Unichip is available

Larry · Post by **Larry** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 10:27 am

I don't have a lot of info., but I thought I'd pass this along. Sounds like a very good mod for our Matrix/Vibes. http://www.matrixowners.com/modules.php ... 136#178136

goodvibe · Post by **goodvibe** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 9:33 pm

This sounds great. Real gains and it's plug and play.

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 4:28 pm

I may have to get in on this as well. It is looking like they will make their minimum order on the chips. I wonder what HP and torque gains would be made on a Vibe GT with an Injen CAI and possibly with a modified exhaust?

byounger · Post by **byounger** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 5:26 pm

Im new to all this Mod theory..... What is a Unichip and what does it do for your car? Is it related to the limiter?Also what is a CAI?

IceCold · Post by **IceCold** » Fri Nov 14, 2003 1:07 am

Not totally sure about this but I think the Unichip is a 'piggy back' unit that attaches to your cars cpu. With it you can probably change air : fuel ratio, rev limits, lift engagement points, etc... CAI stands for Cold Air Intake.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Nov 14, 2003 1:32 am

Seems like at http://www.newcelica.org/other...i.htm they say that the lift cam is engaged via oil pressure. How is an ECU tweak gonna affect the lift point?

MadBill · Post by **MadBill** » Fri Nov 14, 2003 1:38 am

Oil pressure moves the pins to engage the high lift lobes, but the computer controls a solenoid which in turn controls the oil flow to the pins.

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Sat Nov 15, 2003 10:35 am

In any case, I haven't seen anyone claim that this UniChip will change the lift point. I'm not saying it's not possible, but I don't think this mod will do that.

dmitri · Post by **dmitri** » Sun Nov 16, 2003 1:37 am

doesnt matter. still give u a dyno proven 20 or 30 hp to the wheels.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sun Nov 16, 2003 3:40 am

so if i get in on this, what are we gt owners looking at for gains? i don't know what they mean by bhp? if stock GT is 180 hp and a CAi adds about 13hp, what are we actually talking? 20-30 hp gains on top of that? is so, then heck, i will buy in! plus it looks like it will really increase torque!

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sun Nov 16, 2003 3:46 am

i just emailed him about the gp. i'm interested but just want to get some clarifications.

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Sun Nov 16, 2003 10:44 am

when you order the Unichip, you tell them what mods you have and they tune the chip for maximum performance with those mods. That's a really cool idea. So even though I don't have a CAI yet, I would order the chip to be tuned for my engine with the CAI and just install the chip when I install the CAI. That way I don't have to wait to send back my chip for reprogramming in a few months. Also, we are getting one free reprogram included in the buy, you just have to pay the shipping, I think. After that, I think they said it would be about $35 for a reprogram, plus shipping.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sun Nov 16, 2003 12:20 pm

ok, so if something has a gain of 14-15 whp, what does that equate to in hp? i think i saw somewhere on here you add 30% or something like that?

MadBill · Post by **MadBill** » Mon Nov 17, 2003 9:58 am

It depends on the efficiency of the drivetrain, especially for automatics but 15 -20% loss seems average, thus a stock base Vibe with a manual should produce ~ 110 WHP. It seems they are underrated however, as we have seen several postings that show 118 or so, suggesting the real engine power is closer to the 140 HP that the 1ZZ is rated at in some Toyota cars.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sat Nov 22, 2003 10:32 am

so i'm waiting to see some more numbers on this thing for the 2ZZ w/ CAI. here's what i got from matrixowners:Unichip-ed specs (my own interpretation of what seems possible): XR (stock) = 145-150bhp + 145lb/ft XR (CAI and/or EXHAUST) = possibly 155bhp + 148lb/ft XRS (stock) = 190-195bhp + 150lb/ft (depends on whatâ€™s modified: lift, valve timings, redline, etc.) XRS (CAI and/or EXHAUST) = 200-205bhp + 152-155lb/ft (depends on whatâ€™s modified: lift, valve timings, redline, etc.) SC XR = 190-200bhp and serious torque (say 165-175lb/ft) SC XR (CAI and/or EXHAUST) = 200-210bhp and serious torque (say 165-180lb/ft) XRT = no clue, but I can see very big numbers (too relative and setup/boost-dependent to judge).

