Update: MHP ECU/TCU Tuning
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'09 C63 AMG
I forgot to mention - because I'm conservative in my mod choices based on bang/buck & reliability, most of the mods I've done have been cosmetic and/or handling (i.e. non-warranty affecting, or easy to remove/undo). My last 4 cars were 2 911s, an M3, and a MINI and only the MINI got performance mods (smaller S/C pulley, plugs/wires, CAI). Its easy enough to replace $25k car or its motor, but not a $65k AMG.
I've already priced out a complete 6.2 from MB and it's hilarious what they ask for one. I can put together a superior motor (better parts, better machining/assembly/balance) for around 1/4 or less the cost. OEM pricing is crazy stuff!
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2009 C63 Capri Blue
The warranty issue is a dicey subject for many reasons. Don't get me wrong, we stand behind everything we sell regardless of make, brand, or product. However the level of coverage depends on the exact tune in question. If you come to me asking for 1000rwtq out of a sprayed TT V12, no way in hell will I cover your trans when it blows--that's simply asking too much and I will tell said customer that upfront before accepting any funds and taking on the job. However if you're talking about stock longblock tuning, you're covered. It will be a case by case basis basically.
How soon/long do you expect to offer the GB? It usually takes me a while (lots of weighing the options) to make a decision.
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2009 C63 Capri Blue
The great thing about tuning is, you can swap back to a spare control unit in minutes for warranty related issues.
I've already priced out a complete 6.2 from MB and it's hilarious what they ask for one. I can put together a superior motor (better parts, better machining/assembly/balance) for around 1/4 or less the cost. OEM pricing is crazy stuff!
I've already priced out a complete 6.2 from MB and it's hilarious what they ask for one. I can put together a superior motor (better parts, better machining/assembly/balance) for around 1/4 or less the cost. OEM pricing is crazy stuff!
If not, what was the cost for them again?
Last edited by gravedgr; Sep 13, 2008 at 12:48 AM.
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'09 C63 AMG
Pricing depends on the model, but for C63s list price on a ECU is $1400+, I get them for $1120 and pass that pricing onto our customers. Sorry they are not included.
Last edited by MHP; Sep 13, 2008 at 12:51 AM.
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'09 C63 AMG
LOL, not gonna lie, I like it too. 
NP. We would never tune a vehicle to the extent that an event like that would occur. Safety, refinement, drivability, etc. are all highly valued especially when it comes to higher end tuning (MB, BMW, Bentley, etc.) We realize you still want your MB to feel like a MB post tune.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that there's a difference between just pushing the envelope (bad) and raising the bar safely (which is what we're doing).
Not a problem.
I'll start a thread as soon as the results come in, so next week.
I kept editing my post (bad, since I know you're quick to respond), but this was what I added:
Really, that's the underlying concern. Sure I have my worries about warranty issues should something go wrong, but more than anything else I don't want something that is going to leave me stranded with my kids, or put them at risk. There is nothing worth that.
Really, that's the underlying concern. Sure I have my worries about warranty issues should something go wrong, but more than anything else I don't want something that is going to leave me stranded with my kids, or put them at risk. There is nothing worth that.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that there's a difference between just pushing the envelope (bad) and raising the bar safely (which is what we're doing).
Understood - I would just want something in writing for the base ECU/TCU updates.
How soon/long do you expect to offer the GB? It usually takes me a while (lots of weighing the options) to make a decision.
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'09 C63 AMG
Edited the initial post with revised both revised list pricing and complete stage I pricing. I'm not saying it won't go up anytime soon, we'll consider it the mbworld.org GP discount for now--as in you must be a member of this site to get it.
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So how does the process work? If people are not local to you do they remove the ECU and TCU and ship them out? Or for the price do you fly out and do the tuning in person?
These power figures on the 6.2 are not what you will see on other cars for several reasons. The 6.2 left a bit on the table and other tuners have shown serious gains with just software. Add to the fact that the C63 throttle body does not open 100% under a stock tune gaining power is extremely simple. There could be some driveability issues from changing the throttle body operation but thats all things that can be adjusted. So when we get 100 hp out of a N/A car its not going to happen on other cars as well.
I will wait to see these dyno graphs and see what people think. Should be interesting.
These power figures on the 6.2 are not what you will see on other cars for several reasons. The 6.2 left a bit on the table and other tuners have shown serious gains with just software. Add to the fact that the C63 throttle body does not open 100% under a stock tune gaining power is extremely simple. There could be some driveability issues from changing the throttle body operation but thats all things that can be adjusted. So when we get 100 hp out of a N/A car its not going to happen on other cars as well.
I will wait to see these dyno graphs and see what people think. Should be interesting.
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'09 C63 AMG
So how does the process work? If people are not local to you do they remove the ECU and TCU and ship them out? Or for the price do you fly out and do the tuning in person?
