RC S Review for 3.3TT

[Regs120]

Could not wait to pop this thing under my hood today. Rainy day in Jersey but decided against my good judgement to test out my Racechip S. I did not have a need to purchase the higher versions since I am running on stock plugs, or at least for now, and I'm not planning to track my car. I wanted to feel a little more on the low end in comfort mode and I got what I asked for and more.

This chip is on setting 5, so I should be getting around 35 more HP and 75lbs more torque and believe me I can feel it. The low end torque on the TT 3.3 is amazingly quick and responsive even in comfort mode. Shooting up to 100 MPH is now scary quick and I look at the speed-o wondering how I even got this fast.

On Sport Mode the thing is a beast. I can feel the car actually rock forward as it shifts. People driving the GTS in race mode must be crazy for a daily driver because my 3.3 TT is now stupid quick for road travel.

I have only been out for a few hours on semi wet road so I will continue to fill you in.

The only negative I feel with a piggy back chip like this is the lack of accelerator and shift management tuning. I find the gas peddle is spongy at times and non responsive especially between 1-2 gear in comfort mode. I feel like I have to get on the throttle just a little too much to get the car to jump into quicker gears. This could be from my bias coming from a 4 cyl eco mustant with a Ford Performance ECU tune.

I also asked about the hundred dollar discount but their reps got back to me dumbfounded.

 

[Terry@BMS]

The only negative I feel with a piggy back chip like this is the lack of accelerator and shift management tuning. I find the gas peddle is spongy at times and non responsive especially between 1-2 gear in comfort mode. I feel like I have to get on the throttle just a little too much to get the car to jump into quicker gears. This could be from my bias coming from a 4 cyl eco mustant with a Ford Performance ECU tune.

Without taking in CANbus data it can't read gas pedal position, engine speed, throttle position, driving mode, etc, etc, so they are limited in what they can do. It's like taking a JB4 but leaving the OBDII cable off. You can add some decent power but it's not going to drive nearly as nice, run nearly as smooth, or be nearly as safe for the vehicle.

 

[Regs120]

I didn't take this into account when purchasing the RS. I didn't even know your tuner had that functionality. I don't see how RC can even update it without sending out another part.

Today I noticed in comfort mode the weird delay in power delivery when the car shifts and then what feels like a surge or spike in power when it hits the next gear. It's not horrible but noticeable. I am wondering if this in someway is damaging the drivetrain when the torque surges through the gears. @RaceChip

 

[Rango]

Waiting for @RaceChip to chime in.

 

[Terry@BMS]

Yes we also have mobile firmware updates for the JB4 and much more. Not trying to crap on RC it's fine for what it is. But RC always tells customers it's the same as JB4... Then customers turn up confused why it can't do what the JB4 can. Sometimes it's easier to just nip those claims in the bud.

 

[RaceChip]

and 75lbs more torque and believe me I can feel it. The low end torque on the TT 3.3 is amazingly quick and responsive even in comfort mode. Shooting up to 100 MPH is now scary quick and I look at the speed-o wondering how I even got this fast.

On Sport Mode the thing is a beast. I can fe

I didn't take this into account when purchasing the RS. I didn't even know your tuner had that functionality. I don't see how RC can even update it without sending out another part.

Today I noticed in comfort mode the weird delay in power delivery when the car shifts and then what feels like a surge or spike in power when it hits the next gear. It's not horrible but noticeable. I am wondering if this in someway is damaging the drivetrain when the torque surges through the gears. @RaceChip

Yes, there is a throttle lag in comfort mode. RaceChip developed the XLR throttle response controller to customize the throttle response to your needs. It comes with 7 different settings and will provide you e.g. with the throttle response you are getting in Sport mode (or even faster or slower response). It's the most advanced throttle controller you can find. It comes with optional app control and is even certified by German TUV, because it comes with redundant safety systems.

And yes, you are right. ECU tunes often also include a modified throttle response. It just can't be customized to the driving situation by the driver.

