Just in case you were wondering, I have already done an extensive thread search, but despite all the useful bits of info found no definitive answer to my question...


so here goes...

Racing Beat air inlet duct
Stock Air Box with K&N Drop in filter

Racing Beat dual exhaust

Downpipe

(possibly efini y-pipe)


QUESTION - Do I need an ECU upgrade and/or boost controller to fend off boost creep/spike or will I be OK without it.

Thus far the info that I have gathered has lead me to believe that as long as I keep the stock cat as restriction, then I should be ok

Am I right/wrong... tell me!!!

Thanks in advance

 

Dude,

I'm not talking from personal experience here but I have been reading for a while reguarding this stuff. Anybody please jump in and correct me if I'm wrong.

I'm sure that you've read on the 3 mod rule. 3 mods then update the ECU. But I have read about some people that have blown engines due to boost creeps even when they only had a downpipe so this is what I suggest. Actually this is what I'm doing.

Now the wisest thing to do is to install a boost gauge and monitor the boost (creep/spike). Anything above 14 psi (to be safe anything above 12) get the ECU upgrade boost controller.

Also get yourself an Air/fuel ratio gauge to make sure that you are not running lean. If you are then ECU time.

Basically install the gauges, then make your decision based on the data collected.

Hope this helps.

 

Monetgo is so right. Every car differs from each other, and this being so true to rx7's. You can basically put what ever bolt-ons you want as long as boost never exceeds 12psi to be on the safe side. Read the guages and make your decison on that. I have greddy sp, dp, boost controller, boost guage and a/f gauge and other mods(non-engine related) not being said. I have 9-10 psi and 11 rarely on a cold night and a long 5th gear pull. My a/f ratio averages 1 to 2 bars green(auto-meter) which is on the rich side. I still think I can pull off an intake as long as my main cat stays in. But after that I wouldnt push it any more!

 

xurotaryrocket: If you don't already have a boost gauge, get one. Once you've got that, get a baseline value for what your boost tends to run in various conditions (cold, hot, long 3-4-5 gear pulls, etc.). If you're pushing ~12psi with your current level of mods, you're probably going to be pushing it by adding any more intake/exhaust mods. You're the ultimate judge of how safe you feel when running with your mods, but the basic rule of 3 has proven to be quite reliable. If you're in doubt, either baby the car, or get a new ECU. It's a pretty simple equation, and for the price of a good aftermarket ecu, you'll be saving yourself the grief of a new engine (or the stress of not knowing when it'll pop if you're running a risky setup).

Personally, I bought a PFC, far in advance of any major mods since I know that I'll need it eventually. When I've got my CB, intake and whatnot on, I'll just have to tune the ECU to get me where I need to be, and won't have to worry about getting a new ECU ever.

 

generally as long as you are running the stock cat and turbos you probably won't see more than 11psi boost and you shouldn't need a ecu - BUT get a BOOST GUAGE and check base line boost pattern before doing any mods - stock should be 10-8-10 also do a dyno run w/ a wide band A/F Meter and if your ratio is richer than 12:1 at WOT then you are probably safe to add another mod. Check my mod list - still runs rich on the stock ecu and 10/9/11 boost (12psi on colder days)

 

what kind of ECU's are you looking at?

 

I am in the same boat you are in, and playing it safe. Right now I have a Pettit intake, and Pettit catback. I am getting a downpipe installed so it is ECU time. I am going with the Apex PowerFC since RX-7 store has it for 1150 with the control unit, and a lot of people here use it.

I have seen 12lbs boost on my car, so it is time to play it safe.

 

thanks for the input....

i'll start saving up for the ecu upgrade....

no sense in taking a chance