[DrAnzo2.0]

I’d pay to have the extended overrun coded out of Stage 2.

[VF-Engineering]

Originally Posted by DrAnzo2.0

I’d pay to have the extended overrun coded out of Stage 2.

No need for that!
We can quite easily add an option to retain the OEM throttle overrun
as that doesn't require an additional testing or validation.

Where we just need to make sure we draw the line is with special
requests for "more/less", "louder/quieter", "mild/shotgun burble".



There's such a subjective nature to what different people think sounds
good, AND the results vary widely based on the vast number of exhaust
combinations out there.

Additionally it's very easy to go too far and cause damage to hardware
when tuners give that sort of control to end users, or simply follow a
customers request for "more and more" without knowing what their
current hardware setup is.

[DrAnzo2.0]

Originally Posted by VF-Engineering

No need for that!
We can quite easily add an option to retain the OEM throttle overrun
as that doesn't require an additional testing or validation.

Where we just need to make sure we draw the line is with special
requests for "more/less", "louder/quieter", "mild/shotgun burble".



There's such a subjective nature to what different people think sounds
good, AND the results vary widely based on the vast number of exhaust
combinations out there.

Additionally it's very easy to go too far and cause damage to hardware
when tuners give that sort of control to end users, or simply follow a
customers request for "more and more" without knowing what their
current hardware setup is.

I realize most people prefer the extra overrun the standard HEX tune provides, but the OEM throttle overrun was just enough for me... especially with the FabSpeed SportCat Downpipe and OEM catback. How do I go about requesting the HEX tune with OEM style overrun?

[djacts]

Originally Posted by VF-Engineering

I believe I saw you Stock/Tuned files e-mailed to you about 20 min. ago!


For reference, the instructions state that you can expect the turn-around
time to be approx. 24 hours.

We received your request at 11:00am (PST) this morning, and fulfilled the
request within 5 hours! (Pretty good time-frame considering our current
volume of requests from around the world.) That being said, we do hope
to be able to even reduce that time line as we add more resources by
Spring time when we roll into peak season.


Thanks again for the order, and we can't wait to read your review after
you get a chance to rack up some miles!

got it, thanks so much, turn around was good, it's just me being impatient. just took it for a quick rip after flashing it, it's raining out so can't quite get the full experience. 1st and 2nd can't let her go with the wet, but 3rd hooks up, you get moving real quick!! will do a full review when I get a few more miles on dry road.

[DrAnzo2.0]

Mike at VF just sent me a new Stage 2 file that has OEM throttle overrun. I’m so happy I was able to get exactly what I wanted with the HEX tune. The power delivery is amazing, and the car is more stealthy with the OEM-style throttle overrun. The default HEX overrun sounded amazing, but it was just a little too much for me. Can’t recommend VF enough. Hopefully I’ll get the M2 on a dyno once my intercooler comes.

[NOLAGUY]

Well, I tried to flash and it gave me a bunch of errors. Now I'm stuck in a parking lot waiting for VF to call me back.

Ugh

[NOLAGUY]

I wanted to enjoy it on the ride home.....lol

[NOLAGUY]

It's alive! They sent me new files and its running. Going to head home before trying the tune file.

[DrAnzo2.0]

Originally Posted by NOLAGUY

It's alive! They sent me new files and its running. Going to head home before trying the tune file.

Glad you were able to get up and running. Can’t wait to hear how the HEX tune transforms your M2.

[NOLAGUY]

Just went for a test drive with the stage two tune. There is no traction in second now. 3rd is extremely more responsive. Overall it's a great tune.

Scared me when I thought I needed a tow truck, but it all turned out okay.

Thank you Abe at VF for helping me get everything going.

[switlikbob]

Originally Posted by NOLAGUY

Well, I tried to flash and it gave me a bunch of errors. Now I'm stuck in a parking lot waiting for VF to call me back.

Ugh

Just so you know for the future, and to save yourself towing fees, you can always use the stock flash file to get the car running and get it home.

[adisz]

Can a windows tablet be used to upload and download the tune? Obviously it will need to have a USB port.
It would be nice to be able to switch tunes and also see vitals of the motor from a tablet instead of a laptop.

[18EM2]

Do you have to pay every time you want to use a different tune file?
For example if I purchase stage 2, can I also use stage 1 or the Oem burble files too?

[Orange fever]

Just got a Intercooler install and waiting on cp's to arrive ... Hopefully get another 10-15 horsepower

[VF-Engineering]

Originally Posted by adisz

Can a windows tablet be used to upload and download the tune? Obviously it will need to have a USB port.
It would be nice to be able to switch tunes and also see vitals of the motor from a tablet instead of a laptop.

Yes, you can use a tablet as long as it runs on a full version of Windows,
and can support a USB.

