Unichip upgrade, need wiring documentation (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Sparkxy
- Start date
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Hey mate, I've documented this fairly well here:
There's nothing you can do to prep for it. Just take it into a Tuner/performance shop and have them install and tune for you and ask them to do it in such a way you can pull the plug on the Unichip and the car will return to stock. I think they do this anyways but best to confirm. It's a safe guard in case anything were to go wrong with the chip out bush or wherever. It must be dyno tuned. Do not accept anything else!
The tuner will be limited with how hard they can push it based on EGTs. So the more supporting mods you do first i.e. opening up the intake and exhaust system, bigger (better breathing) intercooler etc, the more headroom the tuner will have to play with. I custom built an intercooler for my old Prado (see here). It didn't really bring the intake temps down noticeably but I got a significant increase in power following which to me suggests the stock intercooler is quite restrictive.
There's nothing you can do to prep for it. Just take it into a Tuner/performance shop and have them install and tune for you and ask them to do it in such a way you can pull the plug on the Unichip and the car will return to stock. I think they do this anyways but best to confirm. It's a safe guard in case anything were to go wrong with the chip out bush or wherever. It must be dyno tuned. Do not accept anything else!
The tuner will be limited with how hard they can push it based on EGTs. So the more supporting mods you do first i.e. opening up the intake and exhaust system, bigger (better breathing) intercooler etc, the more headroom the tuner will have to play with. I custom built an intercooler for my old Prado (see here). It didn't really bring the intake temps down noticeably but I got a significant increase in power following which to me suggests the stock intercooler is quite restrictive.
- Thread starter
- #3
My prado has been shipped to the USA now, would it be possible that most truck diesel tuners will know what they are doing? Im not aware of any 1KZTE shops in my area. Also I am having a hard time sourcing a unichip Q4+ but I saw on HDautomotive that they have started selling the Unichip X for the 1kzte. would a unichip X work just as well?
I'd start by googling Unchip dealers in your area/state. Failing that, here's the Unichip US website. Maybe you could contact them and ask where the authorized dealers are? I'm pretty confident any diesel tuner worth their salt would be experienced and equipped to do the job. And the 1kz-te is a very simple diesel engine. Any diesel mechanic should be able to work on it no problems! Though I know diesels are less common in the US so maybe it's different there?
The Unichip X is backwards compatible. I just recommend the Q4 as people sell them cheap second hand to upgrade to the new versions. But because our 1KZ Prados (and Hilux's etc) are old and simple, we don't need the extra features that come with the later additions so you would be paying a hefty price tag for a device you only need a fraction of the functionality (IMO). You might just need to wait until one pops up on marketplace or gumtree/craigslist. Or if you're cashed up, just go get the latest version installed and tuned. Remember, the Q4 doesnt have to come from another Prado, it can be from any vehicle. They just wipe the current map off it and install a fresh one for your car.
Hi Sparky,
Where are you located? - I often deal with the manufacturer of the Unichip and will ask who you closest Unichip dealer is.
Hello, I am considering the possibility of running Unichip on my 1993 KZJ78 5MT. Are you anble to check on, or does anyone know a dealers/tuners in the northeast United States? Otherwise, I’m considering a mechanical pump. Thanks.
I am about an hour northwest of New York City, but would be willing to drive a bit further, if needed. Thanks!
I have sent you a private message with the contact details.
