I am going to be carrying out some modification on my car shortly (JDM STi S202) - VF48 turbo, 650cc flow matched injectors, Fuelabs FPR, parallel fuel rails, RCM induction kit and SPT heat shield, 3 port boost solenoid, Harvey's ported headers and Gruppe S up pipe, direct cold air feed through the o/s fog lamp cover etc.

But the one thing I have not really taken into account is the engine ECU, I am hoping to get around 400bhp and would really like the ability to run twin maps, have launch control and anti-lag.

I am looking at a Simtek (used if I can find one to save some £'s) and getting it mapped for the car but are there any other reasonably prices alternatives were considering?

I want to be able to switch maps on the fly (may run with an E85 mix or just have a lower bhp map for pootling about) but I also want 'proper' LC and anti-lag (not just pops and bangs), and the ability as well to turn them off (especially as I live in a cul-de-sac and it would probably give some of the old dears a heart attack).

I had read in another thread in the general section that some of these functions are available with open source mapping but what can be done with the standard ECU?

 

Leave it alone, its an S202, your not suppose to mod these, they are great in standard form (or go buy a cheap my01 jdm sti and mod that? )

Tony

 

Too late I'm afraid it already has a 3" exhaust system, TSL Green air filter element and a remap from Bob Rawle (running 348bhp, 338 lbs ft).

I had considered a twin scroll JDM but I like the S202 in black, I am just improving it slightly...

 

BTTT

 

ecutek can run two full maps, and launch control on that ecu.

Then you have Simtek, and Syvecs as main imho after market options

Simon

 

dont forget motec. bit more expensive again but still a good piece of kit.

 

Thanks Simon for clarifying the Ecutek issue as I though I could only run 2 boost levels and not maps, plus I did not know about the LC function as well, will look at Simtek in all probability.

I had not considered Motec but I will now look at their ECU as well.

 

I run a GEMS on my 02 bugeye STi running at 416 bhp, yes it is not the most refined but once up and running it is great. Cold starting can be an issue especially when I worked in the north of Scotland. After a few seconds it clears it's throat and off I go.

 

I had looked at Gems but I have read varying reports on the performance so I had not really looked at any great depth, I will have a another look and do a little more research on the matter.

 

Forget Motec..... if your going to spend that kind of money (and you actually don't need to) then get a Pectal! I believe they can up to £1k cheaper for the same package (LC, AL, switchable maps, data logging etc).

Coming back to reality though! Don't forget the Hydra ECU..... and certainly don't listen to any bollocks that some may give you behind closed doors, to suggest it is a crap ECU..... it simply is not! You only have to look at my car to prove that is utter ****! Hydra provides ALL the things that you require.... and more. I have switchable fuel maps, boost maps, ALS and LC available.

Plenty of ECU's available and most that will deliver what you need.

 

I am looking at buying a used Hydra ECU, is there anywhere in the UK apart from Tractive ( a bit too far away to drive car with the mods fitted) that can map Hydra ECU's?

Thanks Shaun for the information as well.

 

If your aiming for 400bhp, I would stick to your Ecutek ECU & get it mapped for dual maps & launch control. You could use the money you save on loads of other mods etc.

ps thanks for the 52mm gauge adaptors mate, they arrived today

 

I was in the same boat recently. I went for a Simtek ECU in the end.

Not cheap but the feel over EcuTek software is so much more noticable. It is now pretty nice to drive. Would be even better if it wasn't for my clutch foot. lol

Think hard about it mate. I took my time before going Simtek.

Steve

 

To be honest after the current mods and ecu are fitted I will not be doing anu further work on the car (apart from possibly AP 6 pots but that won't be until December at the earliest). I want proper AL and LC and I don't mind upgrading the ECU to get them plus all the other functions as well.

I had a look at your old Spec C Hawkeye on Wednesday at a meet and it is a really nice car, it made me think about a visit to Litchfields myself (and may still do as well ).

Glad you got the adaptor rings ok, the funny thing was other members got in touch wanting them as well. Good luck with the install.

 

To be honest I have been thinking about it and the more I do the more confusing it's getting with the choice if ecu's.

There is a Hydra ecu for sale in the general sales section which I wouldn't mind but the drive up to Tractive with the mods fitted is not something I would like to do even driving off boost.

I would like to buy a used Simtek and get Bob Rawle to map it and install the switches or even buy a new one, but the Hydra is only £550 if it's still for sale.

I guess I'll just have to think a little longer.

 

Sadly mate it's all horses for courses etc.

I was going to go for the EcuTek option as Simon suggested. But I'd rather have a choice and the option of where I am in control on when it is on or off.

Simon has mapped the ALS function on mine. And boy, does it sound good. Driving it with it on takes some getting used to I must admit (taking the pops and bangs aside).

In terms of buying second hand. not much chance but they do come about.

I have been told that the Syvecs ECU is one step ahead of the Simtek. So boy that must be good but at a price.

If it helps you, I went for the Simtek purley to run the options of ALS,LC and Switch maps at the touch of a button for a everyday car.

If I was to use my car for Sprint,Track,Drag etc I'd gone for the Syvecs but pay the extra premium for it.

Syvecs you can run anything up to 9 maps and data logging
Simtek x2 maps non data logging.


Steve

 

The S202 might see the very occasional track day but nothing really beyond that apart from some spirited driving around the 'proper' roads we have in South, Mid and West Wales.

For that purpose I think the Simtek or similar would suit my needs, and if I had 8 plus maps to choose from I would always be wondering if I had selected the correct map/profile for the road and speed conditions.

I have had a major re-think of what to do with the S202 due to some doubts in my own mind and what Tony has posted above about keeping the S202 as is.

So all my plans are on hold until I decide what to do, plus I am waiting a phone call on Monday about another Impreza which I am interested in.

You never know the S202 might be up for sale shortly...

 

Good to see the current owner, Olly, is enjoying it & bringing it to meets etc for others to appreciate aswell I do miss it & dont think anything will come close as an all round package unless I get another one