JHM Tune - anyone done an ECU Flash in Chicago?

B6/7 S4/RS4
#15

No overhead? What about all the IT work Saki mentioned? What about all the hand-holding and support during a flash with independent buyers or helping a reseller set everything up?

The flashing actually sounds like it’s more costly and a bigger headache for them than the old method. It’s just that it’s easier for the end customer. You don’t need to buy the cable if you can borrow one. You don’t need to pay a shop labour rates if you can do it yourself from what I understand. So all said and done, this is probably costing them more (for the time being) than it used to. Maybe once they have an established reseller network across the country and all the support efforts go down, then they may save a few bucks. It’ll take them a while to get there and then, once they’re there, another long while to recuperate everything.

#16

I never said no overhead. But yes, you and Saki both bring up a good point. I didn’t realize the potential additional IT cost of a flash based system. That being said, the way its described in their website, I understood it as I mentioned above, a cost savings for them. Could be an issue with their explanation, could be an issue with my understanding.

So… If there are additional costs for JHM, I applaud them for keeping costs reasonable.

#17

I inquired about this and JHM let me know that they were trying to work with CPT on becoming an installer. CPT is a good shop so it would be great if they could partner. Hasn’t happened as of yet, as far as I am aware.

#18

it’s really not that complicated. Just DIY it.

You send a form to JHM, they send you a cable, charge you XXX, you flash your car, you send the cable back, they refund you XXX.

Have I got that wrong? THe cable charge is just a core charge I thought.

#19

I was under the impression that the cable is a purchase. Could be wrong though, actually, I hope I’m wrong.

#20

IIRC, they stopped the cable “rental” program when the flashing became available. You now have to buy it for $150 or have it done at a shop that is already setup through JHM (probably 2 hours labor so figure $150-$200).

#21

Gotcha. That’s too bad. The rental worked nicely.

#22

I see the “send in ECU” option is no longer available - I imagine that has freed up a lot of time at JHM! To compare (from Canada):

  • I spent about $80 shipping next day from my end. I did it on a Saturday.
  • This was in addition to the $45 “next day” option from JHM to me.
  • So that’s $120
  • I tucked the car away in the garage for 4 days (1 of which was a Sunday) when I knew I didn’t need it.

If you get your own flash cable, it’s $150 + your time to figure out your computer.
Go to a dealer = $150-200 labour it seems.

Both of which seem like quite good value, plus you now have the opportunity to update/change the tune.

#23

Can you sell your cable to someone else and let them use it?

#24

Will be calling Chicago Performance Tuning and asking Al to get signed up. Since I already paid for Revo stg1 2 years ago - should I explore stage 2 add on or is Revo stg 2 useless??

#25

Mobile One is my favorite local shops. CPT guys are cocky and arrogant, at least over the phone

#26

garbage. usually for catless setups. they tune out the rear o2s because theyre not competent enough to change the flow parameters therefore not retaining diagnostic capability or long term fueltrims. i would wager they throw more timing at it as well. no bueno.

#27

YThat’s a nice succinct assessment. I agree with it. I wouldn’t gamble on Revo stuff although their b8tune kicks ass. They’re also the only b8 tuner to have the blood of a few engine failures on their hands though…So that doesn’t bode well. Parameters on some of the b8 files I’ve seen were borderline shocking. I. E. They basically ran the same timing on their 93 file as Apr did on their race gas file… And we never saw a Revo tuned b8 Car pulling timing on logs despite this. So it looks like they were desensitizing the hell out of knock sensing thresholds.

Since stasis took over apparently they have dialed the tune back a bit on that platform.

Bottom line is Revo appears to be gambling and I don’t think that is exactly ideal.

Personally I can’t believe that anyone considers anything other than jhm for the 4.2 na cars. It seems insane.

#28

Need to be able to buy it…

#29

Yeah I guess that was annoying but that’s for the rs4 only… The s4 guys were chip tuned business as usual.

I still think that is nuts though. They were offline for the rs4 for what… 6-9 months?

If someone needed a tune so bad during that time that they bought giac or apr I would wonder about that decision. That tells me they’re only keeping the car a short time.

If you decide to go to a great restaurant for your favourite food, and getting a table takes an extra 30 minutes because they’re on a wait, and then dinner takes an extra twenty minutes vs normal service because they’re so busy, how often do you leave the table and go next door to the burger joint just because you’re hungry?

#30

Haha, not sure why they came across that way but hey, it happens. Especially when you are good at what you do people tend to get a bit of an attitude. I’ve had CPT do work on my car and they are top notch, but very expensive.

#31

B6joe - where is Mobil 1 shop ?? I agree CPT is pricey.

When I got the car in 2009 - I tried to get an APR tune but they could not flash it as I did not have a Bosch ECU but rather Simpkin. So the only dealer around me for tuning was Athons motors - Revo.

#32

They’re in glenview right off Leigh. I think they’re already a dealer for Uni or something like that. Not sure how those contracts work but I’ve never seen a shop that’s a dealer for multiple tuning companies. Although JHM is very small

#33

Not only is CPT very pricey, but there’s a good chance, in my opinion at least, that Al won’t want to make that partnership with JHM. I had him install my JHM clutch/flywheel and he didn’t exactly express the same excitement about JHM’s aftermarket parts as I did. He was unimpressed with the flywheel because it was aluminum and with the clutch pressure plate because it was sprung. I was at least able to convince Al that their customer service was top notch as they were able to give me credit for my damaged clutch flywheel kit because the first installer screwed up the installation.

#34

I didn’t want to say anything previously but my impression is that they (CPT) aren’t gigantic fans. Not against, but certainly nowhere as enthusiastic as the group here. :wink:

Regardless, JHM told me specifically that they were trying to get CPT on board. It would really suck if JHM doesn’t partner with someone in Chicago soon. It’s a big market and I really want to get the tune this spring. Not sure i am interested in self-flashing.