"m" flash revisited
#1
"m" flash revisited
its been 2 weeks since my "M" flash and realize that i shouldnt have done it.
I never had any of the problems that others were experiencing, but since mazda reccommends all cars updated to at least "m" calibration, i went ahead and had it done.
mileage is the same after the reflash with no improvement in total miles; and sad to report, the car actually feels slower now. what was explained to me was that now the acceleration will follow a linear pattern, and thats what i feel now.
before the flash, the slope on the acceleration curve was so steep, that i was literally pinned to the seat in gears 2, 3, and 4 while rev-ing from 4500 rpms and above.
I now regret getting the "m" flash, because it generally did not improve my car's performance from any standpoint. Im uncertain which level of the flash i had prior, but i only wish i could go back to it.
I never had any of the problems that others were experiencing, but since mazda reccommends all cars updated to at least "m" calibration, i went ahead and had it done.
mileage is the same after the reflash with no improvement in total miles; and sad to report, the car actually feels slower now. what was explained to me was that now the acceleration will follow a linear pattern, and thats what i feel now.
before the flash, the slope on the acceleration curve was so steep, that i was literally pinned to the seat in gears 2, 3, and 4 while rev-ing from 4500 rpms and above.
I now regret getting the "m" flash, because it generally did not improve my car's performance from any standpoint. Im uncertain which level of the flash i had prior, but i only wish i could go back to it.
#3
Originally posted by RotorMotor04
it is not that the car is slower like you said, the curve does not have spikes in it so you do not feel the pull at 7000 RPM's
it is not that the car is slower like you said, the curve does not have spikes in it so you do not feel the pull at 7000 RPM's
happy rotoring!
#4
Re: "m" flash revisited
Originally posted by doc.marx8
before the flash, the slope on the acceleration curve was so steep, that i was literally pinned to the seat in gears 2, 3, and 4 while rev-ing from 4500 rpms and above.
before the flash, the slope on the acceleration curve was so steep, that i was literally pinned to the seat in gears 2, 3, and 4 while rev-ing from 4500 rpms and above.
#5
doc.marx8,
Can you tell me what month your car was manufactured? Mine was a June '03 production.
I have been debating whether to get the "M" flash myself. My gas mileage has always been among the highest on the board (I've averaged over 22mpg over nearly 15000 miles), and generally I'm happy with the car's performance.
But the promise of smoother shifting and better mileage is calling, and I'm planning to have the car flashed when I take it in for the 15000 mile maintenance in a couple weeks. Just hope it's not the wrong decision.
Can you tell me what month your car was manufactured? Mine was a June '03 production.
I have been debating whether to get the "M" flash myself. My gas mileage has always been among the highest on the board (I've averaged over 22mpg over nearly 15000 miles), and generally I'm happy with the car's performance.
But the promise of smoother shifting and better mileage is calling, and I'm planning to have the car flashed when I take it in for the 15000 mile maintenance in a couple weeks. Just hope it's not the wrong decision.
#6
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Well, you know, never change a winning team
a.k.a. if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I didn't really need my M flash either, but won another case of shop damage :-(
On the upside:
The mpg has improved a little. From 19.5 to 22.5, that's my regular commute to work, with speeds between 70 and 85, occasionally triple-digits.
One tank I set the cruise control to 60 m/h and it yielded 26 mpg!
Keep in mind I'm driving over the hills during this commute and the Bay Area has a lot of traffic.
a.k.a. if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I didn't really need my M flash either, but won another case of shop damage :-(
On the upside:
The mpg has improved a little. From 19.5 to 22.5, that's my regular commute to work, with speeds between 70 and 85, occasionally triple-digits.
One tank I set the cruise control to 60 m/h and it yielded 26 mpg!
Keep in mind I'm driving over the hills during this commute and the Bay Area has a lot of traffic.
#7
Originally posted by loco4rx8
doc.marx8,
Can you tell me what month your car was manufactured? Mine was a June '03 production.
I have been debating whether to get the "M" flash myself. My gas mileage has always been among the highest on the board (I've averaged over 22mpg over nearly 15000 miles), and generally I'm happy with the car's performance.
But the promise of smoother shifting and better mileage is calling, and I'm planning to have the car flashed when I take it in for the 15000 mile maintenance in a couple weeks. Just hope it's not the wrong decision.
doc.marx8,
Can you tell me what month your car was manufactured? Mine was a June '03 production.
