Simtek Ecu Upgrades
30 January 2008, 01:11 AM
#152
Around August 2006 I became aware of the Simtek. I had already replaced my six row Link with an Apexi Power FC that was a disappointment on my MY95 WRX. After asking numerous questions of Andrew Leech the designer, Steve Simpson fitted a Simtek (called Sigma at the time) to my vehicle and that was probably late August.
Having tried it for some time and being happy with its abilities and performance I then proposed a group buy to give the rest of the Scooby Community the opportunity to take advantage of this ECU at a very good price.
At the time I pointed out that it was probably two levels above the Apexi Power FC and offered very good value for money considering all the features available. This was in direct response to a request from a board member to compare it with the Apexi.
Even now the Apexi serves a purpose and is a good budget ECU where it is not extended on boost control and the additional features of the Sigma are not required.
Andy F., Simon Roe and others went out of their way to assasinate the group buy and until quite recently Andy F. was posting things like "In some circumstances the Simtek is dangerous". On the side lines were behind the scene phonecalls to TEG Sport etc. and Pat Herbron claimed to know more about the anticedents of the ECU than the designer and owner of the design rights.
I knew a year last September that this ECU had a lot to offer the Subaru community but Andy F., Simon Roe and their followers continued to militate against it robbing the Subaru community of a useful product, robbing Steve Simpson and Andrew Leech of the potential income they should have enjoyed.
Alan and Martyn Jeffrey clearly appreciated what the Simtek was capable of at an early stage.
And clearly David O'Brien was well impressed with the Simtek when it was first shown to him. API signed up to the Simtek at an early stage and as incredible as it may seem the general API mapper is none other than Pat Herbron who goes about mapping these quietly and seems to be quite happy doing so.
You are very diplomtatic David but I have not forgotten the lies that were told, the anguish caused and deviousness of the whole situation.
You are absolutely correct David and I guess I can find that thread but it is worse than that because Andy F. invented the user name RB5289 and made a most unsatisfactory post at the time of my father's death. I then contacted the Webmaster, discussed the matter with him in detail and the thread was locked. The idea was that several people, not just Andy F., could jump on the thread under the RB5289 name to rubbish the Simtek/Sigma ECU.
I suspect this behaviour was motivated by self interest, greed and a desire to protect an existing commercial situation enjoyed in respect of mapping generally and Apexi in particular, but if it was not, these guys are very slow on the uptake because it has taken them 12-15 months to realise what a good piece of kit the Simtek is or did they realise that at the beginning as I did and then fight against it as it was a threat to them? Has their move to the Simtek now been motivated by how good the ECU is coupled with the dwindling supplies of older Apexis ?
Had I conducted myself in this manner I would be ashamed.
Simon Roe has now fitted at least one Simtek that I am aware of, is happy to map them and has posted on 22B that the Simtek "ticks all the boxes".
Andy Forrest now has the Simtek very prominently on his site and from that I understand he is a dealer and from his posts I see he has fitted at least one.
As one mapper commented, "the worms have turned", another phoned me to say this wasn't a 180 degree turn more like 540 degrees and a further mapper commented this was "not a U turn more like several pirouets thrown in with a U turn".
Those of you with a search facility can look up the old thead and group buy.
Harvey.
Having tried it for some time and being happy with its abilities and performance I then proposed a group buy to give the rest of the Scooby Community the opportunity to take advantage of this ECU at a very good price.
At the time I pointed out that it was probably two levels above the Apexi Power FC and offered very good value for money considering all the features available. This was in direct response to a request from a board member to compare it with the Apexi.
Even now the Apexi serves a purpose and is a good budget ECU where it is not extended on boost control and the additional features of the Sigma are not required.
Andy F., Simon Roe and others went out of their way to assasinate the group buy and until quite recently Andy F. was posting things like "In some circumstances the Simtek is dangerous". On the side lines were behind the scene phonecalls to TEG Sport etc. and Pat Herbron claimed to know more about the anticedents of the ECU than the designer and owner of the design rights.
