The PLAYERS
A'PEXi Power FC
The Japanese high-performance company A'PEXi makes an assortment of
programmable plug-in computers for many high-performance Japanese vehicles.
These ECUs are specific to each vehicle and use all of the standard input
sensors, output actuators and wiring loom.
Known as the "Power FC", the system allows tuning of fuel and ignition timing
maps, airflow meter signal adjustment, boost control accelerator enrichment
compensation, ignition cranking, fuel adjustment, water temperature correction
and rev limit control. This is all done via a back-lit LCD handset which
connects into the new ECU, and it can be left on Monitor Mode to view real-time
water temp, oil temp/pressure, rpm, airflow, air/fuel ratio etc. The Power FC
comes pre-programmed to suit a "typical" application, giving a starting point
program. Note that there is a PC link and appropriate PC software available for
the Power FC, but the software is in Japanese and so is apparently not sold
outside of Japan.
The programmable ECU is literally plug-in compatible with Civic VTi-R,
Integra Type R, FD-series RX-7, Lancer Evo 5 - current, 180SX, 200SX, R32 - R34
GT-R, R32 GTS-t, R33 GTS25T, GC WRX, 2ZZ Celica, 1ZZ MR-2 and MR-2 Turbo.
Haltech E6GM
Haltech's E6GM is a plug-in replacement computer for cars using the Delco
system of factory management - mainly Australian Holdens. As it is a plug-in, no
wiring or harness changes need to be made and it uses all factory sensors in its
operation. Once installed, a laptop PC is loaded with the supplied software,
giving full access to programming the ECU. The system can be switched from one
setting to another (ie economy-power mode), there is full data logging and also
optional fuel and ignition trim knobs to make speedy changes. The ECU is the
now-superseded E6 unit that was previously marketed as a standalone system. You can adjust 3 ranges of
acceleration enrichment, cold start prime, warm-up enrichment, fuel cut
adjustment on deceleration, idle air control, set an rpm limit and various other
parameters on top the main fuel and ignition maps. Good for up to 16,000 rpm, it
offers up to 22 separate fuel and ignition maps and can be configured with
distributor or direct-fire ignition systems. Closed-loop fuel control and data
logging is also available.
Note that there are two versions of the E6GM - one will control 4 low
impedance injectors or up to 8 high impedance injectors, while an E6GM-8 variant
doubles this capacity.
Autronic
The Autronic 'plug-and-play' replacement board is based on the universal-fit
SMC programmable management system. This means you get a PC-programmable 16Mhz
Intel 16-bit microprocessor, 3D fuel and ignition mapping with up to 32
user-defined rpm and 16 load sites (giving a total of 512 sites), closed-loop
mixture control and sequential injector firing. High current injector drivers
are also available for 0.9 ohm or twin injector applications.
The ignition side of things offers 0 - 45 degrees (crank angle) adjustment in
0.5 degrees increments, the capacity for up to 30,000 rpm and potential to
operate direct-fire coils. There is no knock control function.
Other features of the board include electronic boost control, anti-lag, soft
rev limiting, fuel pump safety shut-off, altitude compensation, diagnostics,
limp-home error function, idle and fan control, data logging and auxiliary
outputs (one pulse-width modulated and two on/off). Note also that a 500 kPa
(absolute pressure) in-built MAP sensor is used as the engine load input,
negating the need for the factory airflow meter.
The Autronic plug and play suits Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 4 to 7 and Subaru WRXs
from 1999 to 2000. American market Eclipse 2G DSM and Evo 8 are also catered
for.
MicroTech
MicroTech offers plug-in programmable computers for some of the most popular
Japanese performance cars. These plug-in systems comprise an off-the-shelf
Microtech programmable ECU with a short adapter loom and connection that plugs
straight into the factory loom. Each plug-in comes with a conservative set of
base maps as a platform for further tuning.
There are two Microtech systems available in plug-in form - the LT8 and
LT12.
Both systems feature sixteen load points for fuel and timing from 30"Hg to 20
psi (as determined by an in-built MAP sensor). Mapping is at 500 rpm intervals,
and there's adjustable acceleration and cranking enrichment, WOT adjustment,
water and air temp correction. Timing is adjustable over a 45-degree range
between 500 and 8000 rpm, with a two-stage adjustable rev limit. PC data logging
and electronic boost control is included in the deal, as is air-conditioning
control, auxiliary output switching, injector staging and a lean cruise
facility. There is no knock sensing.
The LT8 plug-in is available to suit the FD-series Mazda RX-7while the LT12
version comes to suit R32 and R33 Nissan Skyline turbos (excluding the GT-R).
More vehicles will be accommodated in the future - contact MicroTech for up to
date details.
GEMS
GEMS "software implants" retain all the factory hardware except a replacement
(or additional) board is fitted inside the standard ECU case. These are commonly
used in Group N rallying.
Fuel control and ignition is by 3D lookup tables using throttle position and
engine speed for normally aspirated engines or manifold absolute pressure and
engine speed for turbocharged engines. If the original system uses an airflow
meter this can be retained if necessary. Ambient air temperature, coolant
temperature, barometric pressure and battery voltage are measured and used to
compensate for prevailing conditions. Depending on the factory configuration,
the GEMS implants can be used to control knock, boost, shift lights, anti-lag,
water sprays and more.
Implants are available to suit Mitsubishi Lancer Evos 1 to 7, Subaru STi,
Mazda 323 Turbo, Peugeot 106, Ford Sierra Cosworth and RS200 and VW Vento. There
is also a GEMS EM20 plug-in to suit Rover K-series powered vehicles, such as the
MGF and Lotus Elise. Basic calibrations are available for all implants but
fine-tuning is required to accommodate different grade fuels, restrictor sizes
and engine modifications where applicable.
Wolf
Wolf offers 3D plug-in computers for a growing number of popular Australian
cars.
These plug-ins come with 4 standard injector outputs for model specific
4-cylinder sequential injection. Up to six ignition outputs come fitted and
timing is adjustable in 0.35 degree steps. Both fuel and ignition is adjustable
in 16 bands every 125 rpm. Closed-loop fuel control and boost control come in
certain models, while ambient temp compensation is also configurable. There are
up to five spare outputs that can be used to switch depending on load, rpm, temp
and more.
Wolf plug-ins are currently available to suit Nissan Pulsar GTi-R, R32/R33
GTS, 180SX SR20DET, Series 1 S14 200SX, S15 200SX, Delco Holden V6 and V8
manuals (1988 to 1992) and the Mazda (Miata) 1.6. More models are to come.
Contacts:
Haltech
+61 2 9525 2400
http://www.haltech.com.au/
Autronic
+61 2 9896 6888
http://www.autronic.com/
Microtech
+61 2 9808 5233
http://microtechefi.com/
GEMS
http://www.gems.co.uk
Wolf
+61 3 9532 0644
http://www.wolfems.com.au/home
|