[Longboarder]

Hoping to get the input from those of you with ECU tunes on your i8. There have been a couple of threads on the available tunes but those threads have died out and I haven't heard much other than from Skinrock, who reported great results with no issues from his Gintani tune.

I would appreciate those who have tunes to let us know what tune they have and how they are doing long term - both good and bad please. Particularly any issues with the dealer.

Also any videos of their tuned i8 racing or dyno results or other info to share would be fantastic.

Thanks.

[skinrock]

I wonder if I'll be the only one that posts again

Mine is still running great...no codes, no problems, nada. Hasn't been to the dealer yet, though...needs an oil change, but otherwise it's fine.

No videos, sadly. Not really my thing to be honest.

[sdpi8]

Originally Posted by skinrock

I wonder if I'll be the only one that posts again

Mine is still running great...no codes, no problems, nada. Hasn't been to the dealer yet, though...needs an oil change, but otherwise it's fine.

No videos, sadly. Not really my thing to be honest.

Do you have the gintani? How long have you had it and how are the gains?

[Amgeater2]

I think I was the first one in the US to get the ECU tune (that I know of) and so far no problems at all super happy with the results and yes my car was put on the dyno. so far the best 0-60 3.7 with 21 inch wheels.

Velos did my tuning and the car was a the dealer twice with no issues (regular service and the gas tank cover issue), hence the SA and tech working on the car they both know about the ecu tune.

so far what I have race:

Audi r8 v10 2009 (stock) 0-80/90 dead even, had a 1/4 of front at start and then it even out to 80/90mph.
Acura NSX (Stock) but with wheels 0-80/90 kick my ass half of car and then a full car lengh and kept walking
Amg GTS (stock) my other car 0-100 & 50-100 - traction on the GTS is big issue and always took 1 car lenght and even out at the end to 100mph
50-100 the GTS took a half a car and kept walking..
BMW m4 & m3 with JB4 and stock 0-50/60 a car lengh + 60-100 I had a guy on a m3 on the highway and couldnt catch up but we never line up it was just a couple of hit and go..
Galardo spyder 04 Stock 0-60 and 50-100 - 0-60 half a car and kept the gap, 50 roll dead even some times he will get me and I will get him (all about reaction time)

[Jo-Sta07]

That's good stuff man thanks for the Info.

[skinrock]

Originally Posted by sdpi8

Do you have the gintani? How long have you had it and how are the gains?

I've had it since December. Don't have actual numbers for gains. I posted a thread not too long ago with some details on my best run (0-60 in 4 flat, running a mix of 91 ACN and 100).

[sdpi8]

Originally Posted by skinrock

I've had it since December. Don't have actual numbers for gains. I posted a thread not too long ago with some details on my best run (0-60 in 4 flat, running a mix of 91 ACN and 100).

How does it affect the warranty?

[HustlerX5]

Originally Posted by sdpi8

How does it affect the warranty?

Yes it does if they ever find it. Which they probably wouldn't unless you somehow blow your motor from abuse somehow or something. I've had my Gintani tune since late October, got it when the car had about 1500 miles, I'm now at 10000 miles with no issues. No issues with standard service, my SA is Charlie at McKenna and he knows what's up, he's cool with it. I could feel a difference when I was on stock wheels, now with 20" Zito ZS05's not so much. Ran a consistent 12.39-12.40 back when it was stock and on stock wheels at Famoso, maybe I'll make it back out sometime soon but I really feel the wheels would probably make it perform the same as before, maybe worse.

[skinrock]

Yea, I don't think the Gintani is as aggressive as others (tuning in cali sucks, shit gas to work with).

That said, it still pulls a lot stronger in the upper end imo. Not an improvement like a JB4 on a 335i, but noticeable nonetheless.

Warranty...as said...you always run the risk. If you're paranoid, don't get it. If you wanna live a little...just don't cry if it burns you.

[ericsi]

does anyone know if there are any decent tuning companies in the UK for the i8?

[carlos@velosdesignwerks]

Originally Posted by Amgeater2

I think I was the first one in the US to get the ECU tune (that I know of) and so far no problems at all super happy with the results and yes my car was put on the dyno. so far the best 0-60 3.7 with 21 inch wheels.

Velos did my tuning and the car was a the dealer twice with no issues (regular service and the gas tank cover issue), hence the SA and tech working on the car they both know about the ecu tune.

so far what I have race:

Audi r8 v10 2009 (stock) 0-80/90 dead even, had a 1/4 of front at start and then it even out to 80/90mph.
Acura NSX (Stock) but with wheels 0-80/90 kick my ass half of car and then a full car lengh and kept walking
Amg GTS (stock) my other car 0-100 & 50-100 - traction on the GTS is big issue and always took 1 car lenght and even out at the end to 100mph
50-100 the GTS took a half a car and kept walking..
BMW m4 & m3 with JB4 and stock 0-50/60 a car lengh + 60-100 I had a guy on a m3 on the highway and couldnt catch up but we never line up it was just a couple of hit and go..
Galardo spyder 04 Stock 0-60 and 50-100 - 0-60 half a car and kept the gap, 50 roll dead even some times he will get me and I will get him (all about reaction time)

Glad you are still loving the tune Albert!

