IE Software Vs. Custom Tunes - Which is Better and Why?
THE TRUTH ABOUT VW & AUDI ECU TUNING
IE TUNE
VS.
CUSTOM
WHICH IS BETTER & WHY?
IE TUNE
VS.
CUSTOM
WHICH IS BETTER & WHY?
It’s extremely easy to equate custom tuning with being higher quality. It is possible to make this argument in the professional motorsports realm where standalone ECUs are common. However, for daily driver vehicles and enthusiast level racing, it makes far more sense to buy a rigorously tested “out of the box” tune. Out of the box tunes normally have hundreds, if not thousands, of hours to achieve the highest quality possible.
As we say, It’s important to note that “custom software” does not necessarily equal quality tuning. Out of the box tunes that are already professionally tuned are usually a better product. Let’s dig into why this is the case with IE tunes.
| FEATURE | IE TUNE | CUSTOM TUNE |
|
Tuned for all climates/altitudes |
|
No |
|
Full power right out of the gate |
|
No |
|
Free updates |
|
No (Generally) |
|
Free octane adjsutability |
|
No (Generally) |
|
Tune tested for thousands of miles, dozens of cars, & various conditions |
|
No |
|
Supports oddball hardware |
No |
|
FILE REVISIONS & UPDATES
The most important aspect of IE’s software updates is they are always 100% FREE. On a regular basis, updates are released for many platforms when improvements can be made or new features have been innovated. Software updates may also be released when enough customers request additional features or even just provide basic drivability feedback. In other words, if there is a feature we don’t have or something you would like to see contact us and we’ll hear you out.
HIDDEN COSTS
WATCH OUT!
Since customizable tuning suites need further tuning to achieve equivalent performance, you can expect to pay an expert to have your tune optimized. Examples of what to watch out for:
TUNER & CALIBRATIONS
Consider the cost of the handheld tuner PLUS the cost of any additional calibrations (oftentimes the cost can be up to $100 for a SINGLE revision).
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Many times you will need to purchase features that are already included with other software options. The final price will often exceed what is actually a better product to begin with. IE’s tunes come with many available octanes and other features that are all included free of charge. With many custom tuners you may have to pay for each of these tunes on a PER OCTANE basis and for additional features. Do you want a burble or crackle tune? Get your wallet out. This list could go on and on. The bottom line is make sure you research what additional features you will want to add and how much they cost.
HIDDEN COSTS
WATCH OUT!
Since customizable tuning suites need further tuning to achieve equivalent performance, you can expect to pay an expert to have your tune optimized. Examples of what to watch out for:
TUNER & CALIBRATIONS
Consider the cost of the handheld tuner PLUS the cost of any additional calibrations (oftentimes the cost can be up to $100 for a SINGLE revision).
ADDITONAL FEATURES
Many times you will need to purchase features that are already included with other software options. The final price will often exceed what is actually a better product to begin with. IE’s tunes come with many available octanes and other features that are all included free of charge. With many custom tuners you may have to pay for each of these tunes on a PER OCTANE basis and for additional features. Do you want a burble or crackle tune? Get your wallet out. This list could go on and on. The bottom line is make sure you research what additional features you will want to add and how much they cost.
TUNING LIMITATIONS
Handheld tuning devices provided limited access to calibrate the ECU. With these devices a tuner will have access to very few variables, often less than one hundred or so. On the other hand, IE tuners have access to the entire ECU with the ability to adjust tens of thousands of variables. The power to tune any aspect of the computer means that IE Calibrators are free to modify all safety factors and correction factors properly, to create a map which operates in all conditions perfectly with no exceptions. There are no work arounds required.
MATCHING HARDWARE
It’s important to note that many competitors do not offer hardware. IE offers a wide range of hardware products that should be paired with its ECU and TCU tunes. When you choose to match IE hardware with IE software you will normally see the best results. Our tunes have been optimized using IE hardware which results in a better running vehicle. Using other non-recommended hardware may result in unforeseeable technical issues due to design and quality differences.
4 OTHER DEBUNKED MYTHS
Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths we see on a daily basis.
1. DIFFERENT CLIMATES REQUIRE CUSTOM ADJUSTMENTS
When you purchased a new car off the dealership lot did you have to specify the altitude or climate conditions for where you live? Of course you didn’t! You wouldn’t even be able to go on a road trip across the country without buying a new car for every state. The point is when performance tunes are properly calibrated with the stock ECU this type of customization is not required. Tuning the stock ECU allows for full functionality of altitude compensation. This will ensure that the proper amount of boost, fuel, and ignition timing are applied at all times regardless of altitude. Have the peace of mind that no matter where you go with your IE tune, you will be operating at peak performance!
