Evolve Tune in progress

bjbstewart · 05-20-2014, 11:36 AM

Currently loading my "new" tune from Evolve automotive (http://www.evolveautomotive.com/). When I bought the car, Marin included the Evolve tune adapter (they are car specific), but I hadn't gotten around to re-doing the tune. After my exhaust mods, I related the info to Evolve, and they sent me the updated tune file. They guys at Evolve seemed great to work with and happy to help.

Hope to take it for a spin at lunch and see what difference it makes! Anyone else have this done? Experience?

SCZ4 · 05-21-2014, 03:19 AM

Do you have an update?

I'm interested in this, but the reviews were mixed from the group-buy a few years ago as to whether there are performance gains or it just feels faster with better throttle response.

bjbstewart · 05-21-2014, 08:52 AM

Yeah, there is not going to be a definitive answer without a dyno involved. I don't really have a horse in this race as the unit came with the car, so this is pretty objective feedback.

I will tell you that it feels like a mid-point between having the "sport" button on and off. Not quite a twitchy as sport mode, but more twitchy. Certainly more throttle response. Seems to have more "pep" in the 3k rpm range than before. I don't know that any of this translates to more horsepower, or just new response curve on the accelerator. Even if I was getting a full 15hp, that is less than a 5% difference. My "butt" dyno says maybe. a little more "go" at earlier RPM's...

The Jury is still out for me. Feels like I'm going to have to install RE tranny mounts now to compensate. Almost feels like I'm back to stock engine mounts. It is certainly a bit less drivable now.

Now, that said, the Original Owner (OO?) had Fabspeed headers on it. He worked extensively with Evolve on his tune. They went back and forth at least 4 times to really nail it. He said it was a SIGNIFICANT improvement for him, and I can understand. A header change is absolutely something that needs to be corrected for in a tune. All I have is a cat-back system with a "stage 1" tune. I filled out a survey of what mods were on the car, what octane i was going to run, and if I wanted the rev/speed limiters removed and they sent me a file.

So, time will tell. Will I keep the slight perceived increase in power in trade for the drivability? Will RE mounts make things right? Will Hillary be our next President? All will be revealed...

Anyone else will a longer-term experience with Evolve (or other) tunes?

nekky · 05-21-2014, 11:34 AM

Also very interested to hear.. I have a BNIB Evolve-R cable + tune purchased for my E46 M3 that was never used. I'd like to have them do a tune on my ESS roadster but unsure if I should mess with anyone but ESS.

SCZ4 · 05-22-2014, 04:53 AM

Thanks for the review. Think I'll put this mod a little further down my want list.

I read it can take a while for the car to adapt to the new map, so let us know how it feels in 500 miles time.

05-20-2014, 11:36 AM	#1
bjbstewart Private 9 Rep 370 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW Z4MC Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 BMW Z4MC - Sold [7.66] 2006 330ci ZHP [0.00] 2000 Porsche Boxster S [0.00] 1972 DeTomaso Pantera [9.50]	Evolve Tune in progress Currently loading my "new" tune from Evolve automotive (http://www.evolveautomotive.com/). When I bought the car, Marin included the Evolve tune adapter (they are car specific), but I hadn't gotten around to re-doing the tune. After my exhaust mods, I related the info to Evolve, and they sent me the updated tune file. They guys at Evolve seemed great to work with and happy to help. Hope to take it for a spin at lunch and see what difference it makes! Anyone else have this done? Experience? Attached Images __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

05-21-2014, 03:19 AM	#2
SCZ4 Second Lieutenant 42 Rep 208 Posts Drives: F11 525d M Sport & Z4M Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	Do you have an update? I'm interested in this, but the reviews were mixed from the group-buy a few years ago as to whether there are performance gains or it just feels faster with better throttle response.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-21-2014, 08:52 AM	#3
bjbstewart Private 9 Rep 370 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW Z4MC Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 BMW Z4MC - Sold [7.66] 2006 330ci ZHP [0.00] 2000 Porsche Boxster S [0.00] 1972 DeTomaso Pantera [9.50]	Yeah, there is not going to be a definitive answer without a dyno involved. I don't really have a horse in this race as the unit came with the car, so this is pretty objective feedback. I will tell you that it feels like a mid-point between having the "sport" button on and off. Not quite a twitchy as sport mode, but more twitchy. Certainly more throttle response. Seems to have more "pep" in the 3k rpm range than before. I don't know that any of this translates to more horsepower, or just new response curve on the accelerator. Even if I was getting a full 15hp, that is less than a 5% difference. My "butt" dyno says maybe. a little more "go" at earlier RPM's... The Jury is still out for me. Feels like I'm going to have to install RE tranny mounts now to compensate. Almost feels like I'm back to stock engine mounts. It is certainly a bit less drivable now. Now, that said, the Original Owner (OO?) had Fabspeed headers on it. He worked extensively with Evolve on his tune. They went back and forth at least 4 times to really nail it. He said it was a SIGNIFICANT improvement for him, and I can understand. A header change is absolutely something that needs to be corrected for in a tune. All I have is a cat-back system with a "stage 1" tune. I filled out a survey of what mods were on the car, what octane i was going to run, and if I wanted the rev/speed limiters removed and they sent me a file. So, time will tell. Will I keep the slight perceived increase in power in trade for the drivability? Will RE mounts make things right? Will Hillary be our next President? All will be revealed... Anyone else will a longer-term experience with Evolve (or other) tunes? __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-21-2014, 11:34 AM	#4
nekky Wagon life 39 Rep 991 Posts Drives: '16 328d M Sport Touring Join Date: May 2011 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (2)	Also very interested to hear.. I have a BNIB Evolve-R cable + tune purchased for my E46 M3 that was never used. I'd like to have them do a tune on my ESS roadster but unsure if I should mess with anyone but ESS.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-22-2014, 04:53 AM	#5
SCZ4 Second Lieutenant 42 Rep 208 Posts Drives: F11 525d M Sport & Z4M Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the review. Think I'll put this mod a little further down my want list. I read it can take a while for the car to adapt to the new map, so let us know how it feels in 500 miles time.
	Appreciate 0 Quote