[VisualEcho]

Originally Posted by Spartan King

I own and have used all three tunes on my 2018 LCI. I started with VF and while it is a fun tune, there is no adjust-ability (ex. cold start delete) to the tune you receive. My customer service experience with them was awful so buyer beware. The tune pulled hard down low, but would peter out above 5500 rpm. It is a traffic light to traffic light tune IMO.

AA was my second tune, and will say the ability to work with them was a pleasure. Great customer service and configuration options in the tune. Unfortunately the tune is not aggressive in feel when compared to the VF tune I had replaced. I don't track my car, but I do play around when I take it out as my weekend car. I'm sure it's probably more reliable in the track application compare to other aforementioned tunes, it just seemed very tame when wanting to do a few hard pulls and some aggressive driving. This tune was much more linear in its delivery and did provide power pretty much to redline, but the overall delivery of that power felt very tame.

BM3 is where I have landed currently, and I am impressed. The car pulls as hard if not harder than the original VF tune, but I also have lots of options to configure the tune to my needs. It was cheaper than both the other tunes by almost half. They also release new versions that you can upgrade too free of charge. The new Stage 2 93 oct ver5.8 map really delivers. The tune is as aggressive on the butt dyno as the VF HEX down low, but now keeps developing power all the way to redline as advertised. I feel like I am getting all the available power from the money spent on mods.


Hopefully this helps give you some impressions of the differences I have noticed in owning all three.

This is exactly what I like to hear. Thank you very much for the thorough response. May I ask what their requirements are for the new Stage 2 93 tune? And do they have a cold-start delete?

[Spartan King]

Originally Posted by VisualEcho

This is exactly what I like to hear. Thank you very much for the thorough response. May I ask what their requirements are for the new Stage 2 93 tune? And do they have a cold-start delete?

I believe the absolute minimum you need to run Stage 2 is at least a sportcat.
I would definitely replace your charge pipe though before anything else. The stock one really can't handle the added boost.

The engine bolt-ons I am running are:

AA Signature Turbo-back Exhaust (Catless DP)
ER Charge Pipe
Wagner EVO 2 Competition Intercooler
Pipercross Air Filter

I am running my BM3 tune with Cold Start delete. That was the main problem I had with the VF Hex tune. There is no option to turn the CS off and they refuse to modify the tune to do so. The car is loud with the AA exhaust and I like the option of being able to start the car without having to shout my presence to the world. I can do that on demand with my right foot when needed.

[VisualEcho]

Originally Posted by Spartan King

I believe the absolute minimum you need to run Stage 2 is at least a sportcat.
I would definitely replace your charge pipe though before anything else. The stock one really can't handle the added boost.

The engine bolt-ons I am running are:

AA Signature Turbo-back Exhaust (Catless DP)
ER Charge Pipe
Wagner EVO 2 Competition Intercooler
Pipercross Air Filter

I am running my BM3 tune with Cold Start delete. That was the main problem I had with the VF Hex tune. There is no option to turn the CS off and they refuse to modify the tune to do so. The car is loud with the AA exhaust and I like the option of being able to start the car without having to shout my presence to the world. I can do that on demand with my right foot when needed.

At least a sport-cat? They would like to see what else? I'm hearing that the stock exhaust and intake are fine. Charge-pipe is an absolute. Is it the intercooler that they really want to see to be comfortable at Stage 2? I've heard it can be an issue.

And again, thank you for the detailed response!

[Spartan King]

Originally Posted by VisualEcho

At least a sport-cat? They would like to see what else? I'm hearing that the stock exhaust and intake are fine. Charge-pipe is an absolute. Is it the intercooler that they really want to see to be comfortable at Stage 2? I've heard it can be an issue.

And again, thank you for the detailed response!

From a pure technical explanation, I honestly don't know. There are guys on here that could explain the actual mechanical and software synergy as too why the IC (or other components) should be used for stage 2.

From a layman's perspective, your cranking up the boost when going to Stage 2. Giving the car the ability to produce a more abundant supply of cooler air will allow the engine to produce more power.

I went with the Wagner IC because it required no modification to the car while being a big upgrade from stock. From my reading though many of the other brands deliver for sure, some require modification and some don't.

[VisualEcho]

Originally Posted by Spartan King

From a pure technical explanation, I honestly don't know. There are guys on here that could explain the actual mechanical and software synergy as too why the IC (or other components) should be used for stage 2.

From a layman's perspective, your cranking up the boost when going to Stage 2. Giving the car the ability to produce a more abundant supply of cooler air will allow the engine to produce more power.

I went with the Wagner IC because it required no modification to the car while being a big upgrade from stock. From my reading though many of the other brands deliver for sure, some require modification and some don't.

