430 it just ain't enough!!!!
#62
Scooby Regular
I'm up for the challenge if you are ?
#65
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (7)
Fact is whether you pay extra for them or not the Alcatek still works out £350 cheaper.
I think you'll find that most of those mappers charge the same for doing Alcatek ecus too.
Agreed ! Datalogging can be useful, however to take the real advantage of it you'll need a load of additional sensors, oil pressure, oil temp, fuel pressure, Closed loop wideband, egt etc.
The Alcatek website and forum are under way as we speak and you'll get the same kind of technical support/backup from there from the dealers and Andy L himself.
I've been mapping Alcatek ecus for nearly 6 years now and can't fault them, I also run 2 of them on my own cars
Martyn
I think you'll find that most of those mappers charge the same for doing Alcatek ecus too.
Agreed ! Datalogging can be useful, however to take the real advantage of it you'll need a load of additional sensors, oil pressure, oil temp, fuel pressure, Closed loop wideband, egt etc.
The Alcatek website and forum are under way as we speak and you'll get the same kind of technical support/backup from there from the dealers and Andy L himself.
I've been mapping Alcatek ecus for nearly 6 years now and can't fault them, I also run 2 of them on my own cars
Martyn
Martyn
How many people have problems with SimTek just here on the SN?
And how many people have problems with Syvecs here(speaking for myself,we have problem with CANbus,but this ECU have been replaced for free of charge)?
About the charging for mapping,tweaking agreed
Datalogging,real advantage is logging what you want if you want with simple Ethernet cable and for no extra cost,at standard form will allow you datalog all sort parameters which are useful like for road car or track car.
Sensors is good thing in many ways(like for datalogging or just get rid of the gauges and use Toucan),but we are went with this only because we are running Race Technology DASH2 where can be displayed all those parameters(we are removed all gauges due this) via CANbus like on DASH2 or Toucan,plus datalogging is just plus for us
Forum and website will be nice for end users of AlcaTek or SimTek,but we will see
Jura
#71
Scooby Regular
Martyn
How many people have problems with SimTek just here on the SN?
And how many people have problems with Syvecs here(speaking for myself,we have problem with CANbus,but this ECU have been replaced for free of charge)?
About the charging for mapping,tweaking agreed
Datalogging,real advantage is logging what you want if you want with simple Ethernet cable and for no extra cost,at standard form will allow you datalog all sort parameters which are useful like for road car or track car.
Sensors is good thing in many ways(like for datalogging or just get rid of the gauges and use Toucan),but we are went with this only because we are running Race Technology DASH2 where can be displayed all those parameters(we are removed all gauges due this) via CANbus like on DASH2 or Toucan,plus datalogging is just plus for us
Forum and website will be nice for end users of AlcaTek or SimTek,but we will see
Jura
How many people have problems with SimTek just here on the SN?
And how many people have problems with Syvecs here(speaking for myself,we have problem with CANbus,but this ECU have been replaced for free of charge)?
About the charging for mapping,tweaking agreed
Datalogging,real advantage is logging what you want if you want with simple Ethernet cable and for no extra cost,at standard form will allow you datalog all sort parameters which are useful like for road car or track car.
Sensors is good thing in many ways(like for datalogging or just get rid of the gauges and use Toucan),but we are went with this only because we are running Race Technology DASH2 where can be displayed all those parameters(we are removed all gauges due this) via CANbus like on DASH2 or Toucan,plus datalogging is just plus for us
Forum and website will be nice for end users of AlcaTek or SimTek,but we will see
Jura
From what I have seen over the last 5 years, most (Baring in mind that there are over 1500 units out there) are very happy with their ecus.
A few have owners have had "Idle issues" which have far more to do with the mapping of them than the hardware itself. As it now has Closed loop idle control (which is superb) it should help those that struggled to get them to idle nicely.
I've had maybe 2 actual hardware issues in over 5 years with Alcatek ecus.
As it turned out one of them was caused by a previous mapper allowing a small piece of metal wire found in Classic carpets, to jump across 2 tracks on the ecu causing a short. Both were repaired FOC.
I've also had one Syvecs hardware failure to do with the AVCS drivers on an S6GP, replaced FOC.
I have said this before on another thread, "You pays your money, you takes your choice" but with the Alcatek you'll have some left
#72
Scooby Regular
When the time comes to upgrade, the first time will be a RTB flash upgrade with any subsequent Firmware upgrades to be available through your mapper.
