Custom E85 & FlexFuel Tuning: Reviews of Different Tuners (MHD, BM3, & EcuTek))

[Hotflare]

Sub'd

I'm getting the bend ultimate kit installed down in socal hopefully this summer. Do they need to use mhd or can they do a custom bm3 tune?

[slaughter.mode]

Originally Posted by BAD_M4

Thank you for making my already 98.5% choice on changing tunes from BM3 to EcuTek and Ian at with Blend. I have heard nothing but good things about Bend Calibration. I unfortunately had a bad experience with safety issues not recognized on my custom tune on BM3 and am now in the process of a full motor replacement. Stage 3+ build underway with all the goodies and can't not wait to have a BC tune. I'm excited for the questionaire now!

I, too, had the same situation with a blown motor. it's not fun ($$$$). Bend tunes are definitely worth every penny, you will be flying (safely).

[slaughter.mode]

Originally Posted by Hotflare

Sub'd

I'm getting the bend ultimate kit installed down in socal hopefully this summer. Do they need to use mhd or can they do a custom bm3 tune?

Can't go wrong with that kit. They do BM3 or EcuTek.

[slaughter.mode]

So the dynos are pretty booked up because it's about that time of year so I decided to pull the trigger on a Dragy DRG70 to post some numbers. I'll do 3 of each to get an average and post when I can. Also I found that different transmission tunes (CS, GTS, xHP) compliment these tunes very differently, so I'll share what I found to be my most complimentary (subjective of course).

[F80RN]

Originally Posted by Hotflare

Sub'd

I'm getting the bend ultimate kit installed down in socal hopefully this summer. Do they need to use mhd or can they do a custom bm3 tune?

I think it’s fairly relevant to the thread but if not, my apologies for a hijack.

I’m currently on my second revision via Bend and I can feel a huge difference between these and the OTS BM3 tunes.

You won’t be disappointed with Ian @Bend Calibration

[Idfkman]

Subbed. Just ordered my BM3 Flex kit. Was planning to go with Tuning Tech FS (Frank Smith) largely because they’re local to me but I don’t see much mention of them atleast on here. Sound like Bend may be the way to go.

[slaughter.mode]

Let me know how that install goes. I really like that unit but I was able to reprogram my MHD unit to do the same so no real point. Never heard of that tuner but Bend (so far) has been incredible and I have about PMs of folks who have had the same exact experience.

[heitzke]

I've had a few very good experiences with Bend and know i've been pretty vocal about it in the past on other threads (including my own). When I went for the next big bump in power with fueling upgrades to supplement my larger turbos, I worked with Bend to transition to EcuTek from BM3 for tuning.

They're opinionated, extremely helpful, responsive and most importantly imo - responsible. I knew after I picked up their ultimate flex fuel kit that I wanted to keep working with them as I could.

I also don't mean to or hope to bias any opinions in the thread because there are other good tuners out there, but my tuning process went great. My setup isn't anything wild with pretty standard fueling upgrades and the Mosselman units, but they nailed the tuning so quickly.

[astris]

I believe I was the first to run bigger turbos, EU5s, flex, Dorch lift kit, with the PR stage 3 brushless lpfp. The Bend crew let me know it would be a bit of trial and error, but were convinced the effort would be worth it.

They are insanely knowledgeable, function like clockwork, and are serial killer methodical. The service and support I’ve received (and continue to receive) is above and beyond. I could say a lot more, but part of me wants to keep their profile quiet out of selfishness

[heitzke]

Originally Posted by astris

I believe I was the first to run bigger turbos, EU5s, flex, Dorch lift kit, with the PR stage 3 brushless lpfp. The Bend crew let me know it would be a bit of trial and error, but were convinced the effort would be worth it.

They are insanely knowledgeable, function like clockwork, and are serial killer methodical. The service and support I’ve received (and continue to receive) is above and beyond. I could say a lot more, but part of me wants to keep their profile quiet out of selfishness

Yes, thank you for doing the hard work because I had my tune dialed in with like 2 revisions

[delz0r]

Hi guys. I see you mention flex fuel tunes being completed in two revisions. How is this so?

My experience with F80Paul and also PureBoost(Different platform). Is that multiple logs and revisions will happen to check different fuel graduations from pump up to E85.

[slaughter.mode]

Originally Posted by delz0r

Hi guys. I see you mention flex fuel tunes being completed in two revisions. How is this so?

My experience with F80Paul and also PureBoost(Different platform). Is that multiple logs and revisions will happen to check different fuel graduations from pump up to E85.

Just experience. For stock fueling + stock turbos with proper health signals, the tuning methodology should be similar from car to car with only minor tweaks. Although Bend did have it down in 2 revisions, we're still going through all the E blend levels and capturing logs all the way down to 0 E just to make sure all is dialed in perfectly.

