Ecu upgrade, what to expect ?
Discussion
Yes mate, I think mine will be done this week or there abouts,
I've been quite relaxed about it and the time scale but now that it's all coming together I'm really looking forward to getting behind the wheel
This really moves our cars on Richard, I'm feeling like I'm getting a new lease of life added to the car and modern systems to keep the engine running sweetly, I've never trusted any of the sensors and always expect one to faulter, that's an extreme view of the Lucus system but with the latest tech kit controlling things I'm a much happier bunny
Yeah that's the same with my bike, it ain't for wet riding I know that much!
Richard I've lived without my car on the road for over a year now, hard hard life : laugh:
I'm sort of used to it now but as soon as the cars back I'll be driving into the night I reckon, just on and on and,,,,,
Richard I've lived without my car on the road for over a year now, hard hard life : laugh:
I'm sort of used to it now but as soon as the cars back I'll be driving into the night I reckon, just on and on and,,,,,
:big laugh: yeah ya weirdo, 
That sounds like a plan,,,, Scotland and back in 24 hours,,,,,
Lands end to John O Grouts and back in 48 hours
Check the weathers ok and just hit Scotland, up the canal around the top then back down, I know some outrageous roads up the Highlands,
Richard plan a route and I'll come play
That sounds like a plan,,,, Scotland and back in 24 hours,,,,,
Lands end to John O Grouts and back in 48 hours
Check the weathers ok and just hit Scotland, up the canal around the top then back down, I know some outrageous roads up the Highlands,
Richard plan a route and I'll come play
A little update.
My car should be up and running by this Saturday, Ecu installation, baffled sump, starter button, a few electrical gremlins, Mot, etc
There's an issue with the rolling road, needs a new part, so I'll have the car for a week or so on a base map.
I'm having a clutch etc but can't be sure if that's this week.
Dons got some nice digital geo equipment so once I've decided what shocks to go for ill have them put on and a full geo set up done so I'll be going back anyway.
I like it when a plan starts coming together
My car should be up and running by this Saturday, Ecu installation, baffled sump, starter button, a few electrical gremlins, Mot, etc
There's an issue with the rolling road, needs a new part, so I'll have the car for a week or so on a base map.
I'm having a clutch etc but can't be sure if that's this week.
Dons got some nice digital geo equipment so once I've decided what shocks to go for ill have them put on and a full geo set up done so I'll be going back anyway.
I like it when a plan starts coming together
It's worth saving up for, it's the price of a good pair of shocks and a brake upgrade, for what it should do for the engine life is worth every penny.
Replacing starter cable things like that are game changers
Seeing the plenum with a plug where the old stepper used to be, very satisfying
Replacing starter cable things like that are game changers
Seeing the plenum with a plug where the old stepper used to be, very satisfying
So here I am on the eve of a new beginning with my Tvr.
Ecu installation complete, new clutch, brake master cyl,
Rear brake discs and pads,
A few heater and Pas hoses, oil pressure sender and baffled sump fitted,
Starter button
Windows and doors opening and a few other wiring gremlins sorted,,,, for a day or two
New fluids in gearbox/ engine 5000 mile service
Wiper park switch, red heater led, ,,,,,
Can't remember anymore.
Now to some people on here who may be struggling to keep their car on the road let alone spend a fortune to advance their Tvr and this all sounds like i'm some jammy bugger with loads a dosh,,,,, to lavish at will whenever I like,,,,
Nothing could be further from the truth, I'm living well within my means and I've had to park my Tvr for over 18 months now to save and afford these changes.
I have to budget over longer periods but after nearly four years of repairs and upgrades to my car she's now what I call DONE. FINISHED, THE END, NO MORE, ENOUGH,
Errrr well some good shocks but that's it honest,,, oh tyres, oh stereo,,,, and re paint wheels
Tomorrow I'll see if this was all worth the staying in, living like a hermit, going without, STARVING,,,, hahahah
Ecu installation complete, new clutch, brake master cyl,
Rear brake discs and pads,
A few heater and Pas hoses, oil pressure sender and baffled sump fitted,
Starter button
Windows and doors opening and a few other wiring gremlins sorted,,,, for a day or two
New fluids in gearbox/ engine 5000 mile service
Wiper park switch, red heater led, ,,,,,
Can't remember anymore.