#73
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Enginetuner.co.uk Plymouth Dyno Dynamics RR Engine machining and building EcuTek SimTek mapping
Posts: 3,662
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As usual the point is being missed. Particularly by Matty.
The Syvecs is a very good ECU. Martyn has mapped a large number, very successfully, despite Matty's crude attempt at a smear.
The clever part about the Alcatek package is the fact that those who already own the earlier version of it can bring it up to date, within a whisker of the much more expensive Syvecs in fact, for what amounts to peanuts.
Those who don't already own one can take the benefit of a great deal of development.
Andy (Alcatek) was always entirely responsible for the Simtek ECU in any event. As I've said before now, when it first came along it was a breath of fresh air, and siezed upon by just about everybody who maps Imprezas, once they cottoned on how good it was. If it was no good, how come AndyF, JGM, Bob Rawle, etc jumped on the bandwagon?
Martyn was amongst the first to map the Simtek on a regular basis and the first to set up a customer version of the new age, which incidentally, is still running perfectly five years later, needing no further work to make it's 450 bhp. He also suggested, and helped instigate, a great number of the very useful features found in it.
Despite some early users having difficulty with setting up the non closed loop idle control, Martyn made a damn sight better job out of it than some I could mention. The new system is superb, and properly sorted.
There is a case to be made out for retaining the OE ECU, and we don't attempt to flog something when it isn't appropriate. There is also a time when the benefits of a plug and play can't be ignored.
Matty, the mapping is what really matters. If both ECU's are delivering the correct timing, fuelling and boost, what's the tuning issue?
My advice is to take a good long look at both the Syvecs and the Alcatek then choose based on your specific requirements. You won't be disappointed with either.
The Syvecs is a very good ECU. Martyn has mapped a large number, very successfully, despite Matty's crude attempt at a smear.
The clever part about the Alcatek package is the fact that those who already own the earlier version of it can bring it up to date, within a whisker of the much more expensive Syvecs in fact, for what amounts to peanuts.
Those who don't already own one can take the benefit of a great deal of development.
Andy (Alcatek) was always entirely responsible for the Simtek ECU in any event. As I've said before now, when it first came along it was a breath of fresh air, and siezed upon by just about everybody who maps Imprezas, once they cottoned on how good it was. If it was no good, how come AndyF, JGM, Bob Rawle, etc jumped on the bandwagon?
Martyn was amongst the first to map the Simtek on a regular basis and the first to set up a customer version of the new age, which incidentally, is still running perfectly five years later, needing no further work to make it's 450 bhp. He also suggested, and helped instigate, a great number of the very useful features found in it.
Despite some early users having difficulty with setting up the non closed loop idle control, Martyn made a damn sight better job out of it than some I could mention. The new system is superb, and properly sorted.
There is a case to be made out for retaining the OE ECU, and we don't attempt to flog something when it isn't appropriate. There is also a time when the benefits of a plug and play can't be ignored.
Matty, the mapping is what really matters. If both ECU's are delivering the correct timing, fuelling and boost, what's the tuning issue?
My advice is to take a good long look at both the Syvecs and the Alcatek then choose based on your specific requirements. You won't be disappointed with either.
#74
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (51)
Just so I'm clear, the Simtek is not an Alcatek right ? Although it can be updated to adopt the benefits of an Alcatek.
But they are different ECU's right ????
My comment on Martins mapping was tongue in cheek sir, hence the smiley face. I was merely trying to lighten the mood a touch as I could feel the heat building and another in depth Syvecs vs Simtek fight starting. Apology if my comment was taken wrong.
As mentioned above, you pays your money you take your choice. If it was my choice Id go with a Syvecs. Not only because of its track record but after long chats with my mapper it was agreed that a Syvecs would be a better option for me, but at the minute I'm very happy with my Motec.
I've no doubt that the new Alcatek can do what it says when installed and mapped by a good mapper but I don't tend to modify cars on a tight budget, hence I wouldn't be tempted by a few hundred quid saving. For those who are watching the pennies then yes, maybe an Alcatek is the right ECU for them.
With regard to the OP's needs, why would you say he needs a Alcatek over his OE ECU. What benefits would HE (soley a road car) see ???
But they are different ECU's right ????
