Upcoming Unitronic Chip Tuning

I inquired to a local performance shop and was told that they have had a long history of working with Unitronic with regards to engine reprogramming. I was also told that they are already working on a Cayman program and are taking their time. They said that the 3.4 engine with Variocam plus was purposefully detuned so that it was not a threat to the 997 Carrera . Here is the email I got from the owner of the local shop, which he got from Unitronic: 'We suspect the chip will cost between $1000 and $1200. Give around 35 horsepower (pending test results), better throttle response, and a slightly larger (broader) torque curve.' I was going to jump on the GIAC re-chip until I got this info. If it turns out to be possible or even a solid 20-25 hp gain, I told them I would get one in a heartbeat. No ETA on when it will be available. As I get more infomation on this development, I will immediately post it. <u>http://www.unitronic.ca</u>

Coupe, I don't want to throw cold water on these guys as I have no history with them or their product, but I must say that I've never seen any naturally aspirated Porsche ever get that much of a horsepower increase from just chip tuning alone. I would love to see their before and after dyno charts as well as independent dyno charts from anyone who has this done because to get that much would be truly amazing. Now turbos, that's a whole other story...

Believe me, I am a bit skeptical as well, but they said they insisted that the 3.4 Cayman engine is a special case, i.e. the stock program is purposefully detuned significantly. I am willing to wait to see the results. It does seem a bit strange to me though, that the 3.4 Cayman engine with Variocam plus is making 86.76 hp per liter while the Boxster S 3.2 liter with Variocam (not plus) is making 87.5 hp per liter and the 3.6 997 Carrera engine with Variocam (not plus) is making 90.28 hp per liter. Just using these figures, hp divided by liter size, from Porsche 's own website seems to indicate that the Cayman S engine was restricted. Just bringing the 3.4 engine up to the hp/liter efficiency of the 3.6 Carrera engine would give about 307 hp, an 11 hp gain which supports the GIAC results. But that assumes that that is the best the 3.4 engine can do efficiency wise and that Variocam Plus doesn't do anything more. Oh well, I can wait, if it doesn't pan out, I'll still look forward to an 8-10 hp gain from GIAC.

Very good points. I do believe the Cayman to be significantly detuned also. The numbers do sound high though for chipping an NA car? We shall have to wait and see I guess. Coupe - how much is the GIAC chip for the 10hp gain?

I am not sure. Even this link on the GIAC doesn't give a price, http://www.planet-9.com/topic.asp?T..._ID=1&Topic_Title=GIAC+Flash+now+availalbe+for+Cayman+S&Forum_Title=Cayman+Mods nor does GIAC's website, http://www.giacusa.com/programs.php?mpid=133 Oh, and the GIAC website blurb and dyno plot seem to indicate a 10-15 hp gain and 6-8 ft/lbs torque gain: 'GIAC performance software for the 2006 Cayman S® smoothly delivers a 10-15 hp and 6-8 ft/lbs gain. For optimum power gains the software must be coupled with EVO in-box CAI..' I found this site that sells GIAC chip kits for the 996 Carrera and the price $1095 US: http://www.avalonmotorsports.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/48_50_135/products_id/336 so since the Cayman is also normally aspirated, the price should be around that. The 1999 996 chip kit was $1195 US from the same site. I am also not sure what else is needed or the labor cost if not a do-it-yourself (which would require a flasher). [/quote][/quote] Edited by - Coupe-de-Gras on 06/02/2006 12:52:44 PM

[/quote] Edited by - Coupe-de-Gras on 06/02/2006 12:52:44 PM [/quote] Thanks for the info. At least it gives me a ballpark of around 1000-1500.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">What a marketing strategy! Tap into the belief that the Cayman was intentionally under tuned and 'we' can unlock it. It may have been de-tuned but it is doubtful that independent software writers are going to produce that hp without some sacrifices somewhere. Usually that is in engine life, decreased mileage and the requirement to find and use higher octane fuel. Beware the easy (but expensive) 'fix' and demand to have the changes explained to you in understandable detail with independentproof. It is doubtful that a truly forthcoming explanation will be provided unless they don't have lawyers. And recognize that Porsche service software is pretty sophisicated and if one of these tuners productshurts your engine you probably will be stuck with the repair bill. [/quote]

I agree. Which is why I am patiently biding my time. If the changes are not explained and more importantly removable and reversible and work with 91 pump gas, I may not get one. It also may not work with Sport Mode, which is already like a switchable and more aggressive program. When I had a BMW, I put on alot of Dinan upgrades because they backed up their stuff with a full replacement warranty and were endorsed and installed by the dealership. Edited by - Coupe-de-Gras on 06/03/2006 6:24:18 PM

Coupe, I don't want to scare you, but I had a long talk with Garrett at GIAC about ECU tuning on the Cayman S and since I have sport chrono and PASM I was concerned that an ECU flash might make the SC functions go away, etc. or impact them in some way. Garrett informed me that the SC and PASM functions are COMPLETELY SEPARATE from the engine maps in the ECU, that remapping the engine (there are 4 maps in our ECU's btw) will NOT impact SC or PASM . If this tuner didn't know that then I'd be very leary of their product / service. Do they know that there are actually 4 distince ECU engine maps from the factory? If they end up changing only 1 of them and the ECU goes into a different map (due to gas quality, or CE light, etc.) then you lose any changes they've made until you can get back to that particular map. These are things that if they don't know, they shouldn't be touching your ECU IMHO...

The power increase GIAC quotes is contingent on replacing the induction system (EVOM VFLOW - they have more details in their site). Without that, probably not much gain. I expect Unitronic's power increases would also be dependent on revised plumbing. Of course, the cost goes up to get these gains. Look at the 9ff group buy: 40 hp for $8500 after discount.

scopacetic, Actually GIAC has maps for Caymans with or without the EVO intake, as well as they will shortly have maps for cars with intake and exhaust mods, so while you will get greater gains by also swapping out the intake, you will still get some gain from just the ECU, and I don't know the exact figure but I'm sure Garrett can tell us.

Well, too late K-Man S, you've got me scared pretty good now /fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/shades_smile.gif I don't want to risk to risk damaging or shortening the lifespan of my engine or void the warranty. What would be nice is get back the 30 or 40 hp it seems I lose when I am up here in high elevation Reno, NV. When I travel down into the California valley, it's like DAMN, where did all this 'extra' power come from. I'm pretty happy with car and the mods right now. Of course, if I could score a 3.6 or 3.8 997 motor for a reasonable price, I might consider doing a swap, maybe.

Coup, I know what you mean about hp lost at high altitude. At least everyone else here has the same performance handicap resulting from being at 7000'.