My 2005 widetrack UK STI is being mapped next week and I have have an opportunity to switch from an ECUTek map to one of the latest Alcatek ECU's.

I've just had a set of GT headers and an SC42 put on. For full spec, see my garage.

The car is my daily driver.
I don't track it so I'm not too concerned about having Launch Control or Antilag.
I also don't intend to use meth, so not massively concerned about the multiple maps.

With that in mind, what other benefits are there that you guys have found?

Have also looked at the Carberry O/S maps but they sound a bit too good to be true!

 

for my car ive found it runs better lol obviously, and i got data logging on my simtek pro which ill be using on tracks but thats about it with mine, ive gone for the whole hog with the switches

 

Give Martyn at Enginetuner a call - he'll give you a full run down on the advantages of Alcatek.

 

If your going to be looking for increased power later on go for it now so it's in place,but the O.E ecu's are good and the ECUtek software now can do most things.

 

TBH I don't think I will be looking to up the power again after this mate.
I was pretty happy with the 20g I had, so I think the SC42 would be as far as I'd potentially want to take mine as a road car, with the benefit that I hopefully won't need to go for uprated internals etc etc.

Having spoken to JGM, (if I've understood him correctly!) sounds like the OEM map sensor may be a limiting factor on ECUTek, so I think what I'm going to do is try ECUTek, and perhaps look to switch to Alcatek in the future if I the new mods don't make the power I'm hoping for.

 

Anyone else?

 

Hi Giles

If you are looking on aftermarket ECU go with Syvecs,just due all those functions/features are for free and you still will save on longer run,resale value of the Syvecs is still better(for used Syvecs still you are looking at £1200),after sale support from Syvecs guys is awesome(Charlie or Ryan are at SRR most of the time,telephone support,Syvecs forum),datalogging you don't need now,but you find is the great thing,which can allow you send the logs to your mapper and mapper can see problems or just reassure you everything is just OK,as someone said,you this usually don't need,but until you to have,you will don't want part with this feature

But from yours post you are not looking at those features(multiple fuel maps,LC,ALS),aftermarket ECU will allow you to run SD(Speed Density) or if you are want Mafless,MAP limit sensor,why don't swap for bigger MAP sensor(3bar MAP sensor should be enough),in your case on the EcuTek not sure if yours MAF will be limiting factor,but don't think you will max the MAF at 420-450bhp

CarBerry ROM is the best option for OE ECU on earlier New Age(where you cannot applly EcuTek RaceROM),just due features which will allow you to do so,its working nicely and many people switching to CarBerry ROM just due features and price difference is not massive,but still is cheaper than EcuTek


Jura

 

As above really. Regardless of ecu id guess your gonna need a bigger map sensor. Check with Simon a bigger rated sensor can be used with ecutek

 

Hey Jura,

Although Syvecs would be great mate I have a wedding to pay for this year and just can't afford the extra cash at the moment. In fairness, given I don't have a built engine, NOS or any of the other features you guys have, I suspect it would massive overkill for me, and have to say that's what worries me in terms of the Alcatek one too.
I also hear what you're saying regarding additional features though lol.

Multiple fuel maps would admittedly be nice (especially as every now and then I find myself in a part of the UK that doesn't seem to realise 97 RON and above fuels exist!), but defo don't need ALS (I'd be too tempted to use it to annoy people who tailgate )

That said, if I can shift the turbo I have for sale I'll be tempted to at least look further into an Alcatek ECU...

 

So...some questions maybe some of you running Simtek / Alcatek can answer for me?
1) How do you switch your maps?
2) What maps have you gone for? I see it claims multiple maps on the site, but then seems that it's dual maps with a few variants that you actually switch between?
3) Will the Alcatek work with the built-in shift light on my STI?

 

1) 4 main choices - via the throttle at ignition on*, a simple on off switch, an 8 position cal switch, a toucan.
2) the older version is just two maps, new version is upto 8 combinations.
3) yes the sti built in shift light works independently of the ecu

* you push throttle to the floor, turn the ignition on and the rev needle will move to 1 for map one, 2 for map two etc you come off the throttle and back on to move maps.. works well if it is a fuel map as you cannot accidentlly change it and you wont want to change it whilst driving.. but if boost level change then switch is better imho

Simon

 

Cheers Si. I'll give you a ring about it later, though you might find this

 

Lol

 

Im running FFS on my Alcatec and its fuc*ing amazing

 

Is there any issues with the standard immobilisers when fitting aftermarket ECUs?

Always wondered.

 

the alarm/imobiliser stays as it is. The chip in the key becomes redundant as this is matched to the o/e ecu

 

i like the maffless system for start, knock detection is good and works, fuel trimming per cylinder is cool, thus protecting number 3!.depending on power id go ecutec now as cost is bit high, i paid 850 and then a quality map,either steve simpson or bob rawle etc. only issue i have /had was idle slightly erratic but as i say a good mapper will sort those things as mr rawle did.

 

New version has knock control rather than just detection and closed loop idle also.

 

What he said

 

Does that mean the immobiliser bit is effectively removed from the security then?
Have to admit you've got me thinking about missile style rocker switches now damn you Simon!!

 

Lol.

Call you back when kids asleep

 

yes maplin do quite well from scooby chaps.