Does anyone have stage 3 or 4 ecu?

[roadkil34]

does anyone know how much of a difference there is between tuning companies? Maptun claims something like 265 hp, while SQR claims somehting like 245. Is there really that much of a difference in the tuning of these ecus? I find it hard to believe that paying the extra money for a maptun would mean that it would have more power too. Just curious.

-Frank

[abdukted1456]

I have a Maptun Stage 1 and it feels like a very different car now! I am very pleased.

I chose maptun because of the extra power for stage 1, since I don't plan to go higher for at least a year or two, and also they allow you to upgrade your software to higher stages for only 10% of the original price.

I think you would enjoy any ecu upgrade, many folks here have them and everyone seems to be pleased with the results...

[CO-Saab]

There are many folks on this BB that run Stage 3 4 5 +++++++. You are looking at the HP #'s. Also give a comparison of the TQ #'s and you might see the difference. The SQR tune tends to give more torque than Maptune. You will most likely enjoy any Stage III ECU you install. Best of luck.

BTW I run a custom Stage IV+ ECU tune from SQR.

[roadkil34]

co saab, what custom stage 4 hardware do you have? what type of horsepower and torque are you getting out of it?
thanks

-Frank

[roadkil34]

also, is there some sort of discount when updating software with sqr?

thanks

-Frank

[Turbo 900]

I was also planning on getting an ECU. I currently have the Saab Sport Exhaust and custom intake- so this would put me at Stage 2. I want to order a Stage II ECU, but I want to eventually get a 3" Downpipe and Sport-cat. That would put me at Stage III.

I know MapTun gives you the 10% option (I would buy it from Group 9), but does SQR (would buy it from Engstrum for $100 less than the MapTun)?

I just don't want to have to pay another $600 for a Stage III SQR- and I want to get my ECU 1st.

[CO-Saab]

CO-Saab, what custom stage 4 hardware do you have? what type of horsepower and torque are you getting out of it?

Ahh the million dollar question, at least for me. I my case the car has not received a final tune. After I changed the Injectors, FPR and to some extent switched to the BB turbo, I had SQR supply me with a conservatively tuned ECU. The car wouldn't really run on the new injectors without an ECU tuned for the increased fuel, but I didn't want to push the power envelope without a hand-tune. So as it sits today my car is about 90% available power. If you want more information visit my site (http://www.sounddomain.com/memberpage/495489). I haven’t dynoed the car recently but I will guess I'm around 310 HP and 330 TQ. SQR will come visit me and supply the final ECU tune soon. This will occur at the same time he tunes the YANKTON (http://www.kyankton.net/900index.htm) car. I'm sure Kevin will receive most of the props for those sessions as he's shooting for 450 HP. I guess to have around 330 HP and about 355 TQ after final tune. These numbers are only a guess and I'm just as interested as anyone else to see the final results.

Talk with Bo at Engstrom (http://engstrom.net/scstore/) concerning a buy up option with SQR ECU’s. As long as it is not a custom tune, Bo has expressed an upgraded ECU will require only a minimal upgrade fee. Hope this helps.

[CO-Saab]

I just don't want to have to pay another $600 for a Stage III SQR- and I want to get my ECU 1st.

See above concerning the upgrade. As for the ECU first that could pose you problems. Don't use a Stage III ECU on a car without the 3" downpipe. Best to get a Stage II ECU and upgrade when you install the hardware or wait until you have installed the DP and then install a Stage III ECU.

[rktek]

CO-Saab, where did you buy your upgraded intake and exhaust manifolds?

[CO-Saab]

CO-Saab, where did you buy your upgraded intake and exhaust manifolds?

I used the stock manifolds. Ported, polished and ceramic coated. I encountered a few problems along the way. I ported the exhaust manifold too much and blew a large hole in the side. Got that fixed and then noticed a crack develop in an un-repairable location. Back to junk yard and start over. As these were installed with other upgrades between dyno sessions I can't give specific gains per part. I notice a whole lot more airflow noise, sounds like a jet engine sucking up so much air. I would do the intake again but I would probably opt for equal length tube headers next time around, more economic at $1100 USD.

[A12]

co-saab:
I was looking at my 9-3 & my 9000 aero with the hoods open today & I think I may have some useful info for you.The exhaust manifold on the 9000 is much shorter than on the 9-3.I was wondering if you used a 9000 manifold (which will fit your turbo also,I believe),if you would gain enough room for you intake?I measured the 2 manifolds,& the 9000 manifold is about 1.5 inches shorter vertically than the 9-3 manifold.If everything were moved up 1.5 inches,do you think that would give a lot more clearance?Plus I don't think a 9000 manifold would be too expensive from a junk yard and I think it is the same bolt pattern as the 9-3.Just a thought,it just seems there is a lot more open room above the turbo instead of below,why not use it?

[CO-Saab]

This might be very useful, I'll check next time see my car.

I'm not sure I'd use it, as I've dumped loads of money into modding the existing manifold and if I can get it to work everything should be good. This is good info to pass along to others as I seem to be the a resource for many others. Hopefully my newest intake idea works and my problems are resolved. :D

Thanks again!