ECU ReFlash to MP3 Option

[P-Funk!]

Hey! On the other board is an opportunity to get our ECUs reflashed to MP3 specs. It is still in the discussion phase - but with enough commitment it can happen. It is technically feasible and just needs people to commit to make the business case.

http://www.mazda3club.com/showthread.php?p=375822&posted=1#post375822

(encourage

A good $/hp gain in my opinion!

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

contemplating..................contemplating..............lemme find a stock ecu for sale so I'll have 2 - 1 to send in to be reflashed mp3 & oem P5 one to keep driving car until I get MP3 one back & so I'll have backup if I want/need to go back to oem. Definitely interested.

 

[JoshP5]

Interest piqued.

 

[Magus]

I think it's a great option for some people, though I think you would want to do the VTCS removal for it to work right (MP3 doesn't have VTCS). Also ATX Proteges could not use this, it's got to be a manual.


Magus

 

[JoshP5]

I think you would want to do the VTCS removal for it to work right

The impact VTCS has is small compared to the timing/fuel map. Check out aMaff's dyno run and commentary in post #9112 here.
I don't think he's removed the VTCS, or at least he doesn't list it as a mod.

 

[Magus]

Man this blows. I hate the fact I have ATX, but damn if I am going to:

A.) pay for premium gas

B.) get a different car


There has to be a way to fix the tune in us ATX so we do not have the bump graph. Yeah we would not get as much power (need the advance timing and premium gas), but smooth power would be good.

Oh well

Magus

 

[Kansei]

Yeah I did the VTCS removal on my intake mani after I sold my MP3 ECU to aMaff.. you don't need to do it with the MP3 ecu, it's not that much of a bottleneck in the intake manifold path. With the MP3 ecu it just won't ever actuate and you could actually remove the solenoid if you did remove VTCS from your car.

 

[mpvpsu]

I know the feeling of the whole ATX problem, but it can be done with an ATX it just takes a stand alone fuel system... Much better than reflashing the ECU. LOL! (rlaugh)

 

[Kansei]

If you guys need a spare ECU to get things going with the flashing process (so that people can just buy the MP3 ecu and then return their P5 ecu) I can submit mine to the cause. I'd just eventually like a Protege5 ECU back

I so could have saved quite a bit of money if something like this was going on before I turboed the car.. could have just been flashed to MSP-spec

 

[rednecks_r_us]

I have an actual MP3 ECU and the power band is so nice and smooth.

I have gotten used to buying premium fuel. But I really like being at 116+/- whp instead of the stock 95 whp. I dyno tomorrow to see if my new flywheel netted em any gains. There will be a new thread for that.


So all in all if you have the chance to get your MTX P5's flashed to MP3 specs then go for it.

 

[FrolessWonder]

im very tempted, but premium is like 2.60 right now... decision decisions...and if i do decide to do this, kansei youl be hearing from me about that p5 ecu!

 

[aMaff]

Josh,

For now I've still got all the VTCS junk intact. That's a 'future' plan, as it's not a huge deal to get to. Just gotta take the time to do it.

 

[Kansei]

remember to buy the two intake manifold gaskets when you do it.. unless you're at ridiculously low mileage.. they are this weird material that drys and cracks

 

[aMaff]

good call, thanks.

 

[JoshP5]

Josh,

For now I've still got all the VTCS junk intact. That's a 'future' plan, as it's not a huge deal to get to. Just gotta take the time to do it.

Thanks for clarifying. My pipe dream is to get an MP3 IM, grind it down a bit, and swap it out when I do the rear m/m. Pretty far down the list, though.

 

[urbanbiker]

I put myself on the list under the name lowandslow.

You guys should really get on this.

The list is at 5 people, we only need 5 more to make it happen

Matt

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

Fu*k, I forgot about the damn ATX catch dammit, count me out for now, need tranny swap first, crap!

 

[mazdaspeed777]

remember to buy the two intake manifold gaskets when you do it.. unless you're at ridiculously low mileage.. they are this weird material that drys and cracks

You could also use one of these intake manifold spacers:

http://www.nsnmotorsports.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_41&products_id=64

It is supposed to get you cooler temps. Has anyone tryed one of these??

 

[P-Funk!]

You could also use one of these intake manifold spacers:

http://www.nsnmotorsports.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_41&products_id=64

It is supposed to get you cooler temps. Has anyone tryed one of these??

I have it - i did it in conjunction with a ported/VTCS-less intake. It really does keep the IM noticably cooler. Actual gains? I couldn't tell you.

 

[dave45090]

I signed up on the list earlier. Hopefully this works out.