Pedal box tuning with app control - The brand new XLR by RaceChip

Regarding the discount you mentioned: Once, the RaceChip GTS came for $799 and we offered a $100 discount for forum members. In the meantime, the development costs are amortized, and we can offer the RaceChip for a bargain. The S is anyway a bang for the buck and the forum discount was never applicable to the S.

 

[RaceChip]

I didn't take this into account when purchasing the RS. I didn't even know your tuner had that functionality. I don't see how RC can even update it without sending out another part.
@RaceChip

If you get the app version, you can receive an updated software (or a new software for a new car) via the app. If you have the RS or GTS without the app version, you have to send it in. Usually, you don't need an updated software, if there are no crazy circumstances (fuel type, other mods or maybe you live in the Rocky Mountains). We believe in "make it once, make it right". There is no need to constantly update the software. Or is Kia constantly changing anything? No. (Except for recalls - so things they have to fix they it not built right in the first place.) RaceChip is not built for playing e.g. with the Air/Fuel ratio. RaceChip wants to keep such values in a safe corridor similar, to the stock values. There is no one size fits all solution. RaceChip offers a reliable and hassle free tuning solution for everybody that is looking to get more power out of their stock or moderately modified car, without having to spend thousands adding additional components. If you want to go above and beyond, there are other solutions including ecu remaps. RaceChip just offers an easy to install (and remove) tuning solution that is one of the best price per horsepower options you can do to your car. Without altering or removing safety systems.

 

[Mike04SVT]

So if i understand this right i can pay 750 bucks for the RC or 450 for the JB4 which gives me more HP, smoother throttle and tuning options? Just asking before i figure out which way i go.

 

[RaceChip]

Not exactly. There are 3 options for the RaceChip performance upgrade. Right now they are on sale between $349 and $449 shipped and 30 day money back guarentee. All cables are included. The app feature is $50 extra, because it requires a different hardware in the RaceChip. I don't know the final price of other products on the market incl. necessary extras and fees. That's up to you to figure out.

 

[Regs120]

Thank you Terry and Race for your replies! I am currently happy with RC S piggyback and like you said, it's good for its intention in making a safe and easy way to add power to the car without permanent modification .

 

[mandasol]

So if i understand this right i can pay 750 bucks for the RC or 450 for the JB4 which gives me more HP, smoother throttle and tuning options? Just asking before i figure out which way i go.

Keep in mind the JB4 starts at $479 and at that price it's locked into map 1 and you can't change it, unless you get the Wireless kit for $140 (which requires the JB4 app for an additional $27.99) and if you want the fuel wires (to differentiate from the RaceChip which doesn't have that option) it's $30 so it will be $676.99 if you want to be able to have more than just one map.

RaceChip allows you to change your mapping even with the cheapest $349 "S" model for 3.3 or $279 for 2.0. If you want app control you need to go up to the RS at $449 (3.3)/ $399 (2.0) and add in bluetooth for $50 (app is free) so $499 (3.3)/ $449 (2.0). The GTS for the 3.3 as of this post is actually on sale for the same price as the RS so $499 all in, though for the 2.0 it's $699 + $50 for App control.

 

[stargtsi]

Incorrect info on being able to change maps and fuel wires. You can buy the $35 USB cable for the JB4 and use a laptop to make changes on the fly. That doesn't have any additional cost besides the cable itself. Also the JB4 units have fuel wires included now only the initial batch of orders had no fuel wires and needed to be purchased separately.

Keep in mind the JB4 starts at $479 and at that price it's locked into map 1 and you can't change it, unless you get the Wireless kit for $140 (which requires the JB4 app for an additional $27.99) and if you want the fuel wires (to differentiate from the RaceChip which doesn't have that option) it's $30 so it will be $676.99 if you want to be able to have more than just one map.

RaceChip allows you to change your mapping even with the cheapest $349 "S" model for 3.3 or $279 for 2.0. If you want app control you need to go up to the RS at $449 (3.3)/ $399 (2.0) and add in bluetooth for $50 (app is free) so $499 (3.3)/ $449 (2.0). The GTS for the 3.3 as of this post is actually on sale for the same price as the RS so $499 all in, though for the 2.0 it's $699 + $50 for App control.