Your Z4M Tune - What's your experience?

[rockstar93]

Originally Posted by Azeka1

RKTunes - $500

In my opinion, this is the best deal out there. Only downside is that their Z4M package does require you to send in your ECU for a bench flash but very quick turnaround (1 business day in my experience).

- Raised Rev Limiter
- No CEL with Headers
- Secondary O2 Sensor Delete
- EGT Delete
- Absolutely No Startup/Idling Issues
- Comes with OBD2 Cable so that you can update the tune later, if required

I've heard good things about RKTunes, but at the same time I've also heard some not so good things.

This thread is by a pretty credible shop owner local to me and was enough to keep me away. I have heard that for locals to RKTunes/Jordan the experience is much better rather than remote tuning.
http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=595205

[Azeka1]

Originally Posted by rockstar93

I've heard good things about RKTunes, but at the same time I've also heard some not so good things.

This thread is by a pretty credible shop owner local to me and was enough to keep me away. I have heard that for locals to RKTunes/Jordan the experience is much better rather than remote tuning.
http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=595205

Yes, I have read that thread and also was cautious. Great point to ensure the community is aware of it.

However, I can say from my personal experience that he was very responsive through IG Messenger. My initial tune did not have the EGT delete on it and, by the next day, he emailed me an updated file that I loaded and fixed the issue.

[rockstar93]

Originally Posted by Azeka1

Yes, I have read that thread and also was cautious. Great point to ensure the community is aware of it.

However, I can say from my personal experience that he was very responsive through IG Messenger. My initial tune did not have the EGT delete on it and, by the next day, he emailed me an updated file that I loaded and fixed the issue.

Yes, my intention is not to steer anyone to or away from any tunes, just to make sure they're as informed as possible before going with a certain tuner. No matter what tune one chooses, there's an inherent risk and thus trust being placed in that tuner's hands.

Full disclosure, while I've had zero seat time so far, I have an Epic Alpha-N tune that is mostly positively reviewed. Although I have read that some people experienced less than stellar service from Randy @ Epic, and many others who are annoyed by the fact that he "locks" the DME from further tuning by anybody that isn't him.

[WeekendWarriorz]

The thing is, is there anyone here with an RK tuned Z4M? I've yet to see or read about one. I know Jordan has tuned many e46 m3's and his numbers are pretty damn well (320+whp) and can make a burble/flame map. On top of that dealing with boosted s54s (blower and turbo). But mailing the dme out to him is a no go to me... there's already OBD2 flashing available.

In other regards to Epic locking the ecu so it can't be tuned by anyone else, I personally think that's dumb and won't be going with any software by them. I'm likely to stick with VF engineering and run their Alpha-N HEX flash then do their VF570 kit running full e85.

[Azeka1]

Originally Posted by WeekendWarriorz

The thing is, is there anyone here with an RK tuned Z4M? I've yet to see or read about one. I know Jordan has tuned many e46 m3's and his numbers are pretty damn well (320+whp) and can make a burble/flame map. On top of that dealing with boosted s54s (blower and turbo). But mailing the dme out to him is a no go to me... there's already OBD2 flashing available.

In other regards to Epic locking the ecu so it can't be tuned by anyone else, I personally think that's dumb and won't be going with any software by them. I'm likely to stick with VF engineering and run their Alpha-N HEX flash then do their VF570 kit running full e85.

Yes, I have a RKTuned Z4M. SS Headers, Rouge X-Pipe and Exhaust. 20+ track days since I installed it last year and not one issue yet.

[WeekendWarriorz]

Originally Posted by Azeka1

Yes, I have a RKTuned Z4M. SS Headers, Rouge X-Pipe and Exhaust. 20+ track days since I installed it last year and not one issue yet.

Any idea of the numbers you're putting down?

[Azeka1]

Originally Posted by WeekendWarriorz

Any idea of the numbers you're putting down?

I am preparing my car for Time Trials this year and will have it on the Dyno within the next month or so to confirm Power/Weight. Will report back then.

That said, all of the generic 'over the counter' tunes account for: Headers, Exhaust and Rev-Limiter Increase. In my opinion, without getting into custom tunes, I think the level of risk and power output among all of these OTC tunes will be very similar.

[sirhodjibob]

What’s the logic for all these tunes raising the rev limiter? I can see it maybe making sense for track duty, but it seems like a recipe for accelerated bearing wear

[Azeka1]

Originally Posted by sirhodjibob

What’s the logic for all these tunes raising the rev limiter? I can see it maybe making sense for track duty, but it seems like a recipe for accelerated bearing wear

Personally, only for track purposes as it allows me to hold a gear without hitting the limiter. Even then, this is pretty rare and I still shift <8K RPM as a safety precaution. Power falls flat >8K RPM anyway.

Here's an example. At NJMP Lightning, I can hold 4th from the exit of the last corner leading into the front straight. Rather than shifting into 5th for a very short period of time, I can hold 4th to just over 8,100 RPM before hitting the braking zone. Hopefully one day I can get fast enough to hit the rev limiter and NEED to up-shift though

[Inc]

Hi Guys,

And idea how many times can Z4M’s MSS70 DME be flashed?

There is a limited number of times E46M3’s MS54 DME can be flashed .