We have plenty of customers who keep this setup in their vehicle for map
switching, as well as additional diagnostic support such as data-logging
or GPS enabled performance testing.

[VF-Engineering]

Originally Posted by 18EM2

Do you have to pay every time you want to use a different tune file?
For example if I purchase stage 2, can I also use stage 1 or the Oem burble files too?

There are no additional costs for the optional maps/files that are
below your purchased Stage Level.

Example: If you purchase Stage TWO, you can request Stage ONE
at no additional cost.
If you purchase Stage ONE, you can upgrade to Stage TWO by only
paying the difference in MSRP. ($100)

It will never cost more to upgrade in Stages and you will always have
access to any lower level files.

[18EM2]

Thank you for that information. I just read your thread on Two Dynos, also very informative.

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1357567

It mentions EGT’s which I’ve not heard of before but assume its an indicator of engine stress and/wear? Is this why stage 2 has a DP requirement? Without it the turbo experiences higher heat causing excessive wear and possible failure? What can you tell us on how the tunes might affect the long term life span of the engine? Is it safe to assume stage 1 is easier on the engine than stage 2?

From what I’ve been reading it seems like the M2 turbo is close to maxing out in oem tune which is why it has less headroom for increased power. Is this true? If so, is the turbo smaller in decress turbo lag and improve throttle response?

Thanks

[velociti]

Originally Posted by 18EM2

It mentions EGT’s which I’ve not heard of before but assume its an indicator of engine stress and/wear? Is this why stage 2 has a DP requirement? Without it the turbo experiences higher heat causing excessive wear and possible failure? What can you tell us on how the tunes might affect the long term life span of the engine? Is it safe to assume stage 1 is easier on the engine than stage 2?

From what I’ve been reading it seems like the M2 turbo is close to maxing out in oem tune which is why it has less headroom for increased power. Is this true? If so, is the turbo smaller in decress turbo lag and improve throttle response?

Thanks

Re: EGTs -- My understanding is that higher temps due to increased boost from Stage 2 will prematurely fry the stock cat and increase the turbo temps, hence the need for a sport cat/catless DP to reduce backpressure.

Re: Stage 1 vs. 2 -- Broadly, yes, Stage 1 is less stressful on the engine than Stage 2, but you shouldn't think of it that way. The N55 is a seriously stout motor, and the motor itself won't have any issue over the long run on a simple Stage 1 or Stage 2 setup (a hybrid turbo and 500+WHP might be a different story). There may be additional stress on some ancillary components -- you'd want to change spark plugs and coils more frequently, maybe every 20k/50k miles, respectively, to keep the little guy in tip-top shape -- but other than that you should have no concerns for what is meant to be a bulletproof off-the-shelf tune.

[18EM2]

That makes sense. I also think with a tune the mid range becomes so strong especially 3-4k that you’re less likely to rev as high all the time? Higher revs might actually be harder on it?

I’ve seen so many threads that debate whether or not the M2 has a closed deck or not. It shouldn’t be a mystery. I’m pretty sure VF even knows the correct answer.

[velociti]

Originally Posted by 18EM2

That makes sense. I also think with a tune the mid range becomes so strong especially 3-4k that you’re less likely to rev as high all the time? Higher revs might actually be harder on it?

I’ve seen so many threads that debate whether or not the M2 has a closed deck or not. It shouldn’t be a mystery. I’m pretty sure VF even knows the correct answer.

Not sure anyone's torn apart the M2 motor yet, but literally all signs (including BMW's revised marketing materials) point to this being an EWG N55, nothing more, nothing less.

You're overthinking the idea of additional boost being harmful to the motor going forward. The N55 platform has proven itself to be super robust with simple bolt-ons. Concerns should only start for the folks who are doing proper builds, and producing upwards of 500-550whp with a hybrid turbo, E85, meth...

The advice would be to just get the Stage 1 tune (if you're sold on VF) and call it a day. If you crave more power after that, then grab a downpipe and you can upgrade to Stage 2 for $100. Simple.

[pruettfan]

Originally Posted by pruettfan

Not a fan of running anything windows on my mac so I will just buy a cheap windows machine. I am guessing just about any windows 8/10 machine will be fine, correct?

Ended up picking up a cheap Lenovo laptop on sale for $150 with windows 10, that way I have no problem keeping it in my car for programing as I need to on track days etc. My Macbookpro has my entire life in it and is mucho expensive so this was the best result for me. Ordering the tune as soon as my downpipe and intercooler arrive.

[Gimmethecash]

Will this software run on Windows 7? I might pull my 3-year-old gaming PC out of mothballs if so.

Also, is there any chance of an option to disable cold start coming? I remember reading something several pages back about that being an emissions thing, but stage 2 is a non-CARB certified, off-road tune. Cold start noise is annoying enough with the sport cat, and I’ve got a Remus exhaust waiting to go on.