If you guys any questions about tuning your car feel free to PM, email me at stephen@velosdesignwerks.com or give us a call at 786-401-6520.

[ElSpa]

Originally Posted by ericsi

does anyone know if there are any decent tuning companies in the UK for the i8?

https://www.celtictuning.co.uk/

I'm sending my ECU to them in August !

[ericsi]

Originally Posted by ElSpa

https://www.celtictuning.co.uk/

I'm sending my ECU to them in August !

Good. Keen to hear how you get on.

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by stephen@velosdesignwerks

Glad you are still loving the tune Albert!

If you guys any questions about tuning your car feel free to PM, email me at stephen@velosdesignwerks.com or give us a call at 786-401-6520.

Hey Steven, any long term info to share with your tune? Or any dyno/acceleration data from any of your customers?

[carlos@velosdesignwerks]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

Hey Steven, any long term info to share with your tune? Or any dyno/acceleration data from any of your customers?

Hey,

The individual above actual owns one of the first I8's we completed for a retail client. No dyno data due to the nature of the vehicle and that is why you will not see much in the form of dyno runs. The 3 cylinder motor is pretty straight forward and something we have been tuning for years. Feel free to give us a call, etc for any more info but unfortunately on this platform there are no WOT dyno runs.

Best Regards,

[DallasDave]

I really would like a tune, but the risk vs reward doesn't appear compelling enough to me with the hybrid technology.

I've always modified my cars but I've felt I've been limited to appearance-only modifications with this vehicle.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d4...pskbgjt39e.jpg

I'd sure like to see a video of stock vs. tuned.

Dave in Dallas

[phoenixcsl]

Originally Posted by ericsi

does anyone know if there are any decent tuning companies in the UK for the i8?

Yes there is, Martin at Quantum Tuning did my i8, I've had the map on for 8 months now and approx 5k miles, no issues, the map makes the car feel so much more responsive.

Back to back against my friends standard i8, my car pulls several car lengths on his from a standing start and once rolling.

I'd recommend them in a heartbeat, have used them before for other BMW's, they are excellent.

http://www.quantumtuning.co.uk/

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by stephen@velosdesignwerks

Hey,

The individual above actual owns one of the first I8's we completed for a retail client. No dyno data due to the nature of the vehicle and that is why you will not see much in the form of dyno runs. The 3 cylinder motor is pretty straight forward and something we have been tuning for years. Feel free to give us a call, etc for any more info but unfortunately on this platform there are no WOT dyno runs.

Best Regards,

Help remind me please. If a car is local to you, do you flash through the OBD port? For non-local cars do you bench flash the ECU's or do you have tuning partners in other parts of the US who can flash the for you?

[carlos@velosdesignwerks]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

Help remind me please. If a car is local to you, do you flash through the OBD port? For non-local cars do you bench flash the ECU's or do you have tuning partners in other parts of the US who can flash the for you?

All i8's at this point are bench flashed and everything is done in house so the ECU would need to be sent to us.

[ericsi]

Originally Posted by phoenixcsl

Yes there is, Martin at Quantum Tuning did my i8, I've had the map on for 8 months now and approx 5k miles, no issues, the map makes the car feel so much more responsive.

Back to back against my friends standard i8, my car pulls several car lengths on his from a standing start and once rolling.

I'd recommend them in a heartbeat, have used them before for other BMW's, they are excellent.

http://www.quantumtuning.co.uk/

Hi Phoenixcsl, would you mind elaborating a little more pls? What sort of gains did you get in bhp / torque terms?

How was the work carried out? Ecu tune only?

Cost?

What happens if you get a software update at the dealer? Do they re flash your ecu for free?

Any fuel consumption change?

Would love to hear more.

Cheers,

Eric.

[Jo-Sta07]

I can confirm following a road trip this weekend that my i8 can hit 158 mph (indicated) and had no issue getting there. I wonder, does the cars limiter stop it at 160 in which case a tuned car will slam into it or does that governor not exist?

[JasH]

Originally Posted by Jo-Sta07

I can confirm following a road trip this weekend that my i8 can hit 158 mph (indicated) and had no issue getting there. I wonder, does the cars limiter stop it at 160 in which case a tuned car will slam into it or does that governor not exist?

Someone on the Munich run:




Remember that there is an upper limit, due to the maximum RPM of the electric motor. 160mph might well be it.