Self-learning ability of the ECU?
 

Does anyone know anything about the self-learning ability of the ECU? I've read on some Japanese pages that the ECU has an ability to break in a new engine among some other things. Does anyone know anything about this? Is it just the 16-bit ECU or does the 8-bit also have this function?

I would be its the 16 bit; and its also mainly cars with MAF sensors. Example the WRX can run alot higher than stock boost and still have no problems with the ECU throwing codes.

Almost any modern ecu (the stock FD ecu included) has basic learning functions for idle and load conditions. I don't know if there any other functions that are "self-learning". What's the point of your question?

but anyone with a modified wrx and a factory ecu is just asking to pop ringlands with their careless mods CEL free heh ;)

Just depends on modded you get. Ive seen 3 of them run full exhaust from uppipe to catback and intakes and no single blown motor yet. But lots of blown trannies lol.

And they would be limited to the stock configuration at that. We (you) don't have a MAF-based system like the Supra where the ECU can compensate for major increases in air flow into the engine.

Well I've read that the self-learning ability of the ECU would allow a proper break-in of a rotary engine for 1500 kms...but this is in Japan. I just never heard of this feature before and I'm thinking if the ECU has that ability then it might have other things that we don't know about...

Right. I was only talking about idle and electrical load conditions, not adjusting for air flow differences.

I'm not following you, what do you mean by "allow a proper break-in"? Doesn't make any sense. Proper brake-in means no WOT and no over 4k rpm for the first 500 miles, plus what ever additional requirements your engine builder wants you to follow. I don't see what the ecu has to do with this.

Sorry, that wasn't directed at you. It was just for general edification.

Well, the Japanese ECU (maybe just the 16-bit) apparently breaks in the engine for you - as in, you don't have to worry about over-reving the engine or WOT because the ECU won't allow you to do certain things for the first 1500kms. There were other things that the ECU would "learn" but I didn't understand the translation. I just thought this was impressive for the stock ECU - since I never owned a "NEW" FD...I'm wondering if our 8-bit ECUs had these functions.

the ecu does have a mileage switch that changes states at 20,000 miles. i have never heard a definitive anwser on it's function but it seems like it would be emmision related. not realy to break the car in.