Velos Designwerks X5M tuning issues with Pure Stage 1 S63 upgrade

[m5james]

I've run Halim's stage 2 tune for over a year without issue...I had a vacuum leak, but that was completely unrelated to his tune.

I installed the JB4, BCM and Bluetooth module. From my understanding, whatever I adjust via JB4 changes and/or adds toa whatever the ECU is flashed with. Map 1 was fun, Map 2 (2+ needs additional fueling, I've started running E30 on the daily now) was really fun, Map 6 felt like watching a 1320 Supra video where it was gradual power, then wooooshhhhh. Map 6 gave me a CEL/Reduced Power warnings when @ 21psi from 3000-redline, so I reduced it down to 18. All the while I was getting mixed message codes, JB4 saying it was throttle plausibility issues, yet Carista said it was misfires.

I'd read an article about colder plugs based on higher boost, I found this thing from NGK and posted it on the S63TU boards where these guys are doing stuff we can only hope for. From there I was given the advice to go 2 steps colder and run a gap around .18. I removed my stock plugs, which looks like I might have been running lean and/or too hot. We've basically ignored all my prior logs and are starting from scratch.

After having installed the NGK 97506 plugs, I'm no longer getting a CEL or reduced power. Map 1 is great, Map 2 is awesome, high boost settings on Map 6 @ 21psi are nuts, but I've been told to keep map 6 around 17psi until we do more logging. Terry had me do some map 4 (flash tune with logging enabled, no JB4 adjustments) and apparently I'm having an issue with throttle readings, which in turn is causing boost and timing fluctuations as well, so since were back to square one, I'm going to do some map 1 runs once weather is permitting.

Mind you this is all the abdriged version of what's happened over three weeks. I've still got an exhaust system (x-pipe and muffler delete in exchange for Vibrant resonators) and S63TU headers sitting in a boxes. After that it'll be S63TU Pure Stage 2 turbos and getting meth going along the way as well...so at this time were just making sure it's all running perfectly before I keep adding in more variables.

[Sticky]

I've run Halim's stage 2 tune for over a year without issue...

When is he going to start to advertise?

[m5james]

He's all over the S63TU boards, but him and Terry have both been honest with me in that our S63 is the bottom of their priority list platforms due to such limited numbers. I've started to accept this a while ago, before the JB4 even came out...but that's not to say I'm still not going to keep pushing. From stock to flash to JB4 add on had been leaps and bounds from step to step, so my curiosity has peaked and I don't wanna stop :-)

[m5james]

My edit times were adjusted but now they seem short again. Here's his Facebook page.

Just my .02, but BoostedX5M and anyone else doing anything above simple flash tunes (turbos, meth, etc) needs to start with the JB4. Then just like N54 guys, a backend flash will be wanted/needed when going catless downpipes to stop the CEL for no cats, no more speed limiter, etc that comes with pretty much every flash tune.

[Sticky]

our S63 is the bottom of their priority list platforms due to such limited numbers.

That is true. The volume is with the cheaper cars/motors.

[Boosted X5 ///M]

@m5james I too have an issue at the top end where I'll sometimes get a reduced power CEL.
Are you suggesting I try the 2 step colder plugs with my setup? (Catless Velos DPs, Pure Stage 1 turbos)
the 12120039664, which are NGK 97506 -the 2 step colder plugs?
I have and plan to install a meth kit, but don't want to include that in the tuning. Also, I'm really considering doing the s63tu headers... Where is a reasonable place to buy them?

[m5james]

What codes are you getting? Nevertheless, yes, going colder plugs and gapped to .20 helped the errors stop completely. We've basically started from scratch...I'm back to map 1 logs, 92 octane only and Terry recently sent a map 1 firmware update that I've yet to figure out how to load so that I can do more map 1 logs.

I haven't installed my headers, but know that you'll have to get your turbo mounting flanges machined to make them mate. These pictures were sent to me by forum user Excellent; I didn't take them. RBoosted17 ran the S63TU headers as well and said he noticed a loss of power, but he hasn't been clear if his canned tune was ever adjusted for them...I'm assuming it wasn't but he's since removed them. Between a simple tune/BEF AND JB4, I can't see any reason why better flowing headers on a twin turbo truck would lose power. As for where to get them - I found a set of used turbos and headers on eBay, but at the time it was unclear what was needed to make them work and they were sold. I've written used engine sellers, but eventually lucked out yet an got a set from M5 boards user allmotor2000.