Tri-Phase reports

[Boom Shiva]

A lot of people have asked me about the Tri-phase, which is why I’ve decided to put my experience down in one comprehensive thread. I wanted to be absolutely sure of the long term usage first before I posted anything on the site.

Please keep in mind that I am no expert, just a regular car lover. I am just posting my own personal experience and opinion. So here goes:

Car: Optra 1.6 VGIS. I usually run it on 91 or 97 octane fuel. My car was 3 months old and run approx 4000 kms when I had the Tri-phase installed. I have now just covered 7000 kms.

Mods: Initially no mods. Now Ractive EV500 Conical filter from PJ Speed Shop, Chennai and OWS dual tip iridium plugs from Speedworks India, Chennai (sourced by Viper). 205/55R15 Goodyear Eagle Venturas and HR alloys from Saifee Tyres in Santacruz (W)

Cost

I was one of the first guys to install the Tri-phase, so I got a discount. I paid about 15k in total, inclusive of VAT, with bill and lifetime warranty. Now I think it’s about 18k.

Installation

I got the Tri-phase installed a few months ago by Viper (Jignesh), based on a few conversations I had with him, a test drive of his Getz, and a thorough read-up of the manufacturer’s website. I had come across this product on the net before, but was waiting for it to be offered in India. Since Viper offered a lifetime guarantee, I decided to give it a shot.

The installation took about 15 mins. Basically they cut the ECU signal wire and connected the module to the two severed ends. A Hi Scan was then performed and all parameters were read as normal.

As was discussed with Viper earlier, the Tri-phase wiring was concealed, so as to be hidden from the GM guys whenever I took the car in for service. I have since visited Fort Point dealers twice and they haven’t spotted it.

Performance

Initially the car was completely stock. Anyone who’s driven an Optra 1.6 will tell you that it’s pretty sluggish because of its 1250kg bulk, and in my case, 205 profile tyres.

With the Tri-phase on, the car felt like it had a lot more torque. I wouldn’t describe it as a kick in the pants type increase in acceleration, but overall the car became much easier to drive in traffic and felt lighter and less sluggish. Even other people sitting in the car could feel the difference. I did not need to change gears as frequently, as the car became more responsive through all the gears.

I am no expert, but if I had to put a number on it, I’d say the difference was about 8%. However, I’m not a human dyno, so I could be wrong.

A while back, I then fitted a conical filter and cold plugs. Since then, the difference with the Tri-phase on/off has become even more significant. Now I’d put the increase in power at about 12%, in addition to the gains of the filter and plugs.

I particularly noticed the difference when I drove to Panchgani and Goa. On the highways, I found it much easier, almost effortless to overtake even other fast moving cars. Earlier I would have to really gun it to make it past. The biggest difference I noticed was on the ghats. The increase in torque makes a huge difference, so the car cruises up effortlessly and overtaking has become easier and much safer, even when the car is loaded with A/C on.

Fuel Efficiency

Ok this is India, so a lot of people would want to know this:

My driving style is pretty normal. I usually change gears between 2-3k RPM in traffic, but on weekends etc. I like to redline her.

Before the Tri-phase, I used to get about 6.5-7 kmpl. Please note however, that my car was brand new, and that could be why I was getting lower mileage.

Normally when I drive in the city with A/C always on I get about 8-8.5 kmpl in rush hour traffic. This is about the same that my dad’s car gets (also Optra 1.6 but not VGIS). Other Optra owners I have spoken to also get about the same, sometimes even less.

However, my car runs on much wider tyres (205/55R15 v/s 185/65R14), so technically I should be getting about .5 to 1 kmpl less than a stock car. If I’m getting the same as them, then obviously something is working in my favour.

On my last drive to Goa, I got an overall average of 11.5 kmpl with A/c on about 90%, and while I wasn’t totally ripping it, I wasn’t taking it easy either. Was frequently hitting 140-150 on the straights, at about 4-5k RPM.

Overall I’m pretty happy with the mileage I’m getting.

Conclusion

Over a period of time, I have really come to appreciate the overall difference in sheer drivability that the module is making in my car. The perceived power difference is about 12% and the difference in FE about 1 kmpl (more than 10%).

I am personally very satisfied with the module, as well as the after sales service that Viper has provided.

There is no substitute for personal experience, so please take a test drive and make up your own minds, but in my case I am very happy with the Tri-phase module.

Whew!

[2L8uLoose]

Very nice writeup there BS..

[humyum]

Yeah dude amazing write up.Off topic i wanted to ask can this tri-phase module be fixed on an alto too?

