I've got a decatted 02 WRX and TEK 2 was suggested as a good way to go.. I know nothing about the TEK 2 etc ECU upgrades - are they simply a plug in and go ECU that would not need mapping etc? Budget is tight so am interested if it's safe and gives that extra bit of punch and drivability.

Cheers!

Mike

 

A Tek map of some description is definitely worth it. Ideally you'd want one that is mapped to suit the car

To answer the rest of your question - they are new software downloaded into the existing ECU. "Tek2" usually refers to a "standard" map loaded into the ECU, whilst "Tek3" usually refers to the map then being adjusted to suit your particular car, and therefore gives slightly better performance.

I found (with equivalent car, similar mods) it gave nicer power delivery, smoother, better spool up, held on to power longer, and noticably more punchy as well due to a bit higher boost. Well worth the ~£6-700 ish IMHO.

 

I liked the idea of the TEK 2 as it would be a few hundred less and supposedly gives (as I was told anyway) that Pro Drive kind of performance but if it's not nearly as good it seems silly to save a few hundred? I've also seem the odd TEK 2 going for around 300'ish which also got my interest but suspect that could have been for a classic or is it the same thing?

Sorry to be so un-knowledgable!



Mike

 

Up early?

For common mods like a decat exhaust only, you'd probably find the difference between a "standard map" (TEK2) and a "custom map" (TEK3) is not that big - as long as you get on that is designed for an 02 with exhaust. We're talking possibly a few bhp difference, perhaps slightly smoother etc. The latest prodrive kit for WRX's (the 265bhp one) is effectively a TEK2 with rear decat & backbox change, so a TEK 2 with full decat should give you better than that.

I hope you've got a decat up-pipe? Otherwise I'd do this first - it releases some power, and the increased boost of a TEK map has been known to cause failure in the up-pipe cat, which may break up and knacker the turbo too.

 

problem with a tec 2 is if you want to upgrade later on. Once you have tec 3 you can bolt on extras ie turbos and injectors and will cost you little over £100 to change the map

 

Thanks chaps! I've still got the up-pipe to decat and intend getting over to Hayward and Scott to get that done very soon so will have that done first.

I was kind of thinking that the TEK 2 would be roughly like the PPP so had also better upgrade the hoses and possibly upgrade the fuel pump at the same time to be safe? I don't intend doing much more that these mods.

Wish I'd done PPP when I bought the car new just over 2 years ago, but with 89,985 on the clock it's not really the thing to do now, even with a new engine 10k back!

Oh, daft question, but where's the cheapest place to buy a TEK 2?

Thanks for all the help

Mike

PS. Yes Hades, sprogs got me up at 5am

 

Mike

I got a TeK 2 for my decatted Bugeye.... Loads of fun ! cost about £500 plus VAT I think !!

Then I went for a new Turbo plus bits with TeK 3 and the cost for a remap was.......£650 plus VAT AFAIK !!

Instant £500 plus VAT black hole Things might have changed but I would be very careful

Midlife.....

 

Hmm. See what you mean. Then again, is it possible to buy TEK 2's from people going to a 3? Could you have sold yours?

I don't know how all this works so sorry if I'm sounding a bit green behind the ears

 

Just get a tek 3 from the the people who know, it will save you money in the long run

 

Hoses are worth upgrading (intercooler hose stronger for high boosts, and gives more slightly better flow, turbo inlet hose gives better spool-up). I'm not saying don't do the fuel pump, but most people find the existing one is just enough for up to ~300bhp (PE rollers, anyway). I you ever uprate the turbo, that's the time you really need to do the fuel pump.

 

Mike

EcuTeK maps are "flashed" into your existing ECU through the diagnostics port under the steering wheel......nothing needs to be removed out of the car for the map to be be carried out and the new map resides in "your" ECU under the passenger footwell

However, If I wished to sell my original TeK 2 map which is a standalone product I would have to remove my ECU where it resides , sell it and try and find a new ECU or arrange a swap !! Nightmare !!

TeK 3 maps (as they are often called) are changable maps which can be altered for a small fee as you modify the car and are much more cost effective !! and as Austin WRX pointed out a reasonable choice

I just wish I had met Bob Rawle 6 months sooner !! (who maps my car )

Good luck

Shaun

 

I look at it this way.................................

a Tek2 is like buyin a 'ready made, off the shelf' suit. It will do a job, but often fits where it touches.

Whereas, a Tek 3 remap is the equivilent of a hand made, 'made to measure suit', designed to fit perfectly and adjustable if you put on weight.

Sorry if it is a poor analogy

Martin

 

Excellent analogy Martin

Difference is that the hand made version in this case is only 20% more expensive

Andy

 

Martin

Pretty good analogy to me............................... I used to fit into red label Levi Jeans with a 30 " waist

TeK 3 it is then ........LOL

Shaun

 

all this talk about remaps makes my head spin...i know so little (still learning)...ive got a MY02 WRX PPP...what would i get out of this tek3 remap, how much would it cost and where do i go to get it?

 

Brihoppy

Having the PPP for the bugeye you are in the same territory AFAIK

Shaun

 

roger that...so i guess having a tek3 remap on a PPP would make no difference then?

 

OK, I will go the TEK3, when I have saved up enough, was hoping to make it more affordable!

Thanks