So I decided to write this review based on all the “What Tune Should I Choose??????????” threads that constantly pop up. Since 90% of the responses recommend the one and only tune they have ever had on their car, I thought an actual comparison of two tunes on the exact same car might help future buyers.
I started with UM tune because of their customization, big turbo, flex fuel and MPI options. Now that turbo and MPI are a bit farther in the future than I planned, I switched to IE for some immediate fun with their crackle tune. Unless IE releases MPI and E85 by the end of 2020, I will switch back to UM.
I drove UM ECU, DSG, Haldex combo for about 14 months. Currently driving IE ECU w UM DSG and haldex for about a week.
Hardware:
Identical. I ran both UM and IE ECU tunes on the exact same performance parts:
UM DSG and Haldex Tune
IE Intake, Intercooler, Downpipe
AWE Track Edition Catback
Vibrant 1794 Resonator
DFG Turbo Discharge Pipe, Throttle Pipe
CTS Turbo Inlet, Turbo Muffle Delete
034 Lowring Springs, Dogbone Insert
Neuspeed Rse102 19x9
Michelin PS4S
Settings:
UM: max 26 PSI, 12psi @ launch, 93 fuel
IE: Stage 2 High Torque Crackle, 93 fuel
Differences:
Stock oil temps would regularly reach 220-235 depending on driving style. When I tuned UM, I never saw anything over 215 even with back to back to back to back launches. Since going IE, 215 to 230 is pretty normal on daily driving.
With UM, boost gauge never registered more than 5/8 ticks on boost gauge even at WOT. IE will register 8/8. With both, OBD boost caps at 22.5, so not sure what IE actually maxes at. Will update once I have an analog gauge.
So the main reason I switched was for the IE advertised “crackle” (and IE is an awesome company for hardware). I have to say, the word crackle is misleading. Burble is more accurate. It definitely sounds good and pops every once in a while, just not as loud as I was expecting.
IE tune got rid of the super loud cold start.
Getting to the important stuff...the butt dyno. Nothing significant. IE feels like its has a slightly increased throttle response. It felt slightly jerky for the first day while I was adjusting to the change. Now it feels normal.
Now the only thing that really matters......full weight time slips (I did my absolute best to match conditions):
UM 0-60: 3.67, 73° , 1253 DA
IE 0-60: 3.71, 79°, 1226 DA
UM 1/8: 7.60 @ 91.25, 73°, 1253 DA
IE 1/8: 7.67 @ 88.97, 79°, 1226 DA
UM 1/4: 11.9 @113.47, 73°, 1253 DA (I think this was a fluke, 12.00 was the normal run, always traps 113.**)
IE 1/4: NA
**Take into consideration all the IE tests were done within 30 minutes of flashing. In the following few days it felt like it adjusted a bit (burbles/almost-crackles were slightly louder) so times may be slightly faster. Will update.**
With both tunes I have had issues with launch grip @ 4k, even with new tires and haldex service. Launch, break all four loose, shifts to 2nd, regains traction, back to 1st, then 2nd again......then normal. I'm sure with either IE or UM adjustable launch RPM option this would get fixed and all times would be .2 or .3 better.
Mustang Dyno:
UM: 341 / 355
IE: NA
Summary:
Does it really matter what OTS tune you choose? Probably not. Pick what brand you think sounds cool, and most importantly the brand you can have immediate / local support in-case you grenade your shit.
Good Luck,
@S3_SKRAM
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Originally Posted by Jadar
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