Cherry Tuning & Performance

06/08/2026

More i20N / Smartstream updates!

We hit a roadblock when trying to get custom code running on a facelift i20N - We only have one tool that allows for full ASW (code) writing, and it doesn't support the facelift i20N ECU... So what were we going to do!?

Over the last 2 weeks, Tristan spent the best part of 100 hours decompiling ECU software trying to find the best way to bypass the security that was stopping access to the ECU, and after many, many failed attempts and bricked ECUs - he did it!

So, another world first - we have successfully been able to write fully customised code into the Facelift i20N ECU, enabling our new boost control model to run - unlocking not only the full potential of the factory turbocharger, but opening up the limit on anyone running a larger turbo on their car! On top of that, custom coding has the potential to unlock other functions like map switching, rolling anti-lag, and flex fuel (once we can figure out the hardware limitations that currently stop the i20N from being able to run ethanol - we tried E30 and even that was too much for the fuel system)

We are working on re-listing our hybrid ball-bearing turbo for the i20N now that we can fully control it with the factory ECU - so keep an eye on the website for that!

If you're looking to get the most from your i20N - even if it's a facelift - you know where to find us... Stay tuned for more as Tristan and Byron dig deeper into the custom coding rabbit-hole in the coming weeks and months.

21/07/2026

A WORLD FIRST FOR THE i20N
Introducing the CHERRY CUSTOM BOOST MODEL

Last week we shared that we'd finally cracked the boost limiter that's plagued the i20N and Smartstream 1.6T for years, however this involved forcing the turbo into an open-loop model which made for lazy turbo response and decreased driveability, so we went back to the drawing board.

First, for anyone thinking "the ECU already has boost tables, just turn them up" - here's why it's not that simple. Those tables sit underneath a turbo/air-mass model: the ECU estimates total airflow and, as the revs climb, quietly bleeds the wastegate open to keep that airflow under a built-in limit. So no matter how high you set the maps, the model claws the boost back and tapers you off up top - that why everyone is struggling to get more than ~13 psi at redline without bending the ECU's air model (which only gets so far) or stacking a JB4 with the ECU - even with an upgraded turbo. Unfortunately, this can't fix it from the tables - not without huge effort in remodelling the whole airflow structure. To get the best outcome you have to change the ECU's actual operating code.

Off the back of months of decompilation work from both Tristan and Byron, Byron's code patch forced the boost control path onto an open-loop control map, allowing for high boost to redline. While this alone was a massive breakthrough as Tristan always says "Good Enough isn't Good Enough", so we decided to refine our approach. Forcing the factory's open-loop path is a blunt instrument: with no live feedback on the wastegate, boost isn't actively held — it drifts with heat, fuel, altitude and gear, not to mention it's very hard to balance good turbo response and overboost protection, so trying to stay safe ultimately means leaving margin behind. It proved the point, and opened the door, but it wasn't the finished article.

After some initial testing Tristan decided to go deeper down the rabbit hole - four days straight of reverse engineering, custom coding and testing - and built something we can genuinely call a world first:

We wrote our own closed-loop boost controller and injected it straight into the factory ECU's operating system.

And we don't say "world first" lightly. Plenty of shops have claimed code patches for this ECU - we've seen (and paid for) most of them. Some didn't work, some patched the wrong thing, and some literally broke the ECU's code structure to force boost. None of them were true, purpose-built closed-loop boost controllers. This is.

What it means for your i20N:
- True closed-loop control — the car reads its actual boost in real time and constantly trims the wastegate to hit and hold your target. Consistent, repeatable, pull after pull.
- A custom boost curve for every drive mode — cruisey in Eco, full-send in N — all from the factory mode control, all tuned to your taste.
- Flat, linear, rock-solid delivery — some of the smoothest boost we've ever put on a dyno.
- Dual-sensor overboost protection + fail-safes — big numbers should never mean risking the engine, and it reverts to factory at any time.

And the gains? Here's the good bit: where the factory controller's taper kills your boost up top (sagging toward ~11–13 psi by redline), our model holds it — 3–4 psi more from 5,000 rpm all the way to redline, worth around 5% more power right where you use it. And that's on the stock turbo, which is now the limiter - not the ECU. Free up the exhaust or fit a bigger turbo and that gap only grows.

How do you get it?
This one is dyno-only - the custom code has to be written into the ECU with specialist tools, so it can't be done remotely.
- Full i20N dyno tune with the Boost Model: $1,990
- Already tuned with us? Add it with a dyno retune: $990
- Other workshops? You can license the patch for your own customers. Drop us a message.

We have done a full write up on our website, delving into the changes we make and outlining the control structure and safety parameters, read more here:
https://cherrytuning.com.au/pages/i20n-custom-boost-model

"Good Enough isn't Good Enough" - and this is what that looks like.
Want the smartest boost control on the platform? You know who to call. 🍒

15/07/2026

Massive news for the i20N and Smartstream 1.6 crowd across the world!

Over the years we have mentioned limitations with the i20N (and other Smartstream 1.6T) ECU that was presenting as a mass air limit or something similar. This has become a well known frustration and limitation for tuners around the world, with some tuners seemingly developing patches or solutions, however nothing ultimately seemed to fully overcome these limitations.

