I've tried using the search button but Z4 is too short a term for the search function to bother looking for it appears. It will search ECU but that's too generic for what I'm after.


So........

I've been told that my Z4 ECU is programmable/remappable.

Anybody wish to divoldge how this can be done?

As I have no serial connection on the ECU case, I'm assuming it's either an internal connection or a connection though the four yellow plugs.

Any ideas?


I have a 1995 Impreza WRX, it's an import with a TD05 turbo.


Also is the TD05 turbo and Z4 ecu standard fir this car?


Thanks

 

Hello there,
I believe the Z4 ecu & TD05 turbo is standard on the JDM sedan for your year.
From what I've heard (so it's not necessarily gospel) some of the Z4 ecus are supposed to have an extra plug on the chip board where you can just plug in an upgrade chip.....the other Z4's (like the one fitted on my96 JDM WRX originally) have a space where the plug isn't there but apparantly you can still solder/fit an upgrade chip. As far as I know it doesn't use the original four plugs your on about to do this though.

There are a few serious companies on Scoobynet (API or JGM possibly)who may show there faces soon and give you more indepth & accurate advice on this. Gareth

 

you can chip the z4's but its not advisable as it a generic map and its not set up for your car which can cost you alot more in the long run, you could also have a daughterboard fitted which means you can then have it mapped but theres no point as it is near enough the same money as a decent apexi ecu. if i was you i'd try and find a decent second hand apexi or save up £100 and get yourself a simtek fitted and mapped, well worth it in the long run.

 

I have a MY94 wrx import and the way forward to run more power is to use a piggy back like Unichip. These are fantastic for a cheeper way to go modding. I have one on mine and have done quite alot of upgrades. The company that dome mine do them for around £500 with the map included. I am now running 313.9 bhp and 346 ft lb torque. I would recomend a Unichip Q+ to all classic owners.

Iain

 

I had the z4 on my '95 wrx, and yes td05 is standard, the z4 had been chipped to 1.1 bar but was not mappable. I paid £350 for an apexi power fc with commander and then £200 to get it mapped - now boosting 1.3 bar - I'm not an expert but I get the impression that replacing the ecu is better than piggy backing the ecu however that may depend on mods and what power you're looking to achieve. There's always apexi's knocking around in the for sale section so its worth working out the costs and decicing if you're gonna have to replace the z4 after you've spent money chipping it etc.

 

Many thanks for all the quick replies. Lots of information..... Very good.



The reason I ask is I'm thinking in the long run with all the modifications I thought I had done it would be good to get the car remapped.

But seeing as it's possible my car is fairly standard being a JDM with the TD05 and Z4 ecu I doubt I could really benefit from a Remap.

The only mods I have done are:

ramair induction kit,
Decat down pipe with a single STI back box,
light weight crank pulley


So I'd say my modifications are not really all that substantial.






So my next question would be....


I gather that Purchasing a new mappable ecu is the best way to go about getting a remap.

With this in mind would I gain much benefits by going this route.

I would say im not after mental power increases and big BHP figures. Its the low down grunt I'm after, so I want more torque, I also would like the turbo to spool up at lower RPM and give a more gradual boost as opposed to a big hit when the boost does come in.


I realise the characteristics of boost are governed by the type of turbo, but this is also relevant to the boost pressure right ?


I'll come clean and admit I'm a newbie to forced induction and I've not driven the car yet. It's an on going project.

 

a remapped ecu will sort out everything for the running of your engine to the best point, ie you'll get better mpg with a decent remap, the mapper can usually tell if something is going amiss with the running of the car and it can be set up as a safe map if you want reliability out of the engine or flat out power if you don't care if it blows up a month down the line.

 

My car, a my96 JDM WRX, has just had a Simtek fitted by API along with a few other bits to help me see the benefits. I'm still getting used to my car after this but first impressions are that it's much better. I'm definately seeing more of an increase in my torque though more than my bhp levels but it's still awesome. Give David a ring at API is your best bet IMO as he's always happy to give you sound advice, Gareth

http://apiengines.com/index3.php

 

take the lid of the z4 and see if a credit card sized chip has been fitted in the bottom right corner. if it has one of these then it MIGHT be re-mappable depending on the chip and who fitted it. If there is no chip then its just a stock z4 ecu.

 

So from what's been mentioned above In black and White.

My Z4 ECU is chippable and that's with a generic map installed into it. Which is a cheap option.

If I want to go for a full on custom map built to my engines specifications and what I want then I'll be needing an aftermarket ecu and a custom map courtesy of a remap specialists such as API or JGM. In this case my Z4 ecu won't be any good.

Aftearket ecu I should look out for are Simtek and Apexi.

 

well worth looking at the unichip. it can do everything the others can do and is cheeper check out there site.
http://www.unichipeurope.co.uk/

 

there are some chips (scoobyclinic do em i think or dynamix on here) which will plug into any classic ecu and which can be custom mapped for your engine. so you dont alwsys have to go for an aftermarket ecu.

 

Well this sounds promising. I'll check these out when the time comes so cheers for that.


As for the unichip this seems similar to mega squirt. I dunno if I like the sound of a self customied ecu. I'll propably break something

for the time being I'll keep an eye out for an aftermarket ecu and I'll speak to a few of the companies previously mentioned.


Thanks for all your comments

 

i have a scott t chip in mine fitted at 80500miles now done 147000 no issues at all been on rr and done 279/277 at 10.1psi boost with std clutch slippind at anything over 12psi boost , now fitted frontmount full decat custom full open mouth downpipe , walbro pump. and execdy paddle clutch , now up to 16.6psi which is just below the fuelcut goes like firk and has been checked out by aj . running sweet if a tad rich was his statement , better safe than sorry get them bloody 440injectors out and it will run better he said so theu have come out , cant wait til april to put her back on rr i wanna know what its putting out at 16.6 psi . oh 93wrx by the way

 

Its not down to you to map it the guys that fit it do it on the rolling road

 

Hehe sorry fella I've got the wrong end of the stick.

Megasquirt which I assumed was similiar to your unichip is a home brew affair. You download maps off tinternet and can modify them yourself with a laptop.

You can upload your maps too I think. Bit like sharing naughty videos of your ex's

 

 

as if by magic theres dynamix now!^^

 

The Z4 is remappable with the help of an ESL daughterboard.

Its a good solution and a lot less money than an aftermarket ecu. Can also run Mafless if you wanted.

 

what makes this ecu run mafless and another not?

sorry for what may seem a silly question but i know of esl boards that can not run mafless.

im confused can you explain please

thanks TMP

 

The ESL boards can come in two flavours - maf based and Mafless. It depends on what someone asks for.

 

Owe I like your website, looks good on my iPhone.


This may seem like a stupid question but what does Mafless mean?

Is a daughterboard like a custom chip for for a Z4 ECU?

I may seem like a simpleton when it comes to this but I am trying lol

 

HAHA i dont feel so silly now

 

how do you know what one is what if you have a second hand one?

 

maf = mass air flow

i assume they are best for the facelift cars where maf failures are common which can lead to engine failure

 

Most second hand ones will be maf based. Mafless was only introduced last year.

It is a piggyback board that makes the STD ecu programmable and retains ll factory safety features.

 

ok on your website you suggest that this is a good system. how much is it to remap for future maps?

 

Good question!!!!


I was just going to say that hehe

 

great novices think alike lol

 

Further map tweaks ten to be around £100-£150 depending the the mods same as with the newage remaps.