How far?

[saxon]

Hi can anyone clear this up for me cos im a bit confused. I have a standard, apart from back box, auto fd3. Is it possible to fit aftermarket induction kit without affecting my ecu? Just how far can you go before you have to think bout piggyback or new ecu. thanks.

[Fish]

Depends on the year of your car. The earlier 8 bit ECU\'s (pre 95/6) can handle on average up to 2 modifications, the later can handle 3. But it is worth getting 2 things checked. 1, checked out with a wideband to make sure it is not running lean and 2, using a boost gauge to make sure it is not overboosting.

Fish

[saxon]

Thanks! Mine is a 92 model so i guess im pretty safe with just an induction change! Its coming up for its 6000 mile service so will definately get it checked then.

[johnf]

I had similar concerns with my .98 having been street ported along with induction and exhaust kits.

Had it checked over recently and although it\'s basically ok would benefit from a uprated ecu as I\'m running rich at low revs and lean at high revs [7500+].

John

[20B_boy]

To my mind if you are changing any thing engine/ performance-wise, you should have some thing mappable (and actually MAPPED!) controlling it all...

Mazda programmed the ECU for the stock setup, end of. Too rich, too lean - its all \'bad\'. And whats the point of modifying your car if you arent going to map it so its running right? Bit of a waste of time and money IMO. Why have a load of stuff done then not do the last most important bit to set it up so you can take advantage of the package safely and to its full potential? Out of interest, I wonder how many dead engines you hear of were a case of 2 or 3 intake/exhaust mods - on a stock ecu?

These engines have a reputation for being fragile; I dont understand why people still think its a good idea to put intake and exhausts on them without a second thought - with out getting the think setup properly?!

Not having a go at any one, just puzzled really. They blow up easy enough as it is - lets at least try and give them a chance of living til a ripe old age! :wave

[saxon]

yea i take your point. Have come from more "reliable" cars in the past like supras and cosworths  so am still learning with my rex. i was just under the impression any change in the standard setup could cause damage to the engine but was still surprised the stock car was so untuneable without ecu work. You live and learn!

[johnf]

Having bought mine WITH the mods and having concernes is why I took it along to WGT to have a look at.

Having heard nothing but good reports of their knowledge and expertise I\'m more than comfortable to take their professional avice that, although advised that mine would be better with a mappable ecu, I\'m not doing it any harm as is. I\'ll take their advice, they do it for a living after all.

I may well spend the 1k they say it\'ll cost but as I\'m advised there is no damage being caused atm I\'ll do it when I\'m ready.

John

[20B_boy]

John - I wasnt having ago - if Pip says its ok, then I\'m sure it is!!

My points were:

a) that the whole "2-3 mods on the stock ecu is fine"-thing seems a bit crazy to me, some a/market catbacks for e.g. flow LOADS more than other ones, kind of makes a nonsense of it. As Danny said, u need to get the thing checked over on a wb02 to be safe - and thats exactly what you\'ve done. Many others just dont bother though, they want a cool exhaust and flames - so they fit a complete exhaust system, its over boosting and lean and then they wonder why it shits itslef

and

b) whats the point in paying to have loads of stuff fitted and then not mapping it so its working at its full potential, or at least safely. As you bought the car \'as is\' I can understand your view point totally.

Basically, all I\'m trying to do is promote \'safe modding\'. Each persons scenario is different as you have very clearly shown and I apologise if I sounded patronising or personal etc. The number of people running full exhausts etc on stock ecu\'s is worrying, as are the number of FD\'s being rebuilt - and then sold. Any thing to help this scenario for the better...