Getting GIAC Flash

Kelvin1000 · 12-20-2009, 07:08 AM

Captain's Log 12/21/2009

Sadly, my dealer tells me that GIAC is not releasing any more Stage 2 Betas so it looks like I will be stuck with Stage 1 for a couple of weeks. They spoke to the owner of GIAC right in front of me and he said that Stage 2 will be official by mid January.

First impressions are very positive!!!

You guys know that I have had Dinan Stage 2, JB3 1.4 and Procede RevII Canbus V3 so I have no particular loyalty to any tuner out there. This thread is not meant to start yet another tuning war, it is just my honest opinion in trying to help my forum brothers.

Power:
I would say that it compares to JB3 Map 5 and Procede Stage 2. To be quite honest it is smoother and more exact than both from 0 to 100% throttle. If all three are running 100% full throttle, then it becomes more difficult to tell the difference thought the GIAC has less lag and a smoother transition in the 4K area (a problem that typically plagues all Piggybacks that I have tried). The top end is also outstanding (as good as the JB3 map 5) but it also feels like the car is able to add more timing and is not bumping against the limit. In this regards it feels like a Procede that has timing correction but with JB3 power.

Lag, boost targeting and Shift-bog
Better than even stock and piggybacks in both regards. Seriously, I tried 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% intervals and it hits them perfectly and immediately. The big bog I used to get from 1st to 2nd and from 3rd to 4th is also gone which makes the car faster. Partial throttle issues are non-existant as well and while the Procede was better than the JB3 in this regard but the GIAC is better than both and by a significant margin.

There are other variables to consider when choosing a Flash over a Piggyback but I will not be discussing them. In a rolling start race, all three would be neck to neck and it would really be up to the driver but the other 99% of the driving experience is a lot better with the GIAC.

Final Word
I am sold and I don't really care what the Dyno might say, but I will do it for you guys anyways. I can't wait for Stage 2 to come out in a couple of weeks!!! I will Dyno and compare to my JB3 and Procede and give you guys some numbers. I will also include BT logs for those who demand more than the subjective data that I have provided here.

I have yet to quantify it, but my butt Dyno tells me that the GIAC tune is a lot more consistent. It just seems like it pulls the same exact way, every single time. Sometimes I feel like the Piggybacks have to re-learn after driving normally for a while or when the temperature changes or whatever. Sometimes they are really strong and other times, they are still strong but not quite the same as when they reach that "sweet spot". This GIAC tune lives in that sweet spot.

GIAC has really outdone themselves with this tune. Believe the hype!

More to follow...

Captain's Log 12/23/2009

The more I test the GIAC Stage 1, the more impressed I am.

I did a little "track testing" in a corporate parking lot at 5:00am and it is a world of difference. In a straight line, the differences between the Piggybacks and the Flash are less evident after both have reached wide open throttle.

However, during normal driving and especially during spirited track driving with turns where you have to be constantly applying various degrees of throttle and you have to come on and off power, the differences are huge. The piggybacks tend to have less control which can cause either too much or too little power in the turns (frustrating or scarry). With the flash, I have complete and total control. This thing makes me not envy the naturally aspirated M3s which have instant and controllable power.

The other big difference that I already spoke about is the lack of bog when shifting. The solutions offered by the JB3 and the Procede are decent when they work, but I find that they are hit or miss (at least for me)... I have yet to miss the perfect shift with the GIAC.

As I said before, I have no affiliations and paid full price, so I say this just to give back to the forum community and to do you guys a favor:

Piggybacks are great alternatives and have served many of us well. You can't beat the JB3's price for the power, features and support. But if you are willing to live with the lack of flexibility inherent to the flashes and can spend a little more money, then I highly recommend that you skip all the tunes that I have been through and go straight to the GIAC.

The flash is in another league. It is just that remarkable and I can wait for Stage 2!!!

Captain's Log 01/14/2010

The tune continues to amaze me. It has been rock solid with no problem or codes of any kind. Just perfectly smooth and consistant performance with the same results with every touch of the gas.

The Flash has also made me a better shifter as I can shift "Bog Free" 100% of the time on any gear.

I can hardly wait for Stage 2 to come out. I have been told one more week... I will update this post with Dyno Comparisons with the Piggybacks.

