▀▄ eas | ESS S55 M3/M4 Piggyback Backend ECU Software released

[tom @ eas]

Backend ECU software from ESS has been released for the 2015+ S55 M3/M4 for use with aftermarket piggyback controllers that control boost, etc. This targets a number of areas not accessible to piggyback type controllers for maximum performance gains.



The ESS Backend Software File offers the following options:

- Correct AFR control for higher boost pressure. AFR target is set to 12:1 under high load/boost conditions.
- Top Speed Governor (VMAX) removal
- Increased RPM limiter (+400 RPM)
- Removal of catalytic converter diagnostic functionality (for off road use only)
- Removal of Cat Heat Cycle/Cold Start (for off road use only)
- Updates can be performed via OBD2

Flashing is performed in-house at our facility in Anaheim, CA or ESS's facility in AZ.

Note: This software does not offer any performance gains without a piggyback controller installed. The piggyback ECU software intended to be used as an elevated backend platform, specifically designed for piggyback type tuning devices.

[DREW@SUPREMEPOWER]

Has any of this been tested any current piggybacks on the market?

[AM4ZING]

Compatible with JB4?

[BMW M4 PWR]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

- Increased RPM limiter (+400 RPM)

Is 8000rpm safe!?? Especially given the all the talk of a non keyed factory hub...

[Slow///1]

So the ecu is benchflashed first, and then can be updated via obdii?

[Kr3st]

But... I live in Florida...

[A Frankfurt]

Interesting to see how many ESS flashes have been used with a "piggy back" and what brands to be more specific.
Is this a pre-programmed flash like a regular ESS tune or are you actually changing the parameter's yourself to accommodate the piggyback that the vehicle has installed ?

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by AM4ZING

Compatible with JB4?

Yes, compatible with JB4, ESS E-Tronic and others piggybacks that have boost control.

Originally Posted by Slow///1

So the ecu is benchflashed first, and then can be updated via obdii?

Corrrect, after initial flash the DME can be updated without removal.

Originally Posted by Kr3st

But... I live in Florida...

DME can be overnighted to us, flashed and overnighted back to you with minimal downtime. If we get the DME early enough, it can be flashed and mailed out same day.

Originally Posted by A Frankfurt

Interesting to see how many ESS flashes have been used with a "piggy back" and what brands to be more specific.
Is this a pre-programmed flash like a regular ESS tune or are you actually changing the parameter's yourself to accommodate the piggyback that the vehicle has installed ?

ESS performs all software tuning.

The ESS Backend flash was just released today, we'll post results once cars are flashed and dynos are collected. Performance numbers will vary based on controller and settings if configurable, as well as supporting mods. As stated in OP, there is no performance benefit to a backend flash without a piggyback installed, as this grants an elevated platform to work upon.

Piggyback type is also taken into account when flash is created but the tune is not targeted towards any particular brand. Simply opening up areas that piggybacks previously have had no access to.

[Acree]

Wow. Very interesting.

[sA x sKy]

Has it been tested with upgraded turbos yet? Not sure how I feel about the increased rev limiter.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by sA x sKy

Has it been tested with upgraded turbos yet? Not sure how I feel about the increased rev limiter.

Not yet. Our new turbos just arrived but we will be going the full flash route.

[TurboSid]

What's the status on full flash?

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by TurboSid

What's the status on full flash?

Safety first. The TPG hub kit is bring installed first, then turbos. We'll make a different thread with progress once started.

[JamesGames]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

Safety first. The TPG hub kit is bring installed first, then turbos. We'll make a different thread with progress once started.

Do you guys do the TPG installation at EAS in house?

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by JamesGames

Do you guys do the TPG installation at EAS in house?

Yes. We'll be fully documenting our install as well to show what's involved.

[lore2486]

Awesome! some progress on backend flash.

[TPG Tuning]

Excited to see results!

[PeterPure]

Does the backend flash target elevated load / boost as well? Its not mentioned in the post hence i ask. But i guess it runs stock boost just modified afr?

[dmk08]

Awesome this is what ive been waiting for. Anything for torque management on a 6mt?

[CSanto]

This should mean pretty solid numbers with stock turbos and pump gas right?

[apexit]

With the small overrev moneyshifts posted on the forum what kind of R&D have you done on the 400rpmreadline increase?

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by Darkiedm4

Does the backend flash target elevated load / boost as well? Its not mentioned in the post hence i ask. But i guess it runs stock boost just modified afr?

Originally Posted by dmk08

Awesome this is what ive been waiting for. Anything for torque management on a 6mt?

Torque limits are lifted slightly, boost is not touched. These areas are handled by your piggyback.

After flashing, will serve as a new elevated starting point to better target AFRs. All tuning is still performed by the piggyback (or JB4 in your specific case). The Backend flashes are very common on the N54 side as a new starting point for those making big power. To reiterate, the backend is not a flash tune, but serves as an elevated platform for those running piggyback controllers.

Here's a good description of a backend flash from the N54 side:

Backend flash is a flash that runs in conjunction with the JB4 taking over functions such as air/fuel/timing (these functions are normally handled by the stock flash with some intervention from the JB4 to a small degree) while JB4 serves as the primary point for boost control. With a JB4 alone you are limited to running the stock DME flash which can limit power (though JB4 alone is still a big step up from 100% stock). You will be limited to about E30 or so with the stock DME fuel scalars and timing will be low for an ethanol tune so you will be giving up some power.

For FULL control over torque management, boost and fueling, you will need to remove the piggyback and go with a flash based tune instead. For those running piggybacks, this is the next step allowing the DME and piggybacks to work better together and bringing the S55 to the next level.