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ElantraClub - For Elantra Owners and Enthusiasts _ i30 Based Performance _ Unichip vs. Custom Tune

Posted by: zielritter May 17 2010, 10:45 AM

Hey guys, I'm new in this forum but given that it is strictly Elantra oriented I thought it would be the best place to field my question.

I own a '10 Elantra Touring SE (Beta II like the sedan) and I've fitted a Apollo CAI and a custom cat-back. I am looking to get the most out of these bolt-ons, and have considered going with a custom tuned Unichip (I live near Cinci and there's a custom tuner nearby).

Obviously, I'm not expecting huge gains here from a 2.0L NA, but I did have sort of a newbish question since I'm new to tuning the ECU. Is it possible to opt for just putting your car on a dyno and having a tech hook up to the ECU and tune (AFR, ignition, etc.) it that way, rather than blowing the extra dough on a custom tune for a piggyback (i.e. Unichip)?

I'm looking foremost for those with actual experience tuning their ECU, please, but all (constructive) comments are welcome. Thanks!!

Posted by: Vampyrate May 17 2010, 11:01 AM

To be honest you are the first person to try that on anything newer than the 06, let alone non-turboed at that. It is my belief that the ECU would have to be reflashed to get those changes made (or in tech speak, remapped). If your tuner shop can crack it and get the maps for it and offer a custom tune I can guarantee you for the right price many HD (07 and newer) and Touring Elantra owners would be all over that (especially since the restrictions to modding that is on the car).

I say do a test run with hooking it up and trying to tune it, if not, see if they shop can pull the map and go from there (just make sure that they will be willing to insure your car if anything were to break that would hinder the car's stock performance).

Good luck with it and keep us posted, I am very interested in the progress.

Posted by: JohnsRedGT May 17 2010, 11:41 AM

confused-scratchhead3.gif How close to Cincinnati are you? I'm right across the river in Covington.....Welcome to the club! Peace.gif

Peace Out

Posted by: zielritter May 17 2010, 11:46 AM

QUOTE (JohnsRedGT @ May 17 2010, 12:41 PM) *
confused-scratchhead3.gif How close to Cincinnati are you? I'm right across the river in Covington.....Welcome to the club! Peace.gif

Peace Out


I live in Richwood (just south of Florence) and work at 5/3 downtown. Usually travel down to Lexington for meets and such. Doesn't seem to be too big of a scene up here. Thanks for the welcome.

Posted by: streetfighterguy May 17 2010, 12:24 PM

Well if you get the tuner shop to do a custom tune go for it, I am not sure about UniChip for i have never heard of it over here on my side of the fence. But if you want to look into the other one PowerAxel they can flash ecu's as well. I can't give you any feedback on them until after i rebuild my motor.

Posted by: zielritter May 17 2010, 12:28 PM

QUOTE (streetfighterguy @ May 17 2010, 01:24 PM) *
Well if you get the tuner shop to do a custom tune go for it, I am not sure about UniChip for i have never heard of it over here on my side of the fence. But if you want to look into the other one PowerAxel they can flash ecu's as well. I can't give you any feedback on them until after i rebuild my motor.


Awesome, I'll definitely take a look at the PowerAxel. Has anyone tried the other piggybacks like the AEM EMS with any success?

Edit: Just took a look at the reflash on PowerAxel's website and they only have one for the Gen Coupe right. Sent an email inquiry about development for the Beta II motor.

Posted by: streetfighterguy May 17 2010, 12:38 PM

AEM is just a bit pricey but i am looking at the Unichip site right now and i am about 70 miles from a tuner that deals with them so i will give them a call to find out what they can do for an Elantra.

Posted by: zielritter May 17 2010, 12:42 PM

QUOTE (streetfighterguy @ May 17 2010, 01:38 PM) *
AEM is just a bit pricey but i am looking at the Unichip site right now and i am about 70 miles from a tuner that deals with them so i will give them a call to find out what they can do for an Elantra.


