Reprogramming P5 computer

[talon4x4]

This is a quote from Protege521 over at at the ProtegeTech EZ-Board. I'm wondering if anyone else has done this and how well it has worked.

"The Computer is reprogramable. Go to Mazda's service department and ask to speak with a tech, no one else. Most Mazda Dealerships have a computer designed to reprogram ECU's.
You will need: MP3, (the actual car), the computer from the dealership, and about an hour. You have to start running premium gas but most are already. There is a def, differance, you would not be disappointed. I got mine for free but thats because of a connection, talk to the tech, he shouldn't charge more than $50.The new program will advance the timing and increase the fuel output."

 

[PortCityMP3]

Or you could just trade ECUs' with me !!

 

[20ESGUY]

talon, one question for you, do you remember if the the dealer's comp. had a system where you enter a vin# or it just gave you a choice of selectable programs from a database. I don't know if mazda's DRB system works like dodge's or not, but if it does then you wouldn't need an actual MP3 just a vin# from one. The system would download the maps and parameters from chrysler's site then to the DRB the from the DRB to the specific ECU you were flashing.

 

[talon4x4]

Or you could just trade ECUs' with me !!

Great idea!!! What's your address???

talon, one question for you, do you remember if the the dealer's comp. had a system where you enter a vin# or it just gave you a choice of selectable programs from a database

I have no idea on the specifics. I just read about it on another Mazda board.

 

[20ESGUY]

I have no idea on the specifics. I just read about it on another Mazda board.

Sorry, thats what I get for speed reading at work.

 

[ArkosP5]

Go check on Flyin Miata's page, they did some preliminary testing on swapping MP3/P5 ECUs, ... don't know that it was worth it, ...

 

[talon4x4]

I saw the info on Fliyin' Miatas page but......this guy was talking about getting the P5 computer reprogrammed as an MP3 computer. Which would be a hell of a lot cheaper then spending about $1000 on an MP3 computer.

Come on....has anyone done this or at least heard of what this guy is talking about??

 

[70]

I don't know about the reprogramming issue. But something tells me it's not as easy as that becuase the part numbers are different.

As far as putting the MP3 ECU in a regular Protege, you will see an improvement.

 

[jmauld]

I am sure the software is the only difference, and I do remember seeing where someone had successfully done this. If there wasn't so damn many protege forums/boards then it would be easier to find the information where it was done previously.

 

[mp5]

I looked into this last March as a possible fix for my cold start rattle. My dealer said they could do it in about 1 hour but that it would void my emissions warranty and there was no gaurantee that it would solve my cold start rattle. In addition, I would have to use 91 octane gas vs 87 now.

To answer 20esguy's question, the dealer can get the software directly from Mazda USA and they don't need a vin number.

 

[1sty]

Or you could just trade ECUs' with me !!

Why would you want to throw away power output by sweapping ECUs. I have been running fine with my MP3 and 8 PSI

 

[PortCityMP3]

Trust me I just switch out ECUs' ( Thanks Tom @ Kartboy ! ) and there is not much diff at all. I might have lost a little low end torque but I can hardly tell a difference except for the fact that now it runs smooth all the way to the rev limiter!!! Maybe your fine running your setup at 8psi ..but at 6 hell even 5 I heard this fluttering at wot @ 4-6000 rpms'.. I went through a tunnel on the way back home ( Charlotte ) one night and damn there it was !! Sounded like rocks bouncing around in the engine!! Thus pinging!! and Bill at FM had this prob. with Chris Stutters ECU in the p5. Now I have peace of mind and no pinging well worth the 3-6 hp "loss".

 

[1sty]

what octane where you running

 

[PortCityMP3]

93 amoco ultimate

 

[1sty]

Can you devine fluttering. you metioned you had it between 4-6. Was there any other sine of a problem. SOunds like it may not be posiible to hear it unless in a closed chamber that will echo the ping.

 

[70]

Trust me I just switch out ECUs' ( Thanks Tom @ Kartboy ! ) and there is not much diff at all. I might have lost a little low end torque but I can hardly tell a difference except for the fact that now it runs smooth all the way to the rev limiter!!! Maybe your fine running your setup at 8psi ..but at 6 hell even 5 I heard this fluttering at wot @ 4-6000 rpms'.. I went through a tunnel on the way back home ( Charlotte ) one night and damn there it was !! Sounded like rocks bouncing around in the engine!! Thus pinging!! and Bill at FM had this prob. with Chris Stutters ECU in the p5. Now I have peace of mind and no pinging well worth the 3-6 hp "loss".

There wasn't much difference between my ECU and FM's Protege 5 ECU...Actually, the Protege 5 ECU made a little more torque all the way up, however, my ECU ran a "smoother" line all the way through the power band. So, I find it interesting that you think you lost torque down low.

As far as changing ECU's, if we all remember back a few threads, both Keith and Bill said for now that MP3 owners might want to trade ECUs out with a regular Protege until they finish testing things.

 

[1sty]

I know about there reccemendations but I have not heard the same from Corky and I can't hear any pinging. It doesn't help that the only sine of it is a sound so suttle that it can barely be heard at idle let alone WOT in our cars. I am woundering if the knock sensor can be tapped to send a signal to a light or sensor that will actualy let us know what the hell is going on, plus I'm a little short on tunnels in my area.

 

[70]

I know about there reccemendations but I have not heard the same from Corky and I can't hear any pinging. It doesn't help that the only sine of it is a sound so suttle that it can barely be heard at idle let alone WOT in our cars. I am woundering if the knock sensor can be tapped to send a signal to a light or sensor that will actualy let us know what the hell is going on, plus I'm a little short on tunnels in my area.

Ah, just drive around in a box...Or get a ninja to ride on your hood and listen. Just hope he doesn't flip out and like chop your head off.

 

[tom@kartboy.com]

have you guys tried the safeguard from J&S?
that might be a good safeguard against dettionation
http://www.jandssafeguard.com/orders.html

 

[1sty]

have you guys tried the safeguard from J&S?
that might be a good safeguard against dettionation
http://www.jandssafeguard.com/orders.html

Which one are we looking at here?