After many, many late hours and long days of decompiling the ROM (operating system) in the ECU, we have come to realise that the limitation seems to be more heavily linked to turbo model structures which are essentially forcing the car to maintain a total air mass limit. This meant that while peak boost in the low/mid-RPM could be set relatively high, even with an upgraded turbocharger (like our G25 hybrid), the ECU would essentially start to taper in a boost limiter, leaving us with around 13psi at redline.

Over the years we've developed several workaround solutions, even to the point of "bending" sensor values to give more headroom, and while that worked to a point, we've ultimately never been happy with the outcomes and it goes against our general tuning ethos where we want the most accurate and clean tune possible.

After months of research and late nights, and with some guidance from Tristan, ultimately Byron - our beautiful tuning wizard - has finally cracked it!

With a relatively simple code patch, we are able to bypass the limiters, allowing us to extract maximum boost from the ECU, with no tricking or bending required.

This means i20Ns can now hold full boost throughout the entire rev range, and we've been able to hold 25 psi all the way to 7,000RPM with no cuts or limitations whatsoever!

Obviously this is a massive development, and while it's currently best suited for cars with upgraded turbos, ultimately this change will benefit all Smartstream 1.6T owners, no matter the build or tune level.

As Tristan says "Good Enough isn't Good Enough" - so we will keep working on this and refining it over time, but we're excited to roll this out ASAP.
So, if you want to make your i20N fast AF, you know who to call!

13/07/2026

This week's website update!
Something you may have seen while going through the new site, but we haven't had the chance to post about it until now.

Buying or selling a tuned car just got easier, built for the community.

Live on the site and free for the time being: you can list and sell your car yourself, treat it like a marketplace listing, but with the thousands of weekly likeminded KDM enthusiasts who use the site, you're putting your listing in exactly the right spot.

For local sellers, get your listing Cherry Approved with a full workshop inspection, so buyers know exactly what they're getting.
Don't want to deal with selling your car yourself? For a fee, we can handle the whole sales process, from inspection to negotiation, subject to our terms available on the site.

We've listed our beloved shop car "Slappy" as a working example, but also live and available for sale, as much as it pains us, we've realised we have too many shop cars!

Browse cars for sale: cherrytuning.com.au/pages/cars-for-sale
List your car: cherrytuning.com.au/pages/submit-car

Performance cars sold by Cherry Tuning and our community — many tuned in-house, and Cherry Approved cars come with a full workshop inspection.

27/06/2026

Who will we see at One Raceway tomorrow?

The boys will be down in the DCT going for a few hotlaps. 🏁
We'll have some spare stock on hand for any bingles, come find us!

25/06/2026

Something we've been working on behind the scenes to make your experience faster and easier.

In between the 101 other projects we have going at the moment, we've rebuilt and relaunched our website with some exciting new features!

At a glance:
🔧 Revamped Parts Finder - Search by your make & model, no more drop-downs!

⚙️ Brand new Power Package Builder - A lot of you have reached out and asked if you can pick and swap parts from our premade packages. Well, now you can! We've integrated it straight into the site.

📅 Online Booking Form - You can now book a day and time slot for installations, servicing and tuning, with estimated prices upfront! This one may take some ironing out as we get rolling, so bear with us.

As with any new system, there'll be a few hiccups along the way, and we'll be making changes as we go. If you come across anything or need a hand, don't hesitate to get in touch!

🍒 Only a few days left on the EOFY sale too, get in before it's too late! 🍒

www.cherrytuning.com.au

23/06/2026

We've partnered up with the team over at RADECALS and are excited to offer their i20N Fog Light Blackout Kit!
Add an aggressive look to your N with this "OEM+" bit of kit!
Now live on the site and due to arrive next week.
Keep an eye out on the store as there's more to come!

www.cherrytuning.com.au/products/i20n-fog-light-blackout-kit

18/06/2026

Wei's CN7 N was recently in for more upgrades!

This time around we fitted Forge Motorsport's Facelift intercooler and Oil Cooler, with a focus on keeping temps down for all the time spent on track!
Being designed based off the US Elantra N, some slight modifications were needed during install, but nothing the team couldn't handle!

What do you think he's up for next booking?

17/06/2026

Have you ever seen a coil pack fail like this?

Due to the placement of coil packs on the 3.3t Stingers being so tight under the intake manifold, we often see them coming in with intermittent misfires due to the coils being improperly fitted.
This one had been manipulated so harshly that the terminal spring had broken the solder connection from the igniter!
Luckily we keep new OEM coil packs on hand for these occasions.
Definitely something to remember if you plan on changing your own or are chasing an unknown miss.

15/06/2026

DCT shaft rebuilding is now available.

After a lot of sourcing and testing, we're now able to rebuild DCT shafts using genuine parts, providing a much more cost-effective alternative to purchasing a complete new unit.

This is a service that most driveshaft shops don't offer, simply because the required components aren't readily available. We've worked hard to source the correct parts and develop a reliable rebuild process.

Not all shafts are suitable for rebuilding, each shaft needs inspection as some may be too worn or damaged. We're also working towards keeping rebuilt exchange units on the shelf for these cases.

If you have an N with a DCT transmission and suspect shaft or CV issues, get in touch to discuss a rebuild!