Also, I don't know if the GIAC has a "lean cruise" feature implemented or what but I have noticed an increase in my average MPG. I can get about 38MPG at highway speeds pretty consistantly. Here is a video demonstration:

[u2b]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A2fS4Xb8XpU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A2fS4Xb8XpU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/u2b]

Stay tuned...More to come...

Kelvin1000 · 12-20-2009, 07:09 AM

Reserved for Dynos and BT Logs

NRG · 12-20-2009, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelvin1000

Reserved for Dynos and review

Interested to read your reviews.

Bomis · 12-20-2009, 10:46 AM

+1 Me as well! Are you AT or MT?

Im going for giac stage 2 as well....but for now im on map 0 on jb3 due to the weather we have here in sweden at the moment...he he...How is the weather in Miami these days?

FLA 335 · 12-20-2009, 11:38 AM

weather in miami today is high of 68 degreed F and low of 45 degrees F...

just took the N54 for a nice ride around town...

Kelvin1000 · 12-20-2009, 11:40 AM

Perfect for racing...

Bomis · 12-20-2009, 11:47 AM

i did some drift practice today in the snow....it was awesome!!

outside temperature is 5F (-15 Celcius) my AIT has hit the bottom....its constantly on 20F

jpsimon · 12-20-2009, 12:29 PM

woohoo snow

Kelvin1000 · 12-20-2009, 01:08 PM

Come on Mr. 5! Use your special favors and help a brother out!!!

NRG · 12-20-2009, 01:18 PM

I think you won't be disappointed with S1 for the time being.

tom @ eas · 12-20-2009, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelvin1000

Sadly, my dealer tells me that GIAC is not releasing any more Stage 2 Betas so it looks like I will be stuck with Stage 1 until they release the final version of Stage 2 even though I have all supporting mods and a BT Tool for testing.

I was looking forward to writing a review and going to the Dyno to compare Procede, JB3 and GIAC Stage 2... but it looks like its going to have to wait a bit unless any of you guys have some pull with GIAC to add on one more Beta Tester.

Thus the purpose of this thread...

Stay tuned for a S2 announcement this week, we're returning to GIAC's dyno for more tuning on Monday.

FLA 335 · 12-20-2009, 01:41 PM

enough teasing... PLEASE RELEASE THE FLASH LOADER!!!

I AM DYING HERE!!!

DLSJ5 · 12-20-2009, 01:41 PM

I recently ran Craig's GIAC Beta Stage 2 in my modded DCT E92 M3, which currently holds the WR in the 1/4 mile and 60-130 runs, 11.8 ET, trapped 119.8 MPH and hit 10.7 60-130. I have ran head to head with Mote's 6MT JB3 on Map 11, with all the bolt ons as well.

The results with (Mr.5) Craig's GIAC Beta Stage 2 were awesome, Craig and I were pretty heads up, slight edge to him way up top, his car is finally there, he should be posting some vids later.

He was on 91+meth, if he was an auto he'd pulled a few cars.

FLA 335 · 12-20-2009, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DLSJ5

I recently ran Craig's GIAC Beta Stage 2 in my modded DCT E92 M3, which currently holds the WR in the 1/4 mile and 60-130 runs, 11.8 ET, trapped 119.8 MPH and hit 10.7 60-130. I have ran head to head with Mote's 6MT JB3 on Map 11, with all the bolt ons as well.

The results with (Mr.5) Craig's GIAC Beta Stage 2 were awesome, Craig and I were pretty heads up, slight edge to him way up top, his car is finally there, he should be posting some vids later.

He was on 91+meth, if he was an auto he'd pulled a few cars.

NICE!!! that is amazing...!!! congrats Craig!!! I am AT

Kelvin1000 · 12-20-2009, 01:58 PM

Doesn't GIAC know that it is Christmas...?

Bomis · 12-20-2009, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelvin1000

Doesn't GIAC know that it is Christmas...?

WOOORD!!

FLA 335 · 12-20-2009, 07:07 PM

Dan335i · 12-20-2009, 08:05 PM

What supporting mods do you need with the stage 2 flash compared to the stage1?

enrita · 12-20-2009, 08:12 PM

you need all the mods :-)

OctoberfestE92 · 12-20-2009, 08:23 PM

Congrats on the wise choice.. I can assure you, you will not be disappointed for the wait

Im still waiting on the release of the S1 revision too

Have fun!!!!

v2bling · 12-21-2009, 12:20 AM

Hey what options do I have for the 535i 2008? The location that offers it in dallas always gets my number and says that tsehey would call me back. Im going to open a shop in fort worth. Maybe I could resell better

Kelvin1000 · 12-21-2009, 07:00 AM

Today is the day! Too bad it looks like no Stage 2 for now...

