Tuning an ej20k

[sooch]

Picked up an ej20k recently and I have put off the tuning aspect for far too long. I have done some research and found a few things that I will share. Basically I am looking for a standalone ECU/piggy back which can be tuned by someone in the new england area. (I will travel to protect my investment).

Yes I understand that I can use an intake manifold from a usdm ej20 along with harness/ecu etc. I already have my harness merged and back in the car, and I will not be doing that again unless I have no other options.

So I know there a few of you running around with ej207s and I was basically just curious what you were using for tuning. JDM motors are fragile with our shitty gas and I want to protect my investment. I understand tuning is expensive, but is what keeps the engine together. I would rather spend money now, then with a blown up ej20k....

Here is what I've found while doing my homework on tuning:

Vipec v88- http://www.vi-pec.com/ecus/v88

Hydra- http://www.hydraems.com/

apexi powerfc- http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apexi-Power-FC-96-98-Subaru-Impreza-WRX-STI-GC8-EJ20K-/360211506829#ht_500wt_1129

-(this is what I originally thought would be my go to. However, powerfc tuners are few and far between)

haltech p1000 p2000- http://www.haltech.com/index.php/support/faqs

Does anyone know if the tuners in the area use these specific tuning options? Basically what is my next step! I plan on calling tuners in the area to see what my options are. Anything you guys can help me with would be great.

 

[Matt]

Hydra is the best.

 

[sooch]

do you know anyone that can tune hydra in maine? or new england? By the time I started calling them most tuners were closed.

 

[Matt]

I think mike tuned his own but it took a long time. Ask him

 

[Meyagi]

hydra is the way id go. ive gotten pretty good with the interface so I could prob tune it for you. alex at granite state dyno can tune it also

 

[sooch]

Perfect, I like what I hear. I just want to be confident that my car can be tuned here locally by good people. What version do you have Mike? If anything we can go over things when I drop the car off at your place soon. ( sent you a couple facebook messages! let me know what works ).

 

[Meyagi]

I have a 2.6 The 2.7 is out now, so the 2.6 will be cheaper if you can find one used on nasioc. I paid $1000 for mine used with the wideband option to give you a estimate on cost. if your looking to buy new, contact Phil Grabow at Element Tuning. He is really good to deal with and can set you up

 

[sooch]

I have a 2.6 The 2.7 is out now, so the 2.6 will be cheaper if you can find one used on nasioc. I paid $1000 for mine used with the wideband option to give you a estimate on cost. if your looking to buy new, contact Phil Grabow at Element Tuning. He is really good to deal with and can set you up

Thanks mike, I am going back and forth right now with him on what Im going to be looking at. I have more faith now that I know about the Hydra and what it has to offer.