Looks like the street tuner is an addon to the AccessPort. Did you see any costs on the site?

 

$200 according to this page... this is for the STi, but assuming similar costs for the 350Z/G35 version

http://cobbtuning.com/sti/ap-streettuner.html

 

I wouldn't say it can do everything that the utec can. For one, we don't know if the knock sensitivity can be adjusted; it's a matter of if the sensitivity is a fixed value in the ecu, or if it can be tweaked; I'd guess the former(*just a guess*).

Also, the utec can compensate for temperature changes; I'm not aware of how sophisticated the stock ecu is in dealing with changing conditions. And another thing to consider is that the utec fuel and timing numbers are fixed; when the utec is in control, that's what is going to be run - period. The ecu on the other hand is going to be continously adjusting things attempting to reach a "target".

I'm not suggesting the utec is superior, just that it's a little early to pick the accessport over anything else yet.

 

good points... plus when you factor in the extra cost of the tuning software, the end costs is pretty much exactly the same as a UTEC...

It does seem the AccessPort may potentially have more load points, but even the 10 the UTEC provides is probably plenty for most applications.

 

A great discussion at the Z forums. Clears up some questions I had regarding access to the ECU features (not just the ign/fuel tables)
http://www.my350z.com/forum/showthread.php?t=202671

 

 

need.... more.... info....

 

I happened to be out at a meet last night for the local scooby club, and asked about the accessport. Opinions were nearly universal in the good, but I did get one concerning comment. One guy said that cobb is notorious for overpromising on dates; his exact words were "they'll anounce a release date for the fall, and it won't come out for 9 months".

Nothing substantive by any means, but that definitely pushes me more to the utec.

 

Oooo... exciting. Maybe I WILL get the MREV2 and do this instead of TS.

 

I was talking to one of Cobb's pro tuners just the other day and he said the same thing. They are promising it for late this year, but it is not likely to be available until the first quarter of next year at the earliest.

In any event, here is a quote from their site:


What is the AccessPORT?

The COBB AccessPORT is a handheld programmer used to upload pre-programmed maps to the ECU via the OBD-II port in a matter of minutes. No cutting, wiring, or other modification is required. Once the data has been uploaded, you can disconnect the AccessPORT and your tuned data stays on the ECU. Or, you can leave it connected and use the AccessPORT as a digital display for engine parameters.

In addition, you can connect the AccessPORT to your PC (Windows, Mac, or Linux) and stay up to date with the latest calibrations by downloading them from our website. (USB required)

The quick feature list is:
Reprogram factory ECU (Engine Control Unit) with tuned data
Maintains factory ECU capabilities and safety features providing completely seamless functionality
Realtime modification of tuned data
Realtime log display of engine parameters (air/fuel ratio, ignition, etc)
Read engine trouble codes and display
Comes with prepackaged stage and convenience maps
Upgrade to custom-tuned map through authorized AccessPORT ProTUNER
Load custom tuning data for your specific vehicle and modifications provided by an authorized AccessPORT ProTUNER or upgrade to the StreetTUNER package for do-it-yourself tuning
Uninstall ability that reverts back to 100% stock map that was on your ECU originally
Measure 0-60 mph and 1/4 mile times
Currently we expect to have support for all year model 350Z and G35 and will be providing the ProTUNER tuning software to other Z/G specialist so those of you that want custom tuning (ie: turbo kits, etc) can do so with the AccessPORT.

 

Stillen, JWT, etc. are all guilty of this It's the nature of the business, I guess.

I'm really not expecting the Accessport until sometime next Spring or so. The reason I like the Accessport is because I just want a decent tuning tool. I don't want to spend $300-500 tuning on a dyno to get my car "just right" and gain those extra 3-4whp with a $1000 piggyback.

 

Where is GEE PASTA when we need him

 

Do you really think you'll only get 3-4 with a piggyback?

The last time I dyno'd I put down 259. I'm so confident that I'll put down at least 270 when I get a utec+tune(make that *if* I get one), that if I don't, I'll send you my 350z midpipe for free, and you can keep it or sell it

 

Absolutely not. I was saying that for the extra price of the piggyback ($300+ more) and tuning ($300-500) ,the addtional 3 to 4 whp is not worth it to me. That's just me though. I have friend's with UTECs and other piggybacks for their STi/EVOs, turbo Hondas, etc. They spend so much money and time tuning these things, it's boggling. And then when there is a drastic change in the weather, they have to head back to the shop to get a weather specific tune because the car will run like crap.

 

Oh, my bad. I misunderstood you.

The utec can correct for weather. http://my350z.com/forum/showthread.php?t=207216

But, the utec won't touch cam timing, or datalog all the ecu sensors, or a number of other things. But it *should*, at some point, have a launch control. That's a big deal IMO.