Man, thank you so much, you've been a great help. I'm not quite ready to modify my car yet, still have factory warranty left, but your insight will definitely help when I get to that point.

[cecaa850]

Originally Posted by cookiesowns

Hit up BendCalibration

Ordered mine last night. It seems that the ECUTEK tune is right about the same money give or take as a BM3 tune plus custom tune. The tuners that I've spoken to that offer BM3 and ECUTEK all seem to prefer ECUTEK for some reason.

[cookiesowns]

Originally Posted by cecaa850

Ordered mine last night. It seems that the ECUTEK tune is right about the same money give or take as a BM3 tune plus custom tune. The tuners that I've spoken to that offer BM3 and ECUTEK all seem to prefer ECUTEK for some reason.

There's a very fantastic reason, and soon you will find out. Good choice on Bend, they have quite a few M2 guys biting now.

You'll enjoy the tune forsure!

[mr_lab_rat]

Speaking of features, I definitely need the cold start delete, no secondary o2 sensor checking (for sport cat).

But I'm getting a DV+ which can throw a CEL as well.
Can either of these tunes ignore checking the DV or increase whatever thresholds it needs?

[chief1richard]

Could someone explain to me the difference between Stage 1,2,3,and 4, of a Tune? I am considering a Bootmod Tune, and currently have a stock engine.

[VisualEcho]

Originally Posted by chief1richard

Could someone explain to me the difference between Stage 1,2,3,and 4, of a Tune? I am considering a Bootmod Tune, and currently have a stock engine.

Just generally stage 1 doesn't usually require any other modifications. Stage 2 usually requires an aftermarket downpipe, either catted or catless, and in some instances shouldn't really be used without an intercooler as well (like in the case of the BM3 Stage 2).

Beyond that everything gets a little blurry, so unless you're going to have more involved modifications (turbo, fuel upgrade), and a professional tune, I wouldn't worry about those.

[BruceM]

But I'm getting a DV+ which can throw a CEL as well.
[/QUOTE]

What would be the mechanism for this? Why would the ECU care whether the valve mechanism in the diverter valve is upgraded?

I've had a DV+ for almost a year now and no hint of a CEL....

[akkando]

Originally Posted by VisualEcho

Just generally stage 1 doesn't usually require any other modifications. Stage 2 usually requires an aftermarket downpipe, either catted or catless, and in some instances shouldn't really be used without an intercooler as well (like in the case of the BM3 Stage 2).

Beyond that everything gets a little blurry, so unless you're going to have more involved modifications (turbo, fuel upgrade), and a professional tune, I wouldn't worry about those.

I'd recommend an after market intercooler for a stage 1 tune for the n55 m2.

[mr_lab_rat]

Originally Posted by BruceM

But I'm getting a DV+ which can throw a CEL as well.

What would be the mechanism for this? Why would the ECU care whether the valve mechanism in the diverter valve is upgraded?

I've had a DV+ for almost a year now and no hint of a CEL....[/QUOTE]

It has two modes - OEM or optional spring for holding boost between shifts. The OEM mode just makes it stronger and reliable, the installation with the spring improves driving experience but manufacturer warns that it can throw a CEL.

Which way do you have it installed?

[BruceM]

With the spring. Sport setting.

Good mod. Between the UCP, an SSK and the DV+, it's actually a nice manual shifting experience. Next step is to remove the CDV.

[mr_lab_rat]

Originally Posted by BruceM

With the spring. Sport setting.

Good mod. Between the UCP, an SSK and the DV+, it's actually a nice manual shifting experience. Next step is to remove the CDV.

Cool, thanks for valuable info. I hope to see you at some PNW event so I can check out these mods. I'm only planning to do the DV+ and CDV. I'll be choosing an intercooler and downpipe to maximize throttle response rather than power.

[Happy Motoring]

Originally Posted by mr_lab_rat

Speaking of features, I definitely need the cold start delete, no secondary o2 sensor checking (for sport cat).

But I'm getting a DV+ which can throw a CEL as well.
Can either of these tunes ignore checking the DV or increase whatever thresholds it needs?

I think BM3 can clear error codes but I've never had cel with DV+

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Happy Motoring

I think BM3 can clear error codes but I've never had cel with DV+

Never had an issue with DV+ codes either

[_morandi_]

Curious why there's no consideration to a Dinan kit? Anyone with experience about the above mentioned tunes relative to a Dinan stage 1?

[AmuroRay]

I strongly recommend you speak to Bob from Stage FP. He used to be the mastermind behind BPC’s tunes, and I’ve seen a few 400whp (SAE/uncorrected) N55 dynos from him.

Too bad for my car, the current fuel pump is failing so I don’t get the full benefit of the custom tune he made - because it is awesome.