I've been an FD owner for around 4 months now, and I'm planning to do my first trackday with an FD sometime later this year. The mods as-purchased are:

-Street ported engine, Rotary Performance (Texas)
-Pettit racing ECU
-rebuilt transmission
-AEM water/meth injection
-R2 dual oil coolers
-Silicone vacuum lines everywhere
-PFS intake and intercooler
-PFS downpipe, high flow cat, and exhaust
-Supra Fuel pump and relocated fuel filter, new hoses

Since then, I've added an RX7store midpipe, but no other power modifications. What I'm wondering is if the Pettit ECU is safe for track use?

I picked up a PFC+datalogit, that I have yet to install, because I was initially planning to stay sequential, but the more I think about it, the more I want to go with one of the EFR kits. Just wondering if I can get by with the Pettit ECU and not have to get one tune now with the PFC, and then a second tune later when I'm single.

 

usually at the race track stock ecu's are better, because they usually are tuned really conservatively, and then the corrections are right, but

stock fuel + stock turbos + midpipe = dead engine.

if you must run the stock ECU, put the cat back in it, or lower the boost, or something. stock airbox might work too.

everyone is going to tell you to get a bunch of temp gauges too, but you don't need em, it'll overheat in 4 laps :P

 

I'll be the first to suggest you might want to know accurate water temps if running track days. That way you can slow down after 2 or 3 laps if your cooling system isn't working as well as predicted by j9fd3s

A wideband seems like a good plan, it should at least help you know if the Pettit ECU is running safe AFRs. But then you'll be looking at your gauges rather than driving which isn't very effective or fun, so what you might really want is a newer fancier standalone that will turn on warning lights and/or rev limiters if the temperatures get too hot or the AFR is too lean in boost, but then both the Pettit and the PFC are out the window and you need to find someone who can tune some of the newer fancier systems...

The saying I've heard is if you want to make a big pile of money racing you need to start with an even bigger pile of money so there is some left after you've burned through most of it. I'd advise to start with an autocross if you haven't tried that yet, there is less load on the engine and more time to cool down between runs. RX-7's are pretty good autocross cars, plenty of power and well balanced.

 

Sorry, I guess my title is a bit confusing. This isn't my first trackday ever, just with an FD. I've previously tracked an S2000 pretty regularly, but I want to make sure I don't blow up the FD on my first time out.

Sounds like cooling would be an issue - I'll see what stock replacement options are out there and make sure all of my ducting is thoroughly sorted out.

edit: Original post updated for less confusion.

 

Run run close to 90/10 distilled water to coolant. I personally run 100% water and 1 bottle redline water wetter since im in socal. Change the radiator fluid every year. Makes a difference. Also, if your thermostat is kind of old, replace it.

Stock, the radiator fans come on at super high temps. With the PFC you can adjust them to come on say 85c and 88c for high speed. Not sure what Pettit has it set, but there are ways to mod the system or just run the heater with the a/c button button pressed. Make sure you dont have the stock plastic AST. If you do, either delete or get a metal one pronto. I deleted mine (search for more info).

Ducting is important. R1 duals are a big help, if they are ducted of course. I ran them for a long time and I got by even in hot in weather. The water/meth injection will help keep things safe and maintain good air temps. Dont run less than half a tank of gas. A catch can will be very useful but isnt absolutely critical. I think youll be alright given that everything is buttoned up nicely.

 

I dont see an aftermarket (larger) radiator on your list. That's a must for track use. Get a water temp gauge.

If you can control your boost, the pettit ecu will be fine. Get a boost gauge.

 

Cool, sounds good. I picked up a Greddy Profec B boost controller and have a boost gauge.

 

You may want to contact Pettit on that ECU. It may be mapped for higher than stock boost.

Along those lines and already mentioned is a wideband to know when you are leaning out

 

I thought the petit boost was at 12 psi...

 

I didn't see radiator on the list. If you're still on the stock unit with plastic end tanks, consider a new radiator. Also refresh your braking components with new pads, fluids, rotors, etc. make sure your tires are up for a track day.