Does MP3 ecu make a difference?

[ucMP3]

1) How is an MP3 ECU not "right"?

2) I doubt throwing a stock turbo kit on a bone stock P5 will be "problem free", let alone "reliable"

With that being said, I put the MP3 ECU flash on mine and noticed a big difference. I ran 93 octane with it and it made the powerband much smoother, engine ran smoother, and I got somewhat better of gas mileage.

He has an MSP with no turbo kit hooked up... It's not a p5, lol.

On that note, the MP3 ecu is worth it, I think. For $150, you get ~5hp and a MUCH smoother power band. Pretty damn good value, if you ask me. People pay $500 for cat-back exhausts that net less than 5hp...

 

[Matt V]

Regardless, the MSP is no different components wise than a P5 so that point is mute.

 

[ucMP3]

Does the better gas mileage get negated due to the cost of running 93 octane? Reading this thread has made me think about doing the reflash, but it looks like some members get the MP3 reflash or ECU and still run 87 octane? Any long term negative effects by doing that?

If you run 87 octane w/ the MP3 ecu, you will knock badly and the ECU will revert to a safe mode, retarding timing and you will have NO gains whatsoever. (thumb)

Regardless, the MSP is no different components wise than a P5 so that point is mute.

Disagree. The "right" way to run the MSP, is with the stock turbo. So... (shrug)

Tho I agree that an fs-de is an fs-de... A TIMEBOMB!!!! (evil)

 

[slavrenz]

Regardless, the MSP is no different components wise than a P5 so that point is mute.

Matt, sorry for being the asshole to say this, but it's "moot", not "mute" (detect)

No hard feelings

 

[nate0123]

That's not bad, now does this work with all pros or just 5spds?

just 5-speed manuals (guessing just the 2.0's as well)

 

[ucMP3]

just 5-speed manuals (guessing just the 2.0's as well)

Yes, and it will not engage VTCS, either (IIRC). Since MP3 mani doesn't have them.

 

[azuelke]

Does the better gas mileage get negated due to the cost of running 93 octane? Reading this thread has made me think about doing the reflash, but it looks like some members get the MP3 reflash or ECU and still run 87 octane? Any long term negative effects by doing that?

Expect 1-5 mpg better depending on your driving style. So yes, the better gas mileage is negated with the price difference, but it doesn't matter to me, I get better performance.

 

[P-Funk!]

It is not a cost-saving mod! Just a performance mod mitigated somewhat by saving a wee bit!

 

[blackmica_es]

could it be done on my 1.8L FP-DE, and would i still pass smog in the people's republic of california if i installed this?

 

[dandan2]

Regardless, the MSP is no different components wise than a P5 so that point is mute.

because i think the msp deserves better then the n/a platform it has been downgraded to. while its not much different then the mp3 its vin states it turbocharged so it should be turbo.

 

[azuelke]

could it be done on my 1.8L FP-DE, and would i still pass smog in the people's republic of california if i installed this?

I'm pretty sure it only works on the 2.0 FSDE.

 

[ChaRLeS23]

Yes it is only for the 2.0L with manual tranny. I had the mod for a bit over a year now and for the price I say go for it. The car runs MUCH smoother and I put 91 in it... no knocking whatsoever, runs perfect. Never tried 87 but mazda engineers said that the MP3 needed premium fuel and there's a reason, so I stick to what they recommand. Anyway it costs what, 2$ more per fill? As far as gas mileage, yes you will see a LITTLE improvement, but it's mainly due to the fact that you use higher octane gas, nothing to do with the ECU itself.