Best ECU?
06-12-01, 01:55 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Best ECU?
Trying to get my shopping list in order... What is the best ECU (if there is one)? Things I'm considering are ease of installation and ease of reprograming. Anything else I should be looking for?
The Power FC looks like a nice option, but I don't have an air-fuel meter or dyno, and would like to keep the number of extra gauges in the cabin down to a minimum. Is it not wise to install one of these without professional tuning?
The M2 & Pettit ECU's appear to have some nice features as well and are quite a bit less expensive than the Power FC (especially when you consider adding in the PFC commander). Is there any sort of drawback to going with one of these? And do they need to been tuned to the car as well?
I'm not trying to get out of getting the car tuned/dynoed when getting a remapped ECU - I'm just ignorant about what is involved with changing one out. I would prefer to upgrade this if it's possible to do it *safely* w/o a dyno or tune, but will do whatever is best for the car. I'm planning on adding an intake in the near future and would like to be able to do that without leaning out the fuel mixture - hence the curiosity about the ECU.
My 7 currently has a 3" cat back & a DP on the way.
Thanks
-Brian
The Power FC looks like a nice option, but I don't have an air-fuel meter or dyno, and would like to keep the number of extra gauges in the cabin down to a minimum. Is it not wise to install one of these without professional tuning?
The M2 & Pettit ECU's appear to have some nice features as well and are quite a bit less expensive than the Power FC (especially when you consider adding in the PFC commander). Is there any sort of drawback to going with one of these? And do they need to been tuned to the car as well?
I'm not trying to get out of getting the car tuned/dynoed when getting a remapped ECU - I'm just ignorant about what is involved with changing one out. I would prefer to upgrade this if it's possible to do it *safely* w/o a dyno or tune, but will do whatever is best for the car. I'm planning on adding an intake in the near future and would like to be able to do that without leaning out the fuel mixture - hence the curiosity about the ECU.
My 7 currently has a 3" cat back & a DP on the way.
Thanks
-Brian
06-12-01, 09:09 AM
#3
Full Member
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Wilmington, De
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would like to know as well since I am in the market for a CPU. I am struggling with the 3K rpm bug which I cannot fix with numerous ground straps. Seems from what I've been reading that the Power FC seems to be the way to go. From what I've read, the PFC base maps are good for your mods (and I think mine) and you just plug it in (minus the 4 wires or remove the pins). No work at all would be Pettit CPU although does not necessarily get rid of the 3K bug. I am trying to decide myself and wonder if anyone has blown up their car with the Apexi PFC.
------------------
'93 Base(black beauty)
Racing Beat Intake w/K&N Filter
Racing Beat Intercooler straps
Racing Beat Dual-Tip Exhaust
Racing Beat 12lb flywheel
Jacobs Wires
RX7.com stainless downpipe
Pettit Steering-Console Autometer Boost Gauge
Pettit O2 sensor upgrade
Pettit rebuilt Manual trans
Tokico Illumina shocks
------------------
'93 Base(black beauty)
Racing Beat Intake w/K&N Filter
Racing Beat Intercooler straps
Racing Beat Dual-Tip Exhaust
Racing Beat 12lb flywheel
Jacobs Wires
RX7.com stainless downpipe
Pettit Steering-Console Autometer Boost Gauge
Pettit O2 sensor upgrade
Pettit rebuilt Manual trans
Tokico Illumina shocks
06-12-01, 11:47 AM
#4
RX7 Enthusiast
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Flanders NJ - Las Vegas
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One other you may consider is Powertrain Management Computer, aka the purple computer. I was at KD Rotary this last weekend having some work done and Dave and I talked a bit about this, as I was wondering whether to sell mine and get the PFC. Dave said the I was better off with the PMC(purple computer). He said it easier to tune than the PFC and does a wonderful job. So I am happy again. 
