Stratified S-OTS+ vs. Hypertech Flash Tune Review
 

First and foremost, allow me to start with just a subjective analysis comparing the two tunes. I will not go into a lot of detail regarding the pros and cons of between the AP and the Hypertech unit; that has already been covered numerous times here on MSF. So in the spirit of not beating a dead horse, I will proceed with my review.

Details:
2008 Mazdaspeed 3 -I’ve owned the car since February 2011 and 21k miles
First Driving Impression- Severely restricted in 1st and 2nd gears, very narrow power band. Gear 3-5 better, however still fell flat on its face at 5500+rpm

Mods in order: I did these mods at the same time so no comparison of them individually. March 2011 and 23k miles.
Cobb SRI
Hypertech Programmer
CS Cold Air Box

The reason I went with the Hypertech over the AP at that time was due to cost and lack of tuning expertise on this platform. Not knocking anyone, just a lot of ZZB back then when the learning curve was still steep.

Initial driving impression after the above mods; 0-60 throttle restriction removed- Wow! This is how it should’ve been from the factory. Usable power in 1st and 2nd, and power extends past 5500rpm making a more usable powerband. Gears 3 thru 5 not near as drastic of a difference; however the few additional psi was really nice. Part throttle performance greatly improved, which made the driving experience much more satisfying. This probably cost a few mpg in everyday driving though. Overall, I was very satisfied with the purchase and how the car was performing.

Next set of mods: July 2012 35k miles
Cobb TIP
CS TMIC
Denso ITV22’s gap at .026

Initial impressions- again I performed these mods together, so no individual review.
I didn’t notice a huge difference in overall power; however the turbo spool and overall response was quicker, which I’m sure equated to quicker acceleration. I was inadvertently pushing 20psi at times in the higher gears with these mods and the Hypertech.
In the summer heat, due to the high boost and aggressive timing built into the Hypertech, I did find it necessary to utilize a (1) to (1.5) Gal of e85 or Xylene to control knock and the power reduction strategies of the ECU.

I drove the car in this state of tune for two and a half years and again was very satisfied with the overall performance. What led me to purchase of the Cobb AP after debating for a long time (2yrs)? It was the result of a lot of research and tons of positive reviews here on MSF, especially in regards to Stratified Tuning. My goals for the car have changed, especially since the issues with tuning and E85 have been sorted through. I now feel comfortable exploring that possibility.

Cobb AP and a Stratified S-OTS+ V2 tune- November 2014, 59k miles

With no other mods, here’s my initial impression. (I’ve only had this tune for a few days, so my overall opinion is still being formed)
Overall, less boost. Do not mistake this for less acceleration. 1st and 2nd gear is now completely useless. Some of this I credit to the much cooler ambient temps. But back to back, the S-OTS+ seems to have the clear advantage here. I will say that part throttle responsiveness and acceleration requires more throttle input to achieve the same results than with the Hypertech. Not to say that this is bad; just different. This will probably equate to better fuel mileage versus the Hypertech in day to day driving. I fully expect that a custom tune will tailor the overall driving experience to satisfy my needs specifically.

For now, I am satisfied with the new tune and will be taking the long way home each day as I get to know my newly transformed car.
Future Goals- Obviously HPFP Internals, Race Pipe and S-OTS+ E85 flash tune, or perhaps a custom tune. I can only imagine how much better the car will perform with an extra 25hp and 25ft/lbs of torque. Thanks Stratified!!!

I'm impressed you've been a member since 2011 and have managed to hold off on your first post until today.

Thanks for the review Tim and glad you're liking the tune! There are noticeable steps in performance going from Stage 1 to Stage 2 and then finally to E85 or full custom so the fun is just beginning.

I've been trolling for a few years and finally had something to say. I will admit, when I first became a member I was hesitant to post anything because of the negativity that was going on back then. It really seems to have improved since then and the knowledge that is imbedded within this forum is second to none!

I will definitely be inline for a Stage 2 tune once I get internals installed. I'm still recovering from the hit my wallet just took purchasing the AP. Thanks for all your help!

I have a question @Lex; I've recently been gathering the necessary parts to put me at Stage 2 (HPFP Internals, Test Pipe). I do have a question regarding my existing intake. Are there are any gains to be had over my existing set up? I currently have the COBB SRI w/ Cobb TIP. Can I just upgrade to a 3" TIP (HTP or CPE NVISCID) and utilize it with the Cobb SRI or are the gains only realized with the increased diameter of the MAF unit itself. Keep in mind, it is my intent to run your E85 Flash Tune once everything gets installed. Thanks in advance. -Tim

Lex may have another idea, but unless you are starting to hit the limits of the intake you have now (close to 5volts on your MAF) the increase in diameter won't yield a considerable difference in power on the k04.

Stratified S-OTS+ vs. Hypertech Flash Tune Review
 

Tim overall there is around 10hp locked in a bigger full intake on the k04. However to realize that extra bit of power a custom tune is needed. So for a flash tune keep the current intake as the cost/power benefit is quite high.