These power figures on the 6.2 are not what you will see on other cars for several reasons. The 6.2 left a bit on the table and other tuners have shown serious gains with just software. Add to the fact that the C63 throttle body does not open 100% under a stock tune gaining power is extremely simple. There could be some driveability issues from changing the throttle body operation but thats all things that can be adjusted. So when we get 100 hp out of a N/A car its not going to happen on other cars as well.
I will wait to see these dyno graphs and see what people think. Should be interesting.
These power figures on the 6.2 are not what you will see on other cars for several reasons. The 6.2 left a bit on the table and other tuners have shown serious gains with just software. Add to the fact that the C63 throttle body does not open 100% under a stock tune gaining power is extremely simple. There could be some driveability issues from changing the throttle body operation but thats all things that can be adjusted. So when we get 100 hp out of a N/A car its not going to happen on other cars as well.
I will wait to see these dyno graphs and see what people think. Should be interesting.
Off to watch the game.
Thanks
Andy
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Like the Vegas bowl last year but way worse. hope yours went better.
So how do people get these tunes done? I am not clear if you tune the control units and ship them back or if you come out in person and do it.
I dont know ive heard from 2 very connected sources that the TB is the main way the motor is being held back.
Last edited by CynCarvin32; Sep 13, 2008 at 08:13 PM.
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Andrew, I’ve been watching your, VRP, et al posts for sometime now. One of your posts was about creating great tunes/upgrades for reasonable money on the AMG cars.
$5200 does not seem like a bargain unless your results are significantly better then the others. Add on the cost of the spare ECU and now TCU and we're closer to 7k for warranty piece of mind and less downtime in the event of a problem. I'm awaiting the results to pass judgment and I truly hope that they are as great as you claim but this no longer appears to be the deal I for one had hoped for.
Looking forward to the results.
$5200 does not seem like a bargain unless your results are significantly better then the others. Add on the cost of the spare ECU and now TCU and we're closer to 7k for warranty piece of mind and less downtime in the event of a problem. I'm awaiting the results to pass judgment and I truly hope that they are as great as you claim but this no longer appears to be the deal I for one had hoped for.
Looking forward to the results.
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Andrew, I’ve been watching your, VRP, et al posts for sometime now. One of your posts was about creating great tunes/upgrades for reasonable money on the AMG cars.
$5200 does not seem like a bargain unless your results are significantly better then the others. Add on the cost of the spare ECU and now TCU and we're closer to 7k for warranty piece of mind and less downtime in the event of a problem. I'm awaiting the results to pass judgment and I truly hope that they are as great as you claim but this no longer appears to be the deal I for one had hoped for.
Looking forward to the results.
$5200 does not seem like a bargain unless your results are significantly better then the others. Add on the cost of the spare ECU and now TCU and we're closer to 7k for warranty piece of mind and less downtime in the event of a problem. I'm awaiting the results to pass judgment and I truly hope that they are as great as you claim but this no longer appears to be the deal I for one had hoped for.
Looking forward to the results.
ITs more common with boosted cars since they are the ones that are failing left and right once moddedl.
7k for a tune and a spare set of ecus seems very pricey.
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'09 C63 AMG
Already watched my game but sure wish i had not... UCLA... what a day...
Like the Vegas bowl last year but way worse. hope yours went better.
So how do people get these tunes done? I am not clear if you tune the control units and ship them back or if you come out in person and do it.
I dont know ive heard from 2 very connected sources that the TB is the main way the motor is being held back.
Like the Vegas bowl last year but way worse. hope yours went better.
So how do people get these tunes done? I am not clear if you tune the control units and ship them back or if you come out in person and do it.
I dont know ive heard from 2 very connected sources that the TB is the main way the motor is being held back.
Thanks
Andy
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'09 C63 AMG
Andrew, I’ve been watching your, VRP, et al posts for sometime now. One of your posts was about creating great tunes/upgrades for reasonable money on the AMG cars.
$5200 does not seem like a bargain unless your results are significantly better then the others. Add on the cost of the spare ECU and now TCU and we're closer to 7k for warranty piece of mind and less downtime in the event of a problem. I'm awaiting the results to pass judgment and I truly hope that they are as great as you claim but this no longer appears to be the deal I for one had hoped for.
Looking forward to the results.
$5200 does not seem like a bargain unless your results are significantly better then the others. Add on the cost of the spare ECU and now TCU and we're closer to 7k for warranty piece of mind and less downtime in the event of a problem. I'm awaiting the results to pass judgment and I truly hope that they are as great as you claim but this no longer appears to be the deal I for one had hoped for.
Looking forward to the results.
That being said, actual hard parts like headers/exhaust/CAIs/thermal gaskets etc will be priced below the competition no question.
Thanks
Andy
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'09 C63 AMG
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From: N.Jersey and New York, stationed in Germany
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and I love to serve my country, thank you
