Plug-In Programmable WRX ECU
Australian Subaru Impreza WRX specialist BGT has just released a plug-in programmable ECU for the WRX. The programmable ECU uses all of the standard Subaru wiring loom and sensors, with the exception of an added intake air temperature sensor located after the intercooler. The ECU - built for BGT by a major Australian programmable ECU manufacturer - offers full adjustment of fuel, ignition, turbo boost and knock sensor ignition retard.
The ECU features idle-up control for the accessory loads like airconditioning, and has programmable on/off outputs for an intercooler water spray and water injection. It is adjusted by a 2 or 4 row LCD hand controller. The ECU is available for the Liberty (Legacy) RS, and 1994-1998 model Impreza WRX. The 1999 model WRX will be catered for shortly. The ECU costs A$1550 supplied and fitted with the 2-line handset A$150 and the 4-line handset A$165.
Contact BGT on +613 9882 0700
or visit their website
New Fueltronics Products
Australian electronic performance company Fueltronics has undergone a change of ownership and direction. It recently launched a range of add-on electronic modules designed to interface with the ECU and provide added performance. AutoSpeed plans to review most of the following products in coming issues.
First cab off the rank is the AMFC PRO. This is an airflow meter or MAP sensor interface that allows adjustment of the sensor's output. The AMFC PRO is PC-addressable, with adjustment of the signal output by ±
100 per cent able to be made at 20 load points. This means that the fuel map of a vehicle can be modified, allowing the use of a larger airflow meter or compensation of the fuel curve for modifications such as performance camshafts or a different-sized turbo. Unlike similar products on the market, the AMFC PRO is a universal device, able to be used with any load sensor having a voltage output. The module also incorporates a fuel cut defender and so is able to lift the boost cut which is present in some turbo cars. The AMFC costs A$475.
The company has also released a digital speed cut lifter. Speed limiters are present on many cars - especially those imported privately from Japan - and this device removes the 140 or 180km/h cut. A fully digital module, the SCL PRO uses a digital PC interface to set the new speed limit. It can be purchased pre-programmed for common car types. It exactly replicates the input signal on its output until a programmable speed is reached, where upon it holds the output at this value. Having the actual speed cut programmable means that problems with incorrect speed inputs to the auto trans controller and the like are avoided. The SCL PRO costs $A350.
Finally, Fueltronics has released the Smart Switch, a module designed to operate any device once the signal from two ECU sensors both pass pre-set levels. One input triggers when the voltage falls below the level, while the other triggers when the voltage rises above the level. With both inputs triggered, the output voltage is enabled with loads of up to 10 amps able to be directly driven. Using inputs from the inlet air temp sensor and throttle position or boost, the Smart Switch can be used to control water injection, an intercooler water spray, an intercooler electric fan, or the pump in a water/air intercooling system. The Smart Switch costs just A$145.
Contact Fueltronics on +618 8363 2199
or www.fueltronics.com.au
Need For Speed
Need For Speed at www.needforspeed.co.uk is an on-line shop for performance parts. Based in the UK, they sell parts and accessories all over the world. The business covers a very wide range of road and race parts, from titanium bolts to camping equipment to performance camshafts to advanced driving tuition. Head honcho David Finlay told us that the range of available products is expanding faster than the site can be built, and so visitors are welcome to e-mail the company if they can't find what they are looking for. The only drawback of the site is that there are lots of words but not so many pictures, so it's ideal if you know exactly what you want and are simply hunting for the best price.
Lock Jaw
Australia's Porta Power distributes the Autolock range of products designed and manufactured in the UK. Most impressive is the Autolock 2000 which fits all regular cars and is especially suitable for airbag equipped cars. It adjusts from 350-400mm diameter and is made using strong steel and hardened components for added security. Interestingly, in the UK airbag theft is quite common and this is the only wheel lock we know of that can prevent this. It also protects the bag from damage.
Highly visible, the stylish design can resist prolonged attack from thieves (using hammers, drills, saws and crowbars!) and has over 10 million key combinations. It is easy to use as it deadlocks into position without the need to be manually locked using a key. Its extendable telescopic arm retracts to make the Autolock 2000 easier to store under seats. Porta Power sell the product for A$229.
A great supplement to the Autolock 2000 is the Protector. This is a clever device that immobilises a vehicle by locking both the handbrake lever and gear-stick into fixed positions. Available for automatic and manual gearbox cars, it keeps the brake fully engaged and prevents the selection of any transmission gear - thus rendering the car happy in that position. It's the same high visibility colour as the steering wheel lock and it features a tough, precision engineered 2-way adjustable hinge - which enables the lock to be set to suit the interior design your car. A radial pin tumbler lock with 10,000 key combinations is used to unlock the device, while activating is simple using a snap-shut lock that grasps the gear-stick.
It is available through Porta Power for A$119, but note that it doesn't fit some vehicles.
Contact Porta Power on +61 2 9829 1130.
A6 V8
The Audi A6 is to be released with a 5 valves per cylinder 4.2 litre V8. The 220kW engine uses a three-stage variable intake manifold and the car is equipped with quattro four wheel drive, electronic stability control and 5-speed Tiptronic auto trans. All-aluminium independent suspension, optional 17 x 8 wheels and wide-track suspension with extended wheel arches are other highlights.
Quickies
- Car dress-up company Carshine has a new web site - go to http://www.carshine.com.au/ to see the latest fashions for cars. The company sells body styling parts, alloy wheels, suspension kits, sports rear mufflers, interior wood and carbon dash kits, gear knobs and monogrammed car mats.
- The Subaru Liberty (Legacy) wagon has won the Wheels magazine Car of the Year award. The widely-respected Australian magazine's award judges vehicles against six criteria including safety and utilisation of resources. The sedan version will be released in Australia in late February.
- Peugeot has built 2 million 306 model cars. Of these, 50,000 have been cabriolets, with the car also produced as three and five door hatchbacks, a four door sedan and as a wagon.
- Ford Australia has joined forces with Tickford and Glenn Seton Racing to form Ford Tickford Racing (FTR). The new team will run two AU XR8 Falcons in the 1999 Shell Australian Touring Car Championship and make its race debut at the 1999 Melbourne Formula One Grand Prix. Neil Crompton has been signed to drive the team's second car, partnering Glenn Seton who will be chasing his third championship.
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