is the Pettit ecu more reliable then Power FC as far as out of the box???

 

You have to be kidding me. Did you know that you have to tune the PFC?

 

Short answer: Yes!

If all you want to do are just bolt-ons, the PowerFC may be more trouble than it's worth. Aftermarket ECUs (Pettit/M2/RX7.com) run very rich. Some people even run it with semi-aggressive streetports and still have safe A:F ratios. Though it won't net as much power as a proper leaner tune from a PFC, it is a "safer bet" than a tune from someone that just happens to know how to "tune" a car.

 

i don't trust anything i didn't tune myself.

 

Problem is, they run so rich that they carbon up everything and you get failures that way over time.

 

More people using a standalone (such as PFC) blow engines due to poor tuning. I don't think I've ever read about anyone blowing an engine due to using an upgraded ECU (provided the mods match the ECU).

Some people say that carbon builds up more on some of those ECUs but I don't necessarily buy it. You'll have to decide for yourself.

 

But there is no substantial data on any of this. What is the ratio of blown motors between users with a PFC and a remapped ECU on this board? I'd be willing to stick my neck out and bet that the ratio is at least 2:1.

 

As long as we're on this topic, is there an aftermarket ecu generally considered the best by most people? Power FC? Someone told me the AEM is plug and play which sounds pretty good to me, but I also know that's probably unrealistic. Plug and Pray is more like it.

 

that's so objective. i think haltechs are the best....for me. best blend of price, features, ease, tunability, etc...

talk to someone else and they'll have a different opinion. it's a very subjective topic.

 

IMO, what's best is what is used the most around you (so you can get help if you need it locally). If everyone around your area is using a Haltech, and you buy a PFC; you'll be stuck waiting for help online.

 

Most these computers are tuned for 12.5 psi on hi-test pump gas and 14.5 on race fuel without any problems. This doesn't take into account any failure of the fuel delivery system and you could lose a motor in this situation. but then again you could lose a motor in this situation with any ECU (fuel system malfunction) I have the Pettit as well as a friend of mine and it covers anything we've done or plan on doing untill going to say a single turbo. Works well with all mods done for reliability and modest HP gains, easy enough to get into the low to mid 300 hp range.

 

Agreed.. I bought a PFC and was "stuck" w/ no one to tune it locally. I am now running microtech w/ great local support. I believe switching to a true stand alone is taking the car to a different level. It now has to be fine tuned. The basic rechipped ecus are great for people looking to get the most bang for the buck..

 

Thanks. I'm about 50 miles from DC and Peter Farrell Supercars. I'll look into what they recommend. I don't know if i'd trust any southern maryland local shops. I'm not quite ready to spend the bucks, my daughter's wedding is less than a year away. I consider myself a decent programmer, but my knowledge of engine management is zero at this point.

 

You can buy used a pettit or m2 ecu and a hks twinpower for the same $$ or less than a pfc.Its the best bang for the buck.If there are no tuners by you ,just plug in the stock ecu and you can take it a mazda dealer to have it repaired.It is the route that i chose and it has worked out ,so far.

 

I used to have the Pettit ECU. Yeah it was nice that you just plug it in and boom car runs a lot better, but running at 12 psi made me want more so I was going to upgrade to a PFC. So my point is get you a PFC and go from there. The PFC has better capability of tunning that the Pettit or others (i.e. fan activataion temperature, injector duty cycle, etc).