Hi,
I have a few things to do to my FD and then I\'m in the market for a new ECU at the start of a few upgrades. Most people seem to have and recommend going for the APEXi PowerFC and Commander and it does seem like the best option from what I\'ve read.
However, I was thinking about safety fail-over features, the standard ECU can go into limp mode when it detects a lean condition which can potentially save an expensive engine pop. I guess what I want to know is if there\'s an aftermarket ECU that has a similar feature which could save a lot of money in the long run.
Which ECUs do you guys have and why did you go for them?
To that end would something like the GReddy e-Manage do the job? It will allow fuel map to be altered but would keep the factory ECU?
as long as the apexi is ttuned correctly you shouldnt have to worry about the limp mode when lean or knock retard functions....Does the emanage not override this function of the standard ecu anyhow...i think it does on honda ecus?
This is a direct cut an paste from a site selling the GReddy unit:
QuoteThe GReddy e-Manage is an inexpensive programmable fuel management system that allows you to properly tune your factory fuel system, without having to change the entire factory ECU system to an expensive stand-alone unit. The e-Manage system is a universal “piggy-back” type unit, which taps into most factory ECU wiring and it still utilizes the existing sensors. Basic functions will allow the user to slightly alter factory injector duty-cycle(± 20% at 5 preset RPM points), by intercepting and altering airflow or MAP sensor signals.
Additional features that are built into the system, but are only accessible though the use of a Windows based “e-Manage Support Tool” communication software are: a 16x16 Airflow Adjustment Map, Larger Main Injector correction adjustment, Upgrade Air Flow Meter adjustment, Boost Limiter Cut, Anti-engine Stall, VTEC-fuel adjustment, Real-time Map Trace, Real-time Display, Real-time Communication, and basic Data-logging.
With the use of an “Optional Injector Harness” and the software, the unit has the ability to control an additional 16x16 Injector duty cycle Map and the controls for adding up to 2 Additional Sub-injectors. If the “Optional Ignition Harness” and the software is used, the unit has the ability to control a 16x16 Ignition Timing Map. All of the above Maps can also be Map-traced in Real-time as well. If the factory range of Map or Airflow meter is surpassed, you can incorporate the “Optional GReddy Pressure Sensor and Pressure Harness” to set larger scales of adjustment.
I\'m looking around at the moment as I haven\'t entirely decided which direction I\'m going to go in with regards to power impovements. I guess my ultimate aim - when decided - will pick the ECU for me.
Have a look at the microtech series, thats another good alternative. A few of us are running these.
Check out there website.
//www.microtechefi.com
Quote from: OLSKOOLROTARHave a look at the microtech series, thats another good alternative. A few of us are running these.
Check out there website.
//www.microtechefi.com
Any model in particular that is the most popular from that series? I guess the LT8??
Quote from: Crispy BeefThis is a direct cut an paste from a site selling the GReddy unit:
I\'m looking around at the moment as I haven\'t entirely decided which direction I\'m going to go in with regards to power impovements. I guess my ultimate aim - when decided - will pick the ECU for me.
If you do go down the eManage route - get the Ultimate version (grey coloured) and not the standard blue one. It has more maps, much finer adjustment, control of Ignition timing as well for Rotary\'s - Independant leading/trailing. An airflow replacement map - needs a boost sensor input for this - and a load more goodies than are on the old one. I have one to go on my FC - will let you know what it\'s like in about 2 months.
BTW - one nice feature is the ability to use a wideband A/F sensor such as the LC-1 and set the desired target a/f ratio in the map for a particular RPM/BOOST level - the eManage will then work out the fuel add/cut value for that mapping point - accurate to about 0.5% - you can do the final tweaking by hand. It also supports inputs from knock and water temp sensors
Quote from: ProfBTW - one nice feature is the ability to use a wideband A/F sensor such as the LC-1 and set the desired target a/f ratio in the map for a particular RPM/BOOST level - the eManage will then work out the fuel add/cut value for that mapping point - accurate to about 0.5% - you can do the final tweaking by hand. It also supports inputs from knock and water temp sensors
I like the sound of that. Having read the MicroTech site from the above link I\'ve found that their ECU (LT8) doesn\'t support the turbos in sequential which for me might cut them out of the equation as I\'m nto sure I want to go single turbo on non-seq ... I do like the smooth power with the sequencial. :)
Crispy beef - im like you at present moment still unsure what route to take so this is good info/read for me
I know microtech stuff is amazing as i was introduce to it by my mate who\'s got it for his uno turbo so i know how much they can get out of their jap cars
at the mo im gathering the info to carry on running the turbos sequential with after market boost controler as i know there is a few out there that have done it
once i have it planning to do write up :) so that might help u with the microtech
A few people(myself included) are running the LT8 and I think Kev Yorks is running the LT10 series.
1st I\'ve heard about the microtech not supporting non sequential, why not email them direct and ask the question. They have good support.
Jase
Quote from: OLSKOOLROTARA few people(myself included) are running the LT8 and I think Kev Yorks is running the LT10 series.
1st I\'ve heard about the microtech not supporting non sequential, why not email them direct and ask the question. They have good support.
Jase
If you check out this page on their website http://www.microtechefi.com/microtech-wiring.php (http://www.microtechefi.com/microtech-wiring.php) and then click LT8 there\'s a PDF for the FD which states in it that the standard turbos cannot run in sequencial ... unless I\'m misreading something?
All good in principle, but who is gunna tune your e- manage???
power fc or Microtech is where my money goes!!
Rmaj
Quote from: aposegilat the mo im gathering the info to carry on running the turbos sequential with after market boost controler as i know there is a few out there that have done it
I installed a GReddy Profec Type-S last year as I was having boost spike issues after ditching my CAT and standard air-box. Was a snap to install, just followed the general instructions on Rob Robinette\'s site here:
http://www.robrobinette.com/profec.htm (http://www.robrobinette.com/profec.htm)
If you need any help with the EBC install I have some photos somewhere when I put mine in, drop me PM or something.