Cool. I called the one in Cincinnati and they said about $825 for the chip, installation and custom tune with dyno pulls. If you find anything else out I'd be interested to know.

Posted by: streetfighterguy May 17 2010, 12:59 PM

They said the chip would work in the Elantra?

Posted by: slowgls May 17 2010, 01:00 PM

thats cool.

Posted by: zielritter May 17 2010, 01:06 PM

QUOTE (streetfighterguy @ May 17 2010, 01:59 PM) *
They said the chip would work in the Elantra?


I told him (the tuner) what type of car I drove, and he said they would have to do the "hard-wire" tune (no harness for the Elantra so it is spliced into the ECU harness). If you look at the Unichip site it says that is a universal piggy-back so I wasn't too surprised to hear this from the tuner, but I still don't know what to expect as far as gains. I also know that many Elantra owners have had the chips installed too, but I still haven't heard from them yet.

Posted by: streetfighterguy May 17 2010, 01:10 PM

Many elantra owners... I am still waiting for one to pop out of the woodwork and recommend something as well. The only thing that you can really do is spend the money for a reflash, get a stand alone unit or a piggyback. But i think i should wander over to a tibby forum to ask around from the I4 guys over there to see what they are modding with.

Posted by: streetfighterguy May 17 2010, 02:51 PM

Well i think most of the Tibby guys are working with the ngm kits for tuning their ECU's http://ngmhouseofpower.com/

Check out what they have on this site you might find something you like.

Posted by: Vampyrate May 17 2010, 02:54 PM

while they are the same engine, i wouldn't go with tibby tuning unless you have the transmission and other mods to deal with it (gear ratios mainly). while it is a good starting spot, let your shop know that you have the same engine as the tiburon, just with different gearing ratios and start from there

Posted by: streetfighterguy May 17 2010, 02:57 PM

If you look on the site they have this nifty little hand held flash tool for 500 that you can get from them with a few different tunes pre programmed into the unit.

Elantra Gears; 1st 3.61 2nd 2.05 3rd 1.39 4th 1.06 5th 0.837 final drive 3.65

Tibby Gears: 1st 3.46 2nd 2.05 3rd 1.39 4th 1.06 5th 0.84 final drive 4.06

Posted by: zielritter May 17 2010, 03:14 PM

QUOTE (streetfighterguy @ May 17 2010, 03:57 PM) *
If you look on the site they have this nifty little hand held flash tool for 500 that you can get from them with a few different tunes pre programmed into the unit.

Elantra Gears; 1st 3.61 2nd 2.05 3rd 1.39 4th 1.06 5th 0.837 final drive 3.65

Tibby Gears: 1st 3.46 2nd 2.05 3rd 1.39 4th 1.06 5th 0.84 final drive 4.06


I guess this is the device you're referring to? http://ngmhouseofpower.com/product_info.php?cPath=53&products_id=322

I might inquire about that to see if they could provide me a map for the newer HD/FD's Beta.

Edit: Just noticed that they didn't have an NA map available for the Beta engine. This might be an issue.

Posted by: streetfighterguy May 17 2010, 03:26 PM

I would call them and ask cause i am sure they do something for the Beta II. Also they have the normally asperated one and a reflash that bumps rev limit up to 8000 rpms..... That would be silly if you didn't have the right parts in place.

Posted by: zielritter May 17 2010, 03:39 PM

QUOTE (streetfighterguy @ May 17 2010, 04:26 PM) *
I would call them and ask cause i am sure they do something for the Beta II. Also they have the normally asperated one and a reflash that bumps rev limit up to 8000 rpms..... That would be silly if you didn't have the right parts in place.


Yeah, I probably will. PowerAxel's site looks a little more professional/convincing to me, and they are doing work on newer models so hopefully I'll hear back from them too. We'll see, may just end of going with the Unichip for simplicity's sake.