I knew a year last September that this ECU had a lot to offer the Subaru community but Andy F., Simon Roe and their followers continued to militate against it robbing the Subaru community of a useful product, robbing Steve Simpson and Andrew Leech of the potential income they should have enjoyed.
Alan and Martyn Jeffrey clearly appreciated what the Simtek was capable of at an early stage.
Of course, without making a fuss of it, we've been using the Simteks for a year now, and loved them from day one. Of course, credit due to the "Johnny come Latelies" who have now realised what a great deal they are.
I seem to recall that there was a major row between Harvey and someone [ or two ] about all this Can't find the link tio refresh my memory though.
You are absolutely correct David and I guess I can find that thread but it is worse than that because Andy F. invented the user name RB5289 and made a most unsatisfactory post at the time of my father's death. I then contacted the Webmaster, discussed the matter with him in detail and the thread was locked. The idea was that several people, not just Andy F., could jump on the thread under the RB5289 name to rubbish the Simtek/Sigma ECU.
I suspect this behaviour was motivated by self interest, greed and a desire to protect an existing commercial situation enjoyed in respect of mapping generally and Apexi in particular, but if it was not, these guys are very slow on the uptake because it has taken them 12-15 months to realise what a good piece of kit the Simtek is or did they realise that at the beginning as I did and then fight against it as it was a threat to them? Has their move to the Simtek now been motivated by how good the ECU is coupled with the dwindling supplies of older Apexis ?
Had I conducted myself in this manner I would be ashamed.
Simon Roe has now fitted at least one Simtek that I am aware of, is happy to map them and has posted on 22B that the Simtek "ticks all the boxes".
Andy Forrest now has the Simtek very prominently on his site and from that I understand he is a dealer and from his posts I see he has fitted at least one.
As one mapper commented, "the worms have turned", another phoned me to say this wasn't a 180 degree turn more like 540 degrees and a further mapper commented this was "not a U turn more like several pirouets thrown in with a U turn".
Those of you with a search facility can look up the old thead and group buy.
Harvey.
Last edited by harvey; 30 January 2008 at 10:02 AM.
30 January 2008, 02:20 AM
#153
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Around August 2006 I became aware of the Simtek. I had already replaced my six row Link with an Apexi Power FC that was a disappointment on my MY95 WRX. After asking numerous questions of Andrew Leech the designer, Steve Simpson fitted a Simtek (called Sigma at the time) to my vehicle and that was probably late August.
Having tried it for some time and being happy with its abilities and performance I then proposed a group buy to give the rest of the Scooby Community the opportunity to take advantage of this ECU at a very good price.
At the time I pointed out that it was probably two levels above the Apexi Power FC and offered very good value for money considering all the features available. [bold]This was in direct response to a request from a board member to compare it with the Apexi.[/bold]
Even now the Apexi serves a purpose and is a good budget ECU where it is not extended on boost control and the additional features of the Sigma are not required.
Andy F., Simon Roe and others went out of their way to assasinate the group buy and until quite recently Andy F. was posting things like "In some circumstances the Simtek is dangerous". On the side lines were behind the scene phonecalls to TEG Sport etc. and Pat Herbron claimed to know more about the anticedents of the ECU than the designer and owner of the design rights.
I knew a year last September that this ECU had a lot to offer the Subaru community but Andy F., Simon Roe and their followers continued to militate against it robbing the Subaru community of a useful product, robbing Steve Simpson and Andrew Leech of the potential income they should have enjoyed.
Alan and Martyn Jeffrey clearly appreciated what the Simtek was capable of at an early stage.
And clearly David O'Brien was well impressed with the Simtek when it was first shown to him. API signed up to the Simtek at an early stage and as incredible as it may seem the general API mapper is none other than Pat Herbron who goes about mapping these quietly and seems to be quite happy doing so.
