Unichip or other ECU Modifications

urbanmonkeygod04 · Post by **urbanmonkeygod04** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 12:22 pm

Hello everybody,I have an '04 Vibe, , 1zz, auto tranny, (to get those pesky questions out of the way) and I've had it for a little over a year. I'm considering procuring what seems to be the favorite computer modification, the Unichip, or at least something similar, as I'm only 2,200 miles from the end of my warranty, and after that, they can't void one that doesn't exist. Regardless, I'm looking for some general information about the product, but I have some questions, as well.I'm considering buying the supercharger for the car. Will it work?What are the benefits bestowed upon the humble Vibe that recieves it? i.e., broader, fatter torque, improved throttle response, governer removal, etc.If I got really ballsy and installed the 2zz's 6-speed later on in the process, would I be able to re-tune the chip to recognize, or would I have to throw out the current ECU and install the chip to recognize the new ECU?Finally, has anybody who owns one encountered any problems?I appreciate everybody's assistance as they give it to me.Over & Out

wicked1981 · Post by **wicked1981** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 1:14 pm

I believe the Unichip can be retuned depending on the mods. You just have to know of someone in your area that can retune the chip. Welcome aboard.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 1:50 pm

He pretty much said it. I've never seen a negative thing posted about the UniChip, and I know quite a few people have them..

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 2:07 pm

it's not good in winter. i've been complaining this winter about how crappy my gt has been in the snow and ice and realized that last winter i didn't have my cai or unichip installed til late january. most of last winter i was stock, no probs at all starting or driving in the snow or ice. this year i've been all over the road, start in 2nd gear and my tires just spin, the torque steer's pretty bad, i lurch to the right and freak out the guy next to me. so the good thing is the low end torque definitely improved, the bad thing is it's tough to drive in the snow and ice.

goodvibe · Post by **goodvibe** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 6:28 pm

I think that'a more the intake than the Unichip. Even with the chip, your making less power below 3k in the GT with the intake so it's probably not a too much power issue. I've got one without an intake and it's great in winter. With the intake you'll use a bit more gas to get going and then the power comes on peakier. Makes it harder to control.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 7:30 pm

As for your warranty, I think just your full bumper to bumper warranty may be almost over. Here in Canada we have a 100,000km (62,000mile)drivetrain warranty. I'm not sure what it is in the US but you must have lots left. Anyways, your warranty should still be valid even with a Unichip.

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 8:30 pm

Quote, originally posted by goodvibe Â»I think that'a more the intake than the Unichip. With the intake you'll use a bit more gas to get going and then the power comes on peakier. Makes it harder to control.I would agree and I used to take off the CAI on my Z24. Plus I did not want all that salt dust and crap getting into the filter and it was a good time to clean the filter. Any engine mod in the snow and ice will have those effects, people should know that going into it.

Psychobroker · Post by **Psychobroker** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 2:33 am

Quote, originally posted by wicked1981 Â»I believe the Unichip can be retuned depending on the mods. You just have to know of someone in your area that can retune the chip. Welcome aboard.All you need to do is ship it back to Unichip and they'll remap it for you based on your mods. I bought my Unichip from a base Matrix owner, had him ship it to Jack, and had it back in my hands within a week. A custom tune, on the other hand, would need to be done by a tuner shop with a dyno. Custom tunes are expensive, mainly because they burn through two wide band O2 sensors, each costing $250 or so.

bellwilliam · Post by **bellwilliam** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 2:52 am

you have the same car I have, base auto. in my opinion, unichip don't work on the base auto, and they cost way too much. if you are going to spend on a unichip and a CAI, why not just go to TRD supercharger. Toyota version is about $1,700 (at matrixowners.com GB forum), plus about $400 installation. and since it s by TRD, they are very well made.I am not sure if you could run Toyota version of supercharger, I believe you can according to some posts here. I think you should consider supercharger route.