[AmuroRay]

Originally Posted by slaughter.mode

So the dynos are pretty booked up because it's about that time of year so I decided to pull the trigger on a Dragy DRG70 to post some numbers. I'll do 3 of each to get an average and post when I can. Also I found that different transmission tunes (CS, GTS, xHP) compliment these tunes very differently, so I'll share what I found to be my most complimentary (subjective of course).

I think you should run them all on the same trans tune, and then on the "optimal" transmission true - true apples to apples

[slaughter.mode]

Originally Posted by AmuroRay

I think you should run them all on the same trans tune, and then on the "optimal" transmission true - true apples to apples

I was thinking about stock or GTS vs. 'optimal' transmission tune to do 1/4 pulls since that segment of measurement should capture all the metrics we'd want to know from a transmission point of view. I'll probably do that once I install new rear tires since mine have been beaten up pretty badly with all the logging.

[slaughter.mode]

Added a section for fueling because I've been told by Bend that although there's many TopTier fuel suppliers, they have noticed that stations other than Chevon or Shell, especially non legit (private owned) stations are actually bottom-tier fuel (both ethanol and petrol) which use 3rd party fuel suppliers with additives that do not equate to the same level of fuel quality. Fueling stations are all hit or miss but the logs will reflect the fuel quality. I have always been picky about where I get fuel but this is just another piece of the puzzle that can help squeeze more power and performance out of your tune. Especially if you're like me and stuck with only ACN91 fueling options.

[heitzke]

Originally Posted by delz0r

Hi guys. I see you mention flex fuel tunes being completed in two revisions. How is this so?

My experience with F80Paul and also PureBoost(Different platform). Is that multiple logs and revisions will happen to check different fuel graduations from pump up to E85.

I assume that in my case it was due to having astris go before me with the exact same setup I have. Don't get me wrong, I did lots and lots of logs, but very little needed to be altered for mine. We went through and checked along the way for safety, but little needed to be changed for me.

[heitzke]

Originally Posted by slaughter.mode

Added a section for fueling because I've been told by Bend that although there's many TopTier fuel suppliers, they have noticed that stations other than Chevon or Shell, especially non legit (private owned) stations are actually bottom-tier fuel (both ethanol and petrol) which use 3rd party fuel suppliers with additives that do not equate to the same level of fuel quality. Fueling stations are all hit or miss but the logs will reflect the fuel quality. I have always been picky about where I get fuel but this is just another piece of the puzzle that can help squeeze more power and performance out of your tune. Especially if you're like me and stuck with only ACN91 fueling options.

Also a very good call. My E85 is very very limited here in the southeast and most of mine up in the E71/72 range.

[slaughter.mode]

Originally Posted by heitzke

Also a very good call. My E85 is very very limited here in the southeast and most of mine up in the E71/72 range.

That is wild. On a full tank of E85 only and it only gives you 71-72%? Here it's usually 80% but there's a Chevron a bit far from me which gets me into the 82-83% range every time. Problem is they're almost 20 miles away and almost always empty. I did send all my tuners this information. JordanTuned and Bend Calibration are the only ones that made tuning changes based on that E percentage feedback.

[heitzke]

Originally Posted by slaughter.mode

That is wild. On a full tank of E85 only and it only gives you 71-72%? Here it's usually 80% but there's a Chevron a bit far from me which gets me into the 82-83% range every time. Problem is they're almost 20 miles away and almost always empty. I did send all my tuners this information. JordanTuned and Bend Calibration are the only ones that made tuning changes based on that E percentage feedback.

Yeah I don't even have E85 available at most of the big brand stations. I have to use either Thorntons (a little far away) or Speedway (which gets me ~E71). I've heard Thorntons is a bit better so I may start making the trek across town. These are total E85 tanks too. It's really a mess.

[slaughter.mode]

Some really useful feedback for Southern California folks who are considering where to get their E85 right from Bend:

"Being your location is in Chino Hills; the two primary E85 is either Pearson Fuels (blended with very low grade naphtha), or Propel (From Asia; generally best SoCal E85 blend)."

Some 76 gas stations use Pearson and some use Propel so make sure you look for the Propel logo.

[theweebabySeamus]

Originally Posted by slaughter.mode

Some really useful feedback for Southern California folks who are considering where to get their E85 right from Bend:

"Being your location is in Chino Hills; the two primary E85 is either Pearson Fuels (blended with very low grade naphtha), or Propel (From Asia; generally best SoCal E85 blend)."

Some 76 gas stations use Pearson and some use Propel so make sure you look for the Propel logo.

The Propel and Pearson websites also have all the locations that sell either and is fairly up to date.

[astris]

Originally Posted by heitzke

Yes, thank you for doing the hard work because I had my tune dialed in with like 2 revisions

You’re welcome. 😂 Are you fully up and running with a new PR brushless now??

I think I’m on rev 23 or something? Lol. Been tons of fun though!

Oh and E85 is near non existent here and varies like crazy. Only two stations in the entire state and right now it’s reading around E75.