I have been debating whether to get the "M" flash myself. My gas mileage has always been among the highest on the board (I've averaged over 22mpg over nearly 15000 miles), and generally I'm happy with the car's performance.
But the promise of smoother shifting and better mileage is calling, and I'm planning to have the car flashed when I take it in for the 15000 mile maintenance in a couple weeks. Just hope it's not the wrong decision.
Unless you've had a no start issue, i wouldnt get the most recent flash.
dr. mark
#9
Thanks dr. mark.
Now I'm really confused. I've only heard great things about M until now. Maybe I should leave well enough alone, but there's always the possibility that they'll flash the car without me asking at some point.
I'd hate to miss out on an improvement.
Now I'm really confused. I've only heard great things about M until now. Maybe I should leave well enough alone, but there's always the possibility that they'll flash the car without me asking at some point.
I'd hate to miss out on an improvement.
#10
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Re: Re: "m" flash revisited
Originally posted by clem
I can identify with those feelings. I miss the turbo-like boost in that range that I had with the "L" flash. I do like the smoother transition between the lower gears since having the "M" flash done, but the car seems a little "tamer" overall now.
I can identify with those feelings. I miss the turbo-like boost in that range that I had with the "L" flash. I do like the smoother transition between the lower gears since having the "M" flash done, but the car seems a little "tamer" overall now.
#11
Registered
Originally posted by loco4rx8
doc.marx8,
Can you tell me what month your car was manufactured? Mine was a June '03 production.
I have been debating whether to get the "M" flash myself. My gas mileage has always been among the highest on the board (I've averaged over 22mpg over nearly 15000 miles), and generally I'm happy with the car's performance.
But the promise of smoother shifting and better mileage is calling, and I'm planning to have the car flashed when I take it in for the 15000 mile maintenance in a couple weeks. Just hope it's not the wrong decision.
doc.marx8,
Can you tell me what month your car was manufactured? Mine was a June '03 production.
I have been debating whether to get the "M" flash myself. My gas mileage has always been among the highest on the board (I've averaged over 22mpg over nearly 15000 miles), and generally I'm happy with the car's performance.
But the promise of smoother shifting and better mileage is calling, and I'm planning to have the car flashed when I take it in for the 15000 mile maintenance in a couple weeks. Just hope it's not the wrong decision.
#12
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PCM Flash
Guys-My RX 8 was manufactured 11/03. What flash from factory would it have? I never shut off cold. When running up tach seems smooth steady pull already.
Thanks,
Bob
Thanks,
Bob
#13
Originally posted by RX-GR8
i assume that your 22 MPG is mostly or all highway. i'd be curious to know what your mostly or all city MPG is. i think most people will get 20-22 highway. the problem is some people do mostly city(my case) and get 14-16. so if i were to compare my MPG to yours that would be misleading because i do more city driving than you. at any rate my MPG has improved with the "L" and "M" flash.
i assume that your 22 MPG is mostly or all highway. i'd be curious to know what your mostly or all city MPG is. i think most people will get 20-22 highway. the problem is some people do mostly city(my case) and get 14-16. so if i were to compare my MPG to yours that would be misleading because i do more city driving than you. at any rate my MPG has improved with the "L" and "M" flash.
Thank God.
#14
Just had my car flashed yesterday after going round and round with the service manager, and I have to say the car drives alot smoother through all of the gears. I think it will be alot easier for my wife to drive as well. I must admit that I don't feel that little boost around the 7000 rpm range anymore, but think the car still acellerates as quickly as it did before.
#15
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Originally posted by loco4rx8
I'm planning to have the car flashed when I take it in for the 15000 mile maintenance in a couple weeks. Just hope it's not the wrong decision.
I'm planning to have the car flashed when I take it in for the 15000 mile maintenance in a couple weeks. Just hope it's not the wrong decision.
This is a new standard operating procedure that the Mazda dealers are going to become familiar with - when you bring your car in for a service, they will hook your car up to the Diagnostic system, and if the diagnostic system says your PCM version is too old - bang, you will get a new version, and they'll do it without asking you.
Even if you don't request the M flash - at your next oil change, or recall appointment (airbag wiring or trans damper), they'll say "By the way, your car was due for a PCM flash, so we did it for you". Resistance is futile - you WILL be assimilated!
(I had the M flash done a few weeks ago - no big deal.)
