Powerchip Tune For Alloytec

[sting ls2]

This is what we all have been waiting to get a bit more power.
http://www.powerchipgroup.com/produc...lden:thumbsup:

[VZ-Rob]

$900 for a tempory fix. It's NOT a chip! only a tune & a big problem is the next factory service will reset cpu to the original settings and you'll have to pay some $$ again

[sting ls2]

I know its' not a chip,i didnt' say it was,it is Bosch software,but what if you stuck with the tune and just got your oil changed at a Holden dealer.

[sting ls2]

Here is the AUTOSPEED review.
Direct ECU tuning for Holden Alloytec V6s
OE level tuning flexibility
Not happy with the performance of your Holden’s 3.6-litre Alloytec V6? Reckon it’s lifeless and lacks the on-demand torque of a typical Australian family car? Well, here a solution that’s impossible to ignore – a performance ECU reflash from PowerChip.
We doubt anything could touch this on a bang-for-buck basis.
PowerChip Alloytec V6 Tuning
According to Wayne Besanko, head of PowerChip, his company is the only one in Australia with direct ECU access for the Alloytec V6. Your only other engine management option is an interceptor (which we are yet to see tested on this particular engine).
The secret to Powerchip’s Alloytec tuning success is possession of the Powertrain Definition Program that is made available by Bosch to car manufacturers. The program used by PowerChip is designed for Saab but the Bosch ME 9.6 engine management system is the same as found in the Holden Alloytech. The Bosch program is presented in hexadecimal code so PowerChip use a commercially available hex editor to decipher tuning information. The editor also allows information to be graphed.
So that’s the approach - what tuning parameters can be altered?
Bill Ingram, PowerChip’s Technical Manger, say’s there’s the functionality to change everything in the factory computer. There are only a couple of areas, such as transmission control and closed-loop switch point, that are yet to be explored.
Fuel and ignition timing are adjustable at 192 points over the load and rev range. These points can be rescaled where necessary but extra mapping points cannot be added. Ignition control is divided into two maps – high and low octane maps. The ECU operates between these timing maps depending on the amount of knock that’s detected – if there is a lot of knock, the ECU will read from the more conservative low octane map.
“We advance timing at high rpm and make changes to both the high and low octane maps. We also increase the amount of maximum allowable advance so it can reach our target figures,” Mr Ingram says,
The PowerChip reflash is optimised to suit 98 RON fuel and ignition timing is advanced to just below the knock threshold. In situations where ultra high octane fuel is not available, 95 RON and normal unleaded tunes can be alternatively specified.
Interestingly, PowerChip is also able to alter knock sensor sensitivity and knock retard - although this is normally left untouched. According to Mr Ingram, the company tunes the ECU to deliver extra performance without relying on knock sensor feedback.
“In terms of fuelling, the standard tune is pretty rich – it runs about 10.7 or 10.8:1 [air-fuel ratio] . We adjust it to around 12.5:1. That’s where the engine likes to be – going leaner doesn’t give any more power,” Mr Ingram says.
PowerChip also utilises their ability to change calibration of the electronic throttle control - in other words, how much the throttle opens for a given accelerator pedal input. The throttle control map has 256 points of adjustment and, in a typical tune, PowerChip dials in a more aggressive throttle opening in the mid-throttle range.
“The throttle control maps give a lot of resolution near idle. With a standard engine there’s no need to touch any of that but it might be useful in a heavily modified engine,” Mr Ingram says.
The software also allows cam timing to be changed, though Mr Ingram says this there’s no need to because the factory cam timing is spot-on. The dual variable cam timing of the high-performance Alloytec V6 – the 190kW engine – is currently being explored.
Rev limit can be lifted if requested but, at present, this can cause fault codes in vehicles with an automatic transmission. Mr Besanko say’s they’re unlikely to pursue this problem as there’s no point revving a near-stock engine any harder – torque falls away well before the rev limiter.
The software also provides the ability to switch off various fault codes that may arise from other performance modifications. For example, it is possible to disable cat converter fault codes when the cats are removed for racing purposes.
So what is the reflashing process, you ask?
It’s a simple eight minute process. A laptop containing the new files is plugged into the car’s OBDII port using a dedicated flash interface. A few keystrokes later and the upgrade is downloaded.
Back-to-Back Drive Comparison
We compared a bog-stock Holden VZ Executive with its factory tune versus the PowerChip reflashed version (optimised for 98 RON fuel).
In standard form, the engine feels doughy, lacks the effortless feel of its Ford rival and top-end performance is ho-hum. Oh, and the engine sounds terrible at high revs.
Once reflashed, the Alloytec comes alive. Response is vastly improved in the everyday range of throttle application, there’s noticeably more torque (as evident by the transmission shifting up earlier) and top-end is much improved. The threshy Alloytec sound remains - but at least there’s now some performance to go with it!
Unfortunately, this particular vehicle had not been properly filled with 98 RON fuel prior to our back-to-back test. The tank had a 50:50 mix of normal unleaded and 98 RON fuel so, in an attempt to improve fuel octane, PowerChip added a bottle of Nulon booster. No detonation was heard at any time during our drive.
As seen in this graph, the PowerChip 98 RON tune achieves a considerable power gain in an otherwise bog-stock Holden VZ Alloytec. The standard curve (shown in green) maxes at around 109kW at the wheels while the tuned car (its power curve shown in blue) touches 121kW. That’s a gain of 11 percent. Look closer at the graph and you’ll also see a substantial torque increase through the mid-high rpm range. Note that these dyno runs were performed on a Dyno Dynamics chassis dyno.
Interestingly, Mr Besanko says the tune that’s suited to normal unleaded is only around 2kW down on the 98 RON version. The biggest difference is the extra ignition advance felt in other parts of the rev range.
Price and Verdict
The 95 and 98 RON reflashes are available for AUD$890 fitted or, if you’re interested in the normal unleaded tune, you’ll spend AUD$100 less. That’s a pretty attractive price – especially given you’re unlikely to achieve better all-round performance with conventional exhaust/intake changes.
The PowerChip is normally supplied with preset dyno-tuned mapping. However, if you want specific upgrades – such as a customised electronic throttle control strategy – PowerChip can accommodate.
Mr Besanko says their reflash doesn’t interrupt the Holden dealership servicing tool but it’s quite possible that changes could be detected if somebody went looking. In some instances, Holden may also flash a revised program into the ECU as part of a service update. If this occurs, the high performance PowerChip maps can be again flashed for a small fee.
Improved throttle response, more effortless commuting, greater torque and performance. What else could you want for well under AUD$1000?

