1.5T Custom e-Tuning Questions

rwk226

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I am considering getting a custom tune done for my Civic once I have more mods, and am curious about the experience:
1. How long is the process from start to finish?
2. Would it be an issue that I have bad internet (3mbps down, 0.5mbps up at home)?
3. I figure lots of datalogging is required but how much time should I log prior to contacting someone?
4. Does it even make sense to get a custom tune with what I have planned? I have a performance filter and Mishimoto induction hose, planning on a cat-less downpipe, maybe a Mishimoto air intake and some other recommended mods including upgraded turbo down the road. Ethanol isn't an option.
Extra: Any experience anyone has with custom tuning on the 1.5t platform (especially CVT) is highly requested and welcomed.

This is my daily car and while I'd definitely love to squeeze more performance out, reliability is also a must for me at this time. If this path increases the risk of major failure then I may simply stick with what I have for now.
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gtman

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With just a downpipe and intake, I think you're fine with an OTS tune. Sure you could custom tailor power to an extent. I'm just not sure it's worth the $500 investment with that setup.

Once you upgrade your turbo and add more mods, then a custom tune would be the way to go.

Side note: In my reliability survey/thread, the OTS tunes from TSP and Phearable have been the most reliable tune type.
 

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I am considering getting a custom tune done for my Civic once I have more mods, and am curious about the experience:
1. How long is the process from start to finish?
2. Would it be an issue that I have bad internet (3mbps down, 0.5mbps up at home)?
3. I figure lots of datalogging is required but how much time should I log prior to contacting someone?
4. Does it even make sense to get a custom tune with what I have planned? I have a performance filter and Mishimoto induction hose, planning on a cat-less downpipe, maybe a Mishimoto air intake and some other recommended mods including upgraded turbo down the road. Ethanol isn't an option.
Extra: Any experience anyone has with custom tuning on the 1.5t platform (especially CVT) is highly requested and welcomed.

This is my daily car and while I'd definitely love to squeeze more performance out, reliability is also a must for me at this time. If this path increases the risk of major failure then I may simply stick with what I have for now.
1.) Expect several back and forth revisions. The length of the process will be determined by how long it takes you to follow the tuner's instructions and how quickly they are able to get back to you.
2.) No problem at all.
3.) None, wait until you get instructions from your tuner
4.) It would make sense to wait until AFTER your turbocharger upgrade before investing into the custom tune.
 

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I am considering getting a custom tune done for my Civic once I have more mods, and am curious about the experience:
1. How long is the process from start to finish?
2. Would it be an issue that I have bad internet (3mbps down, 0.5mbps up at home)?
3. I figure lots of datalogging is required but how much time should I log prior to contacting someone?
4. Does it even make sense to get a custom tune with what I have planned? I have a performance filter and Mishimoto induction hose, planning on a cat-less downpipe, maybe a Mishimoto air intake and some other recommended mods including upgraded turbo down the road. Ethanol isn't an option.
Extra: Any experience anyone has with custom tuning on the 1.5t platform (especially CVT) is highly requested and welcomed.

This is my daily car and while I'd definitely love to squeeze more performance out, reliability is also a must for me at this time. If this path increases the risk of major failure then I may simply stick with what I have for now.
1. it could be a month or two.
2. Yes, it's going to be an issue idc what anyone else says. Without stable internet the whole thing will not work properly while flashing, etc...
3. Tuner will tell u what to do.
4. Ideally you could do it all at once and start custom tuning. Custom tuning is the real way to know everything is working properly and you're running optimally.

I've only been tuned by @phearable since i've been tuned and he is great. Very strategic and very smart.

There's no doubt you're risking a major failure, that's just how this sport is. If you do it right you wont have to worry about that much. Proper parts, install, maintenance, etc... will all go a long way as well as choosing the right tuner.
 
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rwk226

rwk226

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I appreciate all the information given! I had issues flashing the very first time, but after that I haven't had issues thankfully. Worst comes to worst, I can simply get to work early (or stay later) to flash, upload and download all the files as the process goes.

I guess I should really consider aftermarket turbo then, sooner rather than later in respect to when I custom tune. Seems it'll help prolong my CVT life as well as add a lot of power. I know w1 is a great option for the CVTs, but are there other options to consider? W2 turbo isn't recommended for CVTs according to their website, I don't know enough about the RV6, MHI, or PRL's big turbo to say what would be ideal.
 


gtman

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In terms of a bigger turbo, it's really about your goals and driving style.

You'll lose a bit of that quick low end turbo spool a small turbo has but it will kick ass up top.

But the one thing you mention about reliability being key for you raises some questions.

A bigger turbo with more bolt ons and a custom tune means a lot more peak power. And sure your tuner will do their best to protect the CVT and engine. Still though, the fact is there will be more component stress and the potential for less reliability long term.
 

