New GIAC X Code - Initial Impressions [Edited]

B5QShip · 08-29-2005, 10:32 PM

Thanks to Induktion for hooking me up with all 5 GIAC programs - great service all around. I like the additional functionality over my previous AMS chip, though I'm currently switching through my laptop, not the handheld switcher.

Now the juicy stuff:

The GIAC X code (M box) runs VERY differently than the AMS software I previously had. As others have noted, part throttle behavior is very good. I had some mild hesitations with AMS - these now appear to be gone. I also notice slightly less bogging when accelerating from a stop.

A little data to keep you reading:

FATS (avg of 3) : 5.15s in 70F, 75% humidity. This is comparable to my previous runs with AMS in similar conditions.

Boost builds noticeably slower with this software. The AMS software would build boost furiously on WOT, peak at ~1.2 bar around 3.5k and then taper somewhat linearly to ~0.8 bar at redline. This new code builds quickly to ~0.8bar, then slowly climbs to full boost (only 1.1bar) by 5k RPMs. Obviously, this totally changes the nature of the beast. The car drives *almost* like its normally aspirated. No slap-you-in-your-face torque peak at low RPMs, but also a much more graceful exit of power at the top. I'd describe this software's boost curve as overdamped, that of the old software's underdamped, and that of AMS critically damped.

Timing looks really good - as good if not better than what I was seeing with AMS at ~20F lower temps. O2s look much better than the leaner #'s I saw with AMS - though that weird dip is still there. I really need to pressure test my car - this & the super late full-boost onset make me a little suspicious.

I'm not sure if I like this software or not as I've only driven it for ~30 minutes so far. I do miss the neck-snapping torque onset that made people grab the oh-sh!t handle, but I don't miss the lack of juice above 5k RPMs. In summary, power delivery is very smooth - but perhaps so smooth that it *may* detract from the character of the car.

*Update* : I also noticed that the burbling during throttle lift is gone. O2s look much more well behaved when lifting off throttle - so I guess that would explain it. Overall, I think the car is about as fast as before. Just more deceptively so since there's no sudden jolt of boost.

Mike2kS4 · 08-29-2005, 10:41 PM

It seems very tolerant of req/actual deviations, should work fine with a TCD.

The AFR doesn't seem to richen up high like the previous X variants, which made it so good for homebrew. I assume that spike at the end was your closing the throttle.

B5QShip · 08-29-2005, 10:46 PM

Mike2kS4 · 08-29-2005, 10:48 PM

Alex (lil' is 300) · 08-29-2005, 10:51 PM

you have more low end torque and you're at you're full boost much earlier. But just like the new GIAC, it drops off at 6k rpms badly (not the fault of GIAC, but the teeny turbos)...the point is that the older software gets you to full boost quicker and keeps you there longer whereas the newer is slower to reach full boost and drops off just as quick as the older software past 6k.

Two totally different power curves. Nice to see options though!

OCA::DIY Motorsports · 08-29-2005, 11:10 PM

Imolavirus@BuehnEngineering · 08-29-2005, 11:14 PM

burningcoals · 08-29-2005, 11:16 PM

have said they can only flash the new version. I really hope that this does not become the norm. And they allow folks to have options.

OCA::DIY Motorsports · 08-29-2005, 11:21 PM

BTW did you get my mail re: the GB?

B5QShip · 08-30-2005, 05:58 AM

08-29-2005, 10:32 PM	#1
B5QShip AudiWorld Super User Account #: 78120 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 7,743	New GIAC X Code - Initial Impressions [Edited] Thanks to Induktion for hooking me up with all 5 GIAC programs - great service all around. I like the additional functionality over my previous AMS chip, though I'm currently switching through my laptop, not the handheld switcher. Now the juicy stuff: The GIAC X code (M box) runs VERY differently than the AMS software I previously had. As others have noted, part throttle behavior is very good. I had some mild hesitations with AMS - these now appear to be gone. I also notice slightly less bogging when accelerating from a stop. A little data to keep you reading: FATS (avg of 3) : 5.15s in 70F, 75% humidity. This is comparable to my previous runs with AMS in similar conditions. Boost builds noticeably slower with this software. The AMS software would build boost furiously on WOT, peak at ~1.2 bar around 3.5k and then taper somewhat linearly to ~0.8 bar at redline. This new code builds quickly to ~0.8bar, then slowly climbs to full boost (only 1.1bar) by 5k RPMs. Obviously, this totally changes the nature of the beast. The car drives almost like its normally aspirated. No slap-you-in-your-face torque peak at low RPMs, but also a much more graceful exit of power at the top. I'd describe this software's boost curve as overdamped, that of the old software's underdamped, and that of AMS critically damped. Timing looks really good - as good if not better than what I was seeing with AMS at ~20F lower temps. O2s look much better than the leaner #'s I saw with AMS - though that weird dip is still there. I really need to pressure test my car - this & the super late full-boost onset make me a little suspicious. I'm not sure if I like this software or not as I've only driven it for ~30 minutes so far. I do miss the neck-snapping torque onset that made people grab the oh-sh!t handle, but I don't miss the lack of juice above 5k RPMs. In summary, power delivery is very smooth - but perhaps so smooth that it may detract from the character of the car. Update : I also noticed that the burbling during throttle lift is gone. O2s look much more well behaved when lifting off throttle - so I guess that would explain it. Overall, I think the car is about as fast as before. Just more deceptively so since there's no sudden jolt of boost. __________________

