Jesse99James

I'm not sure where is most appropriate to post this. I am getting ready to move on from Hydra. I purchased my 2004 MSM that has the FM2 Garret upgrade kit from 2010 using older style, RC 550 injectors. This past year I have learned a lot tuning to get a quicker start and stable, leaner cold idle (10# flywheel). The tune was different enough from the FM base maps that I'd guess it was nearly from scratch by a tuner local to the original owner. I barely had to make an adjustment to recalibrate the WBO2 sensor and I've recorded a few data logs but I'm out of patience. I wanted to fold the LTT map in but was surprised to see every cell was 0.0%. The LTT box is checked and it's certainly not tuned perfectly so this reinforces my choice to replace it.

Fuel auto-tune capability is locked, Phil Grabow wanted $500 to upgrade to 2.7 which seemed better than paying for the unlock on 2.6. The upgrade failed due to Covid-19 as well as poor communication on his part, he ghosted me for months. I got a refund and was surprised the ECU was returned. I plugged it in a few weeks ago and logged another run today with more aggressive acceleration. Air to fuel ratio is all over the place. Often lean under boost (14-15+ AFR), other times during longer WOT time, dropping to 11-12 AFR where it should be. What really sucks is how rich it runs. I found at least one instance of 10-11 AFR while cruising at low TPS, stable speed. My fuel gauge just dipped below 1/4 tank and I only had 135 miles on the odometer. It's been cold each morning driving to work and the drive isn't quite long enough to fully warm up the engine (crossflow radiator + reroute) so I haven't been WOT using that much boost. I should load the FM base tune for ***** and giggles (fuel map is leaner).

I have lots more reading to do and I know I can pay for some remote tuning assistance here if/when I get stuck. There is a Subaru tuning shop nearby with a dyno (not sure what kind) that said they have tuned a few turbo Miata. I was offered a good deal on a Link G4X Fury or some similar ECU but didn't want to be a guinea pig working through the growing pains as it's not yet entirely plug and play. Looks like MS3-Pro is my next best choice but am not sure which WBO2 gauge/sensor to use (CAN bus?). I don't need an A/F gauge in view all the times so it will probably be mounted in the glove box.

I'm most worried about tuning time. I want the car running well by mid-August. The MSM isn't my only car, I have a 2016 Mazda 6. If I were to order ECU, injectors (640cc?), and WBO2 sensor soon, what are the chances of getting a decent tune in 6-8 weeks? I know cold start, idle, and drivability are more difficult to tune than WOT. I'll pay the Subaru shop to put it on their dyno to verify it's safe at WOT...also to avoid a ton of ticket me speed, data log runs. If a 30 year old speeding ticket from when I was 17 still shows in my record, I'm afraid a data log ticket at 75-80+ mph might involve impounding the car and a night in jail. I'm not sure I should order now and proceed, or order parts to install at the end of August after my mother visits. I don't like parts sitting around for long periods of time without installing them to verify stuff works before warranties run out.

Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions. I'm off to search about WBO2 choices.

DNMakinson

iTrader: (3)

AEM wideband. May not be available. I purchased to last one that Ballenger had on the shelf.

Flow Force injectors. 640’s good to 275 RWHP on pump gas, by my calculations.

You'll have to decide between 1.4.X vs 1.5.1 firmware. I am still on 1.4.1 after having tried the 1.5.1 and some betas. Did not care for it. However, it will allow the 14point7 and AEM widebands to input via CANBUS.

EDIT: yes, 6-8 was will get you basic, especially if you start with a good base map (not from DIY ). 2 years to a great, overall tune, if you plan it well.

DNM

Jesse99James

That's not what I was hoping to hear. LOL. I thought the MS3 base map looked weak after comparing the FM Hydra base map to the tune in my MSM. I'll try reinstalling the FM base map and see how the car responds, maybe it's worth some more time data logging and tuning with shipping delays and products not being as available as they were pre-covid-19. I better wait to order and plan on installing everything early September. Maybe I'll get 3-6 weeks tuning practice before I have to park it for winter. At this rate it'll take me 5-10 years to get it tuned well...or cost an arm and a leg at the local Subaru performance shop.