[autopsyche]

Thanks BoomShiva, that was a good analysis from your side. Does bring to the consumer's knowledge the drivability side of such an upgrade rather than all out pedal to the metal review.

humyum, the tri-phase module is a universal product applicable to almost all indian cars, and yes it can be fitted on an Alto too.

[jsrakkar]

Hi,

A very nice and knowledge-providing write up.

Is it advisable to fit the tri-phase in the Maruti 800?

The thing that I am looking for is improved driveablity with very less effect on fuel consumption.

If yes, where can I get this tri-phase from?

I live in Chandigarh.

Thanks and Regards,
Jaspreet Singh

[viper]

Hey,

Just saw this write up. Thanks Boom for providing a very honest review on the Tri-Phase module. Currently the products are sold in Mumbai and Delhi only and can be couriered to places where there are no dealers.

Please look up the June Issues of Autocar/Overdrive & July edition of Overdrive magazine where the contact details are given.

Viper

[Rudra Sen]

Originally Posted by viper

Please look up the June Issues of Autocar/Overdrive & July edition of Overdrive magazine where the contact details are given.

Note from support team: Viper has made it very clear. For any information about this product should be obtained from the above address. Otherwise, PM Viper for information/his email address.

Please don't put up any question here on cost/purchase/service/support.

[Boom Shiva]

A few more thoughts on the Tri-phase:

Cost-wise I find it's giving me really good bang for my buck. A 12% increase in power is pretty much what you can expect from a free flow + K&N + plugs & wires I think. The total cost of these mods is about 22-23k.

It was really convenient to install - took just 15 mins v/s having to give your car for hours/days for other conventional mods. It's also a very neat job, which means a lot to someone like me. I don't like wires and all kinds of crap sticking out. I have a neat little box in the mini glovebox, which I can conveniently switch on and off. I prefer to keep it always on though.

When the module is in the off mode, it is physically concealed and cannot be detected by a Hi Scan. Thus the dealer can't detect it and my warranty remains protected.

I kept the module off while doing the PUC and absolutely no problems with the emissions. The car was well within limits.

Another bonus is that unlike other mods like free flows etc, I can easily remove the module and stick it into any new car that I buy, as long as it is petrol MPFI. So it's a pretty good long term investment in my book.

The more mods I put on the car, the more power I get from the Tri-phase. The difference is pretty clear when I drive with the module off and then on. I'm now looking forward to adding a free flow and porting/polishing post monsoon. Will let you guys know how that goes.

According to Viper, the Tri-phase will enhance all other engine mods except for NOS .

@JSRakkar: My FE has actually increased by about 10-12% in my Optra, which is pretty good considering I also get a damn good increase in performance.

[viper]

[quote=Boom Shiva]
According to Viper, the Tri-phase will enhance all other engine mods except for NOS .

Hi Boom,

A small correction the Tri-Phase is NOT TO BE USED with NOS equipped cars as it will have a harmful effect on the engine. It will complement all other mods very well.

Viper

[hkanitkar]

ok this might be off-topic , but please tell what exactly does the Tri-phase module do/ how does it work ??

sprry if it is already posted somewhere else .. please provide me with a link

[hkanitkar]

@viper - thanks for a very prompt reply !!
awesome website that is..
well i already started saving... so keep one for me

[heelntoe]

i remember viper saying that it advances the timing which is why it doesnt work with nos(requires retarded timing)
ps. i might have got it the other way around so dont go by my word until someone confirms

[princesri1981]

All cheers for Viper, I never thought the the modifications can lead to such a great increase in performance.

[The Wolf]

Boom, nice review there...honest and believable.

The best way to find the difference out is to switch it on while you are on the move...thats if the module allows you to do it as some modules can be activated only by switching the car on with the module activated before hand. I wonder how differently does tri-phase work in comparison to the standalone I have from Race Dynamics.

One question Viper, how does triphase work on different cars without tuning??as I understand that different cars have different base maps and Ig timing and those maps are tweaked to extract more, aint it?


The standalone I have requires extensive tuning before it delivers what is required of it and more...

[Boom Shiva]

Hey Wolf, I can switch it on while driving, so yes you can tell the difference almost instantly. I prefer to have it always on though.

I think it's very different from your standalone, as it's more plug and play and doesn't require a day of tuning.

Tri phase is more for everyday use. Yours is more for the hardcore racer I guess.

I have to commute 4 hours a day through traffic and I didn't want to kill my FE or lose my warranty, which is why the Tri-phase made more sense to me.

Would like to see your ride sometime though!