MHP ECU/TCU Thread (updated with v1 gains: Graphs/Spreadsheet Breakdown)
12-22-08, 01:20 PM
#407
Pole Position
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: OH
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Reality check. How many people would honestly dish out $4500 for a full ECU/TCU even if he is successful? 
I mean seriously folks that is A LOT of money for something intangible. The car would be faster and cost you 1/4th the amount by installing N20 like HKS350 has done. 
I mean seriously folks that is A LOT of money for something intangible. The car would be faster and cost you 1/4th the amount by installing N20 like HKS350 has done. To put it another way, if your wife asked you for a Vuitton purse for Christmas, would you snag her a knock off Coach instead?
Regarding nitrous, I'm personally not a fan though we all know it's effective. The thing is, even with all the safety equipment in the world a leaky solenoid can still trash a longblock in a split second. I've seen it happen DOZENS of times.
Then of course, what do you do when you run out of spray? Ask for a timeout while you go refill?
I know a lot of people (including myself) are excited about the possibility of finally having the ECU tuned, but how many of you would really dish out the $$$$? I don't see this business practice being successful with the prices I'm hearing. (This is either genius or insane.) $5995 for exhaust, $3900GP ECU/TCU, and who knows how much for an intake.
You do realize that $5995 for our full exhaust (Longtube to tailpipe) is a relative bargain compared to our competition ($10-15k for a SuperSprint exhaust). You'll be getting 1 3/4" LTs, merge collectors, metallic substrate cats with your choice of cell count, X pipe, resonators, mufflers (your choice straight through or baffled), all 304T Stainless, shipped to your door (U.S.) and everything with a lifetime warranty.
Does anyone else even do longtubes for an IS-F?
If you want to sit on the sidelines and complain about pricing be my guest the structure isn't going to change. Those that want what we have to offer won't have any issues whatsoever paying for what they get.
12-22-08, 01:24 PM
#408
Pole Position
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: OH
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
12-22-08, 01:39 PM
#411
Pole Position
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: OH
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1. Who's selling a $5995 exhaust for the IS-F?
2. Nitrous oxide is not really an overall performance upgrade. It's only useful at WOT, as in drag racing. That's what Mustangs are for. I don't know if it's a good idea to add N2O to an engine that has 11.8:1 compression anyway.
An ECU/TCU tune could add increased performance throughout the rpm range that would make the car faster in all settings, not just the dragstrip.
2. Nitrous oxide is not really an overall performance upgrade. It's only useful at WOT, as in drag racing. That's what Mustangs are for. I don't know if it's a good idea to add N2O to an engine that has 11.8:1 compression anyway.
An ECU/TCU tune could add increased performance throughout the rpm range that would make the car faster in all settings, not just the dragstrip.
Post 338 of this thread
"I'll post pics of our full C63 exhaust in the next 3 weeks. All 304T Stainless, your choice of cat cell count and/or O/R mids, baffled or straight through mufflers and a lifetime warranty on everything. It will retailfor $5995 (full system with cats) shipped to your door in the U.S. (less AK, HI) which is half the cost of a similar system from other makers despite quality that is on par or better than the comp." MHP
Seems to work well on the IS350 with high compression as well as alot of other cars with high compression. As long as there is enough fuel it's pretty safe. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/per...deo-tease.html https://www.clublexus.com/forums/per...us-anyone.html
"I'll post pics of our full C63 exhaust in the next 3 weeks. All 304T Stainless, your choice of cat cell count and/or O/R mids, baffled or straight through mufflers and a lifetime warranty on everything. It will retailfor $5995 (full system with cats) shipped to your door in the U.S. (less AK, HI) which is half the cost of a similar system from other makers despite quality that is on par or better than the comp." MHP
Seems to work well on the IS350 with high compression as well as alot of other cars with high compression. As long as there is enough fuel it's pretty safe. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/per...deo-tease.html https://www.clublexus.com/forums/per...us-anyone.html
What do you expect to gain from an underdrive pulley on the F? Power steering is electric, not hydraulic. So, all there really is to slow down is the water pump and the alternator. I'm not thinking that will be a prudent idea for an engine already showing ignition break up at WOT and high rpm and an electric power steering system.