06-12-01, 03:59 PM
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by gmonsen:
wherever money is a problem, none of the standalone's or the efi pms (purple box) piggyback work. it would be foolish to convert from stock to an efi pmc/pms, since you're still stuck with all the stock computer's settings (and 3k hesitation). a standalone let's you control everything. the pfc has gained popularity, though i don't know why, since the haltech seems to offer a lot more features and is easier to program (unless the pfc costs a whole lot less... how much is it where you can program it with commander?) the motec's and other high end stuff costs a lot more and offers even more features.
wherever money is a problem, none of the standalone's or the efi pms (purple box) piggyback work. it would be foolish to convert from stock to an efi pmc/pms, since you're still stuck with all the stock computer's settings (and 3k hesitation). a standalone let's you control everything. the pfc has gained popularity, though i don't know why, since the haltech seems to offer a lot more features and is easier to program (unless the pfc costs a whole lot less... how much is it where you can program it with commander?) the motec's and other high end stuff costs a lot more and offers even more features.
unit = $980
commander: $350
PFC @ RX7 Store:
unit & commander: $1150
Haltech @ RX7.com:
E6/K Fuel/Ignition Flying Lead Kit $1195
Fully terminated harness $150
E6S/K Connector Kit $77
E6S/K MAP Sensor $64
Haltech 4 wire (O2) sensor $112
E6S/K trim **** for ignition/fuel/boost $56
Haltech Boost Control Module $80
Pettit ECU: $699 + $50 chip
M2 ECU: $695 (free overnight shipping)
I think the nice thing about the PFC and M2 units are that they plug right in - therefore making them an incredibly easy reliability/performance mod. The Haltech is attractive in the fact that it interfaces with a PC & you can save/download fuel maps whenever you need to reprogram it via a laptop (even while you're moving). There is no mention, however, of what is involved with the Haltech install. It appears (from the part list) that there is quite a lot involved. ...?
So the question still stands... anyone have good/bad experience with any of these? Anyone ever installed a Haltech, or is it something that needs to be done at a shop with a dyno?
[This message has been edited by BrianK (edited June 12, 2001).]
[This message has been edited by BrianK (edited June 12, 2001).]
06-12-01, 05:37 PM
#7
Full Member
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The PFC and the Haltech are about the same price.
The reason the PowerFC is gaining in popularity, as opposed to the Haltech, is that the installation is a no brainer. Get your PowerFC, open the box, unplug your old ECU, plug in the PowerFC, done.
Haltech install is a nightmare for anyone not intimate with their car. You rewire TONS of stuff. Hours and hours and hours for a nice clean install. Also, the Haltech won't run the OMP, so you have to put oil in your tank every time you gas up. That can be a pain in the *** for a daily driver.
The Haltech is probably the better system in the long run. It just exposes so many cool features and little side things that you can do with it (control a nitrous kit, for instance). But that's only if you can stomach the LONG downtime or high expense for the install.
The PFC is a great solution for a car you still want to drive everyday to work, or if you're not looking for the absolute ultimate in tunability and data logging.
Trending Topics
06-12-01, 05:53 PM
#8
Rotary Enthusiast
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Edwards, CA
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The PFC belongs in the circular file with Apexi's customer support. Its been almost 7 months that people have been waiting for the Commander. Apexi promised it in 2 weeks over a half a YEAR ago!
I would recommend M2/Pettit for the daily driver and Haltec for anything else.
[This message has been edited by Marshall (edited June 12, 2001).]
I would recommend M2/Pettit for the daily driver and Haltec for anything else.
[This message has been edited by Marshall (edited June 12, 2001).]
06-12-01, 06:37 PM
#9
RX7 Enthusiast
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Flanders NJ - Las Vegas
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Newbernd you can contact Dave at KD Rotary and you can see the unit at www.PFSupercars.com.
Gordon the PMC can be tuned to eliminate the 3k hesitation, just ask Dave. My understanding is that you simply richen up the 2500-3000 range more than you would think is correct.
If anyone is planning on going singe turbo in the future and hasn/t already upgraded their computer then perhaps an E6K or TEC II is the way to go so you will prepared for that. Just my .02
Gordon the PMC can be tuned to eliminate the 3k hesitation, just ask Dave. My understanding is that you simply richen up the 2500-3000 range more than you would think is correct.
If anyone is planning on going singe turbo in the future and hasn/t already upgraded their computer then perhaps an E6K or TEC II is the way to go so you will prepared for that. Just my .02
06-12-01, 10:22 PM
#10
Full Member
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: ST. CROIX VIRGIN ISLANDS
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
HOW CAN YOU TUNE THE PFC FOR THE 3K HESITATION BETWEEN 2500-3000 WHEN THE ONLY NUMBERS IN THAT REGION IS 2200RPM OR 4000 RPM'S DO YOU RICHEN THE 2200 RPM'S? CAN SOMEONE RESPOND OR ADD IN ANY OTHER IDEAS TO FIX THE 3K BUG WITH THE PFC.