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sat Jan 03, 2004 5:35 pm

i hear they are getting closer to getting this chip out. i'm waiting to see what happens and will let you know what i find out.

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 2:02 pm

I remember that there was a time limit on the group buy, is it too late to get in?

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 3:10 pm

i believe so. i got an email from them last week that they will be ready to ship out some time this week. still waiting on an update.

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 4:06 pm

oh well. I'll just have to pay full price later on if I decide to get one then.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Tue Jan 06, 2004 3:17 pm

well, once it comes and i get to really test it out, i'll let you know my reviews. would like to find a place to get a realy dyno, but not sure where up here.

DopeVibeGT · Post by **DopeVibeGT** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 6:18 pm

So, since the XRS and GT are about the same engine, you can expect a 30-35HP at the wheel gain plus around 25 lbs of torque for the $600-$700, with my current mods? This might be wirth the price, then. Keep us informed. I cant splurge for it right now, with getting my other car project ready for show season.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 9:50 pm

I'm wondering why these things are so friggin' expensive. I know there's a fair bit of R+D involved but come on. There can't be more than a few bucks worth of electronics in one.

MadBill · Post by **MadBill** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 4:36 am

Quote, originally posted by DopeVibeGT Â»So, since the XRS and GT are about the same engine, you can expect a 30-35HP at the wheel gain plus around 25 lbs of torque for the $600-$700, with my current mods? This might be wirth the price, then. Keep us informed. I cant splurge for it right now, with getting my other car project ready for show season.I think anything much above a 10 flywheel HP gain for a chip on a stock Vibe (base or GT) would be a ringing condemnation of the factory calibration. (For comparison, most piggyback systems for an LS1 Camaro or Vette claim 15 -20 HP, or ~5%. 5% on an '03 GT would be 9 HP at the flywheel, 8 or less at the wheels.) The factory builds in a certain amount of "insurance" for extreme operating conditions and unforeseen events, but they work like crazy to corral every legal horse. (Consider: The entire difference between a 1ZZ and a 2ZZ is only 50 HP and ~0 lb-ft., and that takes a completely different engine, with sky-high compression, magic cams, etc.), It's hard to imagine them leaving 30 HP on the table. A chip custom-tweaked to suit a modded Vibe might gain as much as 12-14 HP, but claims of any more should be treated with great scepticism unless verified by an independent dyno. That said, once you've done CAI, exhaust and maybe pulleys, there's not much left other than giggle gas or multi-grand forced induction systems, so a chip is worth considering, as long as you know the cost and benefit going in.It's impossible to do a decent recalibration without extensive dyno work, so I expect Unichip will be able supply detailed results, but if some no-name "chipster" comes up with 'dunno' instead of 'dyno' results, you'd be well advised to "just walk on by..."

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 4:59 am

There are a bunch of unichip threads on matrixowners, and I read several. I am pretty sure that the vendor claims that there is almost no gain for a stock vehicle, that the chip is really only useful if there are mods like CAI or exhaust. The chip can adapt to these mods better than the unchipped computer. I am not sure what gains are claimed for a modded vibe, because I saw that the chip is supposed to be calibrated for premium fuel, and although I like power, I'm also a cheap SOB and want to stay away from needing to use the more expensive gasoline, so that's where I lost interest.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 5:58 pm

Quote, originally posted by joatmon Â»There are a bunch of unichip threads on matrixowners, and I read several. I am pretty sure that the vendor claims that there is almost no gain for a stock vehicle, that the chip is really only useful if there are mods like CAI or exhaust. The chip can adapt to these mods better than the unchipped computer. I am not sure what gains are claimed for a modded vibe, because I saw that the chip is supposed to be calibrated for premium fuel, and although I like power, I'm also a cheap SOB and want to stay away from needing to use the more expensive gasoline, so that's where I lost interest.unfortunately for us gt owners, we buy premium unleaded regardless. i have looked this company up and checked out other forums to get an idea of who there were. we all know what happened when i jumped the gun with carflair/krera racing. so, before i decided this was the route to go, i checked them out on matrixowners, matrixvibe, and talked to larry about it. i also believe greenfire is working with them too, but i can't remember. they've been very responsive to my emails and making sure they get back to me before i have to ask! so far, their customer service has been impressive and their product will be likewise once it arrives. i would like to find some place in town here that can do a dyno once installed.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 9:31 pm

