Powerchip group buy interest in Houston?

[TXM32B]

All, I have spoken with Mike Benvo (PM and phone) and J.J. (PM only) with Powerchip Tuning about having them send their tuning kit/software to Houston so that we can tune our M3's locally in Houston without mailing off our ECUs. I haven't discussed pricing yet, but would like to see replies on who is interested in getting in on this possible group buy. Thanks.

[TLud]

Count me in as a definite. Would Powerchip have the ability to give us custom tunes remotely?

[mvagusta]

That is what I'd love to know about. If it can be done through a tuner from a differ state and form a partnership.

[MrHarris]

That would be awesome. Mobile custom dyno tuning lol..

[TLud]

Originally Posted by PencilGeek

In theory, there are ways to make this happen. It would involve using something like "Remote Desktop" to attach to the dyno computer, so the PC guys could see the dyno. Then they'd modify the DME file and send it via email, ftp, or some other type of file transfer mechanism.

Or, if the ECU tuning software were sent to Houston, then they could attach two remote desktop sessions: 1) view the dyno results, 2) modify the DME files and reflash.

So in theory, yes it's possible. But in reality it might be a little harder because most people don't just put their computers unprotected on the open internet and allow people to remote desktop into them.

Thanks, PG. I would certainly be willing to use one of my personal laptops for the PC boys to remote into.

EDIT: I've reached out to a couple of shops in town to see whether this is something they could help us with.

[King Tut]

I would be interested and make the drive to Houston if I could get a dyno tuned reflash.

[Nawaaz]

Originally Posted by King Tut

I would be interested and make the drive to Houston if I could get a dyno tuned reflash.

hmmm.....That's like 8.5 hrs away from Gulf Breeze, Florida.

That's surprisingly closer than I expected.

[TLud]

Originally Posted by Nawaaz

hmmm.....That's like 8.5 hrs away from Gulf Breeze, Florida.

That's surprisingly closer than I expected.

Gulf Breeze to Houston is child's play. I've made the Orlando-Houston run so many times, I can do it in just under 12 hours straight.

Tut, the boys at AA down in Miami may be able to do a custom tune for you. You might check with Omar about that. I've thought about trying that next time I'm in Florida.

[BPMSport]

All we need are the run files from the dyno, and a working computer (or two).

Please make a running list of those that are interested:
1. TXM32B
2. TLud
3. King Tut
4. Nawaaz?

Anyone else, please feel free to add yourself to the list.

Our tuner will be in New York for the next week, so for those of you there, check out this thread or contact me to set up an appointment: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=298000

[Nucking Futs!]

Mike, how much of a price difference for a custom tune vs a generic reflash/tune? PM me if you don't wanna post it publicly, thx! I'm potentially interested!

- Jimmy

1. TXM32B
2. TLud
3. King Tut
4. Nawaaz
5. Nucking Futs!

[BPMSport]

Originally Posted by Nucking Futs!

Mike, how much of a price difference for a custom tune vs a generic reflash/tune? PM me if you don't wanna post it publicly, thx! I'm potentially interested!

- Jimmy

1. TXM32B
2. TLud
3. King Tut
4. Nawaaz
5. Nucking Futs!

A dyno tune is normally $500 more, but if I have a few people going into this I'll work with ya

[Nucking Futs!]

Originally Posted by Mike@Powerchip

A dyno tune is normally $500 more, but if I have a few people going into this I'll work with ya

Sounds good, I'll keep an eye on this thread thx!

[TLud]

I'm in for a dyno tune as well.

Mike, does Powerchip have a particular shop in Houston that they're partnered with or should we locate a shop ourselves?

[Nawaaz]

Originally Posted by Mike@Powerchip

All we need are the run files from the dyno, and a working computer (or two).

Please make a running list of those that are interested:
1. TXM32B
2. TLud
3. King Tut
4. Nawaaz?

Anyone else, please feel free to add yourself to the list.

Our tuner will be in New York for the next week, so for those of you there, check out this thread or contact me to set up an appointment: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=298000

I think you may have accidentally placed my name on the list by mistake. I'm most likely gonna stick with Gintani's tune since I've ordered my entire exhaust system from them as well. Thanks anyways though.

So here's how the list should be as of right now:

1. TXM32B
2. TLud
3. King Tut
4. Nucking Futs!

[Ajax-Prime]

Quanto es? Tom, pm por favor.

I *might* be interested in this. Need to discuss with my lawyer

[Nucking Futs!]

Originally Posted by Nawaaz

I think you may have accidentally placed my name on the list by mistake. I'm most likely gonna stick with Gintani's tune since I've ordered my entire exhaust system from them as well. Thanks anyways though.

So here's how the list should be as of right now:

1. TXM32B
2. TLud
3. King Tut
4. Nucking Futs!

Nawaaz, if u can justify the extra $$$ then I highly recommend a custom tune instead of a generic/cookie cutter reflash. Typically get more power & smoother powerband. I'm sure u can get a refund on the reflash from Gintani.

- Jimmy

[King Tut]

Originally Posted by TLud

Tut, the boys at AA down in Miami may be able to do a custom tune for you. You might check with Omar about that. I've thought about trying that next time I'm in Florida.

Trust me they are definitely an option I am looking at. I believe they just charge for the dyno time but don't charge anything extra for the tune.

[TLud]

Originally Posted by Ajax-Prime

Quanto es? Tom, pm por favor.

I *might* be interested in this. Need to discuss with my lawyer

PM replied. Retainer agreement in the mail.

[BPMSport]

1. TXM32B
2. TLud
3. King Tut
4. Nucking Futs!
5. Ajax-Prime - maybe

If you have a shop to suggest that has a good dyno with adequate cooling and is not affiliated with any tuner, I'm totally up for it. We have a couple in mind but are open to suggestions.

If we have under 8 people, we will send out a flash kit and can remotely dyno the car.

If we have a good amount more than that, we will personally come and tune the cars for the price of the retail flashes.

So in theory, with the right amount of people, you could walk away with a fully dyno tuned car for $990. That's a huge savings.

Let's see how many people want to go for it and we'll go from there.

[TLud]

Mike, once we obtain an optimized tune for our car, is there a way to retain that file for an easy reflash in case the dealer has to update our software for any reason? How would that work?

[BPMSport]

Originally Posted by TLud

Mike, once we obtain an optimized tune for our car, is there a way to retain that file for an easy reflash in case the dealer has to update our software for any reason? How would that work?

In the case that your car is reflashed at the dealer, Powerchip charges a $100 fee to have your car reflashed with our software.

However, as a gesture of good faith, I will offer one free reflash within the first year. It's very unlikely that your software would be overwritten by the dealer at this point. But if they do, this will cover you.

Please contact me to reserve your slots. Thanks!

[Nucking Futs!]

Vivid Racing just opened their Houston facility & it says they do Powerchip tuning there:

http://www.vividracing.com/blog/vivid-racing-tx/