Unichip & more (pics)

[Psychobroker]

Wow, I just realized that I've had quite a few mods done in the past week or so, including a Unichip. Jack Friedman @ Unichip has been a pleasure to work with. They were lightning fast in turning around my re-programmed chip in only 2 business days, just in time for my appointment at Brainstorm Performance in Culver City (L.A.), who was refered to me by Jack for custom tuning the chip. I must say that they are one of the most professional, accomodating shops I've been to, with TONS of space and parking for customers. They're a true high-end tuner shop, with displayed Evo's, WRX's, Eclipses, Miatas, and even a highly modded/turbo'd Scion TC (very very nice BTW!!). I would highly recommend their work for anyone in the L.A. area. If you're interested, their website is: http://www.turboperformance.net/bsp/ Ask for either Rohan (owner), Tony, or Pam -- they're all very helpful and knowledgeable.Here's the list of stuff I had them install:1) Unichip - very nice, smooth increase in torque and response across the powerband, including lift. I'm not sure if it's as much as 20%, but it's definitely noticeable. I plan on running a dyno at Brainstorm in the future.I'll mount the map switches somewhere in the future. For now, they're coiled up in my glovebox:2) Energy Suspension Motor Mount Inserts - I would never have imagined that such a seemingly small mod (price and size) would make such a difference. I can only describe the engine's response as much improved with a VERY direct feel. Torque steer is completely gone, and the car simply responds much sooner. The negative to this is the slight amount of cabin vibration, mainly while at idle. At first I didn't like it, but an overnight changed that...I don't mind it really; the pros outweigh the cons so far. YMMVFront insert:Rear insert:3) AEM "Tru-Power" Pulley Kit - this is simply ONE alternator pulley and a replacement belt (which was the WRONG size BTW! beware!) and merely looks pretty If there's any gain from this, I doubt it's more than 1 HP heh. I've had this thing for close to 5 months now, just waiting to be thrown in. At least it looks purty!:4) Brass shifter cable bushings - I've had these laying around for MONTHS now, along with the mmount inserts and AEM alternator pulley. Shifting at higher engine speeds is 100% smoother and more accurate. As others have mentioned, the gears just drop into place - no more searching for gears!Overall, I'm very happy with everything done, now I just need to fix my system and I'll be on cloud 9 Next up is an interior paint overhaul, wheelskin, mid spoiler, and a few other ideas I have .

[AKLGT]

looking awesome christian! and i noticed that cabin vibration of the motormounts in devlop's vibe. he explained to me how exactly they work. how much was that to install? just in case for later in the future... actually, nevermind. speaking of the future, no more mods so don't tempt me! LOL

[MadBill]

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe »...how much was that to install? just in case for later in the future... actually, nevermind. speaking of the future, no more mods so don't tempt me! LOLHa! Famous last words, Hope! An ex-modder is like an ex-alcoholic: a relapse is only a drin...err... part away! PS: Nice work, Psycho! Hope more details re chip tuning and power will be forthcoming.

[Psychobroker]

Thanks guys Hehe, I won't tempt you Hope...you'll end up doing that yourself

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by Psychobroker »Thanks guys Hehe, I won't tempt you Hope...you'll end up doing that yourself nope. as much as i LOVE to mod my car, i also LOVE to travel (to see phil of course ). and i have more important things going on right now that take presidence over any and all mods. anything i do on the car this summer or next will be minimal or i got it free from someone (like the decalkits.com place). i can always MOD the vibe later. and besides, by the time i can, there might actually be some better (and more available parts) for tuning!

[Faultline]

You should be in the running for Vibe of the month again I have to agree about the motormount inserts, I was kinda iffy at first thinking.." i just made my car into an old VW bug!!" ...but after a day or two I realized that along with the vibration, ther was a lot less rocking and rolling as well!, and smother accelerations. ....Also...Unichip IMO is a very smart performance mod, especially for the 2zz. Good job!