You are very diplomtatic but I have not forgotten the lies that were told, the anguish caused and deviousness of the whole situation.
This is absolutely correct David and I guess I can find that thread but it is worse than that because Andy F. invented the user name RB5289 and made a most unsatisfactory post at the time of my father's death. I then contacted the Webmaster, discussed the matter with him in detail and the thread was locked. The idea was that several people, not just Andy F., could jump on the thread under the RB5289 name to rubbish the Simtek/Sigma ECU.
I suspect this behaviour was motivated by self interest, greed and a desire to protect an existing commercial situation enjoyed in respect of mapping generally and Apexi in particular, but if it was not, these guys are very slow on the uptake because it has taken them 12-15 months to realise what a good piece of kit the Simtek is or did they realise that at the beginning as I did and then fight against it as it was a threat to them? Has their move to the Simtek now been motivated by how good the ECU is coupled with the dwindling supplies of older Apexis ?
Had I conducted myself in this manner I would be ashamed.
Simon Roe has now fitted at least one Simtek that I am aware of, is happy to map them and has posted on 22B that the Simtek "ticks all the boxes".
Andy Forrest now has the Simtek very prominently on his site and from that I understand he is a dealer and from his posts I see he has fitted at least one.
As one mapper commented, "the worms have turned", another phoned me to say this wasn't a 180 degree turn more like 540 degrees and a further mapper commented this was "not a U turn more like several pirouets thrown in with a U turn".
Those of you with a search facility can look up the old thead and group buy.
Harvey.
Having tried it for some time and being happy with its abilities and performance I then proposed a group buy to give the rest of the Scooby Community the opportunity to take advantage of this ECU at a very good price.
At the time I pointed out that it was probably two levels above the Apexi Power FC and offered very good value for money considering all the features available. [bold]This was in direct response to a request from a board member to compare it with the Apexi.[/bold]
Even now the Apexi serves a purpose and is a good budget ECU where it is not extended on boost control and the additional features of the Sigma are not required.
Andy F., Simon Roe and others went out of their way to assasinate the group buy and until quite recently Andy F. was posting things like "In some circumstances the Simtek is dangerous". On the side lines were behind the scene phonecalls to TEG Sport etc. and Pat Herbron claimed to know more about the anticedents of the ECU than the designer and owner of the design rights.
I knew a year last September that this ECU had a lot to offer the Subaru community but Andy F., Simon Roe and their followers continued to militate against it robbing the Subaru community of a useful product, robbing Steve Simpson and Andrew Leech of the potential income they should have enjoyed.
Alan and Martyn Jeffrey clearly appreciated what the Simtek was capable of at an early stage.
And clearly David O'Brien was well impressed with the Simtek when it was first shown to him. API signed up to the Simtek at an early stage and as incredible as it may seem the general API mapper is none other than Pat Herbron who goes about mapping these quietly and seems to be quite happy doing so.
You are very diplomtatic but I have not forgotten the lies that were told, the anguish caused and deviousness of the whole situation.
This is absolutely correct David and I guess I can find that thread but it is worse than that because Andy F. invented the user name RB5289 and made a most unsatisfactory post at the time of my father's death. I then contacted the Webmaster, discussed the matter with him in detail and the thread was locked. The idea was that several people, not just Andy F., could jump on the thread under the RB5289 name to rubbish the Simtek/Sigma ECU.
I suspect this behaviour was motivated by self interest, greed and a desire to protect an existing commercial situation enjoyed in respect of mapping generally and Apexi in particular, but if it was not, these guys are very slow on the uptake because it has taken them 12-15 months to realise what a good piece of kit the Simtek is or did they realise that at the beginning as I did and then fight against it as it was a threat to them? Has their move to the Simtek now been motivated by how good the ECU is coupled with the dwindling supplies of older Apexis ?
Had I conducted myself in this manner I would be ashamed.
Simon Roe has now fitted at least one Simtek that I am aware of, is happy to map them and has posted on 22B that the Simtek "ticks all the boxes".