12-20-2009, 07:08 AM	#1
Kelvin1000 Major 258 Rep 1,297 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M2 Competition MT Hoc Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (4)	GIAC Review from someone who has tried them all... Captain's Log 12/21/2009 Sadly, my dealer tells me that GIAC is not releasing any more Stage 2 Betas so it looks like I will be stuck with Stage 1 for a couple of weeks. They spoke to the owner of GIAC right in front of me and he said that Stage 2 will be official by mid January. First impressions are very positive!!! You guys know that I have had Dinan Stage 2, JB3 1.4 and Procede RevII Canbus V3 so I have no particular loyalty to any tuner out there. This thread is not meant to start yet another tuning war, it is just my honest opinion in trying to help my forum brothers. Power: I would say that it compares to JB3 Map 5 and Procede Stage 2. To be quite honest it is smoother and more exact than both from 0 to 100% throttle. If all three are running 100% full throttle, then it becomes more difficult to tell the difference thought the GIAC has less lag and a smoother transition in the 4K area (a problem that typically plagues all Piggybacks that I have tried). The top end is also outstanding (as good as the JB3 map 5) but it also feels like the car is able to add more timing and is not bumping against the limit. In this regards it feels like a Procede that has timing correction but with JB3 power. Lag, boost targeting and Shift-bog Better than even stock and piggybacks in both regards. Seriously, I tried 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% intervals and it hits them perfectly and immediately. The big bog I used to get from 1st to 2nd and from 3rd to 4th is also gone which makes the car faster. Partial throttle issues are non-existant as well and while the Procede was better than the JB3 in this regard but the GIAC is better than both and by a significant margin. There are other variables to consider when choosing a Flash over a Piggyback but I will not be discussing them. In a rolling start race, all three would be neck to neck and it would really be up to the driver but the other 99% of the driving experience is a lot better with the GIAC. Final Word I am sold and I don't really care what the Dyno might say, but I will do it for you guys anyways. I can't wait for Stage 2 to come out in a couple of weeks!!! I will Dyno and compare to my JB3 and Procede and give you guys some numbers. I will also include BT logs for those who demand more than the subjective data that I have provided here. I have yet to quantify it, but my butt Dyno tells me that the GIAC tune is a lot more consistent. It just seems like it pulls the same exact way, every single time. Sometimes I feel like the Piggybacks have to re-learn after driving normally for a while or when the temperature changes or whatever. Sometimes they are really strong and other times, they are still strong but not quite the same as when they reach that "sweet spot". This GIAC tune lives in that sweet spot. GIAC has really outdone themselves with this tune. Believe the hype! More to follow... Captain's Log 12/23/2009 The more I test the GIAC Stage 1, the more impressed I am. I did a little "track testing" in a corporate parking lot at 5:00am and it is a world of difference. In a straight line, the differences between the Piggybacks and the Flash are less evident after both have reached wide open throttle. However, during normal driving and especially during spirited track driving with turns where you have to be constantly applying various degrees of throttle and you have to come on and off power, the differences are huge. The piggybacks tend to have less control which can cause either too much or too little power in the turns (frustrating or scarry). With the flash, I have complete and total control. This thing makes me not envy the naturally aspirated M3s which have instant and controllable power. The other big difference that I already spoke about is the lack of bog when shifting. The solutions offered by the JB3 and the Procede are decent when they work, but I find that they are hit or miss (at least for me)... I have yet to miss the perfect shift with the GIAC. As I said before, I have no affiliations and paid full price, so I say this just to give back to the forum community and to do you guys a favor: Piggybacks are great alternatives and have served many of us well. You can't beat the JB3's price for the power, features and support. But if you are willing to live with the lack of flexibility inherent to the flashes and can