EcuTek ProECU tuning options for Mazda MX-5
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Mazda’s best-selling sports car,as well as the launch of the latest model today, EcuTek has enhanced its range of software options further still, in order to endow this capable little roadster with a punch that belies its diminutive stature. As the perfect enhancement on either a standard or modified example, EcuTek’s sophisticated software allows both owners and tuners to enjoy a far greater level of control and enhancement than the factory system could ever hope to offer.
The software has been designed to support all models from 2005 onwards, including all 1.8 and 2 litre NC or 3rd Generation Mazda MX-5 models. Thanks to an extensive global dealer network, EcuTek has tested over different 100 ECU versions, from all international sales regions, so no matter where your MX5 hails from, this will be a safe and effective tuning solution.
Once installed by an EcuTek dealer the ingenious ProECU upgrade allows re-calibration of the factory standard ECU. This allows further power to be released from mechanically standard vehicles or custom tunes for special modifications – including vehicles that may have had forced induction set-ups added to enhance power. As an OEM supplier to the like of Subaru, Cosworth and Mitsubishi, EcuTek has managed to achieve a great deal of additional control and adjustment without having to sacrifice any of the essential safety parameters that are inbuilt into the OEM ECU. After all, power is nothing without control!
With the ProECU fully integrated into the Mazda’s ‘brain’, every parameter can be adjusted with infinitesimal levels of fine control. Fuel maps and ignition timing maps can be plotted to suit each individual application, as can knock control and cam timing.
In fact, the ProECU set-up offers experienced tuners the kinds of options only usually offered with much more expensive ‘stand-alone’ ECU options. Proving its level of sophistication, the EcuTek system also offers access to the intake manifold runner control, as well as both speed and rev limiters – essential when cars are tuned way beyond their original design parameters. In addition to this, ProECU also allows the ability to both enable and disable the DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) functionality to suit the required purpose.
Additional functionality comes in the form of the RaceROM upgrade package – available at extra cost. This creates a whole range of additional features that, once fitted, can be activated by the driver.
These features include;
Launch Control
The launch RPM is adjustable from the cruise control stalk and can be enabled for any of the four separate customisable modes.
Flat-foot Shifting
Flat-foot Shifting allows the driver to keep their foot flat on the accelerator while changing gears, to minimise gear change time and keep engine speed and torque up for when the next gear is engaged.
With this function, it is also possible to adjust the torque to maximise power when engaging the next gear. This is useful when fitting a stronger transmission, or to minimise torque to reduce wheel spin on higher power engines (such as turbo or supercharged vehicles).
Downshift Auto-Blip
The Auto Blip feature applies a short burst of throttle when the driver is down-shifting under braking. This raises the RPM to help provide a smooth entry into the lower gear by reducing engine braking.
Per-gear Rev Limits
This feature allows per gear rev limits to be configured. It could be used to improve 0-60 times by allowing a higher 2nd gear limit to just hit 60 mph / 100 km/h in 2nd, whilst preserving the lower rev limit in other gears.
Map Switching
Map switching for the MX5 provides 4 separate customisable tuning modes, which can be changed on-the-fly by the driver using either the cruise control switchgear, the traction control switches, the defog-switch or the automatic transmission mode switches (only available on models with the automatic transmission).
These modes can be customised to provide bespoke settings such as:
Valet mode - Limits enabled so that the Engine RPM is limited or the torque is limited.
Economy Mode - The car is tuned to provide the best fuel economy but with reduced performance.
Race Mode - High power mode for track use.
Dual Fuel Mode - Settings for different fuel types such as E85 or high quality race fuel.
The map switching also works with other RaceROM features such as Launch Control, Flat-foot Shifting, Throttle Auto-blip or Speed Density. It can also be combined with the RaceROM Custom Maps to enable custom features and functions under certain conditions.
Speed Density
The Speed Density (SD) feature changes the way the engine load is calculated. When SD mode is activated, the ECU will disregard the MAF sensor reading and will instead calculate mass airflow based on Engine Speed, Manifold Pressure and Air Temperature, this allows the MAF sensor to be removed, and a larger intake may then be fitted if desired.
Speed Density can be toggled in any map switch modes, and a hybrid MAF and Speed Density system can be implemented to aid accurate readings at low speed and provide maximum calibration at high power levels. A range of activation options are available for Engine Speed, Mass Air Flow or Manifold Pressure.
For more information on the EcuTek tuning range, visit ecutek.com.
