Softronic – FAQ’s

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Will the Softronic ECU Flash affect my warranty?

As we describe on our Guarantee page, the Softronic flash will not affect your warranty. It is very simple. Softronic is the only ECU tuner that supplies the ORIGINAL file from your car to you so you can flash back to stock at any time. Since it is the true original file, if loaded back to your car via the Softronic Flash Cable and Flash Client Software, there is and will not be any detection by the factory Porsche PIWIS tool. Now, if you were to go to the dealer with your tuned file on your ECU, they could very well detect it if they plugged into the car. So we always recommend flashing back to stock when visiting the dealership for any major services or warranty work.

What is Softronic’s Experience in tuning Porsche ECU’s?

Based out of Connecticut, Softronic has been working with Porsche systems for nearly 30 years. From street cars to race cars, Softronic has involved itself in all types of motorsports to stay consistently involved in the industry. Having cutting edge technology not only makes the ECU tuning process more efficient, it also makes it more accurate. Softronic has been the technical advisor for the Porsche Club of America (PCA) for several years as well. One of the main functions that Softronic serves is data checking of Porsche Motorsports vehicles for race teams. Reading out the binary code and checking data allows Softronic to gain OEM insight into the vehicles brain unit and of course, a fair playing field for race regulations. In the tuner market focusing on street cars, Softronic has gained a very solid name. As a sponsor for both Planet Porsche and 6speedonline forums, Softronic customers are plentiful with success. Some of the fastests cars are tuned in cooperation with Softronic. Everything from 1000HP 996 Turbos to daily driving Porsche 987 Cayman’s. Softronic focuses on the driveability, reliability, and convenience in tuning your vehicle.

Do I have to take my car somewhere to flash it?

No! The entire purpose of the Softronic software is that it is very easy to do. You can do it in the comfort of your own garage at your convenience. All you need is the provided Client Cable, a windows based Laptop, and an internet connection. Softronic wants to empower the end user to not have to go to a shop and have the flash installed. The simplicity of the instructions we have put on our Installation Page will have you done with the process in only an hour time.

  How much will the Softronic ECU Flash cost?

Softronic has ECU flashes for almost every 911 Porsche and Cayman/Boxster. Because of the complexity of some of the cars, the files are more expensive. Prices range from $895 to $5895 depending on the vehicle. Most flashes for the Turbocharged cars are around $2000. All of our flashes include the price of the Client Cable which is a $150 value. Check out our Product Pages to see what a flash for your vehicle will do to your car and how much it costs.

If I add an exhaust or intake, do I need to re-flash my car?

No. Softronic tunes off the factory knock and oxygen sensors. They also go through and tune each individual table. Unlike others that do a global change to files, Softronic enables the ECU to adapt to basic bolt-on modifications like exhaust, intake, headers, etc. The only time you need to re-flash your vehicle is when you change fuel components, turbo sizes, or engine internals.

If I buy the ECU flash and do an upgrade, do I have to pay the full price again?

No, why should you. Once a Softronic customer, we only charge revision fees. Unlike other tuners, we have a very large database of files for multiple different turbo and fuel setups. Let’s say you have done the basic Porsche 996TT flash and then upgrade to the K24/18G turbos. You only have to pay a £300.00 revision fee.

    I sold my Porsche but bought another, can I transfer the flash?

Unfortunately the Softronic flash is per vehicle. If you sell your one Porsche, we do want to continue business with you on your next Porsche. You can reuse your existing cable however for the new re-flash.

Why do I have to have an internet connection to flash my car?

Softronic stores all vehicle information by VIN. As well, the ECU’s are all VIN coded. You cannot simply pull an ECU out of your buddies’ car and plug it into yours. The easiest way to maintain the file integrity and ensure proper data is entered we have the files automatically sent to our server. Once we receive the file, we then alter it to your tuned file and have it coded for your VIN and IMOB codes so you can then re-upload it to your car. This way your file is yours and only yours.

    Does it matter if I have 91, 93, or other octane fuel?

Yes it does actually. We have different files based upon your pump gas usage. A customer that normally gets 91 octane at the pump would not want a 93 octane map. The 93 octane map has more advanced timing to deal with the better gasoline. Your car would knock and ping then ECU would pull timing. Softronic’s ability to have the ECU only works in the positive direction with octane. If you have a 93 octane map for example and put 100 or 109 race gas in the car, the ECU will adjust and your vehicle will run much better. The higher the octane, the more power you will make. Make sure to let us know when doing your flash upload what octane gas you get at the pump.

How do you compare Softronic to the other companies?

That is a good question that we can answer honestly. Softronic uses actual Bosch tools from Porsche to do the ECU flashing. Other companies have had to reverse engineer the system to be able flash the cars. This system does not always flash the entire vehicles parameters. Because Softronic is so involved with motorsports and data checking, they have seen almost all others flash code by checking the binary data. In the end, many customers have their allegiance to certain tuners. We know that Softronic has the most convenient, in-depth, tuning package available for Porsche right now. Our Software out performs our competitors in real world scenarios and is designed to ensure your vehicle is safe and fun.

    What is the Guarantee on your flash?

There is NO WARRANTY on Softronic ECU Flashes. All files are good working files that have been rigorously tested and used in cars worldwide. Please understand that mechanical issues, improper performance part combinations, not following the directions below, and “Butt Dyno” reactions are not our responsibility. Once you connect the cable to your car, that cable is locked to your vehicle and there are no refunds or returns. Please search for questions and reviews on Planet-9.com or 6speedonline.com.