Powerchip Custom Tune Review

[tinpot]

Overview
It’s been almost two weeks since the Powerchip group buy in Houston so I thought it was about time to post my review. I’ve been lurking on the forums for almost 2 years now; first as a 08 335 owner and for last 6 months as a 09 M3 owner. After updating my 335 with Vishnu tune and Vishnu intake, and then selling the 335 so I could buy an M3, I decided that I wouldn’t mod my M3 as the car is perfection from the factory. Since this summer my plans went to shit as I got the urge to mod my M3. After coming across the Powerchip group buy thread, my plans really started going down the toilet and I joined bimmerpost.

I first spoke Mike Benvo in early September to discuss my planned mods and to find out how a Powerchip tune would aid performance, while diligently researching the forum. Early on, I decided to go with Fabspeed X-Pipe and HFCs, crankshaft pulley, and one of the numerous mufflers that are available. My requirements were to improve performance as much as possible, but not to have a loud car (sorry Nawaaz!). About a month ago I bought the Fabspeed X-Pipe, RD Sport exhaust, AA pulley, and MS filter from Sam at Auto Talent (thanks Sam!!! Excellent customer service and strongly recommended to other forum members).

After deciding on parts, I was in constant contact with Mike (actually, I bugged the shit out of him with questions) who was extremely helpful and went above and beyond the role of a vendor. This dedication was a deciding factor in going forward with the tune. Now for the results…

Results
Before going into the tune, I knew I would increase power but I didn’t think it would radically alter my car. I first installed the parts (unfortunately, the RD Sport exhaust got stuck in customs in Memphis while on its way from Italy so the exhaust was installed after the tune) and then I got the custom tune.

After installing the AA pulley and Fabspeed X-Pipe, I noticed an increase in power but it didn’t feel to be a radical change. Once Jeremy got work on my car, that’s when I noticed the difference. After Jeremy spent over two hours tuning my car to perfection, I went for a test drive and the difference was instantly noticeable. My first impressions were how responsive my car was and how smooth the gear shifting was. After driving for over a week, I have really noticed the performance difference – acceleration at low RPM’s is much faster (something I've missed after selling my 335), shifting in D5 is much harder (akin to S6) and shifting in S6 is just nuts! I used to drive with transaction control off while in S6, but now I fishtail the car when accelerating hard in S6.

After installing the RD Sport exhaust last week, my car now sounds like a beast (not at the Gintani level, but nice). With OEM mufflers, my car sounded just like stock until I got on the gas and the Fabspeed X-Pipe came to life.

Dyno Results
Baseline (stock and AA Pulley)

• 324 whp
• 239 wtq

After Powerchip tune and mods Part 1 (Custom tune, OEM mufflers, Fabspeed X-Pipe and HFCs, AA Pulley, MS filter)

• 352 whp
• 256 wtq

Dyno Graph:


After Powerchip tune and mods Part 2 (Custom tune, RD Sport Exhaust, Fabspeed X-Pipe and HFCs, AA Pulley, MS filter)
<DYNO TO COME!>



Videos
All videos were taken after the RD Sport exhaust was installed. Thanks to frankzlin79 for the video clips.

Standing Start:

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Standing Start:
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Accelerating:
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[Nawaaz]

Excellent results my man! Awesome vids too!

(I'm still louder than you though hehe)

See ya around partner!

[Crazy Bimmer]

M3 scene in Texas is sure heating up!

Great gains as always. I gotta see if i can get powerchip to make a trip to Chicago in Spring.

[Jeremy@Fabspeed]

Nice gains! Car sounds great too

[Eugene-TAIWAN]

nice !!!

[Singletrack]

Dyno link is teh brokens!

Congrats on the improved performance - sounds like you are really happy with it!

[SHADY1]

Nice write up and good video I will still be down in Houston area on the 6th to meet up with you Houston guys and look forward to hear your exhaust in person

[Eliminator]

Originally Posted by Jesal@Project 808

M3 scene in Texas is sure heating up!

Great gains as always. I gotta see if i can get powerchip to make a trip to Chicago in Spring.

Any group buy from Detroit to Wisconsin and I'm in.

[tinpot]

Originally Posted by SHADY1

Nice write up and good video I will still be down in Houston area on the 6th to meet up with you Houston guys and look forward to hear your exhaust in person

Thanks Shady. Looking forward to meeting you and checking out the Hamann style M3 Did you make it home for Thanksgiving?

[frankzlin79]

Nice gains and write up.