[pokeybritches]

Originally Posted by rockstar93

Yes, my intention is not to steer anyone to or away from any tunes, just to make sure they're as informed as possible before going with a certain tuner. No matter what tune one chooses, there's an inherent risk and thus trust being placed in that tuner's hands.

Full disclosure, while I've had zero seat time so far, I have an Epic Alpha-N tune that is mostly positively reviewed. Although I have read that some people experienced less than stellar service from Randy @ Epic, and many others who are annoyed by the fact that he "locks" the DME from further tuning by anybody that isn't him.

The DME can't be locked from OBD read/write. There are things that can be done to prevent certain tools from accessing the DME on the bench, but I've never had an issue with OBD read/write.

[3002 tii]

Had to see what all the hype was about so went with Epic’s header tune. My setup is Euro headers, DKF section 1 with 100 cell cats, and stock X pipe and mufflers. But initial impressions are wow… more low end torque and car just pulls harder throughout the power band. Unfortunately I never had a chance to do a baseline but I’m hoping to her the car dyno’d this weekend while I’m down at the track.

[pokeybritches]

Originally Posted by pokeybritches

The DME can't be locked from OBD read/write. There are things that can be done to prevent certain tools from accessing the DME on the bench, but I've never had an issue with OBD read/write.

Following up on this, yes the ECU can now be OBD read locked but not write locked- at least not intentionally.

Every flashing program uses a different method to patch the ECU to accept tuned files. Since you can’t double-patch the ECU and have it function correctly, you are essentially locked into using one tuner’s program unless you flash in a full factory file to “clear” the patch… or your tuner’s flash program has to be smart enough to check for an existing patch before writing the tune.

[Terraphantm]

Eh it’s perfectly possible to write lock the ECU, but it’d be a pretty dumb thing to do since bricks would be impossible to recover without bdm (it’s also not difficult to bdm lock the cpu). To prevent “unauthorized” users from writing the ECU one could also theoretically change the security access keys, and I suppose increase the key width to 1024-bit to prevent factoring. Another option would be to fix the signature verification flaw and change the key to your own. Either method a bit of a dick move IMO since it would prevent the end user from going back to stock.


Oh and if anyone is interested, I wrote an msx70 reading / flashing program https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...pha#post221387

MSS70 xdf: https://www.ms4x.net/index.php?title...#Siemens_MSS70

MSV70 xdf: https://www.ms4x.net/index.php?title...#Siemens_MSV70

Xdfs courtesy of sda2

In theory my signature bypass shouldn’t break others, but tough to guarantee that so I always recommend starting from a stock binary. Eventually I’ll probably verify signatures of the program being flashed during a signature bypass to enforce that.

[grannyknot]

3 pages on this thread and the Severn tune hasn't been mentioned
Many of us on this forum have Josh's custom tune on our cars and are very happy with it.
He worked with me the whole way to find the best possible tune for my modifications, very pleased with the performance.

[MadGus]

Originally Posted by grannyknot

3 pages on this thread and the Severn tune hasn't been mentioned
Many of us on this forum have Josh's custom tune on our cars and are very happy with it.
He worked with me the whole way to find the best possible tune for my modifications, very pleased with the performance.

Without a doubt, Josh knows how to tune these S54s. Had mine up for a month now, and I am simply loving it. Running Megan catless headers and the rest of the car is bone stock.

[Steeler]

Originally Posted by MadGus

Without a doubt, Josh knows how to tune these S54s. Had mine up for a month now, and I am simply loving it. Running Megan catless headers and the rest of the car is bone stock.

Anyone with an M54 can also benefit from the knowledge of Severn Tuning.

My 04 has gone through so many upgrades and improvements in the years I have been involved with Josh and he always delivers.

[CTMP4me]

Originally Posted by grannyknot

3 pages on this thread and the Severn tune hasn't been mentioned
Many of us on this forum have Josh's custom tune on our cars and are very happy with it.
He worked with me the whole way to find the best possible tune for my modifications, very pleased with the performance.

+1 for Severn. Josh extracted 355 whp / 273 wheel lb-ft my high compression build and said 260-270 whp is on the table with some refinement. Drivability is great too, it's not a "no one home below 4K" tune. Specs: 12:1 CR, 288/280 cams, overbore pistons for 3.25/3.3L capacity, Supersprint V1 stepped headers.

[pokeybritches]

Thanks! 360-370 whp is highly likely on your setup with some more time. The engine is very strong with great supporting mods.

[Vanne]

I'll need to fly Josh out to dxb when my build is finally complete.

[MBan]

Originally Posted by CTMP4me

+1 for Severn. Josh extracted 355 whp / 273 wheel lb-ft my high compression build and said 260-270 whp is on the table with some refinement. Drivability is great too, it's not a "no one home below 4K" tune. Specs: 12:1 CR, 288/280 cams, overbore pistons for 3.25/3.3L capacity, Supersprint V1 stepped headers.

Very nice! Is the difference between the red and blue line just the tune? Do you have a thread about your build?

I also have a Severn tune and it's great - super smooth, no hiccups, etc. Josh took a lot of time to refine the tune based on data logging on the road, so it wasn't just a canned tune.

[maupineda]

I have a Severn tune on mine. I just cannot recommend Josh enough. He also has not stopped until making sure my car was on point.