R33 Gtst - Apexi Safc Neo And Vct, Also Ign Timing Q

[hardsteppa]

have bought an safc neo after some discussion with a tuner in the area.The Neo has a fairly extensive control for Honda's VTEC and since as I understand it VCT triggers at a set rpm via activation of a solenoid, could the VTEC control be used for VCT instead? Reading the manual it sounds like it could but anyone else tried it or know much about the finer points of VTEC and VCT workings to shed any info on this?

Also, everyone's always throwing it about that safc's are rubbish because of the ignition timing advancing when leaning out the afr, but...with the stock ecu going into rich and retard at higher boost levels, wouldn't this be a good thing (to a point)? As in, otherwise sure you would be tuning to a better afr but the timing would still be retarded....But with it working as it does, you would be tuning the afr's and also bringing the ign timing back up (because it had been retarded under R &R)

[Super Drager]

have bought an safc neo after some discussion with a tuner in the area.The Neo has a fairly extensive control for Honda's VTEC and since as I understand it VCT triggers at a set rpm via activation of a solenoid, could the VTEC control be used for VCT instead? Reading the manual it sounds like it could but anyone else tried it or know much about the finer points of VTEC and VCT workings to shed any info on this?

Also, everyone's always throwing it about that safc's are rubbish because of the ignition timing advancing when leaning out the afr, but...with the stock ecu going into rich and retard at higher boost levels, wouldn't this be a good thing (to a point)? As in, otherwise sure you would be tuning to a better afr but the timing would still be retarded....But with it working as it does, you would be tuning the afr's and also bringing the ign timing back up (because it had been retarded under R &R)

Doesn't quite work that way, the SAFC intercepts and changes the AFM signal before the ECU gets to see it. Basically depending on how you tune it(leaner or richer), your boost cut/R&R/AFM airflow limiter will move. If you lean it out which would lower AFM voltage, the ECU would just think its in a lower load part of the map so it won't hit R&R. All i will say is make sure the tuner uses detonation detecting equipment as most don't when using an SAFC, seen more than a few cars with a perfect AFR curve and then have my knocklite go spastic when i plug it in.

[hardsteppa]

tha's cool, thanks. I know about safc lowering afm signal, guess i was thinking along lines of, could still be in r&r part of map but lean out a little, but will leave it to the tuner lol.

[KiwiRS4T]

If you must use an SAFC you should look out for an SITC to control timing. I've been down that road and it works but no where near as well as my LINK G4!

If you are doing it because you have an auto you will wish later (like me) that you had got a manual box first. In my case (Stagea) I didn't have much choice but to fit a GTR box but you could choose to sell your car and buy a manual (or just get the box).

tha's cool, thanks. I know about safc lowering afm signal, guess i was thinking along lines of, could still be in r&r part of map but lean out a little, but will leave it to the tuner lol.