Aftermarket ECUs / Ignition

[Roy]

Chapter 32,984...

So a Power Fc has 6 ignition drivers to run the 6 cylinder RB. And i think its pretty well known that the std Nissan coil packs are a good thing for plenty of power.

Now just prior to buying a Power Fc, 2 separate Autronic dealers said that if you are getting over 350rwhp then you will need to do something about the igntion system. :confused:

The SMC has only 4 ignition drivers, so using wasted spark setup fires the coils in pairs using 3 drivers (3x2). Can running wasted spark cause them to run a little hotter/fail, is it something that removing the plug cover helps keep in check?

I know the plug in Wolf has 6 ignition drivers, does the plug in Microtech?

Ill give the Pfc a go, and no doubt will be happy, but if i can sell off the Pfc without losing too much money then i would like to run the Autronic once i have done a little more research and am comfortable that it will all work as it should.

Perhaps ill run the Pfc until i can save up the extra money for the SM2, traction control, flat shift ignition cut, launch control, anti-lag, and AutoTune option all cost money but would be pretty cool. :aroused:

[N I B]

Autronic have trouble at hi power with ignition But PFC and wolf have no trouble at 6 to 700rwhp.See the next Zoom as we have a GTR with 682rwhp with a Wolf and stock module and coils,We have had 600rwhp with PFC with the coils still coping well.

Never tryed the microtech so i cant help you there but the PFC is a safe choice.

[R31 POWER]

Is it true the pfc has excellent ignition power

[Roy]

Can anyone say if in a performance application is there anything really wrong with a fuel only rev limit, the big dollar ECUs normally have fuel & ignition.

[Sydneykid]

Can anyone say if in a performance application is there anything really wrong with a fuel only rev limit, the big dollar ECUs normally have fuel & ignition.

Only if you leave it bouncing off the rev limiter for a long time. An example;

We usually gear the race car for 250 kph top speed at Eastern Creek. But if we have a strong southerly (head wind) we gear it for 240 kph, so it accelerates faster. But if the wind changes around to the NE, the car hits the rev limiter in 5th half way down the grandstand. Holding it on the rev limiter until the lift for turn 1 would be very bad with a fuel only rev limiter as it would run lean for a long time. :spew: So an ignition interrupt would be better in that circumstance.

On the other hand, if you are using the rev limit as a gear change point, then the microsecond with fuel cut is not a problem.

That's why top line ecu's have 2 types of rev limiter.

Hope that helps

[Roy]

Is there any real advantage in getting the Datalogit to tune a PFc, things like air temp v ignition being fully adjutable instead of fixed etc.

Can anyone shed any light on the anti lag boost system that can be used with the Apexi software or the Datalogit software.

I dont really need the Datalogit for the data logging as i have that sorted, im more concerned about the functionality of the tuning and flexibility with only using the handset.... thoughts ppl?

[Emre]

If you've already sorted the data-logging sorted, or do not needed, there isn't much need for the Datalogit software.

It opens up a few more adjustable parameters for you, but you will find that they will not require any change (like air temp v ignition). Air flow settings are completely adjustable with the datalogit, but you would have to be very competent before altering any of those.

Ignition wise, Power FC is quite capable of handling high hp in this regard. If needed, HKS Twin Power can be a good addition to the system @ a cost of around $900.

[Sydneykid]

Is there any real advantage in getting the Datalogit to tune a PFc, things like air temp v ignition being fully adjutable instead of fixed etc.  

Can anyone shed any light on the anti lag boost system that can be used with the Apexi software or the Datalogit software.  

I dont really need the Datalogit for the data logging as i have that sorted, im more concerned about the functionality of the tuning and flexibility with only using the handset.... thoughts ppl?

My rule of thumb, if it takes 30 minutes with the Commander it takes 10 minutes with the laptop. So time saved is worth it. Plus the laptop display makes it easier to do a quick scan of the maps to look for anything out of range. There are few niceties that you can get at with the datalogit that you can't to with the Commander. Plus I like to lock my maps, that way no one can change them with a Commander.

Maybe I should loan you my RB20DET Datalogit, that way you can try it for your self. Pitty you moved to Mexico. :thumbdwn:

You don't really want to get into anti lag, do you? We used to replace the turbo once a week with anti lag running, it is hell on the turbine. Plus we used to kill exhaust manifolds and dumps regularly. One manifold melted so much that the turbo drooped and the engine pipe hit the ground. Took ages to work out what was going on. In case you haven't got it, I am not a big fan of anti lag, the maintenance costs are not to be ignored. :spew:

Maybe others are not so down on anti lag as me, I am sure they will tell you if that's the case.

[Emre]

SK,

Which default settings do you like to change with the Datalogit software, that aren't available with a hand controller...?

Locking and storing maps are a huge plus.

My Power FC reset itself to default settings on two occasions and i was very glad to have the laptop on the back seat.

[GTR32]

SK,

My Power FC reset itself to default settings on two occasions

Hi Emre;

that's very, very scary. do you know of others that have had this problem?

[Emre]

GTR32,

I've never witnessed others having the same problem. From memory, in UK forums, someone had an issue, but i can't remember exactly.

I had a second hand Power FC prior to my current one and never had this problem. The current one was brand new and there are no spliced wires in the ECU loom. On both occasions that it reset itself, it was a very hot day and the car was parked under the full glare of the sun. One was after a long 2 hour drive, the other was at the drag strip.

I have a hunch it has more to do with my alarm installation but never looked into it further.