RX-8 friend

Actually Omicron, I don't think you would have to disconnect the battery. The switch just moves one sensor from "through" the Stage 1 electronics to around it. Just make sure the engine is off. ECU should not have to "relearn" either. In other words, there is no power running through the switch.

Because the electronics is now in the ECU box, there is a bit more that has to be done there to make room for it than has been discussed up to now. Here is a preliminary install procedure:

1. Disconnect battery -ve cable.
2. Remove ECU box lid (three bolts, release plastic clips for lid and for air cooling system, release 2 plastic cable clamps).
3. Remove 4 ECU metal bracket bolts.
4. Carefully lift ECU and cooler assy. and unplug all cables - remove ECU and take metal brackets off ECU. Put all unneeded parts in zip lock bag and store in car.
5. Release plastic clips and remove top ECU cooler assy. Install supplied filters in bottom cooler assy.
6. Plug Stage 1 module into ECU and insert Stage 1 module ECU and ECU lower cooler into box and plug in three connectors to Stage 1 module and other two connectors left into ECU. Ensure Stage 1 box switch is in "1" position. Make sure the cooler pipes are correctly over the intake/outlet.
7. Replace ECU box lid ensuring ECU and Stage 1 box are appropriately arranged. It's tight in there so they will not slide around. Cooling should actually be improved by removing top cooling piece.
8. Reinstall cable clips, ensure ECU lid clips are ok, connect battery -ve.
9. Start engine. If it will not start, check the ECU and stage 1 plugs - if one is not installed properly the engine will not start.
10. Enjoy.

There will be pictures in the instructions as well. Note that I wrote that from my memory of what we did to Canzoomer's car. We will be doing a "virgin" car and photographing and rewriting the above, as there may be other warnings or a slightly different order of events to make it easier.

I noticed that there are a bunch of modules ready to ship, so we just have to "polish up" the instructions and sort out a few details before they go out. We want them all to be "right" before they go out the door. We are actually still improving the assembly (cable protection, labeling etc.).

For those who think this a bit disconcerting, the Apex'i Power FC install in my car had no install instructions other than "cut these wires and plug it in", and everyone just figured it out themselves. We wanted something a bit better.

Yes, we're late. No, they will not go out till we're satisfied they are "right". We're real close now.

mp5

RX-8 friend... can you send me an order form or better yet post it on the forum somewhere? I emailed Maurice on the 31st but haven't gotten a response on how to order. Is there any chance of getting the $500 price now?

jtimbck2

Thanks for the update, RX-8 friend. I didn't doubt y'all a bit, and it's good to hear that you're very close to shipping.

Lock & Load

RX8 FRIEND

Second best bit of news i heard this morning . the first bit off news was that of the misses being in the mood .ha ha ha.

michael

racerdave

Gotta agree... that was a good, detailed report. Hopefully that will help the folks who've ordered already.

Omicron

Well, that's new (and VERY welcome) news since I last spoke with Maurice about the mod. Been tryin to leave him alone and not be one of the many people that I'm sure are calling him daily. Too cool! :D

EVEN BETTER NEWS!!! :D

NAVILESRX8

iTrader: (1)

I am axiously waiting to hear how everbody does with their units. I am planning on getting one after I get my tax money.

RX-Nut

My burning question.. if I order one now, when is a realistic arrival date?

canzoomer

About 3 weeks.
We are getting faster and more organized on building, but there are a lot of orders.

And to confirm what rx-friend said, one can flip the switch with the car turned off. No need to disconnect the battery.

canzoomer

A note on fuel economy:

The stock Mazda maps are quite lean on lower rpm and partial throttle. As a result I doubt one will see more than a slight difference there.

On higher rpm and from 2/3 throttle and up there is a big difference.
We have brought the air/fuel ratios from the 10 to 11:1 range down to 13.3:1.
That is a 20 to 33% improvement on fuel injection volume.

So, if you play, run her hard, USE the throttle, our unit will save you fuel.

If you cruise down the road at 2500rpm, 1/4 throttle, you won't see much difference.

Sorry, but there is no "magic bullet" for this.
Despite Mazda's claim otherwise for the Renesis, it is still a rotary, and it is a bit thirsty.

DrFolamour

Canzoomer,

do you know these guys ?

http://www.powerchips.ch

It's a swiss based compagny which does good/great job on ECU replacement. My 2.0i Ford Mondeo became another car with their ECU.