------------------
QUICK BLUE RX MOVE FAST; STAY ALIVE
------------------
QUICK BLUE RX MOVE FAST; STAY ALIVE
06-12-01, 10:31 PM
#11
Yellow Dragon is no more
What 3k hesitation? LOL -- plug in and drive you will FEEL the difference immediately. The car runs so much smoother at WOT, part throttle and cruise. Ther PowerFC has a 16 bit processor (compared to stock 8-bit) so everything is smoother on it.
06-13-01, 12:00 AM
#12
Tequila? ..it's like beer
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Woodbine, MD
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rocketrider, I'd like to know more.. I too will be looking for a computer in about a month and haven't heard of this yet. Is there a website with more info? Where'd you get it? How much? I don't want to have to install a whole new harness for a haltech, and was leaning towards the PowerFC, but it's a tad pricey.
Thanks.
Thanks.
06-13-01, 12:25 AM
#13
Grumpy Lurker
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: LA
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you are talking about simple replacement remapped ECU's then I have a few words about the M2 Stage 3 ECU.
It is a really great unit. From what I was told it was tuned for the basics, intake, dp, hi-flo cat (but no mp), cat-back, intercooler. And will work for non-seq setups.
I ran with that ECU with the following intake, fmic, pullies, no airpump, dp, hiflow cat, catback and the car pulled like a bat out of hell. Ran it at a max of 13psi and still worked out really great.
I eventually sold it to get a Power FC which I still haven't gotten yet. I did experiement with a XS Engineering ECU which made my car run like total crap!!!!!
I was so happy with the M2 ECU that I made several futile attempts to buy it back from its new owner.
Well worth the 500 I originally paid for it. Power FC's are great. They go for 1200 for the unit and commander and cost at least another 300-400 to tune. Now you see why I haven't gotten one yet.
That's why I want the M2 unit back.
Then there's also the Pettit ECU. For some reason I see a lot of people have really great success with that. I've seen some drag racers who just stick with the Pettit ECU and have pulled into 11's on stock turbos with the ECU.
It is a really great unit. From what I was told it was tuned for the basics, intake, dp, hi-flo cat (but no mp), cat-back, intercooler. And will work for non-seq setups.
I ran with that ECU with the following intake, fmic, pullies, no airpump, dp, hiflow cat, catback and the car pulled like a bat out of hell. Ran it at a max of 13psi and still worked out really great.
I eventually sold it to get a Power FC which I still haven't gotten yet. I did experiement with a XS Engineering ECU which made my car run like total crap!!!!!
I was so happy with the M2 ECU that I made several futile attempts to buy it back from its new owner.
Well worth the 500 I originally paid for it. Power FC's are great. They go for 1200 for the unit and commander and cost at least another 300-400 to tune. Now you see why I haven't gotten one yet.
That's why I want the M2 unit back.
Then there's also the Pettit ECU. For some reason I see a lot of people have really great success with that. I've seen some drag racers who just stick with the Pettit ECU and have pulled into 11's on stock turbos with the ECU.
06-13-01, 06:55 AM
#14
Lives on the Forum
i like it simple. carbed.
anyway, maybe this thread would be a good place to ask this.
i have a pettit remamped ecu, and i have an hks f-con.
can the f-con be hooked up to the remaped ecu or will that not work? ( the f-con sits in a closet, and the pettit is running in the car) i am wondering this b/c i realy dont want to buy another stock ecu.
btw.... i like the pettit ecu i have, it was well worth the money. cant compare w/ others though.
anyway, maybe this thread would be a good place to ask this.
i have a pettit remamped ecu, and i have an hks f-con.
can the f-con be hooked up to the remaped ecu or will that not work? ( the f-con sits in a closet, and the pettit is running in the car) i am wondering this b/c i realy dont want to buy another stock ecu.
btw.... i like the pettit ecu i have, it was well worth the money. cant compare w/ others though.
06-13-01, 10:14 AM
#15
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Raleigh, NC USA
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you need a group buy option on the Pettit ECU, let me know on this post... I'm a big Pettit fan, although their tuning is more " extreme " than M2's conservative (read somewhat safer, but w/ less power) maps.
Jason
Jason
06-13-01, 02:39 PM
#16
Full Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Overland Park, KS
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by BCNU:
If you need a group buy option on the Pettit ECU, let me know on this post... I'm a big Pettit fan, although their tuning is more " extreme " than M2's conservative (read somewhat safer, but w/ less power) maps.