08-29-2005, 10:41 PM	#2
Mike2kS4 Elder Member Account #: 38083 Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 12,105	Interesting... It seems very tolerant of req/actual deviations, should work fine with a TCD. The AFR doesn't seem to richen up high like the previous X variants, which made it so good for homebrew. I assume that spike at the end was your closing the throttle. __________________ 2002 S4 Avant, 6spd. Bone stock. <a href="http://www.autospeed.us"> </a> Caveat: Any advice I express regarding potential tuning and such is purely informational. If your knowledge and abilities are not up to the task, no amount of advice can assist.

08-29-2005, 10:46 PM	#3
B5QShip AudiWorld Super User Account #: 78120 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 7,743	Which spike? The lean O2 spike at 6k? __________________

08-29-2005, 10:48 PM	#4
Mike2kS4 Elder Member Account #: 38083 Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 12,105	6500 rich spike __________________ 2002 S4 Avant, 6spd. Bone stock. <a href="http://www.autospeed.us"> </a> Caveat: Any advice I express regarding potential tuning and such is purely informational. If your knowledge and abilities are not up to the task, no amount of advice can assist.

08-29-2005, 10:51 PM	#5
Alex (lil' is 300) Junior Member Account #: 56963 Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 1,331	Nice write up, thanks for that. I think I still prefer the old X-sauce because... you have more low end torque and you're at you're full boost much earlier. But just like the new GIAC, it drops off at 6k rpms badly (not the fault of GIAC, but the teeny turbos)...the point is that the older software gets you to full boost quicker and keeps you there longer whereas the newer is slower to reach full boost and drops off just as quick as the older software past 6k. Two totally different power curves. Nice to see options though!

08-29-2005, 11:10 PM	#6
OCA::DIY Motorsports Member Account #: 60276 Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 5,655	Can you still buy the "older X"?? __________________ SUPPORT STEM CELL RESEARCH! "There are (shop)whores that do provide a valuable service. However, you appear as a whore with no orifices, therefore all you accomplish is space occupation." --Kartman "Those who would give up ESSENTIAL Liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve NEITHER liberty nor safety" Benjamin Franklin

08-29-2005, 11:14 PM	#7
Imolavirus@BuehnEngineering Elder Member Account #: 33927 Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 17,986	i wouldn't see why not.....it's just an older file, no hardware changes __________________ -Jacob ^^^CLICK SIG FOR BUEHN ENGINEERING WEBSITE^^^ <big><big>Website Here!!!</big></big> <big>Items For Sale</big>

08-29-2005, 11:16 PM	#8
burningcoals New Member Account #: 70753 Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 474	Yes, but you get the run around from many dealers, some dealers have said they can only flash the new version. I really hope that this does not become the norm. And they allow folks to have options. __________________ X Sauce RS4 Grill RS4 Clutch RS4 18" Reps Custom SS AWE Twin1 AWE A-Pillar BG APRV1 Downpipes Test Pipes StaSIS Streets Forge BPV 20% Tint Phatnoise MBC Ready to be installed: K04's and assorted hardware...

08-29-2005, 11:21 PM	#9
OCA::DIY Motorsports Member Account #: 60276 Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 5,655	Whats the # of the older file? BTW did you get my mail re: the GB? __________________ SUPPORT STEM CELL RESEARCH! "There are (shop)whores that do provide a valuable service. However, you appear as a whore with no orifices, therefore all you accomplish is space occupation." --Kartman "Those who would give up ESSENTIAL Liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve NEITHER liberty nor safety" Benjamin Franklin

08-30-2005, 05:58 AM	#10
B5QShip AudiWorld Super User Account #: 78120 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 7,743	nope. Foot was still planted at that time __________________

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