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I appreciate all the information given! I had issues flashing the very first time, but after that I haven't had issues thankfully. Worst comes to worst, I can simply get to work early (or stay later) to flash, upload and download all the files as the process goes.

I guess I should really consider aftermarket turbo then, sooner rather than later in respect to when I custom tune. Seems it'll help prolong my CVT life as well as add a lot of power. I know w1 is a great option for the CVTs, but are there other options to consider? W2 turbo isn't recommended for CVTs according to their website, I don't know enough about the RV6, MHI, or PRL's big turbo to say what would be ideal.
I have a W1 in my SI and I love it. I have the SI so mines a little different. You should be concerned about your fuel system and your CVT. Blow a CVT and im guessing they're expensive. A lot of these dudes on here like 27won have tested stuff like this. If they could put a W2 on a CVT im sure they would but for them to sell and say dont put it on a CVT should say something... Probably not worth doing. Circumventing it with an RV6 or something prob not best idea although im sure a tuner could keep you within safe parameters.
 
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rwk226

rwk226

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In terms of a bigger turbo, it's really about your goals and driving style.

You'll lose a bit of that quick low end turbo spool a small turbo has but it will kick ass up top.

But the one thing you mention about reliability being key for you raises some questions.

A bigger turbo with more bolt ons and a custom tune means a lot more peak power. And sure your tuner will do their best to protect the CVT and engine. Still though, the fact is there will be more component stress and the potential for less reliability long term.
I know that can be confusing, "I want more power but I want to stay reliable", and honestly I don't even know what I want half the time haha. But yes, I definitely know that as I increase power the potential for something to break will always rise. More power = more stress, no way around it. I know my internals on my FK7 are weaker than on the sedan/coupes and that is something to be concerned about. And I know my CVT is also at higher risk of breaking, but I'd consider doing a manual swap once everything becomes cheaper (think of how everyone did every swap imaginable back in the 90s and early 2000s with those Civics) if my CVT breaks. Or, I might just pay this car off and buy a Type R and mod it to hell! I know that would be the safest option (reliable yet fast daily if I leave as is, and then have my hellraising car), but I still like to evaluate all options at my disposal.
 

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It's never enough.
 

Myx

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I am considering getting a custom tune done for my Civic once I have more mods, and am curious about the experience:
1. How long is the process from start to finish?
2. Would it be an issue that I have bad internet (3mbps down, 0.5mbps up at home)?
3. I figure lots of datalogging is required but how much time should I log prior to contacting someone?
4. Does it even make sense to get a custom tune with what I have planned? I have a performance filter and Mishimoto induction hose, planning on a cat-less downpipe, maybe a Mishimoto air intake and some other recommended mods including upgraded turbo down the road. Ethanol isn't an option.
Extra: Any experience anyone has with custom tuning on the 1.5t platform (especially CVT) is highly requested and welcomed.

This is my daily car and while I'd definitely love to squeeze more performance out, reliability is also a must for me at this time. If this path increases the risk of major failure then I may simply stick with what I have for now.

Looks like the people above have answered your questions above.

In my opinion, 'Keep It Simple'. Just use Ktuner off-the-shelf tune and you'll be golden. No E-tune is needed for your mods or what you want to get out of it. Good luck!
 


IonEX-T

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I am getting an etune soon. Would you know how long it would take to get the car drivable after ordering? I will be FBO W1
1. it could be a month or two.
2. Yes, it's going to be an issue idc what anyone else says. Without stable internet the whole thing will not work properly while flashing, etc...
3. Tuner will tell u what to do.
4. Ideally you could do it all at once and start custom tuning. Custom tuning is the real way to know everything is working properly and you're running optimally.

I've only been tuned by @phearable since i've been tuned and he is great. Very strategic and very smart.

There's no doubt you're risking a major failure, that's just how this sport is. If you do it right you wont have to worry about that much. Proper parts, install, maintenance, etc... will all go a long way as well as choosing the right tuner.
 

360glitch

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I am getting an etune soon. Would you know how long it would take to get the car drivable after ordering? I will be FBO W1
Depends on who you are ordering from. Most reputable tuners should provide a starter map pretty quickly. (1-2 business days)
 

IonEX-T

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Depends on who you are ordering from. Most reputable tuners should provide a starter map pretty quickly. (1-2 business days)
Going with D Rob. Hopefully he gives a starter map within 3 days.
 

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Going with D Rob. Hopefully he gives a starter map within 3 days.
You will get the starter map shortly, should be under 3 days, let him know how everything is going. Purchase it before you install it so you get the base map and flash it once the turbo is installed. He will give you instructions on how to do the logs and will update every day or every 2 bussiness days. For more questions with Drob: https://www.imwtuned.com/faq.html
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