[VZ-Rob]

I'l try it fella's & give a report its lucky My ute is a work horse so can get a tax deduction
I've done a CAI used black pvc pipe from Bunnings lighting dept came in 1 mt lengths. did it on the w/e took maybe an 1 1/2 hrs.
next need a 2 1/2 ss cat back exhaust (any good deals around in melb.?)
then a Power-chip re-flash as there's no supercharger available

[VTSS350]

$900 for a tempory fix. It's NOT a chip! only a tune & a big problem is the next factory service will reset cpu to the original settings and you'll have to pay some $$ again

What are you talking about mate. It sounds like you have no idea. Since the VT commodore the V8s havent had a removable "chip" as you call it and the new alloytecs are the same.

I am not sure what power chip is doing but if it is a proper dyno tune, then its not a tempory fix.

I would call so called "chips" tempory fixes or crap. Anything not custom written to suit an engine on a dyno is not getting the full potential from the car.

Have a look at my thread about VCM suite tunning. This is the company that supplies HP tunners to all the big compainies dyno tuning the GENIII V8s. There will be a proper dyno tunning program out from VCM is 2 months time. Will this be a tempory fix to?

[VZ-Rob]

"In standard form, the Commie VZ 3.6 V6 Alloytec 175 produces 175 kW & 320 Nm."