Regards,
Gordon
#16
LOL. I know Gordon, but obviously you've never had your car serviced where I do. Chances are, they'll never become aware of the M flash without someone pointing it out to them.
#18
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I had the car flashed last week.
I do not have special testing equipment but I can affirm that my car idles smoother, is definitely not as bogged down in lower speed acceleration, revs easier, etc.
I have limited engine experience but I had to tune a large jet-ski engine's air/fuel mixture. That experience of lean to rich and many trials leads me to believe that the 8 was leaned out for better performance and economy and is confirmed by many on this board.
My car seems lighter on its feet - just quicker revving. I am sure we will learn more about the M flash but for now I would recommend it to any 8 owner.
I do not have special testing equipment but I can affirm that my car idles smoother, is definitely not as bogged down in lower speed acceleration, revs easier, etc.
I have limited engine experience but I had to tune a large jet-ski engine's air/fuel mixture. That experience of lean to rich and many trials leads me to believe that the 8 was leaned out for better performance and economy and is confirmed by many on this board.
My car seems lighter on its feet - just quicker revving. I am sure we will learn more about the M flash but for now I would recommend it to any 8 owner.
Last edited by RodsterinFL; 05-15-2004 at 01:43 PM.
#19
It's actually not a decision you get to make! Sure, right now people are asking for it - but if you've read the related TSB, you know that it advises all Mazda dealers to flash EVERY RX-8 that comes in for service.
Case in point.
All B-series pick-ups with Firestone Wilderness AT's were recalled.
Some wise customers chose not to get new tires until they actually needed them. Smart choice IMHO.
Performing repairs on cars without the customer/owners knowledge is what landed Mitzu in hot water a couple of years ago.
#20
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HOW WOULD I KNOW WHAT FLASH DOES THE CAR HAS IN IT. I GOT THE CAR IN 9/11/03. IS AN AUTO I LOOK UNDER THE HOOD BUT I COULD IT FIND ANYTHING. I ALSO DID THE TEST 20 PUMPS ON THE BREAK IN 8 SECOND WITH THE KEY ON THE ON POSITION. I GET REAL BAD MILEAGE. AROUND 230 MILE PER TANK. (12-14MPG) CITY DRIVING.
#22
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Originally posted by d0va
HOW WOULD I KNOW WHAT FLASH DOES THE CAR HAS IN IT. I GOT THE CAR IN 9/11/03. IS AN AUTO I LOOK UNDER THE HOOD BUT I COULD IT FIND ANYTHING. I ALSO DID THE TEST 20 PUMPS ON THE BREAK IN 8 SECOND WITH THE KEY ON THE ON POSITION. I GET REAL BAD MILEAGE. AROUND 230 MILE PER TANK. (12-14MPG) CITY DRIVING.
HOW WOULD I KNOW WHAT FLASH DOES THE CAR HAS IN IT. I GOT THE CAR IN 9/11/03. IS AN AUTO I LOOK UNDER THE HOOD BUT I COULD IT FIND ANYTHING. I ALSO DID THE TEST 20 PUMPS ON THE BREAK IN 8 SECOND WITH THE KEY ON THE ON POSITION. I GET REAL BAD MILEAGE. AROUND 230 MILE PER TANK. (12-14MPG) CITY DRIVING.
#23
ok, ok my apologies sometimes tendencies and routine behaviors allow you to just "get used" to things such as driving your car. well, I alternated this last week of work commuting with my older 88 rx7. still very fun to drive and a lot looser on the handling, but overall still very fun. SO last night after the laker game, I wanted to celebrate and go out driving the RX8, and it was only then that i realized the subtle differences that im assuming were the improvements of the m flash. its in the lower gears and lower rpms. It seems to have a more balanced power delivery now. as far as acceration goes... once again this car restored my exhiliration. I mean it just felt like its same old self, FAST FAST FAST.
Last edited by doc.marx8; 05-16-2004 at 02:35 PM.
#24
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How can you tell?
someone already stated the ECU area is marked - I dunno this but I can tell you that when the dealer flashed mine they added a sticker and attached it to the top left underside of the hood stating authorized engine modification by Mazda with the same number as other forum members have mentioned.
someone already stated the ECU area is marked - I dunno this but I can tell you that when the dealer flashed mine they added a sticker and attached it to the top left underside of the hood stating authorized engine modification by Mazda with the same number as other forum members have mentioned.