I have an X-50 with air filter changed, Evo diverters, turbo hose upgrade, the exhaust removed and replaced with 100 cell racing cats and straight pipes.
the car runs great but I want to flash the ECU, not sure which one yet. But with the above set up and an ECU flash is 600hp a reality???? Really seems like a lot to me (150hp increase?)
My main thing is the car to remain reliable as a track car so the hp not as important as the reliablity, what hp should I shoot for??

 

Tom, with the right software (Somebody's stage 4, I would go with Protomotive myself) you could see 600 hp with your X50. You already have the GT2 Turbos & intercoolers, DV valves & hoses. In order to have a true stage 4, you will need to get headers and a different intake. You should talk with Gary (FL) and check out his stage 4 with all of the above upgrades done. He went with the Imagine Auto software and it too has proved to be very reliable for him. Also, take advantage of the fact that viperbob (Brooks) lives in FL now, he can not only lead you in the right direction but he can also do the work for you and you know it will be done right. I saw your car at Bert Smith the other day and it looked great! It looks like we missed each other again yesterday at Sebring, I posted some pics up in OT check them out.
Later,
Luis

 

Arling took great care of me. Great guys over there at Lucent. I wish I had the time to pick his brain some. I was playing hooky from work and they "Jeff from GIAC" and Arling got me in and out in record time.

Man I can't believe the difference from just the ECU flash. Very noticable pick up in torque through out the whole RPM range. I have not had enough time with the car yet but I have shown max of 1.1 BAR from my old high of .7. Seems like the power comes on sooner and hits harder! WOW!!!! Very happy with the results. This is the car I signed up for!!!!

Well exhaust time next. Doing some research there.

 

Did they say what the HP difference was? what was the gain going to 1.1 BAR?

 

Luis, good ideas. Viper Bob lives up the street from one of my close friends (and porsche guy rebuilding a 964 turbo) I really would like the flash to be done locally, I'll check with VBob and Gary, maybe see ya soon!!!!!

thanks again

tom

 

Won't the flash void a warranty if some issues arise?

 

I had them flash the new program and also the stock program. I purchased a tool "for lack of a better word" that lets you program from one to the other. I can turn it back to stock whenever I want in about 20 seconds. They claim it can not be detected.

Gains are claimed at 65 to 75 HP and 75 to 85 ft-lbs of torque. However that is coupled with an aftermarket exhaust. I am stock on the exhaust for the time being. So maybe I am at around 35 to 40 HP and 50 ft-lbs torque gain with everything else stock. All I know is it made a substancial difference in power across the RPM range.

As far as drivabilty it is a little twitchy in 1st gear "I assume from the extra torque" but I think it improved the drivabilty in all other gears.