Post 338 of this thread
"I'll post pics of our full C63 exhaust in the next 3 weeks. All 304T Stainless, your choice of cat cell count and/or O/R mids, baffled or straight through mufflers and a lifetime warranty on everything. It will retailfor $5995 (full system with cats) shipped to your door in the U.S. (less AK, HI) which is half the cost of a similar system from other makers despite quality that is on par or better than the comp." MHP
"I'll post pics of our full C63 exhaust in the next 3 weeks. All 304T Stainless, your choice of cat cell count and/or O/R mids, baffled or straight through mufflers and a lifetime warranty on everything. It will retailfor $5995 (full system with cats) shipped to your door in the U.S. (less AK, HI) which is half the cost of a similar system from other makers despite quality that is on par or better than the comp." MHP
That must be for an entire system including headers. Most of MHP's cat back systems retail at an average price point of $1000 - $2000.
Our Euro/Import full exhausts are of a higher grade than their domestic counterparts as well. 304T v 304L, merge collectors vs none, choice in cat cell count and type of mufflers, higher quality tips, etc.
Who else is doing any kind of tuning? The fact (regardless of price) that MHP is stepping up is beneficial in many ways. It not only will provide (if successful) IS-F owners the option to get the most out of their cars safely without resorting to aspiration, and it will altar the supply and demand curve when other companies take note of what MHP is doing and want to join the party, thus driving prices down (more supply). I'll admit that the exhaust figure is a little exorbitant but to say that if someone is willing to pay over a grand for a front lip and over 4k for aftermarket wheels and not fork over 4k for a custom tune is a little pessimistic
I for one would rather spend five grand on a tune and exhaust than a bodykit and new rollers........Just my opinion, no flaming required
I for one would rather spend five grand on a tune and exhaust than a bodykit and new rollers........Just my opinion, no flaming required
at $4500, you're right, maybe there won't be as many is350 owners - if any - lining up for this.
but there are quite a few is350 owners already dropping an $2k+ on rims.
if priced competitively, there will be enough is350 owners that will want the ECU/TCU upgrade.
that is, assuming that MHP delivers on what they promise.
again, careful optimism...
but there are quite a few is350 owners already dropping an $2k+ on rims.
if priced competitively, there will be enough is350 owners that will want the ECU/TCU upgrade.
that is, assuming that MHP delivers on what they promise.
again, careful optimism...
Again the bottom line with our complete driveline tuning is that you can't make more power safely (ousts nitrous because you can spray with our tuning as well) with any other part or combination of parts for less $.
I do understand people are dropping 3-4k on wheels/tires, but guess what? You can resell those eventually and make half of the money back. We are talking about dropping thousands on an ECU/TCU tune that will be money burned down the road.
So you'd be happy recouping 50% ($2k) of a $4k wheel and tire package (parts that incur wear and damage like rock chips, curb rash, etc from being daily driven) but for some odd reason don't think you'll net any cash from an extremely high quality ECU/TCU tune that will effectively outlast the car?
You can purchase our MB/AMG tuning through select dealers directly, and retain warranty, I think that should tell you something reg. the quality of the product delivered.
Maybe I'm just not in the same class as some of you as I have a budget, but even still one would think a person should have common sense.
If you think we're overpriced start doing some homework on what kind of hard parts and proven tuning are available for comparable vehicles, and what rates are charged for said items. I think you'll be VERY surprised.
For $5k with a MB you can buy a 80mm TB for your 55k along with a set of log/shorty manifolds (junk) that make 5rwhp--this being from a less expensive "tuner".
If you want dirt cheap parts, buy a Mustang. I've had a few Cobras and as far as cheap fun goes, they're hard to beat.
