I got the M flash yesterday with an oil change. Ist thing I noticed is the car starts quicker. Also easier to accelerate off idle when cold. I can clutch easier off idle. It runs better, smoother while warming up. The throttle seems more responsive and acceleration butter smooth. It feels faster but that could be my imagination. Over all driveability is better, especially when cold. Kinda like rejetting on a motorcycle. A more efficient fuel mix. Makes this great engine even better.

I got 23.2 mpg on a recent trip at 74mph on cruise. I use 87 octane and am happy with my mileage. If the flash improves mileage like some say, I'll be even happier.

 

Can you use 87 oct?! Doesn't it require premium?

 

The M flash improves only a bit for City driving. Where it shines is on the Highway mileage. Before, even driving on highways I would still get the same MPG if I was driving all city. Now, I get more mileage if I drive on the highway. But unfortunately, I won't be experiencing it that much coz of my daily-driving pattern: 90% city.

 

I have always believe there is no such thing as a dumb question so....

Just bought my 8 a couple of days ago. Tell me what this "M flash" is.

Thanks.

 

M flash does improve MPG, unfortunetely, it didn't improve my MPG over what I had a few months ago. When gas prices went up I started to granny drive to get 18-20 instead of the 13-16 I was getting with my more spirited driving. Now with the m flash, I can drive spirited and get 18 or so, so that's what I do. I'm sure I could achieve 23 or so, but really don't care.

To the other poster asking about m-flash. It's an ecu update that you would have if you bought your car recently.

 

Yes ..... Mazda says so. Read this:

What does it say about 87 octane?

There are plenty of threads on the subject.
Here's one and you can search for others.

rx8cited

 

Before the M Flash the best I could do is get 270 miles to a tank of gas... (highway) Today I got 330 miles to the tank... I dont think the car starts faster but im DEFINITELY happy with the milage now =) Maybe by the time we get to the "Z" flash we will have 500HP and 800 miles per tank! LOL But im sure Mazda will want us to jump through hoops and give them our first born to get it... =P

 

Lame question....but how can I check to see if I have the M flash or not? Mine was purchased about two weeks ago.

 

rx8cited

I read the post on 6k rpm bearing ping noise so I tried it. Nothing. Sounds fine. I burn reformulated 10% ethanol 87 octane. Maybe thats why I can get away without ping.

 

That's good to hear. I use 87 octane without any pinging.

I'd suggest that those whose driving styles or cars experience pinging with 87 octane not use it.

What brand is the "reformulated 10% ethanol 87 octane" gas you're using?

rx8cited

 

Mazda's reman engine Guru says if you run 87 octane, run a tank of premium through it about every 5 tanks full to clean the combustion chamber. The main reason for the premium is to burn the oil better. I'm running 89 in mine. The power doesn't feel any better with 87, although it does with 89 over 93. If you add up the cost of four tanks of 87 and one tank of 93 and divide that total by five, you're about at the cost of 89. Is that "new math?"

 

I usually fill up at Amoco or Citgo off busy city streets so gas is fresher.