Andy Forrest now has the Simtek very prominently on his site and from that I understand he is a dealer and from his posts I see he has fitted at least one.
As one mapper commented, "the worms have turned", another phoned me to say this wasn't a 180 degree turn more like 540 degrees and a further mapper commented this was "not a U turn more like several pirouets thrown in with a U turn".
Those of you with a search facility can look up the old thead and group buy.
Harvey.
For the record I never slagged the Simtek off and it was not "myself" that tried to assasinate anything..
I merely defended the Apexi ecu as I was not in agreement with things you said.
All you are going to achieve is bringing this back down to a level of argument..
when surely this sucess for Simtek was what you wanted in the first place? and everyone else have moved on.
Simon
Last edited by Jolly Green Monster; 30 January 2008 at 02:22 AM.
30 January 2008, 08:14 AM
#154
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Well, I think we can all agree that the hard work put in by the quite brilliant Andrew Leech and Steve Simpson has paid off.
Our good friend Andy F is quite right when he states that he was tuning Subarus before we were, but then we were dyno tuning cars when he was waiting for Mummy to stir his porridge!
Of course we are grateful to Andy for introducing us to Apexi mapping.
Thanks Andy! we haven't stopped mapping them since.
Our good friend Andy F is quite right when he states that he was tuning Subarus before we were, but then we were dyno tuning cars when he was waiting for Mummy to stir his porridge!
Of course we are grateful to Andy for introducing us to Apexi mapping.
Thanks Andy! we haven't stopped mapping them since.
30 January 2008, 08:58 AM
#155
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You are right Alan, I have always wished you well with the Apexi work and was in regular discussion with you guys when you needed help or advice on them in the early days. I still chat to your son Martin on a regular basis 
Harvey, its quite sad to see you are still wasting your time trying to open old wounds. I thought you would have had p1dazza do the work for you.
Thankfully Andrew Leech and Steve Simpson have the sense not to be influenced by you or your alias and we now have a very good working relationship.
I for one will be rising above your level and not taking the bait Have a nice day
Harvey, its quite sad to see you are still wasting your time trying to open old wounds. I thought you would have had p1dazza do the work for you.
Thankfully Andrew Leech and Steve Simpson have the sense not to be influenced by you or your alias and we now have a very good working relationship.
I for one will be rising above your level and not taking the bait
Have a nice day
Last edited by Andy.F; 30 January 2008 at 09:00 AM.
30 January 2008, 12:50 PM
#156
Having been researching the Simtek as I shall be purchasing one soon I stumbled across the thread inquestion.
I thought then that Harvey was making a mountain out of a mole hill.
But his rant today is completely uncalled for. It has been forgotten, put to bed and the merits of the Simtek are agreed by all. Your post with the accusations insinuations etc as Andy says opening up old wounds proves to me (someone thats completely unbiased and unconnected with the ECU mapping or sales world) what a sad bitter man you must be.
This isnt someone elses alias either I've been a member on here for 8 years almost.
Move on fella!!
I thought then that Harvey was making a mountain out of a mole hill.
But his rant today is completely uncalled for. It has been forgotten, put to bed and the merits of the Simtek are agreed by all. Your post with the accusations insinuations etc as Andy says opening up old wounds proves to me (someone thats completely unbiased and unconnected with the ECU mapping or sales world) what a sad bitter man you must be.
This isnt someone elses alias either I've been a member on here for 8 years almost.
Move on fella!!
Last edited by dazdavies; 30 January 2008 at 12:58 PM.
30 January 2008, 02:05 PM
#157
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Hey Andy, we've always found you to be as helpful, friendly and approachable as we would wish people find us.
Almost as witty as well!
Almost as witty as well!
30 January 2008, 07:02 PM
#159
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Performance gains
What sort of initail approx bhp/torque gains can be had from fitting this to a 96 sti with a full blitz exhaust and Green high flow panel filter. Currently only running at 249bhp according to scooby clinic R/road. I was thinking about a gems till i read about this little gem. Only planned further mods would be bigger injectors and fuel pump. Prob after fitting ECU.