Turbo5Speed · Post by **Turbo5Speed** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 3:28 am

Unichip works best after other mods have been installed. It retunes the ECU, so to speak, to make the mods work more harmoniously rather than haphazardly just running at the same time. A CAI and a Unichip would be a waste of a Unichip, IMO. Wait until you do some other work, such as header, CAI, cat-back/muffler, racing cat, intake manifold, valves, forced induction, etc.I also read somewhere that if you use the 2ZZ head on a 1ZZ engine that it'll make a 3ZZ engine and makes gobs of power. I read that here on Genvibe I believe.

goodvibe · Post by **goodvibe** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 4:56 am

That head swap can't be done and there is a big difference in my stock gt when I use a Unichip. I've heard the that its not as big a deal on the 1zz.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 5:03 am

I vaguely remember reading somewhere putting the 6 speed in a base vibe is going to hurt your power more than help it...

satur9 · Post by **satur9** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 5:33 am

a six speed will work better in a forced inducted vibe.if your getting a supercharger get the unichip designed for it.if you have a five speed a ecu swap isnt neccessary at all. the word is still out on whether the unichip can remove the governer(if there is one)edit+you have auto a six speed swap will be VERY costly youll need a 1zz (5 speed) ecu and very good mechanics. or a apexi power fc will replace unichip AND stock ecu.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 11:23 am

Quote, originally posted by Turbo5Speed Â»Unichip works best after other mods have been installed. It retunes the ECU, so to speak, to make the mods work more harmoniously rather than haphazardly just running at the same time. A CAI and a Unichip would be a waste of a Unichip, IMO. Wait until you do some other work, such as header, CAI, cat-back/muffler, racing cat, intake manifold, valves, forced induction, etc.with my cai/unichip combo i've been pretty pleased. the chip does make a difference than just the intake. also, it got rid of the CEL my cai was throwing. i've got a bit more low end torque, much needed, and the power band is more constant throughout so when i do hit LIFT, it's not so noticeable. but yes, you can just send the chip back and have it retuned. that's what we'll be doing next winter when i get rid of my vibe. phil will get my unichip so we'll have to send it to Jack for remapping.

urbanmonkeygod04 · Post by **urbanmonkeygod04** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 3:36 pm

Ahh, I don't know. It's all pretty much up in the air right now. I have been thinking for a while about not spending money on a secretary's car (base, auto, c'mon, it's better for ladys who don't care, never mind the body kit and spoilers). It all seems like way too much money & concern on my part.If I do go the modify-the-Vibe route, it would probably go something like this succession:Supercharger>Exhaust>Chip/Trans (Same time, to make sure the two are recognizing each other)>Suspension.My honest opinion? I think in about 2 or 3 months when I can scrounge up the money for the down payment, I'm just going to trade in the Vibe-O and do a 24-month lease on an Ion Redline or a Cobalt SS, probably the Cobalt just because it's sexier.Who knows though? I may still be driving the same putzy little hatchback (that I love to death, don't get me wrong) until the day I die. Oh well.Thanks for everybody's input, it's been a big help in trying to figure this & that out.Over & Out

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 3:42 pm

Let's trash talk the car a little more, eh?Damn, thought I was still on matrixowners for a minute there...

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 4:36 pm

planning to replace my vibe gt with a subie legacy gt by next winter.

Dezz1 · Post by **Dezz1** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 6:11 pm

I have the Unichip plug n play for the GT and It was one of the best purchases I've ever made for the it. The torque is higher and the acceleration is quicker. I sometimes find myself loosing traction during wet weather so I have to slow it down. In addition, the lift comes sooner than normal. Not to brag either but I've been burning the heck out of cameros and TSX's lately.

Dezz1 · Post by **Dezz1** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 6:17 pm

Question, its not a problem but I have noticed that during the winter (now) it takes about a second longer until my car starts. Is the same happening to you?

Dezz1 · Post by **Dezz1** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 6:20 pm

Is that possible, 3ZZ? I don't believe the two would fit together.

Dezz1 · Post by **Dezz1** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 6:24 pm

Nooooo, don't do it. Do you not Feel The Vibe Anymore?

goodvibe · Post by **goodvibe** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 10:14 pm

I'm with you Dezz. It is easier to spin em when slick if you put your foot in it but also easier to get going from a stop without spinning because you don't have to gas it as much to get rolling. The start-up probably isn't uni related. Just cold out.

Turbo5Speed · Post by **Turbo5Speed** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 1:00 am

http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=3498

Raivis · Post by **Raivis** » Sat Apr 02, 2005 12:56 am

has anyone tried those cheap "chips" on ebay do they do anything??? or are they a waste???

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Sat Apr 02, 2005 3:12 am

Quote, originally posted by Raivis Â»has anyone tried those cheap "chips" on ebay do they do anything??? or are they a waste??? What do you think? They ain't worth a pinch of (removed) @#%$.

PhillyVibeGT · Post by **PhillyVibeGT** » Sat Apr 02, 2005 3:30 am

Quote, originally posted by Sunny Â» They ain't worth a pinch of (removed) @#%$.?????? HUH?