Powerchip has a range of chips to suit your car, which can increase it's power to between 189 kW & 192 kW, and it's torque to between 342 Nm & 348 Nm.

A 14kw to 17kw gain for under 1 $k ?

[benzor]

Holden - Commodore VZ 3.6 V6 Alloytec 190
Make Holden
Model Commodore VZ 3.6 V6 Alloytec 190
Fuel Required (More info) 98 RON Only
Power Standard 190 kW
Power Powerchip Gold 98 (More Info) 201 kW
Torque Standard 340 Nm
Torque Powerchip Gold 98 357 Nm
Gold 98 Powerchip(Inc GST)* AUD $890.00

Im sorry, $900 for 11kw?

Gen3's go from 180ish rwkw to 210-220 with just an Edit...

[sting ls2]

Holden - Commodore VZ 3.6 V6 Alloytec 190
Make Holden
Model Commodore VZ 3.6 V6 Alloytec 190
Fuel Required (More info) 98 RON Only
Power Standard 190 kW
Power Powerchip Gold 98 (More Info) 201 kW
Torque Standard 340 Nm
Torque Powerchip Gold 98 357 Nm
Gold 98 Powerchip(Inc GST)* AUD $890.00

Im sorry, $900 for 11kw?

Gen3's go from 180ish rwkw to 210-220 with just an Edit...

But you can not compare Alloytech tune with a Gen3 tune.
Improved throttle response, more effortless commuting, greater torque and performance. What else could you want for well under $1000.
You could probably go mafless with a auto,who knows,by the way how much you paid for exhaust,is probably the same as this mod as in kw,and with that dual 2.5 exhaust you would have lost torque?

[VZ-Rob]

Well guys booked the baby in for Friday 13th
1st VZ to get done should be interesting
claim is money back if not happy
They're giving me a loaner as well no charge
Doing a run to Horsham on the w/e should have some results when I get back

[sting ls2]

Well guys booked the baby in for Friday 13th
1st VZ to get done should be interesting
claim is money back if not happy
They're giving me a loaner as well no charge
Doing a run to Horsham on the w/e should have some results when I get back

wtg fill us all in on the results,when its' all good.

[benzor]

Mafless on an auto aint gunna happen. THey dont start with the MAF gone. I ran my manual Mafless for about 6 months....about 5rwkw more on the dyno..

[Raptorsc]

Rob

Are you going to run your own dyno run before you take it in and then another one after? Actually most of these a probably the same so if someone else has a dyno for their stock VZ could they post the figures up ............... please. We are pretty impressed someone has got something to dig into these stock ECU's now, lots of things could happen with them.

[sting ls2]

It is what a lot of people with the hfv6's have been waiting for a very long time for a breakthrough of some kind.I deffinetly going to get this tune on my sv6 at Powerchip if not by Christmas it will be early in the new year.Going to get ect adjusted for sure.

[benzor]

Rob

Are you going to run your own dyno run before you take it in and then another one after? Actually most of these a probably the same so if someone else has a dyno for their stock VZ could they post the figures up ............... please. We are pretty impressed someone has got something to dig into these stock ECU's now, lots of things could happen with them.

I dont have a chart on me, but mine, stock, with catback exhaust, made 144.1rwkw on 98 Octane.

[VZ-Rob]

Just picked up the ute
feels like a shift kit has been put in gets up and goes now without flooring the pedal

will give it a workout this w/e
still to put an exhaust cat back on

[sting ls2]

WTG Rob first person to get the tune,i'm going to get the 98gold tune on the sv6 after christmas,going to get a Diffilipo dual 2.25 cat back fitted before it gets done.
Did it take them long to do your ute rob,much more power down low,need more feedback?

