The Unichip is a piggyback much like the AEM FIC and Greddy eManage units. It intercepts and modifies certain signals going into the ECU to advance or retard ign timing, alter MAF signals, etc. The ECU still controls the ign timing but the Unichip can add or subtract from it. If there is knock, the ECU will pull some timing. If it is severe enough, you'll get a CEL.

I strongly considered replacing my FIC with a Unichip but decided against it because of the cost of the tuning software and/or cost of getting it tuned professionally. I also never found a good Unichip tuner in my area with a lot of Scion/Toyota experience. I ended up spending a small fortune on the Dezod APR-X1 which is more of a hybrid between a piggyback and a standalone system.

BTW, anyone interested in getting a FIC with a PnP harness for less than the cost of the Unichip, PM me. I'm selling my $500 harness and $300 FIC for $500. The FIC is more capable and better suited to boosted apps but requires tuning. Tuning software is included, unlike the Unichip where it costs $300 extra.

 

You ever dyno the AEM. I guess I need a scan guage to see if it ever pulls timing under load?

 

^^ I feel ya on that... I've seen other threads on the topic of unichips. It would be nice if the companies that make it would have the ***** to state actual numbers, not what someone "might" see for gains...and back it up with dyno charts. That way we'd know if the gains the average person with the same test setup the company used will get the same result. Granted the end user may tweak their ride with different parts, but if we had a true baseline, we'd all know the potential at the start. Then we'd know if it is truly worth the price these companies ask for this kind of part.

 

Maybe I misunderstood something here, but Unichip does post actual dyno results on their website:

http://www.unichip.us/vehicle/vehicl...8-Scion-XB-24L

http://www.unichip.us/system/uploads...0dynosheet.pdf

 

Nah, I was waiting to get my tune 100% but discovered along the way that the FIC is a bit lacking for AT cars. It seems to work much better with MT cars. It wouldn't add much to a NA engine either unless you raised the compression. The FIC can't advance timing, only retard it. It's mainly for boosted engines.

You'll need a scan tool with data logging to see your timing and any knock conditions. It's a great tool to have. You can read CEL codes, clear them, monitor about 80 different engine sensors/conditions, log timing, EGT, fuel trims, ECT, IAT, VE, etc, etc. You can see live or logged data in raw data view, graph form, tables and charts, min, avg, max, etc. It's amazing how much you can monitor and log with good OBD2 software. You can also check the operating condition of your O2 sensors.

If you have a netbook or laptop, you can get a ELM327 clone OBD2-USB interface for $40 and Palmer ScanXL is sweet software for about $80. OBD2 Pros also have nice scan tools and software but I'm sold on Palmer ScanXL Pro. It even has dyno and drag strip functions that work pretty well.

 

 

Ill have to look into those laptop applications. Ive tried to lug the engine several times, with the windows up and radio off, and I have not heard knock. Most of the time you can hear it if its there, but I wouldnt mind making sure.

 

http://www.unichip.us/system/uploads...0dynosheet.pdf

wow 171.6
tq:173.7
thats pretty damn good for an xB..

But since I have a tenzoR and ebay knockoff catback will that differ the outcome?
also, if I buy this chip, then get a different exhaust will that change things?

 

Id wait till I doublecheck those results. Plus those numbers are at the flywheel, not wheels.

 

As I said in one of the few post at the beginning of this thread, those dyno results are not really "legit". it's in crank HP, and if it is, it pretty much shows that the unichip does nothing. 171.6 HP/173.7 TQ with bolt ons and the unichip tune, compared to stock which is 158 HP/Blah blah. Dyno results have shown that the bolt ons alone add that much power, to the WHEELS. Either that xB is really weak or that dyno is BS.

Also, your Tenzo R intake will not effect it much. Most intakes are just piping with a filter, and although your filter may be low quality, it does not mean it will flow badly. It means it will filter badly. Intakes are NOT complicated. Also, the eBay knockoff catback might be slightly better than the TRD axleback, because it replaces the mid section, but as far as i know, it is slightly crush bent and the inner diameter is similar if not slightly larger than stock, so your mileage may vary.

 

Well I didn't like the Tenzo R filter so I bought the AEM dry flow filter, a few of my friends recommended it because its so easy to clean.

 

Well, then your intake is no different from an AEM CAI.

 

Just a TenzoR sticker on a pipe

If this does have any gains I may consider it, but $500 is pretty pricey, well see

 

So, any dynos?

 

Nah, I was off on Thu and Fri, but too many obligations. I am, however, going to call them Monday for a Wed 0900 appointment. Stay tuned!

 

Nice.

 

Well???

 

Guy at work got in car accident Mon night (I was on 3-11 M-W), so I had to go to day shift. Im stuck here till my 4 days off, which starts next Thu

 

damn. well keep us informed.

 

Should be this Thursday. Im off 4 days, and no reason I cant make it this time.