They claim :

Technical Powerchips list

Mark of vehicule
MAZDA

Model
MAZDA RX-8
Original horsepower
250

Number of cylinders
2
Cylindrer cm3
1840

Gained horsepower Powerchips
24 Gained torque Powerchips
18


original horsepower
250
8500
hosrepower with powerchips
274
8500


original torque
216
7500
torque with powerchips
255
7200

But I am absolutly not sure they can make a reliable job on a rotary engine. Even if they go 274 bhp, I will take you mod instead - make me feel more comfortable. And the stock bhp here in switzerland is 231bhp, not 250 as claimed.


Anyway, would it be possible for you to get some inspiration from their modification, like reverse engineering ;-)

Hymee

iTrader: (1)

WTF... 1840 cc ??

Hmmm... They know a lot about this engine

Cheers,
Hymee.

Genom

Whenever I see those humongous lists of compatible cars with erroneus data and websites based outta the middle of nowhere, I just doubt it seriously.

RX Guy

Got CZ's email. :D
Fedex Fedex Fedex...

Thanks a bunch for doing all this CZ.

canzoomer

I am dubious, as the ROM in the stock ECU is not socketed, and there is no easy place to attach.

It might be possible to re-flash the ECU, but then what about serviceing?

Even then it would be tricky business, as the security immobilizer code would be an issue.

I guess time will tell..

Have you or anyone called them yet to enquire?

DrFolamour

Not yet - as explained it was not in my plans.

But as they are in my country, I can easily contact them.

Please provide my a question list, I call them tomorrow and post you the answers.

I am still puzzled, as they are well know here in Switzerland... Made my Mondeo mod, I have friends with Audi S3/S4, WRX, EVO VI & VII. Never a problem and "proven" HP upgrade with an independent "dyno" (TCS, Touring Club Suisse.

But minor mistakes like stock BHP and cm3 are a bit scarry....

canzoomer

I contacted them.
Here is what they said:

"Dear Mr. Maurice,

Ok, the best way (the only way !) to modify your ECU is sending it (if possible using DHL or UPS) to our European technique support who is located in France:

AST
3, rue des Biches
F-74100 VILLE LA GRAND
FRANCE
Phone: 0450378981

If there are no removable or desoldable chips in your ECU we will reprogramme the whole ECU (same sofware, same price).

Of course we know the RX8 is a petrol engine and not a diesel but the answer you received is a usual answer that explain how does works our company and what our product brings to your engine.

The gain mentionned +26hp +18% more torque is mesured at the engine and not at the wheels ! It isn't possible to get such improvement on a NA engine (previously RX7 where bi-turbo so improvement is minimum +40 hp). The gain at the wheels will be about +17hp +13% torque.

Many Thanx
Best Regards
C. Anderson"

I replied asking how long for turnaround, but have not had a reply yet..

my-t-im

Hello! Canzoomer.



I sent in my request for the stage one kit by fax in late December. I was just wondering if this order was received,If it was than I will wait for delivery, but if it was not do I need to reorder this kit and at what price. I know that you are a busy man try to fill all the orders that you received. I just want to know about my credit card number that I gave for that order if it is secured. And if my order was received. you can email me if you like



Thank you

thank you RXhusker Iwill try that?










----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2004 Rx8 Titanium Grey, GT, red\black Leather, Strakes, Exhaust Finisher, Nav, Spoiler, Spare Tire, Appearance & Rotary Pkg,

RXhusker

My-t-im, I would suggest emailing Maurice directly with your question. maurice@harddata.com

His daughter Rachael will likely respond to your inquiry and give you a rough ETA on ship date.

TitaniumRX8MD

Still waiting for mine too

Hard 8

I understand that the good people at Canzoomer are awaiting a batch of OEM connectors, which is holding up the next wave of stage 1 kits. I am interested in an update, too. I'm going to ask Graham now.

tripwire

Has anyone heard from canzoomer lately? I have been emailing, and PMing to get status on my Stage 1 shipment but I get no response.

Hard 8

Try graham@harddata.com. I just sent him a query. I'll try to update the Forum when I hear from him.

Hard 8

Graham replies "I actually just checked where they were and it says they are on a truck heading to my locale.

If the connectors do arrive today I should be shipping friday or early next week...cross your fingers."

Edit: HOWEVER, that's only for the next batch in line; there are other, later orders that will not be ready yet. Please direct further queries to Graham.

CanZoomer JR

Not all orders, this is the start of the next batch for info on your shipping dates please mail me or send me a private message.

But i do not check the forum everyday so email is the best solution.