Jason
If you need a group buy option on the Pettit ECU, let me know on this post... I'm a big Pettit fan, although their tuning is more " extreme " than M2's conservative (read somewhat safer, but w/ less power) maps.
Jason
06-13-01, 03:19 PM
#17
Full Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: TX
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
pettit sells the ecu upgrade + chip individually as well. its about $400 and what you get is a daughter board and an extra mod chip. the only trick part to this is you gotta solder it into the ecu yourself! if you are GOOD at soldering or know someone who is... you might consider taking this route to save some $$. this is what i did.
the pettit ecu is great! im running full exhaust and am waiting for FMIC and intake.
------------------
Denny Nguyen
93 VR Touring With Mods
the pettit ecu is great! im running full exhaust and am waiting for FMIC and intake.
------------------
Denny Nguyen
93 VR Touring With Mods
06-13-01, 05:57 PM
#18
Full Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by BCNU:
If you need a group buy option on the Pettit ECU, let me know on this post... I'm a big Pettit fan, although their tuning is more " extreme " than M2's conservative (read somewhat safer, but w/ less power) maps.
Jason
If you need a group buy option on the Pettit ECU, let me know on this post... I'm a big Pettit fan, although their tuning is more " extreme " than M2's conservative (read somewhat safer, but w/ less power) maps.
Jason
------------------
'93 Red Touring aka "The Shriek"
Mazda Rebuilt Engine
Pettit CM Boost Gauge
Pettit SS Downpipe
RB Dual Tip Catback
Manual Boost Controller
Pettit Cold Air Intake
Cincy RX7 Charter Member
06-13-01, 09:46 PM
#20
Full Member
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Wilmington, De
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I like Pettit and visited their shop when in Fort Lauderdale on vacation. Nice shop. My problem is they can't tell me that their CPU will fix the 3k problem. Mine is bad and I don't want to spend the $ if I can't get rid of it. Sounds like it makes great power, though. Are people getting rid of the 3k bug with this? If so, I'd be in for a Pettit CPU. If not, looks like a Apexi PFC is for me (if I can get a commander).
------------------
'93 Base(black beauty)
Racing Beat Intake w/K&N Filter
Racing Beat Intercooler straps
Racing Beat Dual-Tip Exhaust
Racing Beat 12lb flywheel
Jacobs Wires
RX7.com stainless downpipe
Pettit Steering-Console Autometer Boost Gauge
Pettit O2 sensor upgrade
Pettit rebuilt Manual trans
Tokico Illumina shocks
------------------
'93 Base(black beauty)
Racing Beat Intake w/K&N Filter
Racing Beat Intercooler straps
Racing Beat Dual-Tip Exhaust
Racing Beat 12lb flywheel
Jacobs Wires
RX7.com stainless downpipe
Pettit Steering-Console Autometer Boost Gauge
Pettit O2 sensor upgrade
Pettit rebuilt Manual trans
Tokico Illumina shocks
06-13-01, 10:32 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Inwood, Long Island
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have the Pettit ECU on my car and I think it works great, but it did "not" cure the 3K hesitation. I really would recommend it to anyone who wants a really good ecu without the hassle of having to dyno tune it everytime something is added. They're programmed for "all" mods(including MP) and are set for 14.7psi of boost.
------------------
------------------
06-13-01, 11:17 PM
#22
Full Member
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Tampa FL
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i used to have the pettit ecu and now have the pfc with commander. the pettit did not get rid of the 3k hesitation. in fact it was worse during the colder months. i sold it and got the pfc and love it. keep in mind that even though the pfc cost alot it is still reversed engineered. somethings work great while others don't. for example the pfc has an option for closed loop o2 feedback. but when crusing it doesn't seem to fluctuate the fuel to get the best gas milage the way the stock ecu did. its supposed to but it just doesn't seem to execute right. as far as simplicity i don't think it gets any easier than this. all computers will take a person time to get familiar with them. one also shouldn't attempt to tune without a dyno and wide band o2. but if you get it programmed ahead of time by someone like ray, then you can get the coomander later as you need to add mods to the car that would normally facilitate the need to send it in for reprogramming. once again wind band o2. one thing that the pfc allows, that the other piggy back or stock ecu upgrades don't, is the ability to change injectors. as your mods grow, eventually so will the need for larger injectors. only the pfc and other stand alones will allow for this. any of the systems that rely on the stock ecu are bound by the factory algorithyms. by changing injector ratios you get stumbling problem. with the pfc you just plug in the new inj. sizes and retune and off you go. with a pettit or m2 or similar you are at your ropes end.