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe Â»unfortunately for us gt owners, we buy premium unleaded regardless. ...i would like to find some place in town here that can do a dyno once installedI knew that, only mentioned it to indicate why I lost interest in unichip for my particular vibe. Over the long run the extra cost of premium vs. regular fuel is probably really not that significant, but a reuqirement I have been able to avoid so far. It would be good to see some independent dynos on the results. I have no idea where to get a dyno run done around me either. If someone has modded their car with actual engine performance things, it makes sense that there could be additional improvement by tuning the car's computer to take full advantage of the mods.

Larry · Post by **Larry** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 1:10 am

Thy dynos I have seen for the XRS look to be pretty good IMO. The low and mid range torque is the biggest improvment and what the Vibe GT and XRS need the most. They had some severe weather problems last week and it should ship out next week. I'm getting a "blank" Unichip and will have it tuned with my particular setup locally since my car is unique.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 9:27 am

larry, do you have any ideas on the gains for the GT w/ CAI and/or exhaust? all i have are the prelims.

Larry · Post by **Larry** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 1:59 pm

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe Â»larry, do you have any ideas on the gains for the GT w/ CAI and/or exhaust? all i have are the prelims. Here's a thread from MatrixOwners. http://www.matrixowners.com/mo...art=0

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 3:19 pm

wow. i had a little trouble trying to figure out what all the #'s meant but i think it's all good.... about a 20% increase? is that right? and torque increased how much? at 3500 RPM's?

Larry · Post by **Larry** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 3:55 pm

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe Â»wow. i had a little trouble trying to figure out what all the #'s meant but i think it's all good.... about a 20% increase? is that right? and torque increased how much? at 3500 RPM's?Yes, that is one of the complaints. The dyno's are a little hard to interpret. The biggest gain seems to be in the mid-range torque which is where the GT/XRS need it the most.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 1:17 pm

i'm also hoping the chip will get rid of the cel that comes on with my trd cai. reading thru the info, it sounds like it will... gives the correct fuel/air ratio mixtures or whatever so the ecu knows it's ok.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Fri Jan 16, 2004 11:33 am

whoo hoo! it's on its way!

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 12:49 pm

just arrived today! i will install it this weekend hopefully along with the cai and annoying reverse beep.... plus find a decent amp for the car so i have tunes.... so many things to do!

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:05 am

installed yesterday. pretty easy. i'll post a few pics tonight. driving into work today was definitley a difference. especially around 2500-3500 rpms, can feel the car get up and go much quicker and response is better. can't wait for dry roads to fully test it all out!

wicked1981 · Post by **wicked1981** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:31 am

Is this chip only for the GT model? How much again?

DavidPIL · Post by **DavidPIL** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 3:16 am

hi trd...Do you know what has been adjusted in your module? Did they lower the lift point any? Dave

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 3:23 am

no, for all models, you have to specify which engine you have and mods. not good results on stock, but w/ cai and/or exhaust or turbo/sc it does awesome! cost is about $600-700. you can essentially get 20%+ hp gains w/ the unichip, cai, and exhaust for about $1000-1200 depending on how "special" the cai and exhaust. much less than the sc w/ only 35% gains on base model.

wicked1981 · Post by **wicked1981** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 3:28 am

Well I have the Injen CAI and waiting for my Borla exhaust so this would be a good mod for me or no? Im planning on getting the SC by like July so should I get the chip at all? wait for the SC?

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 3:44 am

well, take a look at the earlier links from mo. i believe the chip gives the best gains for forced induction systems. also, talk to larry because he's got teh sc i think and w/ the unichip too. not quite sure, but almost positive.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 3:54 am

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe Â» XRS (CAI and/or EXHAUST) = 200-205bhp + 152-155lb/ft (depends on whatÃ¢Â€Â™s modified: lift, valve timings, redline, etc.) SC XR = 190-200bhp and serious torque (say 165-175lb/ft) SC XR (CAI and/or EXHAUST) = 200-210bhp and serious torque (say 165-180lb/ft) looks like the dynos were almost dead on.... but i'm not sure. i can't really tell from the graphs what all it means when you have to adjust for crank loss.... or somehting like that.

