[OpenFlash]

Just an idea I've been tossing around. We all know that most of the various tune vendors have 2-4 week satisfaction guarantees. But most people who go from stock to any major tune are happy enough that they rarely consider trying anything else. So they stick with their first tune and go on with their life. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

However, what if we held an event in which multiple tuners would meet and demonstrate their products in actual customer cars? So that attendees would have the opportunity to test different off-the-shelf tunes in their car, on the same day. Since it seems as if most n54 tuners (GIAC, BMS, SSTT, etc.) are in southern CA, this seems to be the logical place to held such an event. Plus, the weather is really nice out there this time of year.

Attendees could simply drive around each tune for 20 minutes. That should be more than enough time to feel and appreciate the differences. If things run smoothly and efficiently, i'd guess that as many as 15-20 people could try out the 2-3 tunes they are most interested in. Selecting these people may take some thought of course. Perhaps we could first select those who are committed to purchasing a tune on that day. And then those who have no tune whatsoever. And then everyone else.

DME flash tuners (GIAC, ESS, etc?) would only need to bring their flashing gear. And us piggyback guys (SST, JB, PROcede, etc,.?) would just need to bring a handful of PnP kits.

What do you guys (and other Tuners) think? Feel free to pass this along to Jeff@Autobahn, Terry@BMS and any other tuner that isn't active on this forum.

Shiv

[DOUT]

I think it is a great idea Shiv!
I have been thinking of switching to a proCEDE and this might break the ice for me ;-)

[tek818]

Great idea and sounds like it would be a lot of fun! There is a huge N54 community out here and I think we would all benefit greatly from something like this...

[CaliE90]

Sounds like a good idea but you missed the part about certain tunes having to adapt over a certain period of time. And if i'm not mistaken, don't GIAC flashes and such take over an hour to do?

[balance]

sounds pretty cool but might be a crazy meet haha having all the competitors out there

[sfgiant415]

sounds like a great idea.

[OpenFlash]

Originally Posted by Jz

Sounds like a good idea but you missed the part about certain tunes having to adapt over a certain period of time. And if i'm not mistaken, don't GIAC flashes and such take over an hour to do?

A flash should only take 45 minutes which means that with just one flashing computer, 10-12 cars can be flashed once. Or 5-6 cars twice (tuned flash and, if requested, back to stock). With two flashing computer, twice as many cars can be programmed. We can certainly work out the logistics if everyone agrees to make this idea a reality.

As for adaption time, most of that can be solved by simply resetting octane and boost adaption channels after each tune is installed. After a few hard runs, most of the meaningful adaption will be done. If that is still a concern, we could extend the test drive time as necessary. These are all pretty small details and are easily workable if we decide to go through with such an event.

Shiv

[balance]

Originally Posted by shiv@vishnu

A flash should only take 45 minutes which means that with just one flashing computer, 10-12 cars can be flashed once. Or 5-6 cars twice (tuned flash and, if requested, back to stock). With two flashing computer, twice as many cars can be programmed. We can certainly work out the logistics if everyone agrees to make this idea a reality.

As for adaption time, most of that can be solved by simply resetting octane and boost adaption channels after each tune is installed. After a few hard runs, most of the meaningful adaption will be done. If that is still a concern, we could extend the test drive time as necessary. These are all pretty small details and are easily workable if we decide to go through with such an event.

Shiv

where are you planning to hold this meet?

[doofus2]

something the N54 crowd should probably do annually

[Proper Motion LLC]

Would be great If GIAC S2 was available for the event. Doubt many are considering S1

[M3_WC]

You can already try out GIAC.

Don't they have a 30-day trial?

[NRG]

That is a great idea! But chances a slim that BMS and GIAC will participate. The piggys would take a hit from GIAC big time if this would take place IMHO.

[OpenFlash]

Originally Posted by balance

where are you planning to hold this meet?

Personally, it doesn't matter to me. But it would be nice to have it in a location with good roads, nice scenery and light weekend traffic. I'm sure Austin@GIAC, Terry@BMS and the other SoCal tuners have nice testing roads that they use regularly. Perhaps they can make some suggestions.

Originally Posted by 09AlpineTTSedan

Would be great If GIAC S2 was available for the event. Doubt many are considering S1

We could certainly wait until it is released. Perhaps, if they are interested, GIAC could even "unveil" it at this event. I'm sure many people would love to try it out in their car and compare it to the other options. Same goes for Terry and the v2.0 Jb3 he has been beta testing recently.

Originally Posted by M3_WC

You can already try out GIAC.
Don't they have a 30-day trial?

All the major tunes have trial periods. That hasn't been the issue. The issue has been that few have been able to compare multiple tunes on the same day, in their car BEFORE making a purchase.

Originally Posted by NRG

That is a great idea! But chances a slim that BMS and GIAC will participate. The piggys would take a hit from GIAC big time if this would take place IMHO.

I don't see why any vendor would not want to participate. This isn't a competition. Or a time attack. Or anything that would involve lots of preparation or cost. This is an inexpensive opportunity to get a good deal of exposure and trade some goodwill. And to get DIRECT feedback from people who have tried competitive tunes. It's a win-win the way I look at it.

Shiv

[NRG]

Originally Posted by shiv@vishnu

I don't see why any vendor would not want to participate. This isn't a competition. Or a time attack. Or anything that would involve lots of preparation or cost. This is an inexpensive opportunity to get a good deal of exposure and trade some goodwill. And to get DIRECT feedback from people who have tried competitive tunes. It's a win-win the way I look at it.

Shiv

Like I already said, I think it is a great idea, though I don't think that few hours is enough to get the "feel" for a tune. Need at least a day or two to monitor different driving situations, reaction to temperature drop/rise, cold start etc. Only playing with throttle for a few hours is simply not enough IMO.

[KCSchoey]

Wow, that sounds like a lot fun. Wish I wasn't so far away!

[kenneth]

Cool idea. It's better than relying on other people's seat of the pants review or dyno numbers etc. to purchase a tune. Wish I had that opportunity, no matter how short the taste test is.

[mwahlert]

Originally Posted by dahdout

I think it is a great idea Shiv!
I have been thinking of switching to a proCEDE and this might break the ice for me ;-)

stop thinking and just do it. you won't regret it.

[Dackz]

Shiv, why dont you have it at MFest in Las Vegas? Sure, its a bunch of M's but at the same time, TONS of non-m's are going. Not sure if there would be enough N54's though, but there will be a rented out track and all so it could even be legal high speed fun! Just a thought. I plan on making it out barring a blizzard in CO

[BzzzBom]

Which vendors have agreed to participate?

[NRG]

Originally Posted by BzzzBom

Which vendors have agreed to participate?

Vishnu

[LostMarine]

Ive tried them all except GIAC, either on my car or a friends. I stuck with the best. I don't think this will fly..

[munters]

Originally Posted by LostMarine

Ive tried them all except GIAC, either on my car or a friends. I stuck with the best. I don't think this will fly..

You stuck with the best for YOU. for others it can be a good thing... I think it can work, if the tuner are participating. but i doubt they will.