Cheers
Ste
Cheers
Ste
Thanks for your interest.
The 99/00 version is being done as we speak and we hope to have trial versions in about 5 weeks. I expect this one to be a top seller as the well know MAF problems on that age car are expensive to keep replacing and still as unceratin as ever.
We fitted 3 dodgy ones, one after another, about 3 months ago - straight from the box brand new and not working properly.
David APi
Start forming a queue guys.
The 99/00 version is being done as we speak and we hope to have trial versions in about 5 weeks. I expect this one to be a top seller as the well know MAF problems on that age car are expensive to keep replacing and still as unceratin as ever.
We fitted 3 dodgy ones, one after another, about 3 months ago - straight from the box brand new and not working properly.
David APi
Start forming a queue guys.
30 January 2008, 10:31 PM
#160
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Hi Scoobyste 1
The Simtek won't necessarily give any more power than any other after market ECU. You're just more likely to get there and hang on to it!
Your '96 STi should have injectors that will allow up to 330 bhp, but that doesn't mean you can run it at that due to the inadequate top mount intercooler.
The Simtek won't necessarily give any more power than any other after market ECU. You're just more likely to get there and hang on to it!
Your '96 STi should have injectors that will allow up to 330 bhp, but that doesn't mean you can run it at that due to the inadequate top mount intercooler.
30 January 2008, 11:18 PM
#161
Ecu Specialist
The '96 Sti has 380cc injectors, you will struggle to get 330 bhp from them, if upgrading the ecu you should fit 440, or 550's depending on other mods (read turbo). Also the map sensor will/should be swapped to ether the later MY97 on Subaru item of an aftermarket. The std map limits its output at 1.2 bar. Don't forget to factor in teh cost of a set of coil packs as they will surely give you grief, I would recommend changing for new (not just different) ones before a mapping session even starts. As Alan points out the std intercooler is pants and really needs binnning, Hybrid fmic is a good option.
30 January 2008, 11:48 PM
#162
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I think that we could do with a bit of clarification on the actual year and model of this car ...If it is a 96P , then the car will have 440cc yellow inj , a 1.7 bar map sensor as standard and an Orange label MAF...Or at least the last one I put a SimTek on did....
If it is an earlier STi2 then yes all of which Bob has said is correct , although you can upgrade the map sensor for a 3bar Delco unit for a fraction of the cost of a new 1.7bar sensor from Subaru....
If it is an earlier STi2 then yes all of which Bob has said is correct , although you can upgrade the map sensor for a 3bar Delco unit for a fraction of the cost of a new 1.7bar sensor from Subaru....
31 January 2008, 11:51 AM
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A 96P can be either spec, depends if its a V2 or V3, they changed in September. Easily identified by whether or not it is a facelifted model.
If it's a V2 injectors and MAP need to go straight away if you want to run much over 1.2bar and the MAF much over 360hp to a Z32/Orange 261/etc (though we stretch the green 160 MAF a bit by using some points Subaru didn't).
I seem to remember Bob getting 313hp? (might have remembered this wrong, was ages ago) out of a standard v2 setup using our kit though so the gains over a standard car can be significant without changing anything.
If it's a V2 injectors and MAP need to go straight away if you want to run much over 1.2bar and the MAF much over 360hp to a Z32/Orange 261/etc (though we stretch the green 160 MAF a bit by using some points Subaru didn't).
I seem to remember Bob getting 313hp? (might have remembered this wrong, was ages ago) out of a standard v2 setup using our kit though so the gains over a standard car can be significant without changing anything.
01 February 2008, 09:42 PM
#164
Ecu Specialist
Yes thats right I did manage to get that, was the first or second car I did using your kit, injectors were hard at 100% to do it but it had an uprated pump etc plus fmic, torque was over 300 as well iirc, subsequently had the injectors and map ssnsor changed for the later versions.
