MP3 ECU model number...

[garretts77]

OK, I am trying to get an ECU from a local recycler. I have already found one online for $175 shipped but would like to get a local one if I can. Anyways, I gave him the Mazda part number (FS9N-18-881), but he says that he needs the number that has 12A650 in the middle of it someplace.

I think I just need a picture of somebody's MP3 ECU so I can see the serial number, unless somebody knows this number for me. I know that I saw a picture a while back, but I can't find it.

Help a brotha out???

 

[garretts77]

I just spoke to them again and he said it is the number stamped into the plastic. I suppose he means where the harness plugs in. Anyways, I told him that mine was swiped and I don't have one to look at, so he is supposed to call me back. But if somebody knows this number in the mean time, let me know. Thanks...

 

[garretts77]

(bump)

 

[gar777]

I believe there were 3 and the part numbers are:

FS9N-18-881
FS9N-18-881B
FS9N-18-881C
The C was the latest one and is the only one Mazda now stocks so it seems to have superceded the others.

I'm not sure where he gets the 12A650. To confirm it's from an MP3, get the VIN and check it with Mazda USA.

 

[garretts77]

Need some help with this...

OK, so I just got off of the phone with a wrecker. He has one that his computer says works with the MP3. The part number that he gave me was:

FS9N-18881-C

This looks very similar to the MP3 numbers that I listed above, but he is worried about the dashes not being the same as what I listed. I don't think it is a problem, but I wanted to be sure before I fork over the money on something that may not work.

I also got that other number that I was talking about. 1ALS-126A50-ALC.

Anybody that can ease my tensions about the part number? I think it is ok, but I would like some reinforcement...

 

[garretts77]

Just spoke to the Mazda parts counter and they said not to worry about the placement of the dashes. Pretty much what I thought, but I wanted some feedback from somebody. Anyways, my MP3 computer is on its way to its new home...

 

[gar777]

cool. I want one too. how'd you find it, where'd you get it and, if you don't mind my asking, how much was it?

also, when you get it installed, report back on difference you notice.

thanks

 

[garretts77]

will do. I am working part time right now so I have a lot of free time. The one that I bought I actually got from www.car-part.com. It was some wrecker in OR. But I did a search for Mazda recyclers on Google and came up with a bunch of places. I just started down the list. I found one place that said they have it, but the guy didn't get back to me. I got impatient and went someplace else.

Check out post #13 here: http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98728

 

[gar777]

Cool, thanks. I found a place in FL who said they had one for for $275 shipped but it stills seems like it'd be easy to get ripped off buying one this way (ECU but not MP3) and this is a fair amount to risk. I'm definitely going to do it but would love to hear about your results and do some more research too (and maybe find a cheaper one). thanks

awesome price btw, great negotiating!

 

[garretts77]

Yeah, I made him read the numbers back to me. I am pretty confident it is correct.

 

[gar777]

what are you doing about the VTCS (which the MP3 didn't have). remove it, tie it open, switch to MP3 upper intake?

 

[garretts77]

The way that I understand it, the butterflies stay open on the VTCS since the MP3 ECU doesn't know about them. They only close under vaccuum from the VTCS solenoid, but since that will never happen with the MP3 ecu, it is fine. I could be wrong, but that is what I have gathered.

Anyways, I plan on removing the VTCS and porting the IM like in the how-to. once I get a little time.

 

[gar777]

Same here on the VTCS removal/porting. I wasn't sure if the default VTCS position with the MP3 ECU was open or closed so I thought I might have to wire them open until I get time for the How-to.

 

[Protephile]

OK, so I just got off of the phone with a wrecker. He has one that his computer says works with the MP3. The part number that he gave me was:

FS9N-18881-C

This looks very similar to the MP3 numbers that I listed above, but he is worried about the dashes not being the same as what I listed. I don't think it is a problem, but I wanted to be sure before I fork over the money on something that may not work.

I also got that other number that I was talking about. 1ALS-126A50-ALC.

Anybody that can ease my tensions about the part number? I think it is ok, but I would like some reinforcement...

FS9N-18881-C is the correct number for sure. I just pulled one out of a wrecked MP3 last week and installed it over the weekend.

 

[gar777]

FS9N-18881-C is the correct number for sure. I just pulled one out of a wrecked MP3 last week and installed it over the weekend.

Hey, how about a review of MP3 ECU -- before and after. How noticeable, if at all, was the difference? What RPM range, etc.

I have a 5sp and am hoping to get the ECU and RB exhaust so my powertrain will be similar to yours. Thanks in advance.

 

[garretts77]

Thanks for the confirmation. Mine should be here this week.

 

[garretts77]

I just got a voice mail from Ron Rodrigez, the wrecker that didn't call me back. He said if I hadn't found the ECU yet, that he does have one. Give him a call... 214-943-7780 I doubt he is holding it for me, but I (Garrett) already ordered mine someplace else.

 

[Protephile]

Hey, how about a review of MP3 ECU -- before and after. How noticeable, if at all, was the difference? What RPM range, etc.

I have a 5sp and am hoping to get the ECU and RB exhaust so my powertrain will be similar to yours. Thanks in advance.

gar77--you won't feel much of a difference under 4000rpm, but the pull above 4500 is really nice! For $100 I am very pleased. I am hoping to add the Wagner shorty header and eventually a DP with high-flow cat--that should give me a little more oomph. I am also running the long-reach NGK plugs.
Good luck with your search.

 

[garretts77]

Review Day 1: I installed this morning and have driven to work and back. It is definately noticeable. Don't expect a turbo or anything close to it, but as posted above, it pulls harder in the upper RPMs. It doesn't seem to drop off at 5200 RPM like it did before. Everything just feels smoother to redline...

So far so good...

 

[garretts77]

Follow-up: Still liking it. Another small bonus is that I no longer have the cold start rattle anymore...