Intermittent issues after VMP Stage 1 install - limp mode and P219A code

cheeser

Member
Established Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2012
Messages
213
Location
CO
To be fair, the car seemed to run fine with the updated tune. They did update the tune to enable the emission test to run and again to ensure CEL wasn’t triggered when P219A popped...so I can get through emissions testing.

Unfortunately, car still threw P219A codes. I understand it’s difficult to remotely troubleshoot an issue like this, but after spending this much cash on a blower package, I would expect a “complimentary” tune to work without throwing codes.

I was a bit peeved on their response about the complementary tune though...they even mentioned the correct tune may not have been loaded, which insinuated I couldn’t follow their simple instructions.

Odd...I was able to install the blower myself and load the tune the first time. They didn’t seem to acknowledge their tune updates never addressed the code issue..just masked the problem...the local tuners update did appear to actually address the issue.

I was happy to support a family business such as VMP. Unfortunately, it appears one of their workers is mucking things up.
 

crjackson

Active Member
Established Member
Joined
Feb 18, 2020
Messages
163
Location
Charlotte, NC
I started to buy the VMP kit also, but the issues found on this forum regarding post-install complications with the tune waved me off. I went with the Roush Phase 3 Kit, and used the VMP Heat Exchanger. The Roush Heat Exchanger just seemed inadequate based on size, and recommendations from my tuner.

My initial (and probably final) tune was done on a Dyno at time of install, and is smoother than any other tune I’ve ever had, including the factory tune.

So I’m glad you got your problem fixed, and I’m also glad I never had to deal with this.

Can you tell me what modifications VMP has applied to the TVS, that makes it better than the Roush?
 

cheeser

Member
Established Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2012
Messages
213
Location
CO
Can you tell me what modifications VMP has applied to the TVS, that makes it better than the Roush?

I went with VMP as it was a small company, plug n play harnesses, potentially better inter cooler, and some mentioned Roush tunes were a bit down on power compared to VMP.

Maybe I just got stuck with a VMP tuner that seems to think that when a customer plunks down $6k-$10k for a setup, that we are lucky to get a “free tune” and if we encounter issues, need to work them ourselves. This has dampened my desire to purchase any other parts...was planning on a bigger throttle body.

I recognize we should be prepared for issues as we mod our cars, but It seems to illustrate potential buyers should be prepared to seek out a good local tuner in the event they encounter issues with the “complimentary” tunes that cant be resolved by VMP.
 

crjackson

Active Member
Established Member
Joined
Feb 18, 2020
Messages
163
Location
Charlotte, NC
Yeah, I didn’t go with a Roush Tune at all. Mine went straight to Dyno.

Regarding the tune, I’m thinking this is BS. You paid for the tune when you bought the kit. I’m really disappointed that they didn’t resolve your problem, which forced you to spend even more money.

I feel like that since you gave them the opportunity to correct the problem, and they weren’t able to properly support THEIR own product, they should refund you the amount that you paid a third party tuner to replace their defective tune.
 

CobraBob

Authorized Vendor
Established Member
Premium Member
Single Barrel Sirs
Joined
Nov 17, 2002
Messages
105,349
Location
Cheshire, CT
@cheeser, disappointing to hear about your VMP tune issues, and how they blew you off with their "complementary tune" comment. As already stated, the tune was part of the package you paid for. Glad your local tuner was able to resolve your P219A codes. Hopefully you're now enjoying a trouble-free driving experience now.
upload_2020-7-29_3-40-4.png
 

Riddick

MERICA
Established Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2012
Messages
2,640
Location
Dayton, OH
Can you tell me what modifications VMP has applied to the TVS, that makes it better than the Roush?

The VMP Gen 2 blowers are modified roush blowers. Through testing VMP learned that the TVS rotor pack loves to have as much air as it can possibly get. The main difference between the two is the inlet, on the roush the inlet bolts to the supercharger whereas on the VMP blowers it's all one unit. You will also notice that the inlet is much larger on the Gen 2 and even larger on the Gen 2R.

VMP sells a bigger inlet you can bolt onto your roush blower that will perform very similar to the Gen 2 blowers. This combined with a bigger throttle body will see good gains.


Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
 

crjackson

Active Member
Established Member
Joined
Feb 18, 2020
Messages
163
Location
Charlotte, NC
The VMP Gen 2 blowers are modified roush blowers. Through testing VMP learned that the TVS rotor pack loves to have as much air as it can possibly get. The main difference between the two is the inlet, on the roush the inlet bolts to the supercharger whereas on the VMP blowers it's all one unit. You will also notice that the inlet is much larger on the Gen 2 and even larger on the Gen 2R.

VMP sells a bigger inlet you can bolt onto your roush blower that will perform very similar to the Gen 2 blowers. This combined with a bigger throttle body will see good gains.

Thanks, I’m guessing there isn’t much to gain for me. I’m at or near, the safe limit of my engine without other upgrades. It’s good to know there is an inlet upgrade available if I ever want it.
 

cheeser

Member
Established Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2012
Messages
213
Location
CO
@VMP Performance

In the latest correspondence with VMP, they indicated they didn’t see any issues from the past data logs... I shouldn’t see P219A codes as they should be hidden...appears they think I didn’t load revised tune correctly. I loaded the revised tune twice...had to return to stock first, then load...fairly simple process...no error codes indicating the revised tune didn’t load correctly.

My main issue is with VMP not addressing the code issue itself...instead of simply trying to hide it so it doesn’t show up. It’s odd the local tuner was able to apply a tune that didn’t result in this same code without “hiding” it....maybe they were just fortunate as their tuning strategy was slightly different.

Although I’m happy with the VMP hardware, I’m disappointed with the overall VMP response to resolve. I recognize it’s difficult to do remotely, but believe it’s their responsibility to provide a good tune that will not throw codes.

So it appears I will just enjoy the new tune from the local tuner. Unfortunately, I can’t just switch between tunes as the local guy applies them directly (using HP Tuner) vs just sending me an update I could apply via my SCT device. In addition, I’m already out the money I had to pay the local tuner to resolve the issue...too bad VMP couldn’t offer something to offset to at least partially offset that.

I was going to purchase VMPs larger throttle body and maybe the ODIN upgrade, but guess I will put that on hold based the current customer service. I have shared my concerns with the local Mustang group...2 have already told me they went a different blower route based on my experience.
 
Last edited:

Users who are viewing this thread



Top