Now to some people on here who may be struggling to keep their car on the road let alone spend a fortune to advance their Tvr and this all sounds like i'm some jammy bugger with loads a dosh,,,,, to lavish at will whenever I like,,,,
Nothing could be further from the truth, I'm living well within my means and I've had to park my Tvr for over 18 months now to save and afford these changes.
I have to budget over longer periods but after nearly four years of repairs and upgrades to my car she's now what I call DONE. FINISHED, THE END, NO MORE, ENOUGH,
Errrr well some good shocks but that's it honest,,, oh tyres, oh stereo,,,, and re paint wheels
Tomorrow I'll see if this was all worth the staying in, living like a hermit, going without, STARVING,,,, hahahah
Edited by ClassiChimi on Friday 14th August 21:55
Thanks guys,
First thoughts,
Fans kick in at 87 deg like clockwork.
I had immobiliser issues before, Dom said replacing main starter cable was the issue which I've been dubious about,,, well it's not failed yet so that seems a bonus.
Fuelling
As the car hasn't been mapped properly I will use caution,
Seems to burn much cleaner at low revs around town, in traffic I'd always smell unburnt fuel etc, no more,
Picks up quickly and I can tell there's a smoother fuel curve. More linear
I'm not going to rev the engine over 4000revs until it's fully mapped so it's hard to say if it's faster but I think it is
Engine doesn't seem to get as hot either but I need more time to assess. Other than the frustration of the rolling road being out of action it's a nice installation, re painted my nasty fuel rail too
My pockets are empty so I'm feeling bemused but over time as I get to know the system better and have some real miles on the clock and it's mapped well I'll be glad I've spent the money.
Happy days
Edited to add,
I'm going out to do some of this
First thoughts,
Fans kick in at 87 deg like clockwork.
I had immobiliser issues before, Dom said replacing main starter cable was the issue which I've been dubious about,,, well it's not failed yet so that seems a bonus.
Fuelling
As the car hasn't been mapped properly I will use caution,
Seems to burn much cleaner at low revs around town, in traffic I'd always smell unburnt fuel etc, no more,
Picks up quickly and I can tell there's a smoother fuel curve. More linear
I'm not going to rev the engine over 4000revs until it's fully mapped so it's hard to say if it's faster but I think it is
Engine doesn't seem to get as hot either but I need more time to assess. Other than the frustration of the rolling road being out of action it's a nice installation, re painted my nasty fuel rail too
My pockets are empty so I'm feeling bemused but over time as I get to know the system better and have some real miles on the clock and it's mapped well I'll be glad I've spent the money.
Happy days
Edited to add,
I'm going out to do some of this
Edited by ClassiChimi on Saturday 15th August 16:17
Richard I've tried Pm you twice and it keeps failing?
Painted fuel rail black, dunno what with but it must be heat proof!
It's a shiny black so that's ok
Dave get the MBE in then start on the engine,,,, I'll tell you why,,,
So far I've decided it's ,,,,,,,,,,,,, wait for it,,,,,,,, brilliant.
Engines not as hot, gauges stay true, smooth tick over and after a good 40 minutes running around town got home and did my usual thing, open the bonnet to let the heat out,,,, clink, crack, ssssss, as the engine would cool off,,,,
No,,,, the odd tink but it's just not as hot,, temp says 87/90 ish, but as soon as I opened the bonnet the heat release was less than it used to be,,,, without the dizzi and wires and coil and stuff it seems like much more room in there.