Posted by: streetfighterguy May 17 2010, 03:42 PM

Yeah if the Unichip is closer go for it. But keep shopping around just to see what else you have avalible


For me the PowerAxel guy is only about 80 miles away so it really isn't going to far for me to have him flash the ECU plus his office is at the hyundai dealership

Posted by: zielritter May 19 2010, 02:50 PM

Just an update, I've left a phone message and an e-mail with Next Generation Motorsports inquiring about getting their flash unit with a custom ECU map for the ET. Haven't heard back yet, but will post any information I get from them as it comes.

Posted by: streetfighterguy May 19 2010, 03:20 PM

Yeah i would like to hear how that turns out for you cause cracking the ECU on this car seems like the Bane of everyone.

Posted by: 02elantragt May 19 2010, 07:00 PM

Wouldn't it be cheaper to purchase a reflashed ecu than trying to get it tuned?

Posted by: zielritter May 19 2010, 09:14 PM

QUOTE (02elantragt @ May 19 2010, 08:00 PM) *
Wouldn't it be cheaper to purchase a reflashed ecu than trying to get it tuned?


Maybe, but the problem is that there is not a reflashed ECU for my car. Hence, the inquiry to NGM. Also, another update, I may be considering going with the AEM FIC 6 route instead of the Unichip. The AEM piggy back controls ignition timing and AFR like the Uni, but it can be had about $150 cheaper.

Also, there appears to be more dealers/possible tuners for this module, which will allow me shop around for the best install/dyno price.

Posted by: streetfighterguy May 19 2010, 11:47 PM

Interesting, i will look into this setup as well considering there is a shop about 10 miles away that could do the AEM tune. More options, but i am still waiting for the quote on the engine rebuild before i get the tune.

Posted by: zielritter May 21 2010, 06:46 AM

Well, after getting feedback from tuners and other forums I've posted on I've decided to scrap the ECU tune for the time being. Most everyone I've talked to said the bare minimum you need to get anything out of the tune is an I/H/E setup for an NA car.

I've got the intake and exhaust portion, and I went ahead yesterday and ordered the i30 header from sharkracing.com. For those who don't know, the i30sw is the Touring's European equivalent. The i30 hatch and sw wagon are identical under the hood given you shop for i30 parts fitting the 2.0L and not the 1.6L or CRDi engines we don't get. sad.gif

Anyways, after I install the header and o2 simulator I'll post pics and set up a garage on this site. I've been at Hyundaiforum.com for a while, but I like the feedback I'm getting here regarding performance parts. Maybe I'll stay a while. wink.gif

Posted by: streetfighterguy May 21 2010, 10:24 AM

Well i have a header that i pulled off Ebay for about 120 dollars and you know what? It works great and i don't have issues with the O2 sensor after i welded the rear bung into place behind the new CAT.

Like the guys over at EXD were saying is if you want to buy the ECU for the NA system just get one that can be retuned for turbo later on the line if you want to take that route. You can build a motor anyway that makes you feel happy so just have fun with it as you go forward.

Posted by: zielritter Jun 6 2010, 01:24 PM

I just installed my i30 4-2-1 header this weekend. Had to weld in the bungs for my two o2 sensors, and I purchased an o2 simulator (screw in "fouler" type) with 3 different inlets with varying diameters to choose from in order to fool the second (post former cat) sensor.

Everything fit perfectly and the new header is significantly lighter (and prettier) than the heavy cast manifold I removed. I got the dreaded CEL with the first size inlet I used, but I switched to another size and the CEL's been off since. Let's hope it stays this way.

On another note, my mpg's have shot up (with the CEL off) significantly with the header. On a 30 mile highway drive at 70mph I was getting 37+ mpg whereas I usually get between 33 and 34 on the same stretch. This was an unexpected, but nice, side effect.

Also, I'm definitely getting a 17in resonator put in next weekend to quell some of the raspiness on acceleration. After that I should be golden. Will take pics when I get back in town next weekend.

