Originally Posted by kickslop
Limited how? People keep throwing this kind of talk around with nothing to back it up
It's a simple MAF-based system of timing, boost, and fuel maps (main + supplemental). It can be configured any way the owner/tuner wishes in open-loop, including effectively disabling the Subaru Active Ignition Timing algorithms.
With all due respect, I believe some of you are under some false assumptions and haven't done your homework on the topic. The misinformation is really bothersome.
The absolute largest reason people have opted out of using only EcuTek reflashing for their EM is because it requires visiting an EcuTek-licensed shop for any alteration. This pushes almost everyone away except the guy who wants a simple, safe, conservative flash-and-forget map. It does not in anyway whatsoever prove a single thing about the OEM ECU's capabilities or lack thereof. Combine that with people wanting to be "cool" and say they have a UTEC or people who feel they must have launch control and flat-shifting features or an ECU output to control a solenoid or two, and almost everyone just dives into aftermarket EM. Again, it says absolutely nothing about the capabilities of the OEM ECU other than it doesn't have launch control, flat shifting features, or solenoid outputs.
I completely agree with you, I'll be the first to say i don't know the full features available to an ecutek customer, but there are some bells and whistles besides launch control/flat shifting that are very desirable that can also aid in tuning that only a seperate ecu can offer. How about the ability to not measure air according to MAF? Fuel compensation for individual cylinders? Datalogging? Boost levels changing according to speed? Multiple inputs and outputs to add and control new boltons: waterspray/injection, nitrous, fans?
As you nicely put, the reason i've decided to go with something else is the ease of alteration. Some tuners say it takes them years to get their project cars running "perfect". There is only a limited amount of dyno time someone can afford. Being able to street tune i think is clearly the sole advantage.
As a side note, i haven't heard of one person who was not happy with his ecutek tune provided by mastro, so the competent tuners comment doesn't apply for the tampa bay area that's for sure.