spend a little more money, then I highly recommend that you skip all the tunes that I have been through and go straight to the GIAC. The flash is in another league. It is just that remarkable and I can wait for Stage 2!!! Captain's Log 01/14/2010 The tune continues to amaze me. It has been rock solid with no problem or codes of any kind. Just perfectly smooth and consistant performance with the same results with every touch of the gas. The Flash has also made me a better shifter as I can shift "Bog Free" 100% of the time on any gear. I can hardly wait for Stage 2 to come out. I have been told one more week... I will update this post with Dyno Comparisons with the Piggybacks. Also, I don't know if the GIAC has a "lean cruise" feature implemented or what but I have noticed an increase in my average MPG. I can get about 38MPG at highway speeds pretty consistantly. Here is a video demonstration: [u2b]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A2fS4Xb8XpU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A2fS4Xb8XpU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/u2b] Stay tuned...More to come... Last edited by Kelvin1000; 01-14-2010 at 06:25 PM..
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12-20-2009, 07:09 AM	#2
Kelvin1000 Major 258 Rep 1,297 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M2 Competition MT Hoc Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (4)	Reserved for Dynos and BT Logs Last edited by Kelvin1000; 12-21-2009 at 09:46 PM..
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12-20-2009, 10:46 AM	#4
Bomis Captain 67 Rep 989 Posts Drives: BMW E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Sweden iTrader: (1)	+1 Me as well! Are you AT or MT? Im going for giac stage 2 as well....but for now im on map 0 on jb3 due to the weather we have here in sweden at the moment...he he...How is the weather in Miami these days? __________________ EURO E92 M3 2008 6MT Interlagos ///*Fully Loaded!* Evolve-R ECU Flash/Gintani Sport Exhaust/MS Stg2 Intake Kit/H&R Springs/MS 18/15 mm spacers/Bmw Perf. Grills/Gloss Black side gills/LCI Tails/LUX V3's/RD license plate leds
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12-20-2009, 11:38 AM	#5
FLA 335 Captain 25 Rep 746 Posts Drives: 2009 335i (SOLD) !!!!! Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Miami Fl iTrader: (7)	weather in miami today is high of 68 degreed F and low of 45 degrees F... just took the N54 for a nice ride around town... __________________ 2009 BMW 335i Sedan / Auto / Paddles / Sport / BMW Assist / Heated seats / JB Matte Black Grill / Tischer First Aid Kit w\Triangle / Tischer Hood Pad / "Custom" rear fog switch <---- SOLD!!!!
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12-20-2009, 11:40 AM	#6
Kelvin1000 Major 258 Rep 1,297 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M2 Competition MT Hoc Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (4)	Perfect for racing...
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12-20-2009, 11:47 AM	#7
Bomis Captain 67 Rep 989 Posts Drives: BMW E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Sweden iTrader: (1)	i did some drift practice today in the snow....it was awesome!! outside temperature is 5F (-15 Celcius) my AIT has hit the bottom....its constantly on 20F __________________ EURO E92 M3 2008 6MT Interlagos ///*Fully Loaded!* Evolve-R ECU Flash/Gintani Sport Exhaust/MS Stg2 Intake Kit/H&R Springs/MS 18/15 mm spacers/Bmw Perf. Grills/Gloss Black side gills/LCI Tails/LUX V3's/RD license plate leds
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12-20-2009, 12:29 PM	#8
jpsimon Team Zissou 3200 Rep 10,200 Posts Drives: 2022 AWD M3 Comp - SMB Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: CT iTrader: (7)	woohoo snow
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12-20-2009, 01:08 PM	#9
Kelvin1000 Major 258 Rep 1,297 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M2 Competition MT Hoc Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (4)	Come on Mr. 5! Use your special favors and help a brother out!!!
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12-20-2009, 01:18 PM	#10
NRG Lieutenant Colonel 39 Rep 1,658 Posts Drives: 2012 X5 35d Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Montreal QC iTrader: (5)	I think you won't be disappointed with S1 for the time being. __________________ Retired: 2005 N52 E90 330i Sport 6AT Retired: 2007 N54 E92 335i Sport 6AT Current: 2012 M57 E70 X5 xDrive35D
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12-20-2009, 01:41 PM	#12