Posted by: XG0DZX Jun 6 2010, 08:40 PM

Check with your tuner before buying any engine management system to see if they will actually install and tune it as i bought a unichip and the two authorized tuners wouldn't do it so i contacted the head office and they where no help either.
So if your not going to major mods maybe just a Digital Fuel Adjuster like http://www.jaycar.com/productView.asp?ID=KC5385

I was looking at something like the AEM Plug & Play piggyback Fuel and Ignition Controller (F/IC) kit ? http://www.aemelectronics.com/engine-manag...roller-f-ic-12/

Posted by: zielritter Jun 7 2010, 11:57 AM

QUOTE (XG0DZX @ Jun 6 2010, 09:40 PM) *
Check with your tuner before buying any engine management system to see if they will actually install and tune it as i bought a unichip and the two authorized tuners wouldn't do it so i contacted the head office and they where no help either.
So if your not going to major mods maybe just a Digital Fuel Adjuster like http://www.jaycar.com/productView.asp?ID=KC5385

I was looking at something like the AEM Plug & Play piggyback Fuel and Ignition Controller (F/IC) kit ? http://www.aemelectronics.com/engine-manag...roller-f-ic-12/


Man, that digital fuel adjuster is really inexpensive! does it actually work correctly for our car? I'm really not looking to go FI at any point so all I would be doing is fine tuning the AFR for my bolt-ons. This would be perfect for my application if it's functional. Anybody have any experience with it?

Posted by: XG0DZX Jun 9 2010, 08:10 AM

QUOTE (zielritter @ Jun 8 2010, 12:57 AM) *
Man, that digital fuel adjuster is really inexpensive! does it actually work correctly for our car? I'm really not looking to go FI at any point so all I would be doing is fine tuning the AFR for my bolt-ons. This would be perfect for my application if it's functional. Anybody have any experience with it?

A guy on our aussie hyundai club swears by it http://www.hyperaustralia.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=5572&p=72057&hilit=jaycar#p72057

QUOTE (zielritter @ Jun 8 2010, 12:57 AM) *
Man, that digital fuel adjuster is really inexpensive! does it actually work correctly for our car? I'm really not looking to go FI at any point so all I would be doing is fine tuning the AFR for my bolt-ons. This would be perfect for my application if it's functional. Anybody have any experience with it?



I'm looking at the AEM Plug & Play piggyback Fuel and Ignition Controller (F/IC) kit for my application but hav'nt received any replies from AEM

Posted by: zielritter Jun 13 2010, 03:17 PM

For anyone who is interested, I've uploaded some videos that let allow you to hear my current set-up. I know there aren't many, if any, Tourings in the U.S. with the modifications I have so let me know what you think. Hopefully, some time this fall I'll get a custom tune wink.gif

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dpJdopT9tM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHt4gJyIgVQ

Posted by: XG0DZX Jun 15 2010, 07:43 AM

Did you have cel codes when you got the extractors fitted ?

Posted by: zielritter Jun 15 2010, 10:17 AM

QUOTE (XG0DZX @ Jun 15 2010, 08:43 AM) *
Did you have cel codes when you got the extractors fitted ?


I purchased one of those mechanical o2 sensor foolers for the post-cat o2 sensor (basically like a spark plug fouler). It has three "jets" with three different diameters. The first one I tried gave me a CEL, but I switched to another size and have been fine for several days now.

I'll keep you updated if and when I get another code. Also, as a side note I've read that the second sensor only reports to the ECU if it thinks the CAT is broken or missing. In other words, the second sensor does not have an impact on the afr trims the engine uses.

I know that my mpg's didn't seem to take a dramatic drop when I got the CEL the first time around, which is to be expected if the ECU goes into open loop due to a primary o2 sensor malfunction. Just my observations, feel free to correct my understanding.

Posted by: XG0DZX Jun 16 2010, 07:05 AM

We have just one o2 sensor here in Australia before the stock cat which I've had replaced with a hi flow cat , i got an error code after fitting my extractors previously 91 ron so i switched to 95 ron and the error code stopped

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