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Sat Apr 02, 2005 5:31 am

Quote, originally posted by PhillyVibeGT Â»?????? HUH? pinch of (removed) @#%$ def: piece of junk, useless, like tits on a bull.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sat Apr 02, 2005 12:37 pm

(removed)! tits on a bull! ha ha ha ha!

Dezz1 · Post by **Dezz1** » Sun Apr 03, 2005 12:48 pm

(ebay cheapies) They only give a hint of HP, and it also alters your fuel burn by not combusting all of it. Now for the Unichip, I only have one word for it, DAMN!! A little on the expensive side but it really does its duty. In addition to the modifications prior, the Unichip boosts my HP to somewhere around 230 (estimation). Just to give you a little example of runs with no problems, RSX, Matrix, Prelude, Camaro. If you have questions ask away.

SoCalVibe · Post by **SoCalVibe** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 12:46 am

Quote, originally posted by Dezz1 Â»(ebay cheapies) They only give a hint of HP, and it also alters your fuel burn by not combusting all of it. Now for the Unichip, I only have one word for it, DAMN!! A little on the expensive side but it really does its duty. In addition to the modifications prior, the Unichip boosts my HP to somewhere around 230 (estimation). Just to give you a little example of runs with no problems, RSX, Matrix, Prelude, Camaro. If you have questions ask away.I am hearing alot about the Unichip, and was almost sold on it, but, am still looking at thr GReddy EManage system as well. You dont have to be an authorized Unichip tuner to tune it. A couple of the tuners in my area feel more comfortable with the Greddy unit because you can change the setup as you add mods without sending it out eveytime you do a mod, and, of course, although reputable, these tuners aren't Unichip dealers. Any comments on this? It's one hell of an invesment. These are both fully controlled EMS's right? Anyone seen any articles comparing these units head to head?-MArk

goodvibe · Post by **goodvibe** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 1:10 am

If you have a base, the Greddy's fine but it seems to have a hard time holding tune on the GT. Dez. A stand alone tuned ecu and intake won't get within 10% of 230hp. The unichip is great but it can't work miracles. I checked your site and it's obvious you can drive that Vibe if that 6.5 0-60 was clocked.

SoCalVibe · Post by **SoCalVibe** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 1:40 am

I should have listed my engine mods (and proposed mods). I still am going to go for 10psi on the boost, may need some valve work or maybe cam mod to realize it though. Until then, the first 5 mods are happening, but haven't decided on the EMS yetGm S/C (done)E.L. Prototype Header (next week)Magnaflow Catback (this week)Maybe a Hi-Flo Cat (CA Regul are sticky)Snow Performance Stage 2 Water injection (next week)Unichip or Greddy EMSTRD CAIMatch port & Polish I&EUndersize 10 psi PulleyInjector upgrades if necessaryvalve work Bottom end work

damronjr · Post by **damronjr** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 2:31 am

Quote, originally posted by SoCalVibe Â»I should have listed my engine mods (and proposed mods). I still am going to go for 10psi on the boost, may need some valve work or maybe cam mod to realize it though. Until then, the first 5 mods are happening, but haven't decided on the EMS yetGm S/C (done)E.L. Prototype Header (next week)Magnaflow Catback (this week)Maybe a Hi-Flo Cat (CA Regul are sticky)Snow Performance Stage 2 Water injection (next week)Unichip or Greddy EMSTRD CAIMatch port & Polish I&EUndersize 10 psi PulleyInjector upgrades if necessaryvalve work Bottom end workLet me know how the header goes. I was thinking of getting the same one myself after seeing it.

Dezz1 · Post by **Dezz1** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 9:26 pm

What, the Unichip is not a stand alone ECU, its a piggy back. In addition, the unichip is not the only mod I have on my vihicle, and lastly, I do drive pretty darn well. You wanna run? VIBE vs VIBE

goodvibe · Post by **goodvibe** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 10:13 pm