FLA 335 Captain 25 Rep 746 Posts Drives: 2009 335i (SOLD) !!!!! Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Miami Fl iTrader: (7)	enough teasing... PLEASE RELEASE THE FLASH LOADER!!! I AM DYING HERE!!! __________________ 2009 BMW 335i Sedan / Auto / Paddles / Sport / BMW Assist / Heated seats / JB Matte Black Grill / Tischer First Aid Kit w\Triangle / Tischer Hood Pad / "Custom" rear fog switch <---- SOLD!!!!
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12-20-2009, 01:41 PM	#13
DLSJ5 Brigadier General 555 Rep 4,064 Posts Drives: 2024 G82 Xdrive Comp Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: CA iTrader: (2)	I recently ran Craig's GIAC Beta Stage 2 in my modded DCT E92 M3, which currently holds the WR in the 1/4 mile and 60-130 runs, 11.8 ET, trapped 119.8 MPH and hit 10.7 60-130. I have ran head to head with Mote's 6MT JB3 on Map 11, with all the bolt ons as well. The results with (Mr.5) Craig's GIAC Beta Stage 2 were awesome, Craig and I were pretty heads up, slight edge to him way up top, his car is finally there, he should be posting some vids later. He was on 91+meth, if he was an auto he'd pulled a few cars. __________________ 24 G82 Xdrive Comp 16 F82 M4 DCT - ZCP - JB4 - 556WHP / 570WTQ 08 ESS VT3-750 - 60-130MPH 6.14s - 10.81 @ 135.13 MPH 690WHP/463WTQ 08 E92 M3 - 1/2 Mile Trap Speed WR - 174.13 MPH
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12-20-2009, 01:58 PM	#15
Kelvin1000 Major 258 Rep 1,297 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M2 Competition MT Hoc Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (4)	Doesn't GIAC know that it is Christmas...?
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12-20-2009, 07:07 PM	#17
FLA 335 Captain 25 Rep 746 Posts Drives: 2009 335i (SOLD) !!!!! Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Miami Fl iTrader: (7)	__________________ 2009 BMW 335i Sedan / Auto / Paddles / Sport / BMW Assist / Heated seats / JB Matte Black Grill / Tischer First Aid Kit w\Triangle / Tischer Hood Pad / "Custom" rear fog switch <---- SOLD!!!!
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12-20-2009, 08:05 PM	#18
Dan335i Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,786 Posts Drives: 07 335i coupe 6MT,w/sp. pack. Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: orange county NY iTrader: (2)	What supporting mods do you need with the stage 2 flash compared to the stage1?
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12-20-2009, 08:12 PM	#19
enrita Major General 163 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: 335i - Big turbos Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Italian in Sweden iTrader: (0)	you need all the mods :-) __________________ 07 335i AT - MOTIV 750 - MHD E85 BMS flash - BMS PI - JB4G5 - Okada Coils - NGK 5992 Plugs - Helix IC - Snow Stg. 3 - Stett CP - Custom midpipes with 100 HJS Cats - Bastuck Quad - PSS10 - QUAIFE LSD - BMS OCC - Forge DVs - AR OC - ALCON BBK - M3 Chassi - Dinan CP - Velocity M rear Toe arms - Advan RZ-DF - LUX H8 - Level 10 AT upgrade
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12-20-2009, 08:23 PM	#20
OctoberfestE92 Enlisted Member 1 Rep 46 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 335i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: on the move ... iTrader: (0)	the brotherhood grows :) Congrats on the wise choice.. I can assure you, you will not be disappointed for the wait Im still waiting on the release of the S1 revision too Have fun!!!!
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12-21-2009, 12:20 AM	#21
v2bling First Lieutenant 7 Rep 301 Posts Drives: speed demon Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mansfield,tx iTrader: (0)	Hey what options do I have for the 535i 2008? The location that offers it in dallas always gets my number and says that tsehey would call me back. Im going to open a shop in fort worth. Maybe I could resell better __________________ 535i - Black Sapphire/Black Dakota/Bamboo/AnthraciteHeadliner/M-Tech Kit/Spoiler/Sports/Premium/Navi/HUD/Comfort/Rear Shades/ParkDistance/Ipod/Sports Auto w/Paddle/Logik7/30% Tint/Clear Bra/KW3/ Radenergie rs10 20"/Defi RedRacer Psi/Smoked front reflectors/ LED interior lights Soon: Rpi Catback, GIAC or EVOtech flash, Dinan Rear Strut, OEM M5 Mirrors
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12-21-2009, 07:00 AM	#22
Kelvin1000 Major 258 Rep 1,297 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M2 Competition MT Hoc Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (4)	Today is the day! Too bad it looks like no Stage 2 for now...
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