My comment on Martins mapping was tongue in cheek sir, hence the smiley face. I was merely trying to lighten the mood a touch as I could feel the heat building and another in depth Syvecs vs Simtek fight starting. Apology if my comment was taken wrong.
As mentioned above, you pays your money you take your choice. If it was my choice Id go with a Syvecs. Not only because of its track record but after long chats with my mapper it was agreed that a Syvecs would be a better option for me, but at the minute I'm very happy with my Motec.
I've no doubt that the new Alcatek can do what it says when installed and mapped by a good mapper but I don't tend to modify cars on a tight budget, hence I wouldn't be tempted by a few hundred quid saving. For those who are watching the pennies then yes, maybe an Alcatek is the right ECU for them.
With regard to the OP's needs, why would you say he needs a Alcatek over his OE ECU. What benefits would HE (soley a road car) see ???
Last edited by MattyB1983; 27 May 2012 at 10:33 AM.
#75
Scooby Regular
No. The old SimTek sold up until the early part of this year, was always an Alcatek ecu in all but name.
They are the same ecu but have had months of development done on the software to add many features that mappers and owners alike wanted to have.
They are the same ecu but have had months of development done on the software to add many features that mappers and owners alike wanted to have.
#79
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (51)
And that's the problem with this place in my opinion.
Traders are quick enough to jump in and offer their services/products and spout prices etc etc but when asked to post some honest opinions they go quiet.
Surely it's in our best interests to hear some honest thoughts on different products by guys who actually use them on a daily basis. And not only with ECU's, all products.
So what if it effects the sales of a certain product, the customer deserves the best possible product for their money. If that means another 'lesser' product loses some sales figures then so be it.
The same can be said in any business, paint for instance in your own profession. If there was another painter on here offering their services at a cheaper rate than you but you knew their paint was of poorer quality wouldn't you want the customer to have all the facts ???
Traders are quick enough to jump in and offer their services/products and spout prices etc etc but when asked to post some honest opinions they go quiet.
Surely it's in our best interests to hear some honest thoughts on different products by guys who actually use them on a daily basis. And not only with ECU's, all products.
So what if it effects the sales of a certain product, the customer deserves the best possible product for their money. If that means another 'lesser' product loses some sales figures then so be it.
The same can be said in any business, paint for instance in your own profession. If there was another painter on here offering their services at a cheaper rate than you but you knew their paint was of poorer quality wouldn't you want the customer to have all the facts ???
#80
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (52)
In all honesty Matt there is plenty of times where I would love to make a comment about this or that but all it ends up doing is causing a ruckus especially when people who know next to nothing start churping in with experience they don't have.
In reality it's business and I should imagine most of the mappers wished it was as easy to just air there true thought's about the products being spoke about here but like I said it never ends well on these's public forums unfortunately so they just stay quiet to keep the peace.
In reality it's business and I should imagine most of the mappers wished it was as easy to just air there true thought's about the products being spoke about here but like I said it never ends well on these's public forums unfortunately so they just stay quiet to keep the peace.
#81
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (51)
I see your point buddy, it is easier to 'just keep the peace' and not being a business owner I can't comment as its easy for me to sit here and spout this and that.
Maybe it's just me but I always air my honest opinions, if that makes me a bad person or gets me some enemies on here then so be it, I can live with that.
I am not a mapper and have zero experience with Simtek/Alcatek so I'm genuinely interested to hear varied opinions on it.
If its as good as Martin says than hats off to you sir, sounds like a great product for the money. But without hearing the wide and varied knowledge from guys who use it every day how can anybody know it's true quality.
Maybe it's just me but I always air my honest opinions, if that makes me a bad person or gets me some enemies on here then so be it, I can live with that.
I am not a mapper and have zero experience with Simtek/Alcatek so I'm genuinely interested to hear varied opinions on it.
If its as good as Martin says than hats off to you sir, sounds like a great product for the money. But without hearing the wide and varied knowledge from guys who use it every day how can anybody know it's true quality.
#82
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Enginetuner.co.uk Plymouth Dyno Dynamics RR Engine machining and building EcuTek SimTek mapping
Posts: 3,662
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just to feed a bit more clarity in here.
Andy Leech owns Alcatek. Alcatek made the Simtek ECU and marketed it with Steve Simpson. That partnership is now dissolved and Andy now markets the ECU under the name Alcatek.
Yes, it's complicated, but that's how it panned out.