MY96 car is from Sept 1995 to July 1996, so if its after that its a MY97 not a 96.
cheers
bob
__________________________________________________ _________________
Link, Motec, Simtek, EcuTek, PowerFC, DTA, Bosch, Autronic, Gems, ESL
MY96 car is from Sept 1995 to July 1996, so if its after that its a MY97 not a 96.
cheers
bob
__________________________________________________ _________________
Link, Motec, Simtek, EcuTek, PowerFC, DTA, Bosch, Autronic, Gems, ESL
02 February 2008, 11:17 AM
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Ah... stock plus FMIC then, that would be worth some extra advance and give a more consistent response. At least you found the limit on 380s and 1.1bar. 300+lbft on a light early classic is a potent combination for minimal outlay without it developing an appetite for 752 boxes.
I've found the green 160 MAF to be on its limit when 550cc injectors are in the high 90% IDCs so it is not the weakest link if 440s are present on stock FP.
Thanks for the offer of the 22B btw, will let you know when I have something for it.
I've found the green 160 MAF to be on its limit when 550cc injectors are in the high 90% IDCs so it is not the weakest link if 440s are present on stock FP.
Thanks for the offer of the 22B btw, will let you know when I have something for it.
05 May 2008, 08:40 PM
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Pinched off one of the tuners websites......
MAF Less System
By using a speed/density based control strategy, the need for the Mass Air Flow meter, and the associated limitations and potential problems can be eliminated. The ECU can be configured to operate with either the OEM MAP sensor or any commercially available 0-5V sensor.
Real Time Live Mapping
All SimTek ECUs have real time live mapping, providing your mapper with the information and ability to get the most from your engine. There is no need to stop the engine whilst changes are made, and there is no limit to the number of changes that can be made. Your mapper can see the effect of changes instantly.
Plug ‘n’ Play
All the SimTek ECUs have no requirement for ‘adapter looms’ or wiring modifications, and fits into the OEM case, providing for a neat and reliable installation. This also allows for the vehicle to be easily returned to the OEM ECU should the vehicle be sold.
Advanced Wastegate Control
The wastegate control system incorporates features commonly found on high end aftermarket boost controllers, thus eliminating the need for this additional expense. This includes engine speed and throttle angle 3D closed loop control, along with gear dependant corrections.
Multi-Maps
‘Multi-Maps’ enables you to effortlessly change between maps as your requirements demand. You can have a map setup for ‘normal driving’, which is optimised for fuel economy and then change to ‘track day’, which is optimised for performance. The choice of what your Multi-Maps do is down to you and your mapper. The Multi-Maps allow changes in Fuel, Ignition & Boost. They are ‘full maps’ not just a single modification, to a common base map. You can choose how you select your desired map, either using an add-on selector switch (allowing the maps to be changed ‘on the fly’ whilst driving) or by using the throttle pedal position at switch on.
Knock Warning
The ECU uses the OEM Knock Sensor to listen for ‘Knock’. This is then fed to a Digital Signal Processor for analysis. If the DSP decides that knock is detected, the Check Engine Light will be flashed to give the driver warning that engine damage could be occurring. Optionally the ECU can be configured to take corrective action in an effort to avoid damage.
Closed Loop Fuel Control
The ECU uses the OEM narrowband lambda sensor to give optimal fuel control in the idle / light throttle / cruise regions. The ECU checks that the signals from the sensor are valid, and will switch to Open-Loop if it believes the sensor to have failed. As an option, it is possible to connect a true wideband sensor.
OEM Driveability
The use of 24 x 24 fuel and ignition maps, gives unparalleled resolution and results in excellent road manners for light throttle driving. Advanced acceleration enrichment features give crisp throttle response even when using large injector configurations. Comprehensive starting strategies which are replicated from the OEM ECU, ensure ’first turn’ starting in all conditions.
