Runnin a little rich....

[msp1111]

Hey guys, Ive been having a little bit of an issue with my MSP lately, or so I think. I dont think my gas mileage is as good as it should be, and Ive read on here before that our cars are known for running rich. Though I havent hooked my car up to an EGA in my class yet, I do notice a considerable amount of black carbon deposits on the tail-pipe. I took my car to a Mazda dealership months ago, and found out my ECU had been flashed during the recall, but I still dont think Im getting as good of gas mileage as I am. I guess this could indicate other issues, like acceleration hesitation? Im weary of aftermarket chips but Im not sure what other options I have here. Also, whats an SSFAC?; and when is the recommended mileage to replace the timing belt? (sorry for asking so many questions). I hope the MSPs engine isnt an interference engine Any help/ insight is highly appreciated as usual, and thank-you for reading everyone.

 

[Preferio]

An SSAFC is an Air/Fuel Controller manufactured by Split Second. It is specifically made for the MSP- Model PSC01-020E I think. I'd have to go look at mine to make sure. It's not a 'plug and play' unit and requires cutting into the factory wiring harness at the ECM, but is relatively easy to install. I would strongly suggest purchasing one and personally think it's in the top five modifications that should be done to an MSP whether you're modifying it or leaving it completely stock otherwise. Mazda recommends the timing belt to be inspected at 60k miles and replaced at 105k miles. My technical data shows that it IS an interference engine, but everyone else here says otherwise and AllData has been leading me astray recently with this car. I gained about 2 miles per gallon after installing the SSAFC with the 'superstock', preloaded map, but have since gone to a custom tune due to me running 12.5psi. Some members here are claiming upwards of 34mpg highway and 28 city, but my personal experience is that in the low to mid 20s combined, and the absolute best was 31mpg highway. Keep in mind that I am constantly in boost and drive like a pissed off teenager.

 

[b_dues]

Hmmm...any knowledge of the cars history? Does it have a cat? If it's rich the cat will catch most of the carbon emissions. To fix the rich mixture, SSAFC as Preferio mentioned and a wideband gauge will fix that problem. I get 600kms to a tank of fuel, just to give you some comparison. A rich mixture won't effect your mpgs all that much. I run very rich and my mpgs are still quite good. Invest in an SSAFC and a wideband gauge and you will be very pleased that you did.

 

[msp1111]

Thanks guys, very knowledgeable help. And I feel ya on the Alldata info-finding Preferio, that's what us tech's in training use at my college. That and Mitchell. I've found Mitchell is better for transmission related things. I'll look into the SSAFC and see how that goes. Thanks again for the help guys!