Matty.
As a trader, I resent the implication that I won't reply honestly to a question, either on a forum or directly.
A couple of examples;
We recently built a high end 2.35 engine for a Midland based client. He intends to track the car. He asked me if I thought that it would be ok for him to use a Syvecs ECU, and to have it mapped by Paul Blamire, or should he be looking at the Alcatek. I told him that his original choice was perfectly in order, and that I'd expect a top result from that choice.
I was approached two weeks ago by a customer with a V5 STi. He had no intentions of taking the car any further than a "stage one" decat and remap, other than a slight upgrade of top mount ECU. He asked me about the Alcatek, having been recommended by a friend. I carefully explained the differences in approach, we discussed the options and I came to the conclusion that a remap using Ecutek was the best for his needs.
Yes I run a business, but I just tell it like it is.
FYI Martyn has huge experience of mapping most management systems available out there, and with a wide range of cars. He is one of very few mappers who has full time access to his own dyno. I'd say he knows as much about mapping the Simtek/Alcatek as anyone else, and more than most, having been responsible for a great deal of the testing and development now going on.
I'd say you'd be more knowledgable if you spent more time listening to him.
Andy Leech owns Alcatek. Alcatek made the Simtek ECU and marketed it with Steve Simpson. That partnership is now dissolved and Andy now markets the ECU under the name Alcatek.
Yes, it's complicated, but that's how it panned out.
Matty.
As a trader, I resent the implication that I won't reply honestly to a question, either on a forum or directly.
A couple of examples;
We recently built a high end 2.35 engine for a Midland based client. He intends to track the car. He asked me if I thought that it would be ok for him to use a Syvecs ECU, and to have it mapped by Paul Blamire, or should he be looking at the Alcatek. I told him that his original choice was perfectly in order, and that I'd expect a top result from that choice.
I was approached two weeks ago by a customer with a V5 STi. He had no intentions of taking the car any further than a "stage one" decat and remap, other than a slight upgrade of top mount ECU. He asked me about the Alcatek, having been recommended by a friend. I carefully explained the differences in approach, we discussed the options and I came to the conclusion that a remap using Ecutek was the best for his needs.
Yes I run a business, but I just tell it like it is.
FYI Martyn has huge experience of mapping most management systems available out there, and with a wide range of cars. He is one of very few mappers who has full time access to his own dyno. I'd say he knows as much about mapping the Simtek/Alcatek as anyone else, and more than most, having been responsible for a great deal of the testing and development now going on.
I'd say you'd be more knowledgable if you spent more time listening to him.
#85
Scooby Senior
iTrader: (34)
Are you saying Steve Simpson's involvement was merely with the marketing side of things? I was under the impression Steve was heavily involved with the software side of things and the general developement of the ECU. Indeed going back almost ten years Steve was developing his own ECU which I presumed evolved in to the Simtek.
#87
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Enginetuner.co.uk Plymouth Dyno Dynamics RR Engine machining and building EcuTek SimTek mapping
Posts: 3,662
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
He might be able to get away with the OE ECU, but is that what he wants?
If he called me directly, I'd cross examine him first, before offering a specific opinion.
#88
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Enginetuner.co.uk Plymouth Dyno Dynamics RR Engine machining and building EcuTek SimTek mapping
Posts: 3,662
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Are you saying Steve Simpson's involvement was merely with the marketing side of things? I was under the impression Steve was heavily involved with the software side of things and the general developement of the ECU. Indeed going back almost ten years Steve was developing his own ECU which I presumed evolved in to the Simtek.
I said that Alcatek made the Simtek ECU. I said Alcatek marketed it with Steve.
That's all I said!
#89
Scooby Senior
iTrader: (34)
Years ago I had a long chat with Steve about mapping and during our conversation he intimated that he was developing his own ECU. I presumed (wrongly or rightly) that it was this ECU that became the Simtek. It's just your reference to his involvement was dismissive to say the least. That's the impression I got. I apologise if I caused offence.
#90
Like I've said will be ringing around to speak to people about my options. It seems to me to be a bit of a minefield and closely reading the posts it's hard to sway to one without actually speaking to them in person.
I didn't mean or want to start slagging matchs or who's got the best product, just want some honest advice which is best for me
Thanks
Craig
I didn't mean or want to start slagging matchs or who's got the best product, just want some honest advice which is best for me
Thanks
Craig