[satur9]

how long did it take you guys to get your mounts?i cant order them from home, i will try monday at work to do it.do you think i will get them before the ohio meet on the 14th where i plan to install them. does anybody remeber the socket size and torque specs. i search for motor mounts and strangely enough only two threads came up.and neither had that info though i swear i saw it somewhere on here.

[FusionVGT]

Quote, originally posted by satur9 »how long did it take you guys to get your mounts?i cant order them from home, i will try monday at work to do it.do you think i will get them before the ohio meet on the 14th where i plan to install them. does anybody remeber the socket size and torque specs. i search for motor mounts and strangely enough only two threads came up.and neither had that info though i swear i saw it somewhere on here.I haven't installed mine yet, but here are two web sources about them I've found.http://www.2003corolla.org/php...62257h ... esinstall/

[satur9]

i logged onto matrix owners after this and found all that info.i also found a place that sold them cheaper and was open today as ptuning wasnt.cool,huh!!!

[Jahntassa]

What about the shifter bushings? Where'd you get those, and how hard are they to install?

[Psychobroker]

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »What about the shifter bushings? Where'd you get those, and how hard are they to install?What's up Justin Sorry for not responding sooner, but you can order the bushings from Speed-Source.net: http://www.speed-source.net/pr...e.htmThey shouldn't take you more than 30 minutes to install and make a WORLD of difference.After driving the car over the weekend, one MAJOR improvment attributable to both the bushings AND motor mount inserts is MUCH easier launches. You "feel" the clutch, engine, etc. much more, and the car simply responds much more quickly. These two mods are probably the cheapest out there, yet yeild such a HUGE difference.

[AKLGT]

hmm... i'm all about CHEAP and GOOD mods. lol. but still will be a while before i do anything. the motor mounts and bushings are pretty easy to install? i could do it myself you say? maybe for christmas i can talk the folks into them.

[Jahntassa]

Aah..so those install at the shifter in the center console..?

[Psychobroker]

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »Aah..so those install at the shifter in the center console..?Actually, no, they install under the hood...I think I can find a walkthrough over at MO.com.Hope, there are a few peeps that say the motor mounts are quite a bit of work and need two people and/or a lift to accomplish. I just paid my shop to do it...I have neither the free time nor a lift EDIT: Here's a link to a great motormount insert walkthrough stickied at MO.com: http://www.matrixowners.com/mo...20231EDIT 2: and here's a HUGE thread about the bushings w/ installation pics: http://www.matrixowners.com/mo...18783

[Jahntassa]

Great, great..! That's what i've been looking for! Heh..guess I didn't ask the right questions..

[Psychobroker]

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »Great, great..! That's what i've been looking for! Heh..guess I didn't ask the right questions..Sweet! It's the least I can do after all the help you've given me Definitely install the inserts and bushings...huge difference for ~$75 shipped.

[AKLGT]

how much to get them installed? cause maybe next year... bleh! what am i talking about! LOL i can't get them... nevermind. keep thinking to myself... mexico w/ phil, carrie, and christian, or bushings and motor mounts? hmm..... mexico sounds better! i can get the other things later!

[Psychobroker]

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe »how much to get them installed? cause maybe next year... bleh! what am i talking about! LOL i can't get them... nevermind. keep thinking to myself... mexico w/ phil, carrie, and christian, or bushings and motor mounts? hmm..... mexico sounds better! i can get the other things later!I doubt it would cost more than $100 to install them both, maybe less, but you can do the bushings yourself and wait on the inserts. They do make a world of difference

[AKLGT]

ya, i've heard the bushings make a huge difference! much easier to shift and gets rid of the clunkiness. maybe in a few months like Oct. i get my permanent fund dividend and can probably spare $30! LOL

[ToolGuy]

Looks good!

[AKLGT]

i may order some of those shifter bushings. $26 shipped in the US! not bad and certainly cheap! just a little more than a tank of gas! maybe next month or something.