I'm with Rob, drop it back to 15 degrees, that's very likely your problem all along. Finish the rest of your checks then take it to the dyno to confirm all is good again. :br:
LOL....yeah probably. It was a long time ago but i think I remember being pleased with the result when I installed the chip.....maybe my imagination was the more important factor
Turning it back doesn't pose any risks, but if they pulled some timing out of the tune it'll be very sluggish
For your mods (term used lightly), I'd drop timing back to 15, then get a basic .bin file and get someone with nistune to load it up and run 13psi and proffit.
Ha always is...! You're running standard turbos and injectors aren't you? Could always sell the nistuned ECU, reset the timing and refit a standard ECU. You'd probably come out $1k ahead compared to setting timing and setting up your Nistune from scratch.
Car is setup for extra boost (Aftermarket SMIC, pod, exhaust and Nistune) be a shame not to meet its real potential for the cost of a tune though. Sell my ECU for $300, buy stock ECU for $150......Total profit from downgrade $150 and a lot less HP.
Haven't had time to take it for a drive since adjusting to 15......will let you know how it feels after a drive.
All good and given the choice id rather have the programmable ECU. You don't need it to run more boost though -any power you pickup will be from leaning it out not adding fuel. Anyways it was just another suggestion and i would doing the same thing (keep ECU and pay for a proper tune) were I in your position.
I have a top secret bin file. Found it in my email. you can have a copy but its pretty hectic on the timing
I appreciate the offer, but I don't have the means to install it. Also those mods (especially injectors and dumps) I don't have, so the timing could be an issue.
I found even 17* on timing was significant loss of power compared to 15* . This will be your biggest problem imho
There are evidence of increasing timing giving better HP figures, but it probably depends a lot on the current tune to which effect you see. I can't actually feel much difference now at 15 than when it was at 20. I will say though that it does feel like the engine is pulling more smoothly.
It would be hard to notice an extra 20kw inside the car , but the smoothness your talking about is the sweet spot for timing where everything falls into place when it should giving you that smooth rev feel .