Power FC Untuned

[GunMetalR33]

I am about to buy a PFC Pro,

I have a series 1 r33 which to mind comes a shitty fuel map from the stock ecu. I was wondering if i can install the pfc and drive around with it untunded.

I have been told that the pfc's come pre tuned with some sort of stock like map. Is this true? The issue here is that I live in canberra and have to drive to sydney to get it tuned.

I was hoping that the pfc stock map would be better than the ser 1 stock ecu map.

[Steve]

Yes it does come with a stock map, and yes it is better than the Ser 1 stock ecu map, and yes install away.

I noticed a definate power increase, not huge though. When it went on the dyno, AF ratios were still very rich, I think the base map may have a little more timing though which helps.

After fitting it was some 2 weeks before I got it tuned, and I had no problems even at WOT.

Be aware though, if it is second hand (probably good to do if it is new too) you should reset it.

You should teach it to idle before driving it around too.

[mist]

if it's brand new, u'll find that there is way too much advance in the timing on the base maps, as the settings are meant to suit Japan's really high octane fuel..

[Sydneykid]

Hi guys, I have never had a problem with the base map in a Power FC, running on 98 octane (Ultimate or Optimax). Used to be a problem on 95 though. Just check the knock sensor reading on the Commander to be sure, or watch the dash warning.

[MRK25T]

Just drive the car sensibly until you get the chance to get the car tuned.

I bought a brand new powerfc + commander and installed it in 1/2 hour or so at work in the car park, let it idle for 10min or so (just following the instructions turning air con on etc.) then drove around with it untuned for a week before my tuner was free.

[JimX]

I installed mine the other day and slowly started giving it more and more stick, all the while watching the knock sensor carefully. So far it's never gone above 33 even after a decent thrash last night. Since the warning doesn't come on until 60 I'm guessing I'm more than safe, at least until the weather warms up. With moderate driving it never goes above 20 or so.

Like Steve I've found the difference in power to be significant. The biggest difference is in throttle response off idle, which is now better than it was with a well-tuned S-AFC. Not much more power up top, but a bootful more in mid-range. I'm just going to run it like this until I can afford a tune, and then get it done just after putting the 550's in.

[GunMetalR33]

I am getting the powerFC from greenline, so it will be second hand. I gues this means that i will have to re-set it, is it the same as resetting the stock ecu? Does it learn after a reset like the stock ecu?

[MRK25T]

The guy who tuned my powerFC didn't want the knock sensor measuring anywhere above 20

[Steve]

I am pretty sure greenline only sell new stuff.

to reset the ecu, you go into the 'etc' menu, highlight the reset ecu function, push next button, it will ask you to confirm, push next, then turn the ignition off and on and voila, all done.

I would highly recommend getting a copy of the commander pdf off the apexi-usa site. The download is for RX7, but most functions are the same.

[Ustasa]

Be wary of using the knock sensor to detect pinging. Some cars have faulty or very sensitive knock sensors and can lead you up the garden path if you aren’t careful.

[Steve]

Is there any way to check this?

[Steve]

Also, what are the alternatives?

[muffas 180]

Knock warning light comes on at 60. Anything below this is fine. Obviously less is best. Steve the only way i think to check your knock is to put the car on the dyno or replace the sensor with another one not changing any settings and seeing what it reads.

Michael...