Thanks
Last edited by MHP; 12-22-08 at 02:24 PM.
12-22-08, 01:42 PM
#413
Pole Position
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: OH
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You won't for another 6 weeks or so, but I'll be sure to post extra pics when ready just for you.
Then do us all a favor and please keep your comments to yourself. This is not a thread for you to sound off in regarding the cost of products you have no intention of purchasing, it's an informative thread for those that are interested in what we have to offer.
Thanks
Andy
oh actually I'm further away than the sidelines and will be staying here. Play ball everyone. I'm enjoying the game.
Then do us all a favor and please keep your comments to yourself. This is not a thread for you to sound off in regarding the cost of products you have no intention of purchasing, it's an informative thread for those that are interested in what we have to offer.
Thanks
Andy
12-22-08, 01:44 PM
#414
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Long tubes
Tanabe put a catback on an IS-F...........oh, and my father was a piano mover so, I have that going for me
Andy, you don't have to defend yourself after every post of discord and disputation. We get it man and appreciate everything you're doing for Lexus and IS-F owners!
Tanabe put a catback on an IS-F...........oh, and my father was a piano mover so, I have that going for me
Andy, you don't have to defend yourself after every post of discord and disputation. We get it man and appreciate everything you're doing for Lexus and IS-F owners!
Last edited by 8speed; 12-22-08 at 01:51 PM.
12-22-08, 02:27 PM
#416
Pole Position
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: OH
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Long tubes
Tanabe put a catback on an IS-F...........oh, and my father was a piano mover so, I have that going for me
Andy, you don't have to defend yourself after every post of discord and disputation. We get it man and appreciate everything you're doing for Lexus and IS-F owners!
Tanabe put a catback on an IS-F...........oh, and my father was a piano mover so, I have that going for me
Andy, you don't have to defend yourself after every post of discord and disputation. We get it man and appreciate everything you're doing for Lexus and IS-F owners!
12-22-08, 02:34 PM
#418
Just and FYI, I WAS the one that asked 8speed to contact you about potential ECU tuning for the IS-F as I was impressed with what you were doing on the MB forums. Your comment on the MB forums about being able to tap the TOYOTA ecu was intriguing.
You do realize this car is a Toyota right? This is one of the reasons I'm so surprised with the kind of prices you are asking for the products.
Last edited by caymandive; 12-22-08 at 02:40 PM.
12-22-08, 02:58 PM
#419
Lexus Test Driver
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: FL-561,352
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Stupid question that doesnt appear to have been asked -
If the ECU can be tuned by other people (MHP) and yield better performance, why doesn't it come right from the factory that way? if the response is "lexus is conservative...", what kind of risks are we exposing the transmission et al to by doing the tuning?
If the ECU can be tuned by other people (MHP) and yield better performance, why doesn't it come right from the factory that way? if the response is "lexus is conservative...", what kind of risks are we exposing the transmission et al to by doing the tuning?
12-22-08, 03:19 PM
#420
Pole Position
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: OH
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Stupid question that doesnt appear to have been asked -
If the ECU can be tuned by other people (MHP) and yield better performance, why doesn't it come right from the factory that way? if the response is "lexus is conservative...", what kind of risks are we exposing the transmission et al to by doing the tuning?
If the ECU can be tuned by other people (MHP) and yield better performance, why doesn't it come right from the factory that way? if the response is "lexus is conservative...", what kind of risks are we exposing the transmission et al to by doing the tuning?
Automakers leave a lot on the table for various reasons including an emissions cushion (no worries you'll still pass with our tuning), insurance reasons, and predominately the fact that they like to be able to increase engine output in later model years without retooling (just a software change). It saves them $ and keeps customers happy with increases in power vs the previous year/gen.
There is absolutely no downside to our ECU tuning (you'll even net better fuel economy when at part throttle), and our TCU tuning actually extends the life of the trans (quicker shifts= less time for heat to build in the trans between gears).
Thanks
Andy