2. MAP SWITCHING IS NOT POSSIBLE
This claim is simply incorrect. With the IE Powerlink you can switch maps whenever you want for other fuel octanes, flash back to stock if needed, and several other reasons. A great example of this being used would be for a track day. Let’s say you live in an area that only has 91 octane fuel. You get to the track and they have 104 octane race fuel. You want to see the max gains our software has to offer, so in a matter of seconds you can flash your car at the track to the 104 octane file (if available for your engine). When you’re done at the track, simply flash back to your 91 octane file and drive home. It’s that easy!
3. OUT OF THE BOX TUNES LACK FEATURES
In the past it may have been true that only standalone or handheld tuners could accomplish certain tasks. In today’s world though IE’s Powerlink can switch files for octanes, stages, datalog for diagnosis purposes and read codes. You can also drain your fuel (great for track days when switching to higher octane fuel) and keep your cooling fans on to cool off your heat exchanger between your time on the track. More features are always in development as well so check back often.
4. ALL PERFORMANCE CARS NEED TO BE CUSTOM TUNED
In most circumstances this is actually the opposite. Tunes by reputable brands, such as IE, have thousands of hours of R&D and also thousands of cars running the same software. With a fully customized tune it is very likely that little time was spent on the customizations (Typically only a couple hours, at most). We have heard feedback from customers of these “custom tuners'' experiencing months of data logging back and forth between themselves and the tuner. This simply is unnecessary with our tunes. We want you to ENJOY your car rather than having to constantly dial it in. Our highly qualified and experienced tuning calibrators do their best to ensure all you have to do is flash the car and drive!
4 OTHER DEBUNKED MYTHS
Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths we see on a daily basis.
1. DIFFERENT CLIMATES REQUIRE CUSTOM ADJSUTMENTS
When you purchased a new car off the dealership lot did you have to specify the altitude or climate conditions for where you live? Of course you didn’t! You wouldn’t even be able to go on a road trip across the country without buying a new car for every state. The point is when performance tunes are properly calibrated with the stock ECU this type of customization is not required. Tuning the stock ECU allows for full functionality of altitude compensation. This will ensure that the proper amount of boost, fuel, and ignition timing are applied at all times regardless of altitude. Have the peace of mind that no matter where you go with your IE tune, you will be operating at peak performance!
2. MAP SWITCHING IS NOT POSSIBLE
This claim is simply incorrect. With the IE Powerlink you can switch maps whenever you want for other fuel octanes, flash back to stock if needed, and several other reasons. A great example of this being used would be for a track day. Let’s say you live in an area that only has 91 octane fuel. You get to the track and they have 104 octane race fuel. You want to see the max gains our software has to offer, so in a matter of seconds you can flash your car at the track to the 104 octane file (if available for your engine). When you’re done at the track, simply flash back to your 91 octane file and drive home. It’s that easy!
3. OUT OF THE BOX TUNES LACK FEATURES
In the past it may have been true that only standalone or handheld tuners could accomplish certain tasks. In today’s world though IE’s Powerlink can switch files for octanes, stages, datalog for diagnosis purposes and read codes. You can also drain your fuel (great for track days when switching to higher octane fuel) and keep your cooling fans on to cool off your heat exchanger between your time on the track. More features are always in development as well so check back often.
4. ALL PERFORMANCE CARS NEED TO BE CUSTOM TUNED
In most circumstances this is actually the opposite. Tunes by reputable brands, such as IE, have thousands of hours of R&D and also thousands of cars running the same software. With a fully customized tune it is very likely that little time was spent on the customizations (Typically only a couple hours, at most). We have heard feedback from customers of these “custom tuners'' experiencing months of data logging back and forth between themselves and the tuner. This simply is unnecessary with our tunes. We want you to ENJOY your car rather than having to constantly dial it in. Our highly qualified and experienced tuning calibrators do their best to ensure all you have to do is flash the car and drive!
WHAT TUNE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
All said and done these are several of the reasons why IE tunes are superior, right out of the box. We believe in making customers happy right from the start and strive to deliver this on a daily basis. If you have more questions contact our helpful customer support team for more information at: support@performancebyie.com