AMGSC

I am contemplating either the Powerchip ECU or Evotech ECU/TCU combination. Powerchip will custom tune my car on a dyno as will Evotech but the difference is $800 for the TCU upgrade.

Can some tuning expert explain what a TCU upgrade will do for a C55 and why it would be necessary?

I know that my car shifts too early (upshifts from 4th to 5th before Max torque is reached or downshifts from 4th to 3rd causing a torque spike) but I don't know if the ECU or the TCU will address these issues.

I heard that the TCU upgrade simply removes the limiter that protects the tranny from too much stress if the car has too much power.

My current SpeedInnovation's custom ECU upgrade included changes to the shift points (higher rev limiter) but does the TCU do even more in terms of unleashing more power?

splinter

What have the professionals with whom you have previously dealt shared and conferred?

AMGSC

I'm not sure who is right so I'm asking for more opinions/testimonies. Vadim, Linh and others tell me it's not necessary while Adam tells me it me it has benefits. Vadim represents Powerchip and Adam represents Evotech.

I searched on-line and can see that only Renntech offers a TCU program for 600 and 65 motors which tells me it's only necessary for modded cars making over 700hp.

mig888

So does this mean your car still doesnt perform correctly dude seriously it seems it just cant make the power. I heard that someone you know very well has the mods needed to make the H?S work correctly apparently it has been proven. Give him a call seriously

What are they telling you if we make it lock to a gear then it will make the power? LOL Robert only if you knew what it really was that is holding the power back.

Robert you will still be making the power you are now other than you will have a dyno sheet that displays more.... so in essence you will have a paper that say one thing yet your car will still not have that power to the ground since the locking software will be impossible to run all the time

for sure shift points dont make power they simply help on acceleration

AMGSC

Who would that be? Techtune or SI? Vadim did not do the tune yet since he ran out of time and had to leave for SEMA. It appears to me that if Powerchip cannot extract the power and lock 4th gear I would have to go to somebody else but I have confidence in seeing over 470rwhp if I can hold 4th gear to redline.

splinter

Robert,
The 722.6xx transmission is a sophisticated, highly developed piece that can handle even the massive torque generated by modified E55 W211’s.

In D, the TCU automatically controls gear selection, shift timing, firmness, and the RPM at which they occur. Its outputs are based on vehicle velocity, W/S switch selection, and throttle position. The TCU, via ESP, can also force an appropriate downshift due to threshold braking, and prevent upshifts even at part throttle owing to high lateral acceleration forces, i.e., enthusiastic cornering.

In Manual mode, you should be able to hold any gear until the electronic rev limiter intervenes. Have you found that not to be the case? There is no third dimension to be had from TCU interloping.

Noticed that you and I have about the same number of posts. I’ve always endeavored to be a helpful, forthright, and technically contributing member. Please do not interpret my posts in your threads as a personal attack.

AMGSC

Well, I just got 1 up on you on posts now...Good input but the dyno runs made by at least 10 different tuners all had the same problem of early down or up shifting. All the dynos were run in manual mode since the beginning. So are you saying that the early shifting is natural even with all the aftermarket power I added?

sdsilverm3

Robert, what John is saying is that there should be no early shifting if you're in (M) Manual mode. It does not automatically upshift whatsoever until you hit the paddle. It will bounce off the rev limiter.

AMGSC

Thanks for your feedback but I've seen it do this myself everytime. Our C55s are true automatics even if you put in manual mode.

sdsilverm3

My experience has differed. I've tried to use Manual on the drag strip but usually end up shifting too late and hitting the rev limiter so I stopped using it. Not sure why yours would be shifting early.

spr

I have had the same experience. If your in M mode it will just bang off the limiter and not upshift. Sounds like you have a problem.

AMGSC

I spoke with a fellow C55 owner this morning and it looks like the extra power is causing the tranny to slip. Therefore I conclude that I will need the TCU to lock the tranny in 3rd or 4th. Same thing happened on his Supercharged C6.

mig888

Ive seen your signature change to powerchip ecu thats pretty messed up man I see what kind of guy you are.

MNG

man... i just noticed the sig change as well thats pretty messed up, if SI did the ECU for you, you should at least give them credit for it

AMGSC

I haven't completely decided yet but the reason I put Powerchip is because I would like to give Vadim a shot since I've heard that SI may not have the 2006 files for a C55 and I know Powerchip, Renntech, Kleemann and Evotech does. Not sure about Veloce yet. I have also decided to get the smaller supercharger pulley directly from Magnusson (Mechtech and HPS won't sell me one) along with the Evosport UPD kit because I lost 1-2 lbs of boost after I installed the Kleemann Headers, Cams, Cats and res delete. It will need brand new programming anyway since so much will have changed.

The key reason I am not sure about considering Speed Innovation is that although Bosch and Siemens ECUs are pretty pretty standard across all European sports/luxury cars, the most recent years files are still necessary in my opinion to extract the most power. I am not fond of a hit or miss approach anymore.

splinter

Well then, trust we will see you here…http://www.opentrackracing.com

AMGSC

Give me a few weeks to get the SC and Underdrive Pulley kits + Evotech tuning. I am going to break some records. Bring your video camera too.

splinter

Sorry, it only captures images of those ahead.

boohooramblers

John will be performing all week ladies and gentlemen..........

AMGSC

I'm not sure if it will capture anything more than a blur going past you every few minutes.

splinter

Whoa, you are already damn fast. Just for grins, share your lap times with the unwashed members.

AMGSC

Bring a lap timer along with that video camera. I'll even let you get the credit for posting it on Youtube.

I just signed for Nov. 14 (Willow Springs). Bring an extra set of underwear.

splinter

No sheet, it that how performance is measured in a sanctioned event? Thanks for the tip.

AMGSC

In case you don't trust the lap time counters at the track....No excuses.

splinter

I'm about to retire for the evening, as we have a 0530 call. What were your former best lap times?
We are hanging on your every post.