Note: Michael's comments are in italics. 

Power & Torque 
Peak power gained by the Microtech was 113Kw at 5800rpm. The tractive effort peaks at around 3100N just after 4000rpm. 

It is important to point out that Vin thought he was limited to a max boost of 15psi. He normally tunes to around 17psi for the MY99 and 17-18psi for earlier models (smaller camshafts in the MY99 limit the boost).  

"Power was again remarkably improved across the rev range. A lot more low down grunt was available compared to the standard car. The power was consistent throughout the rev range and was a lot more useable." 

Parameter Snapshot 

Note: Unfortunately, we only decided to do 500rpm snapshots (as per the MY99 Link and Unichip) after the Microtech was removed. We actually re-fitted the Unichip on both cars just to get these snapshots (as indicated by the date on those pics). It was not feasible to refit the Microtech just to do this so we didn't. The extra data would have been nice to see but the lack of it does not effect the evaluation. The snapshots were only used to have a sticky beak at the boost and AFR levels each tuner was running.  

Fuel Economy 
Mike covered 2132km for an average of 16.43 L/100km. 

"Unfortunately the Microtech ECU proved itself to be one very thirsty ECU. I am not a fuel efficient driver at the best of times but the ECU exaggerated this unbelievably so. With regular city driving, I did not break the 300km mark on a single tank. Interesting to note - my exhaust tip was as black as I have ever seen it and seems to have a permanent black shade to it. Also note that at times a strange fuel odour was present in the cabin. This may not be directly related, but has never occurred before." 

Acceleration Times 
Mike averaged 5.79secs for the 0-100km/hr and 14.21secs at 159km/hr for the 400m. In six runs his best was a scorching 5.69secs and 14.12secs at 159.6km/hr.  

"The night we ran acceleration tests, the car had an additional 20kg of stereo in boot, although I hadn't eaten dinner….." 

Cold Start Operation 
"The cold start seemed slightly effected with the car taking more than the usual couple of turns to start (eg. chug-chug-vroom versus chug-chug-chug-chug-vroom). It would then idle with an intermittent beat until warm. To be fair though, the car did not stall or seem any better/worse in varying temperatures. I spent the last few days in a very cold coastal area with 5 degree mornings but the car started the same every time." 

Customer Service 
"Customer Service would rate as good. I inadvertently bumped into Vin after picking my car up from APS [after the tune] and he was most diligent in pulling over for a yarn. Was able to dutifully inform me of the preset boost levels and work done etc. 

One fault noted with the installation was the fact that my stereo tweeter (which is fitted to the kick panel) was not re-fitted correctly. Nothing drastic, but a fault none the less. 

Another point worth noting is that Vin was very quick to respond to my call when the AC started playing up." 

Driveability 
"The driveability was quite good. Although the Microtech did not have the consistent power delivery of the Unichip, once above 3500rpm it went like a song.  

After fitting the ECU the AC started to operate strangely. The AC would engage as per normal but seem to switch on and off at will. Similar to a climate control AC system that stops pumping out the cold air at a set temperature. This was incredibly frustrating. I contacted BGT and was informed it was not likely to be ECU related. Whilst there is no evidence to suggest this, it would seem too coincidental for my liking. The AC had operated without problem until this point. The return of the car back to my standard ECU will prove this one way or another.  

I spoke to Vin about the AC and he told me it is not normally a problem with the Microtech. On the rare occasion, they do have a problem with the fitting screws contacting the tracks on the ECU board, which may explain the AC problem Mike was having. Note the problem did not occur after the Microtech was removed.  

It was also noted that large puffs of smoke were apparent under load during gear changes. This would tie in with the theory that car was running rich. I would suggest that further tuning would alleviate this, but at what power cost ?" 

Note - Mike did say that although he appears critical of the Microtech, it wasn't that bad. He actually says…. 

"I am kind of sorry it sounds so critical. Vin was a great in providing his time etc. I didn't intend it [his write up] to be so bad but the facts are those I have documented. It drinks more then I do on a night out ! This was by far the worst trait."