I said stand alone ecu because you can get a bit more out of them than the unichip which I also have and love. I consider a stand alone pretty hard core and not the best for daily drivers, especially in changing climates. I was also the first one on this board to use and recommend IK20s. Got some greif over that one. Your site said you have a Uni and an intake. You could add any exhaust and still be over 23 hp away from 230. ie 10% and that would be giving you 25 hp for the uni, intake and an exhaust that you don't have. If you added them up undividually you would almost get that 25hp but used together, they make less. Part of how the K&N intake works is by using MAF placement to get the fuel/air ratio optimised at peak so the uni doesn't help as much for max power as on a stock vehicle but does a lot for drivability at other rpms. You can't figure your HP from mods with simple addition and my 10% statement would be true even if you could. 230hp, you're talking turbo #s with just an intake and chip. Get real. How did you get that estimate. Is the 6.5 sec. 60 time also an estimate. Here's a link to a fantastic custom tuned Unichip with the highest performing intake(Injen) and exhaust(magnaflow). It put down 175HP on the dyno which after a 14% correction is still well under the 207 crank hp you would need to be within 10% of that 230hp claim. This is the most power I've seen from an N/A car that's legal and not had the motor opened. http://www.matrixowners.com/fo...=dyno By the way, before the custom tune he actually made less power with the unichip from running too lean at lift, causing the timing to retard. Every intake is a bit different and your Unichip curve isn't optimised to your intake. It's not the one they used for the intake tune. They used a TRD. It and the AEM work best with unichip's standard intake setup. Rumor is that AEM made the TRD though they're a bit different.

Psychobroker · Post by **Psychobroker** » Thu Apr 14, 2005 1:42 am

Quote, originally posted by Dezz1 Â»(ebay cheapies) They only give a hint of HP, and it also alters your fuel burn by not combusting all of it. Now for the Unichip, I only have one word for it, DAMN!! A little on the expensive side but it really does its duty. In addition to the modifications prior, the Unichip boosts my HP to somewhere around 230 (estimation). Just to give you a little example of runs with no problems, RSX, Matrix, Prelude, Camaro. If you have questions ask away.As much as I wish that were true (230hp), it's not. If you've done I/E/Unichip, you'll be close to 190-195whp, but not 230.

BlueCrush · Post by **BlueCrush** » Thu Apr 14, 2005 1:49 am

230? I don't think so unless you have more than I/E/Unichip (ie.-Turbo). I agree with Psycho. I would be more like 190-195. It's still darn good though.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Fri Apr 15, 2005 12:45 pm

so, i've posted my feeler in the for sale thread about possible selling my unichip and cai for the 03 vibe gt/matrix xrs together for $450 plus shipping. PM or email me if anyone's interested. and no, i don't want to sell them separate if i don't have to.

Raivis · Post by **Raivis** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 2:21 pm

i have a ? for u electronic gu-rus on ebay they have a chip/module for like $60 its called the g-box is it worth anything like they say anyone have one want more hp but don't have alot of money

Psychobroker · Post by **Psychobroker** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 2:29 pm

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe Â»so, i've posted my feeler in the for sale thread about possible selling my unichip and cai for the 03 vibe gt/matrix xrs together for $450 plus shipping. PM or email me if anyone's interested. and no, i don't want to sell them separate if i don't have to. That's an AWESOME deal...someone needs to jump on that now!

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 2:42 pm

Quote, originally posted by Raivis Â»i have a ? for u electronic gu-rus on ebay they have a chip/module for like $60 its called the g-box is it worth anything like they say anyone have one want more hp but don't have alot of moneywaste of money!

Unichip or other ECU Modifications

Unichip or other ECU Modifications

Re: Unichip or other ECU Modifications (urbanmonkeygod04)

Re: Unichip or other ECU Modifications (urbanmonkeygod04)

Re: (goodvibe)

Re: Unichip or other ECU Modifications (wicked1981)

Re: Unichip or other ECU Modifications (urbanmonkeygod04)

Re: Unichip or other ECU Modifications (bellwilliam)

Re: Unichip or other ECU Modifications (Turbo5Speed)

Re: (ragingfish)

Re: Unichip or other ECU Modifications (Turbo5Speed)

Re: Unichip or other ECU Modifications (urbanmonkeygod04)

Re: Unichip or other ECU Modifications (urbanmonkeygod04)

Re: Unichip or other ECU Modifications (Sunny)

Re: Unichip or other ECU Modifications (goodvibe)

Re: Unichip or other ECU Modifications (Dezz1)

Re: Unichip or other ECU Modifications (Dezz1)

Re: Unichip or other ECU Modifications (goodvibe)

Re: (Raivis)

Re: (Sunny)

Re: (PhillyVibeGT)

Re: (Raivis)

Re: (Dezz1)

Re: (goodvibe)

Re: (SoCalVibe)

Re: (goodvibe)

Re: (Dezz1)

Re: (Dezz1)

Re: (Psychobroker)

Re: (trdvibe)

Re: (Raivis)