Diagnostic Indication
To help with troubleshooting, the SimTek ECUs use the ‘Check Engine Light’ and tachometer to provide rapid reporting of diagnostic information. Problems such as a faulty sensor will be indicated by the tachometer pointing out any error numbers.
Anti Lag System
As a cost option, the ECU can have ALS installed. Three ALS calibrations are available, allowing for ‘Jacked Open Throttle’ based systems as well as driver selected Hard / Soft modes. Air charge temperature is monitored by the ALS system to reduce the risk of engine damage due to high charge temperatures.
Launch Control and Full Throttle Gear Change
As part of the ALS cost option, the ECU has the ability to provide launch control and full throttle gear change (FTGC requires the use of a non-syncromesh gearbox to gain maximum benefit)
Gear Change Output (Shift Light)
The ECU provides a ‘Shift Light’ output to indicate to the driver the optimum point to change gear. The point at which the output is activated is gear dependant.
Multi Stage Engine Speed Limiter
The ECU has a progressive engine speed limiter using a combination of fuel & ignition cuts. This provides full over speed protection, whilst not giving a sudden loss of power.
Individual Cylinder Fuel & Ignition Trims
The ECU allows for each cylinder to have it’s own fuel & ignition ‘trimmed’ to allow for small differences between cylinders. When combined with the Knock Sensor DSP, which can not only detect knock but can discriminate which cylinder is the cause. This permits the engine output to be balanced so that all cylinders are performing equally.
Automatic Water Spray / Injection Control
On vehicles equipped with an intercooler water spray or aftermarket water injection system, the ECU can take control of this to provide closed loop charge temperature correction. Trigger levels are determined based on engine speed, throttle angle, boost pressure and air charge temperature.
MAF Less System
By using a speed/density based control strategy, the need for the Mass Air Flow meter, and the associated limitations and potential problems can be eliminated. The ECU can be configured to operate with either the OEM MAP sensor or any commercially available 0-5V sensor.
Real Time Live Mapping
All SimTek ECUs have real time live mapping, providing your mapper with the information and ability to get the most from your engine. There is no need to stop the engine whilst changes are made, and there is no limit to the number of changes that can be made. Your mapper can see the effect of changes instantly.
Plug ‘n’ Play
All the SimTek ECUs have no requirement for ‘adapter looms’ or wiring modifications, and fits into the OEM case, providing for a neat and reliable installation. This also allows for the vehicle to be easily returned to the OEM ECU should the vehicle be sold.
Advanced Wastegate Control
The wastegate control system incorporates features commonly found on high end aftermarket boost controllers, thus eliminating the need for this additional expense. This includes engine speed and throttle angle 3D closed loop control, along with gear dependant corrections.
Multi-Maps
‘Multi-Maps’ enables you to effortlessly change between maps as your requirements demand. You can have a map setup for ‘normal driving’, which is optimised for fuel economy and then change to ‘track day’, which is optimised for performance. The choice of what your Multi-Maps do is down to you and your mapper. The Multi-Maps allow changes in Fuel, Ignition & Boost. They are ‘full maps’ not just a single modification, to a common base map. You can choose how you select your desired map, either using an add-on selector switch (allowing the maps to be changed ‘on the fly’ whilst driving) or by using the throttle pedal position at switch on.
Knock Warning
The ECU uses the OEM Knock Sensor to listen for ‘Knock’. This is then fed to a Digital Signal Processor for analysis. If the DSP decides that knock is detected, the Check Engine Light will be flashed to give the driver warning that engine damage could be occurring. Optionally the ECU can be configured to take corrective action in an effort to avoid damage.
Closed Loop Fuel Control
The ECU uses the OEM narrowband lambda sensor to give optimal fuel control in the idle / light throttle / cruise regions. The ECU checks that the signals from the sensor are valid, and will switch to Open-Loop if it believes the sensor to have failed. As an option, it is possible to connect a true wideband sensor.
