though currently ford dealers have limited access to the software that could alter fuel and ignition maps. I know that this has occurred on Expensive Daewoo gen 3 engines where Expensive Daewoo dealers have cleared tuners informaton (tuning data ) and the owners have been really pissed off.

In the unlikely event that the dealer did download new data to the PCM (engine control unit ) the aftermarket computer no matter what BRAND would need remapping on the dyno. Whilst the above is not likely to occur, it is possible. You should ask your dealer to advise you if they make any changes to the data.

The engine should be tuned every 12 months or 20,000 km, to ensure the engine is in a good state of tune. Any competent tuner will check the fuel flow and fuel pressure as standard practice and make any mapping changes to ensure correct air fuel ratios across the entire RPM and load range.

PETER

APS

The engine should be tuned every 12 months or 20,000 km, to ensure the engine is in a good state of tune. Any competent tuner will check the fuel flow and fuel pressure as standard practice and make any mapping changes to ensure correct air fuel ratios across the entire RPM and load range.

Good question twinxrs!

Peter, I know that you dont set the prices of your dealers, but as a ballpark, what would I expect to pay for a tune up, given that I travel 35,000 to 40,000km a year. Paying to tune the car twice a year could get expensive. I am assuming that we are only talking an hour or so of labour for the tuner's time.

Hi Peter,

I also have a question:

After installing the unichip would you need to service at the ford dealer every 20K as well as the unichip installer, or could the unichip installer just do the service for you?

If the answer is the former, Id assume you'd do the ford dealer first and then follow up with the unichip dealer shortly afterwards?

A

The engine should be tuned every 12 months or 20,000 km, to ensure the engine is in a good state of tune. Any competent tuner will check the fuel flow and fuel pressure as standard practice and make any mapping changes to ensure correct air fuel ratios across the entire RPM and load range.

Good question twinxrs!

Peter, I know that you dont set the prices of your dealers, but as a ballpark, what would I expect to pay for a tune up, given that I travel 35,000 to 40,000km a year. Paying to tune the car twice a year could get expensive. I am assuming that we are only talking an hour or so of labour for the tuner's time.

Trumpy, To check fuel pressure and fuel flow and then look at the air fuel mixtures and ignition timing and make any adustments would take 1.5 to 2 hours. The price will vary from tuner tuner, I'd estimate around $250 for the entire process including b4 and after power graphs. My best guess only dont hang me if I'm incorrect and auto's take longer to tune than manual cars.

PETER

APS

Hi Peter,

I also have a question:

After installing the unichip would you need to service at the ford dealer every 20K as well as the unichip installer, or could the unichip installer just do the service for you?

If the answer is the former, Id assume you'd do the ford dealer first and then follow up with the unichip dealer shortly afterwards?

Geeseman, If a dealer looks after your car now you can continue the normal service work there,and let a specialist tuner look after the engine. In some cases the tuner may also do general service work and can accomodate your needs.

PETER

APS

It is possible theoretically for what you described to occur, though currently ford dealers have limited access to the software that could alter fuel and ignition maps. I know that this has occurred on Expensive Daewoo gen 3 engines where Expensive Daewoo dealers have cleared tuners informaton (tuning data ) and the owners have been really pissed off.

In the unlikely event that the dealer did download new data to the PCM (engine control unit ) the aftermarket computer no matter what BRAND would need remapping on the dyno. Whilst the above is not likely to occur, it is possible. You should ask your dealer to advise you if they make any changes to the data.

The engine should be tuned every 12 months or 20,000 km, to ensure the engine is in a good state of tune. Any competent tuner will check the fuel flow and fuel pressure as standard practice and make any mapping changes to ensure correct air fuel ratios across the entire RPM and load range.

PETER

APS

Peter's comments are quite correct. It would be most unusual for Ford etc. to change the actual fuel and timing and boost settings under power but not impossible. The changes in a PCM upgrade are usually small changes to idle speed and idle decay rates and slight changes to auto trans shift calibrations. We have to give the Ford boys plenty of credit as they get most of it right BEFORE the release of the car and are unlikely to make HUGE changes after release. They have the possibility to make upgrades for "In Service Fixes" during the car's life so, they do, when necessary.

Lachlan