Quote from: rmagictasticAll good in principle, but who is gunna tune your e- manage???
power fc or Microtech is where my money goes!!
Rmaj
Thor racing sell and install various products so I would hazard a guess that they could do it, if not one of the main rotary tuners would be able to do it I would have thought - haven\'t asked - as it\'s just a matter of plugging in a laptop with the software installed from what I\'ve read.
Edit: They list the grey and blue eManage on their site as something they install and tune, they have a rolling road there too so should be within their capabilites. Still ... I haven\'t decided on that route yet anyway. :)
mate thanx a lot :)
guess u had the info i needed lol so you found it runs lovely now?
Quote from: aposegilmate thanx a lot :)
guess u had the info i needed lol so you found it runs lovely now?
Yeah, runs a perfect 10-8-10, I haven\'t pushed to boost up any higher than it should be stock as I don\'t want to stress anything. Will wait for a new ECU before pushing things a little, even then I won\'t push my luck.
Quote from: rmagictasticAll good in principle, but who is gunna tune your e- manage???
power fc or Microtech is where my money goes!!
Rmaj
There are people out there who do this already, but the beauty of something like the eManage is that you can do some of this tuning yourself. I know that thought scares some people - and well it should - if you get it horribly wrong, you can goose your engine, but if you follow a sensible plan and map things in stages, you can get some very good results.
One advantage of the eManage is you can wire it in and just datalog with the existing ECU settings, and get a basemap. I\'ll be doing an article and posting it up once I have the beasty in - waiting for engine warranty to expire first :)
Quote from: ProfOne advantage of the eManage is you can wire it in and just datalog with the existing ECU settings, and get a basemap. I\'ll be doing an article and posting it up once I have the beasty in - waiting for engine warranty to expire first :)
I look forward to that article and any info when you get your install done, I really like some of the things the eManage is doing.
Quote from: ProfThere are people out there who do this already, but the beauty of something like the eManage is that you can do some of this tuning yourself. I know that thought scares some people - and well it should - if you get it horribly wrong, you can goose your engine, but if you follow a sensible plan and map things in stages, you can get some very good results.
One advantage of the eManage is you can wire it in and just datalog with the existing ECU settings, and get a basemap. I\'ll be doing an article and posting it up once I have the beasty in - waiting for engine warranty to expire first :)
Same for the microtech its dead easy to use, can store upto 4 different maps on my hand controller. Can also just plug in the ol laptop and run real time data logging etc, download and adjust offline then re-flash it.
Look forward to your writeup, would be good if we could get various types up for people to look at and compare.
Jase
Quote from: Crispy BeefYeah, runs a perfect 10-8-10, I haven\'t pushed to boost up any higher than it should be stock as I don\'t want to stress anything. Will wait for a new ECU before pushing things a little, even then I won\'t push my luck.
just read up on that site
so ur boost control only controls one wastegate?
also what did u do with the vac hose form the wastegate to the solenoid? as u block that off when u do the mod
also appologies for hi-jacking the thread
The advantage/Curse of the PFC is it uses the stock Loom so it is easy to fit, Every one uses them and All the tuners can set them up. The only real down side is it uses the stock loom wich in alot of cases is over ten years old and is getting a bit tired, This is why the Microtech\'s are regarded by some as a better set up as it uses a new loom, but this means its a pain in the rear to fit.
TBH they are the two main choices if you want to run any big HP, not becouse you won\'t get hold of another system but becouse you want your tuner to be as Familia as poss with it.
Quote from: aposegiljust read up on that site
so ur boost control only controls one wastegate?
also what did u do with the vac hose form the wastegate to the solenoid? as u block that off when u do the mod
also appologies for hi-jacking the thread
Basically there\'s a new solonoid to control the wastegate, with the GReddy unit off or on a low setting the wastegate spring will open and vent at around 7psi, so it\'s mostly useful for getting a setting above that. With a stock ECU - keeping this reply kinda on topic ;) - I wouldn\'t take the boost over 10psi as you don\'t want to lean out. The gain is pretty handy which improves boost response a bit so the transition at 4,500rpm is nice and quick. :)
The old hose to the original solonoid is cut and then blocked off on both sides, I have some bolts in the hose which are then secured in place with a tie. Drop me a PM and I\'ll email the pics.
Quote from: GrizzlyThe advantage/Curse of the PFC is it uses the stock Loom so it is easy to fit, Every one uses them and All the tuners can set them up. The only real down side is it uses the stock loom wich in alot of cases is over ten years old and is getting a bit tired, This is why the Microtech\'s are regarded by some as a better set up as it uses a new loom, but this means its a pain in the rear to fit.
TBH they are the two main choices if you want to run any big HP, not becouse you won\'t get hold of another system but becouse you want your tuner to be as Familia as poss with it.
Thinking of the kind of power I\'d like I think having around 300rwhp would be a good target. I don\'t want to go mad with it as I\'d like to maintain a level of reliability too. I thought that the MicroTech was similar to the PFC in that it went in with a minimal of hassle? Will have another read of their site...
Crispy Beef - thanx for ur reply
as for the ECU i would say def go witht the Power FC you should see more than 300bhp especially if u change 2nd injectors which im planning to 1600cc been told better than 1200cc, that way always setup for more in the future if i want to
Also is the loom meant to tbe that bad? only thing ive heard people complain is sensors going or solenoids not actual loom
Plus the other upside with the FC u get that hand held thing that you can see how everything working out intead of having to plug in a laptop.
And all youll need is a good intercooler and done :)