Captain_Panic

iTrader: (15)

So my winter project in Chicago (assuming we get dumped on again like last year!) will be to add an ECU and I am torn between the two listed above. The mods I have on the '94 base are:

Apexi AVC-R, HKS Downpipe, PFS Cat Back, Fluidyne Aluminum Radiator, Petit AST, Dual Performance Oil Coolers.

I have Fighters Garage Intake I also want to put on, but I am afraid that doing this will cause all sorts of Boost spiking with the stock ECU and Fuel setup. This is most likely a no no until I tackle the above first.

I have heard the PFC and the AVCR work well together, but I like what I have read on the microtech on "tunability". Ultimately I want to be able to reliably run on the Stock Twins as I slowly add more mods to this car.

One more Question (for now anyway, I am a noob still) at what point in upgrading the ECU and fuel system do I have to worry about not passing emissions?

DeeSan

iTrader: (2)

Power FC.

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

The Microtech is a good computer, but for the FD the PowerFC is hands down the winner here.

First off, installing the PFC doesn't get any easier - unplug stock ECU, plug PowerFC in, off you go. No complicated rewiring or anything is needed. The base map will do an excellent job running your car, and is designed for more mods than the stock ECU - you can typically run an intake, IC, downpipe, and cat-back.

The PFC can also pass emissions, as it controls all the emissions components just like the stock ECU does. The Microtech doesn't. The Microtech also won't control the stock sequential system.

Other ECU's have greater tunability in theory, but the PowerFC works VERY well, is VERY well supported in the FD community, and people have made HUGE amounts of safe power with the PFC, as well as having great driveability.

BTW, the AVC-R and PFC pretty much have nothing to do with each other. The AVC-R is a great boost controller, though, and any FD owner serious about making power will have some sort of a good boost controller on the car.

As said, the PFC can pass emissions. Going wild with the fuel system, like 850cc primary injectors, will likely pose some major problems. If you stick with 550cc primaries, run a stock cat and airpump, emissions shouldn't be a problem.

Dale

Captain_Panic

iTrader: (15)

I was leaning the PFC route, and I think this just about seals it then. I will maybe get a a/f meter as well. If it is truly that simple (and cheaper too) then I may start looking at upgrading the IC as well. The next question is where do you find a good read on how to tune the vehicle. I really want to get my hands dirty and learn as much as possible. THe problem is the archives are difficult to weed through to understand all the different facets of tuning a rotary. Maybe I am asking too much as I am sure you cannot just read a forum and be a master, but dangerous maybe


I am wanting to try to get ~300rwhp without going crazy on mods, yet keeping the drivabiluty (ac/emissions,etc) in tact. This car is an indulgence turned addiction and I want to take it easy until the vehicle gives me a reason to get a ported engine, etc.

My AVCR today, says I am running 96% plus on WOL on my injectors and typically 85% plus on heavy load acceleration. Should I maybe look at replacing the stock injectors? I have read many ppl have gone over 300rwhp on the stock fuel systems as long as they go with an upgraded ECU.

I really appreciate everyones help and insight.

Banzai-Racing

iTrader: (11)

I agree with everything Dale said. Don't bother with a cheapo A/F gauge buy a wideband instead and if you want to access the full potential of the PFC and plan on tuning it yourself buy a Datalogit.

Jason

iTrader: (5)

Power FC FTW

Microtech works well but for ease of use the Power FC wins.

mono4lamar

iTrader: (32)

I love the power fc. It's very simple to use and you have a lot of support for your twins. The biggest thing is to always go with what standalone your tuner recommends though...

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

If you want to learn how to tune PM Chuck Westbrook (cewrx7r1 on the forum) and ask for his PFC tuning notes. He has EXTENSIVE documentation on tuning the PowerFC that you can get for a nominal fee, as well as a Yahoo group discussion forum and more.

On a wideband, there's TONS of good, inexpensive widebands out there. I have (and love) the Innovate Motorsports LC-1 and DB gauge combo. Super clean looking gauge, has a good 0-5v output for datalogging and tuning, and you get EVERYTHING you need for $289. Helluva good deal.

Dale

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

+1. Find out what people are using local to you. There's nothing worse than getting something that you can't get any local "face to face" help with. Then you are stuck waiting for someone to be bored enough to respond to your question online. Even then, most of the help found online is wrong.

Captain_Panic

iTrader: (15)

I have two shops in my area (a-spec tuning literally down the street) and Banzai which is maybe 1.5 hrs away and both are comfortable with the PFC. I will definitely do my research on the wideband. If the PFC is really that simple to implement, then I will need another project for the winter

Stooopid nOOb question, but is the commander addon the datalogit? or is this something entirely different?

mono4lamar

iTrader: (32)

A dataloggit and commander are two different things. The dataloggit is meant for loading new maps into the car. The commander is a handheld unit to read information and make minor changes to the current map. I say minor as I wouldn't use it for a means of tuning and that you cannot make some changes with it (EG. 1680cc injectors).

Captain_Panic

iTrader: (15)

So then it sounds like if I have a DataLogit, it will do everything the commander can do, only I will have to hook up a laptop to it to change anything. If that is the case then I will spend the extra $$ on the WideBand Dale mentioned.

Shoot this puts a whole lot of clarity to my plan. Next will be a SMIC upgrade, followed by the Fighter's Garage intake BEFORE i start turning the boost up to around 12-13 psi on the stock turbos.