I am pretty much in the exact same boat as the OP. I currently have hypertech tune and have had it for years. I have intake, inlet, test pipe and upgraded tmic. I just received a Accessport V3 from a buddy of mine and as soon as I get fuel pump internals installed I will be purchasing one of these stage 2 tunes. Im pumped and can post up a good comparison with V-dynos between the Hypertech and S-OTS+ tunes once completed. Its been a long time coming but after being a member here for years I know Stratified will do a great job with the tune.

Looking forward to getting the tune out to you and hearing your impressions! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks for the nice review. I too am pretty much a long time member (and lurker for the same reasons as you). I have the same mods plus a test pipe and minus the plugs on my 2008.5, but have been very happy with the Hypertech.

I've been following a lot of the tuners on here, but haven't seen a real good reason to switch to the AP for my needs.

You mentioned in your review that 1st and 2nd were useless vs the Hypertech, so I assume there is more power. I'm curious about the power in the remaining gears as you just spoke about throttle response being less than that the Hypertech. Any additional input you have is greatly appreciated I'll continue follow your upgrade path.

Throttle response can be adjusted via ATR with an AP, so it doesn't really matter.

I didn't know that. That's a good feature to have. Thanks for the info! @chaser27

This is the path I am thinking of taking as well since a big turbo may come next tax time. It is hard to give up on the Hypertech with the stock turbo though. It just works so well. I wish I could see some back to back dyno's vs the Stratified stage 2 flash tune...

I have a lot of mods, so hopefully a stage 2 tune would give me a noticeable increase in power, smoothness, and drivability over the Hypertech.

It definitely will do these things. We spent a lot of time refining driveability.

Thank you for your response. I hope to be contacting you guys soon. :-)

After having spent some more time behind the wheel with the flash tune from stratified, what I will say is that any noticeable part throttle boost takes a little more pedal travel than I was used to with the Hypertech. Also, the overall boost/load targets on the flash tune I have (Stage 1) are lower, so 3rd, 4th and 5th see's less boost and it's noticeable. Once I install HPFP internals, I'm sure the Stage 2 flash tune from Stratified will remedy that difference.

On a side note; I did just install my test pipe and added 1gal of E85 to my fill ups and the car just shits and gets now! I have noticed that my commanded AFR and actual AFR are now half a point leaner with the added corn. (12.3 vs target of 11.6). On the Hypertech, the half a point wasn't too big of a deal since the tune was rich as hell, I'm not so sure about the Stratified flash tune. No fault of the tune of course, just my own experimentation.

I just need to find the time to do the internals and get the Stage 2 Corn tune @Lex; and let this thing fly!!!

I'm definitely not second guessing my decision to switch to the AP. Although, the Hypertech was definitely WAAAAAYYY better than stock, it just wouldn't support my goals for the car.

I still have the Hypertech and will likely do some back to back comparisons at some point, perhaps a dyno of each and post my results and impressions, however it maybe a mute point.

The stg1 tunes are limited due to the OEM HPFP flow limits. Stg2 is a significant increase in performance. E85 flash tune goes one step further still.

Be careful with running e85 without HPFP internals as it can overwhelm the OEM HPFP.

I'd like to see that and I am sure others would as well.

For sure! I realize that I'm likely flirting with disaster at this point with my mods and the little bit of E85 I'm currently running. I find it really odd that living so close to refineries that quality fuel is so hard to come by around here. I'm running a 93oct map, but with just 93 fuel I still have quite a bit of knock retard at WOT that I don't have when I add a gallon of corn to the mix.

I'm really staring to question if I'm really getting the 93 octane which I'm paying for. It's not isolated to one station either, I've tried several with the same results. Perhaps I should have ordered the 91oct map... I guess it won't really matter once I get the internals installed and get tuned for E85 blend. Luckily, my Speed3 isn't my daily driver.

From my data gathering, for some reason, TX fuel quality is quite poor.

Tell me about it! I don't understand it, but I have to live with it!

BTW, @Lex; what are your thoughts regarding a TMIC vs. FMIC? Especially the BAT's after sitting idle? Is it worth the upgrade to FMIC in regards to cooling vs. flow and/or restrictions? What is the "best of the best" all things considered?

I would like to see that, too. I am running with a few more flow mods, a 3" catless dp/rp and true CAI, pump internals, and HT works well with the increased flow within the limits of the stock K04 on pump gas. I don't know if I'm leaving much on the table on the top end. But the nature of the HT tuning strategy makes it softer on the low end. FWD limits usable power there anyway. Very sticky street tires break freely in 1st and 2nd now at WOT, so more low torque would not be beneficial. Coming in a few hundred rpm earlier earlier might.

I've never seen apples vs apples hard performance data between the two tunes at my mod level and would really like to. I don't intend to go big turbo or run higher ethanol percentage and am unsure that there is enough benefit to change tunes. If anyone can squeeze the max out of the K04 on pump gas, Lex is the one.