[VZ-Rob]

G'day Y'all
Dropped the ute off at PowerChip Sth Melb. at 9.00 Friday 13th They Rang at 12.00! my baby was ready! shot down straight away and picked her up!
Well what can i say
Throttle response is fantastic slight pressure on pedal from rest and a way she goes!
the biggest surprise was passing on the freeway. was sitting on 90k behind a BA XR6 sedan,
slight pressure on gas and she kicked down to 3rd, held there easily & roared away to 150k in a blink of an eye before changing up to 4th left that BA XR6 far behind.
The roar from the CAI was fantastic cruises now on 2050rpm at 100k's
I still need an dual 2.25 cat back fitted exhaust and will then blow some more cobwebs out.
Then I'll need another run to check out the rpm shift points but I'm happy now
the fuel economy dropped to 10.01/100k even with stomping around a bit, (should have a real time gauge) used Caltex Vorex on this trip

[SecretSquirrel]

Great news Rob, you say the economy is now about 10/100, what was it previously?

Thanks,
Si

[sting ls2]

G'day Y'all
Dropped the ute off at PowerChip Sth Melb. at 9.00 Friday 13th They Rang at 12.00! my baby was ready! shot down straight away and picked her up!
Well what can i say
Throttle response is fantastic slight pressure on pedal from rest and a way she goes!
the biggest surprise was passing on the freeway. was sitting on 90k behind a BA XR6 sedan,
slight pressure on gas and she kicked down to 3rd, held there easily & roared away to 150k in a blink of an eye before changing up to 4th left that BA XR6 far behind.
The roar from the CAI was fantastic cruises now on 2050rpm at 100k's
I still need an dual 2.25 cat back fitted exhaust and will then blow some more cobwebs out.
Then I'll need another run to check out the rpm shift points but I'm happy now
the fuel economy dropped to 10.01/100k even with stomping around a bit, (should have a real time gauge) used Caltex Vorex on this trip

Wow sounds like the utes' a beast mate,good on the freeway and she picks up alot quicker,thats' the way it should of come in the fist place from the Holden factory in the first place.
Rob at the moment trying to get the funds saved for the DIFILIPPO 2.25 EXHAUST with maybe Pacemakers and ceramakromed,not easy at the moment with two of the kids birthdays' in the next 8 weeks and Christmas presents to be picked up,but hopefully after there all over and down with i can get myself a prezzie or two.
Powerchip said they can remove the top-speed limiter as well did you get that done on your car rob?
I am going to have another chat to them about getting the 357nm 3200 to 357nm at 2600 like the new sv6 max torque level,which is 340nm at 2600.
Yep Voretx98 i swear by it,that's all i use now in the sv6,used to use BP Ultimate.

[VZ-Rob]

.........trying to get the funds saved for the DIFILIPPO 2.25 EXHAUST with maybe Pacemakers and ceramakromed,not easy at the moment with two of the kids birthdays' in the next 8 weeks and Christmas presents to be picked up,but hopefully after there all over and down with i can get myself a prezzie or two...........

LOL Brthdays in Oct My dad Daughter Wife & Me all within 1 week
same EXHAUST is now on the Xmas menu

[VTSS350]

Hey VZ-Rob, did they do a before and after dyno run.

Most place when they tune a car give you a graph showing power and torque before and after.

[EvoVIIIJDM]

personally not going to muck around with this at all. Going to HSV/Metro Holden in Adelaide and get a piggyback ECU inconjunction with my new exhaust shall give me some very reasonable gains.

[sting ls2]

Howz The Car Going Vz Rob

[VTSS350]

personally not going to muck around with this at all. Going to HSV/Metro Holden in Adelaide and get a piggyback ECU inconjunction with my new exhaust shall give me some very reasonable gains.

Mate the piggy back systems are CRAP, they are ok if there is nothing else available or the computer hasnt been cracked.

Wait until VCM bring out there tuning software for the alloytec. It should be ready to go in a month or so. This will allow real time tuning of your PCM.

Think about the gains made with the VTII V8 with LS1 edit. They went in stock with 220kw and came out after a custom tune with 300kw. Thats an 80kw gain with a tune only.

The VZ V6 175kw should hopefully be good for around 220kw with a custom tune.