Hondata...Flashpro... +6 PSI ... my ongoing review

[KMui]

Was the blown engine from a ktuner or hondata tune?

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[gtman]

Three different members mentioned blown engines on this page. Looks like two were Hondata and the newest one Ktuner I think.
https://www.civicx.com/threads/sport-vs-base-1-5t.10398/page-3

 

[Denominator1973]

I just bought the carb compliant version from civic pro. I don't understand why there's a 3psi option. I'm hopeful mine has the 6psi version. This will be the only mod I do to my otherwise unmolested civic ex-t (I still have a 400+ whp camaro, so no reason to add any hp).

Did it affect mileage in any way?

 

[gtman]

In normal driving, MPG's are virtually the same. Put your foot into it and they go down pretty drastically but the extra punch is worth it. BTW, you’ll definitely get the +6 psi base tune.

 

[Denominator1973]

In normal driving, MPG's are virtually the same. Put your foot into it and they go down pretty drastically but the extra punch is worth it. BTW, you’ll definitely get the +6 psi base tune.

Thanks, I would be annoyed to only get the 3psi map. I'm excited to see how the car runs, and since it looks stock, no one will ever guess.

 

[Victor_22]

So, I've been going back and forth with whether or not to tune. Since I've never tuned an ECU before, I went about my decision very slowly but ultimately bought a CARB legal FlashPro. Ktuner is an outstanding product and I almost bought their V2 but at the new $495 price point I figured the CARB FlashPro fit the bill for me. At least for now. It's basically a set and forget setup. I even plan on leaving it flashed for most basic dealer visits (oil changes and stuff) and emissions testing. What I plan on doing in this thread is to post about my total experience with Hondata and the tune so others can decide if tuning is right for them.

This first post will just outline my early experiences with everything as a novice to tuning.

First of all let's talk about Hondata. The good and maybe a little not as good. First the not so good. Their customer service could use some work. I had an issue with a small bug in the software and contacted customer service. Three days later I got an email admitting I was right about the glitch but the email never said they were fixing the error. Also, the Hondata forum itself isn't very good. I've gotten much faster and better answers here at CivicX. The good? Doug. He is extremely accessible and knows his stuff. He's even called me on the phone. How many owners of companies have called you on the phone? If it wasn't for Doug, I probably might have sold my FlashPro. I also think their software is mostly easy to use and intuitive. The FlashPro unit itself and the Hondata mobile app work great. Can't wait to get it up and running on my infotainment screen.

I finally uploaded the +6 dual (Hondata mode) tune today. I get a stock type tune pressing the Econ button and +6 PSI when I turn Econ off. As far as uploading a tune to the ECU for the first time, that can be a little scary. Oh, it's easy enough... press "upload" if you have a laptop or hold the program button down for more than a second on the Flashpro itself. The thing that's nerve wracking is watching every error code known to man flash on your dash. But I knew to expect that. It took about 4 minutes for the Program light to go out. I held down the power button and turned the car off. Then, I said a little prayer lol, and started the car. To my delight... all the error codes were gone. I have to say that uploading a tune is easy and seemless.

As far as detailed driving impressions, that will wait til my next post in this thread. I only took it out for a 15 mile drive after flashing and never really aired it out. Traffic was just too heavy. Plus, I've heard it takes a few driving cycles for the knock control to settle down completely and give me full power from the 93 octane I'm using. One thing I can definitely say is part throttle fuel economy is pretty much just like stock. The car felt slightly more eager to rev but I didn't even get it above 4,000 rpm due to heavy traffic. So far, so good.
----------

Cool tip: I did get one valuable tip/trick from a user at the Hondata forum that is nowhere to be found in Hondatas help guide. You actually can store the "return to stock" tune on the FlashPro itself. No internet connection or laptop needed in the car. With your FlashPro plugged into your PC at home, click on "return ECU to stock" under the Online dropdown in the software. That will upload your stock tune to the primary calibration. It will be blank but no worries... it is actually stored in the unit. Then, add your favorite tune to the secondary calibration. This way, it's super easy to go back and forth between your actual stock factory tune and your custom tune.

What’s the differences from the CARB flashpro and the non Carb?

 

[gtman]

What’s the differences from the CARB flashpro and the non Carb?

About $200.

Seriously though, the CARB is much more basic. You can only adjust boost and torque, remove the speed limiter, upload a dual tune, disable VSA and that's mostly it. There are also only two base tunes.

The Race version allows you to adjust all kinds of parameters and has special tunes for specific intakes.

Basically the CARB is an entry level tuner. But it's the only CARB certified tuner.

 

[Victor_22]

So I should go with the “race version” on. Thanks.

 

[Micah]

So I should go with the “race version” on. Thanks.

You really should consider ktuner v1.2 instead.

 

[Goten]

Hey all, new to this forum. Been following all the conversations and I too am struggling with the decision. I have a 2018 civic hatchback sport MT and looking to unlock more potential. I'm new to this whole idea and very nervous, mostly because it's a lease. (feel free to call me an idiot if tuning a lease is asinine lol).

I read the thread with blown engines and I'm thinking they beat their cars up after tuning. I dunno. Guess I'm looking for some advice / reassurance. Although I know there's a always some risk involved.

 

[Micah]

Hey all, new to this forum. Been following all the conversations and I too am struggling with the decision. I have a 2018 civic hatchback sport MT and looking to unlock more potential. I'm new to this whole idea and very nervous, mostly because it's a lease. (feel free to call me an idiot if tuning a lease is asinine lol).

I read the thread with blown engines and I'm thinking they beat their cars up after tuning. I dunno. Guess I'm looking for some advice / reassurance. Although I know there's a always some risk involved.

Tuning/modding a lease is a dangerous game. If something happens, you might end up forced to buy out the vehicle.

 

[Goten]

Tuning/modding a lease is a dangerous game. If something happens, you might end up forced to buy out the vehicle.

That's my thinking. Not sure if anyone has personal experience on this? I mean, even I financed it, it would a similar situation I imagine.

 

[Micah]

That's my thinking. Not sure if anyone has personal experience on this? I mean, even I financed it, it would a similar situation I imagine.

With Finance, you're already buying the car. So that's a bit different. But I've traded in leased cars at different dealerships early before. Ultimately there is what the car is worth, and what is owed. Pretty cut and dried.

 

[Goten]

With Finance, you're already buying the car. So that's a bit different. But I've traded in leased cars at different dealerships early before. Ultimately there is what the car is worth, and what is owed. Pretty cut and dried.

Good point. I guess I'll have to wait out my lease and go from there The car is still pretty fun to drive even stock though.

 

[gtman]

I definitely think it's a bit tricky with a lease but using one of the less boosted Ktuner or Hondata tunes would give you more fun and honestly, relative safety. Something like the 16.5 or 18psi tunes from Ktuner should be quite safe.

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