OEM Driveability
The use of 24 x 24 fuel and ignition maps, gives unparalleled resolution and results in excellent road manners for light throttle driving. Advanced acceleration enrichment features give crisp throttle response even when using large injector configurations. Comprehensive starting strategies which are replicated from the OEM ECU, ensure ’first turn’ starting in all conditions.
Diagnostic Indication
To help with troubleshooting, the SimTek ECUs use the ‘Check Engine Light’ and tachometer to provide rapid reporting of diagnostic information. Problems such as a faulty sensor will be indicated by the tachometer pointing out any error numbers.
Anti Lag System
As a cost option, the ECU can have ALS installed. Three ALS calibrations are available, allowing for ‘Jacked Open Throttle’ based systems as well as driver selected Hard / Soft modes. Air charge temperature is monitored by the ALS system to reduce the risk of engine damage due to high charge temperatures.
Launch Control and Full Throttle Gear Change
As part of the ALS cost option, the ECU has the ability to provide launch control and full throttle gear change (FTGC requires the use of a non-syncromesh gearbox to gain maximum benefit)
Gear Change Output (Shift Light)
The ECU provides a ‘Shift Light’ output to indicate to the driver the optimum point to change gear. The point at which the output is activated is gear dependant.
Multi Stage Engine Speed Limiter
The ECU has a progressive engine speed limiter using a combination of fuel & ignition cuts. This provides full over speed protection, whilst not giving a sudden loss of power.
Individual Cylinder Fuel & Ignition Trims
The ECU allows for each cylinder to have it’s own fuel & ignition ‘trimmed’ to allow for small differences between cylinders. When combined with the Knock Sensor DSP, which can not only detect knock but can discriminate which cylinder is the cause. This permits the engine output to be balanced so that all cylinders are performing equally.
Automatic Water Spray / Injection Control
On vehicles equipped with an intercooler water spray or aftermarket water injection system, the ECU can take control of this to provide closed loop charge temperature correction. Trigger levels are determined based on engine speed, throttle angle, boost pressure and air charge temperature.
Last edited by Leg@cy; 05 May 2008 at 10:57 PM.
07 May 2008, 10:32 AM
#173
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Feb 2006
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this ecu sounds like a brilliant piece of kit, i think it definately is about time i ditched the GEMS for one of these. Still tho have to wait and see what simon says when i get a booking of him to tweek the GEMS for MOT.
Left you a messege yesterday Simon need a booking quite soonish mate so give us a call as soon as you can mate.
Much Appreciated.
Jay
Left you a messege yesterday Simon need a booking quite soonish mate so give us a call as soon as you can mate.
Much Appreciated.
Jay
07 May 2008, 10:45 AM
#174
07 May 2008, 04:21 PM
#175
As far as i know all these chaps are doing them for £895 + vat which works out just over a bag of sand. I didn't have the anti-lag fitted at the time or launch control on mine but was considering it more recently. I've heard rumours of turbo life reduction with anti-lag fitted? Whats the bottom line on this? Best performance with dog box as well right?
09 May 2008, 07:50 PM
#176
Subaru Tuning Specialist
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: 7.74 @179 mph 1/4 mile - road legal
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Anti lag can be set up in a number of ways, some of which are dangerous and can destroy turbos, headers and even melt engines.
A typical Group A anti-lag compatable turbo can cost as much as a new WRX
Fortunately most road car users really only want the anti-lag sounds and not the actual effect of zero lag.
It is possible to set up the anti lag system to work only on overrun and create some fairly dramatic sounds from the exhaust but without the related overheating effects and without doing damage to any engine components.
Andy
A typical Group A anti-lag compatable turbo can cost as much as a new WRX
Fortunately most road car users really only want the anti-lag sounds and not the actual effect of zero lag.
It is possible to set up the anti lag system to work only on overrun and create some fairly dramatic sounds from the exhaust but without the related overheating effects and without doing damage to any engine components.
Andy