as with anything, be reallistic about what you want to achieve. if it's within the parameters of a pettit setup then thats fine. if you are looking for a fully upgradable platform that's easy to install and work with, then the pfc is the way to go for the ultimate in power, reliability and streetability. these 3 make the car the most fun to drive.
just my o2 cents
------------------
Mike Filipello
AK TIRES USA Inc.
93 Touring
as with anything, be reallistic about what you want to achieve. if it's within the parameters of a pettit setup then thats fine. if you are looking for a fully upgradable platform that's easy to install and work with, then the pfc is the way to go for the ultimate in power, reliability and streetability. these 3 make the car the most fun to drive.
just my o2 cents
------------------
Mike Filipello
AK TIRES USA Inc.
93 Touring
06-13-01, 11:25 PM
#23
Rotary Enthusiast
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Mechanicsburg, PA USA
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
the problem with M2/Pettit ECU's is that if you get one with maxed options then it is running 1 bar boost and if you're still running a stock intercooler 
12 lbs is limit for stock ECU - if you're running more, eventually it will haunt you. The PFC runs with 12lbs out the box and is set up to run 2-3 mods (intake, dp, cb) but anymore and it should be tuned with a commander.
------------------
Barry
93 RX7 TT
Greddy Intake w/ heat shield
M2 medium Intercooler
Unorthodox Underdrive Pulley
Apexi N1 catback exhaust
SS downpipe
Random Technologies Hi-Flo Cat
Non-sequential turbos
New Mazda engine blueprinted
with all reliability mods (KD Rotary)
Street Ported engine (KD Rotary)
Fluidyne Radiator
Silicone vacuum hoses
ACT Heavy Duty Clutch
SR Motorsports #9.5 flywheel
Apexi Power FC tuned by KD Rotary
SR Motorsports Fuel Pump
AST Eliminated
Pettit front sway bar
Greddy turbo timer
Autometer boost guage
Redline Oil in trans and rear
18 inch ICW chrome racing wheels
Warrior wing
12 lbs is limit for stock ECU - if you're running more, eventually it will haunt you. The PFC runs with 12lbs out the box and is set up to run 2-3 mods (intake, dp, cb) but anymore and it should be tuned with a commander.------------------
Barry
93 RX7 TT
Greddy Intake w/ heat shield
M2 medium Intercooler
Unorthodox Underdrive Pulley
Apexi N1 catback exhaust
SS downpipe
Random Technologies Hi-Flo Cat
Non-sequential turbos
New Mazda engine blueprinted
with all reliability mods (KD Rotary)
Street Ported engine (KD Rotary)
Fluidyne Radiator
Silicone vacuum hoses
ACT Heavy Duty Clutch
SR Motorsports #9.5 flywheel
Apexi Power FC tuned by KD Rotary
SR Motorsports Fuel Pump
AST Eliminated
Pettit front sway bar
Greddy turbo timer
Autometer boost guage
Redline Oil in trans and rear
18 inch ICW chrome racing wheels
Warrior wing
06-14-01, 12:46 AM
#24
Rotary Freak
Could I get an ECU set up for 1 bar boost and get a boost controller to keep the boost down until I get an upgraded IC? What would happen if I get an ECU setup for stuff I don't have yet, such as a MP or IC?
------------------
93 BB touring
Pettit SS DP
Blitz NurSpec cat-back
H&R springs
RE Amemyia Boost gauge and pod
------------------
93 BB touring
Pettit SS DP
Blitz NurSpec cat-back
H&R springs
RE Amemyia Boost gauge and pod
06-14-01, 03:06 AM
#25
Full Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: TX
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
zoomspeed... i have the pettit ecu tuned for fullexhaust, intake, IC, and then some. its ok if you dont have all the mods on the list. you'll just be running a tad rich and waste gas. and yes the pettit ecu is tuned for 1 bar and can be regulated by a boost controller. i have a profec b. the lowest i could get it though was 12 lbs.
------------------
Denny Nguyen
93 VR Touring With Mods
------------------
Denny Nguyen
93 VR Touring With Mods