Larry · Post by **Larry** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:00 pm

Quote, originally posted by wicked1981 Â»Well I have the Injen CAI and waiting for my Borla exhaust so this would be a good mod for me or no? Im planning on getting the SC by like July so should I get the chip at all? wait for the SC?I'm assuming you have the base model. It will really help once you put the SC on. Without it, I think it will still help a litte. You can still buy it now and have it reprogrammed once you get the SC installed.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 3:47 pm

ok, larry, so if i'm looking at a dyno, is that whp they are talking about? do i need to do a calculation to see what the hp is at the crank? like for instance if my specs tell me i'm 180 hp at 6300 rpm and 135 ft/lbs torque..... and the dyno shows like 175 bhp, is that 175 x 1.15 to get the estimated hp if i want to compare to my stock specs? and do you do the same for torque?

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 4:10 pm

man, i'll tell you what! i missed my cai. i hope the unichip will get rid of the cel, but we'll see. last time it took a few days to come on. but, i got to test it out somewhat driving from work to the gym. i could certainly tell a difference in pep. usually in 1st or 2nd, it drags a little, but tonight it was go! i had to make a few sudden accelerations to get infront of people in other lanes and man was it great! i really can't wait for dry roads to fully test this out! maybe i'll get an exhaust or sport muffler this summer.... as well as a performance clutch....

Larry · Post by **Larry** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 11:29 pm

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe Â»ok, larry, so if i'm looking at a dyno, is that whp they are talking about? do i need to do a calculation to see what the hp is at the crank? like for instance if my specs tell me i'm 180 hp at 6300 rpm and 135 ft/lbs torque..... and the dyno shows like 175 bhp, is that 175 x 1.15 to get the estimated hp if i want to compare to my stock specs? and do you do the same for torque?No, they do crank hp. That's one of the major complaints about the Unichip. Their dynos don't make a lot of sense. You don't see that spike in power when lift kicks in. I decided to not buy the Unichip and sold it to a XRS owner. I already have an air/fuel controller and from what I hear correcting the air/fuel ratio on the SC model is where they saw their gains. For me I think it'd be a waste or it would do very little. The person I sold the Unichip to is scheduled to get a dyno this Saturday so we'll have some real before and after whp numbers with intake and Mangaflow cat-back exhaust.

bellwilliam · Post by **bellwilliam** » Tue Jan 27, 2004 6:44 am

I agree, the number (of gain) I saw is very small. where did you get the fuel/air controller? and what's the price.

Larry · Post by **Larry** » Tue Jan 27, 2004 7:52 am

Quote, originally posted by bellwilliam Â»I agree, the number (of gain) I saw is very small. where did you get the fuel/air controller? and what's the price.I got it from Split Second http://www.splitsec.com. I have the ARC 1. For me it was free, but I think it cost $350 with the software.

Cubanpete · Post by **Cubanpete** » Sat Jan 31, 2004 9:18 am

Hi Guys....Havent been here for quite a bit, so tell me on a stock GT with NO cai or any engine mods, what will I gain with a chip like this?? what are the numbers or costs? Is it safe to install can this thing screw up the original CPU on the vehicle??

Larry · Post by **Larry** » Sat Jan 31, 2004 12:11 pm

Quote, originally posted by Cubanpete Â»Hi Guys....Havent been here for quite a bit, so tell me on a stock GT with NO cai or any engine mods, what will I gain with a chip like this?? what are the numbers or costs? Is it safe to install can this thing screw up the original CPU on the vehicle?? It is safe but the main purpose of the chip is to retune the car with added mods to get the maximum benefit from them. You may gain a little more power out of it but I think you'd be better off to get an intake and exhaust first.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sat Jan 31, 2004 12:54 pm

my cel from the trd cai hasn't come on and it's been 1 week! yay! i'm very happy with the unichip, no cel and more torque/power in the low end. haven't really tested it out to it's full power, still ice and snow on the roads for another few months.... but can't wait!