So I had classic immobiliser symptoms on the starter circuit since the day I got the car,,, sometimes no issues then out the blue the car would refuse to start, fuel pump would prime but no starter, classic relay in immobiliser symptom,,,
Well I've stop started a few dozen times by now already and it's not happened once,,,,
If this has cured my starting problems ( always at a garage filling up for some bugger reason ) ;( then that's a huge bonus in having the new loom etc.
what a result that would be,,, touch wood because I'll believe it after a period of time.
Overall and when it's fully mapped This is a massive step up in engine control and I'm sure my engines loving it already,
She's very happy by the sound of her
Edited to add, yes Graham i did see your post
I'll have no more said about it
So when's the next trackday
No not yet,,,, bloody rolling road, maybe as late as sept before roads fixed, boo hoo
Painted fuel rail black, dunno what with but it must be heat proof!
It's a shiny black so that's ok
Dave get the MBE in then start on the engine,,,, I'll tell you why,,,
So far I've decided it's ,,,,,,,,,,,,, wait for it,,,,,,,, brilliant.
Engines not as hot, gauges stay true, smooth tick over and after a good 40 minutes running around town got home and did my usual thing, open the bonnet to let the heat out,,,, clink, crack, ssssss, as the engine would cool off,,,,
No,,,, the odd tink but it's just not as hot,, temp says 87/90 ish, but as soon as I opened the bonnet the heat release was less than it used to be,,,, without the dizzi and wires and coil and stuff it seems like much more room in there.
So I had classic immobiliser symptoms on the starter circuit since the day I got the car,,, sometimes no issues then out the blue the car would refuse to start, fuel pump would prime but no starter, classic relay in immobiliser symptom,,,
Well I've stop started a few dozen times by now already and it's not happened once,,,,
If this has cured my starting problems ( always at a garage filling up for some bugger reason ) ;( then that's a huge bonus in having the new loom etc.
what a result that would be,,, touch wood because I'll believe it after a period of time.
Overall and when it's fully mapped This is a massive step up in engine control and I'm sure my engines loving it already,
She's very happy by the sound of her
Edited to add, yes Graham i did see your post
I'll have no more said about it
So when's the next trackday
No not yet,,,, bloody rolling road, maybe as late as sept before roads fixed, boo hoo
Edited by ClassiChimi on Saturday 15th August 20:50
come on Anthony sharpen up I've just been out for a night time drive, all I can say is role on sept because this feels bloody marvellous, Is it my imagination but the engine sounds better, quieter and more balanced.
I can't really try but it feels like it's pulling like a train, I'm pleased the cars not creaking around all my suspension and bush work from last year, about 30 miles driving in over 12 months, I kept hearing this rattle from the left front, just a slight tap here and there,,, got home and realised the old metal tax disc holder was in the passenger door pocket and rattles, phew!
I have to say my car feels really tight and taught, no noises other than good ones.
A side thought, I'm thinking of trying Joolz two way adjustable shocks, he sent me an email and he's had some good results with them, I'll discuss my requirements with him next week but I'm close to choosing them.
If they can hold their valving after some hammer then I think they might be the ones to try.
Thoughts anyone
Edited to add
I'm feeling rather pleased, it feels like my car has taken a huge step out of the dark and unknown into a totally modern car,
The way the throttle responds with even a tiny dab and when you have the car balanced on the throttle a few mm pressure either way with the right foot and the engine instantly gives you what you ask, smooth smooth engine note, it's like a Porsche !!! Steady on,,,, if it's the only upgrade you ever do it will be the best thing you'll ever do for the cars health.
Mine feels brand new! I've just driven for a couple of hours at steady speeds, got home, got out the car and there's no smell of fuel whatsoever, it's all sinking in, I'm starting to believe what my clocks tell me, I don't fear starting the b
d,,, it doesn't smell like a fuel tanker parked up, standing behind it there's hardly any gases,,, that's seriously impressing me, it can't be too lean or it would be running hotter to my mind? If this is what's achieved without being fully mapped then it's a damned impressive.
I collected it today after parting with money,,,, I'm never in the best of moods after paying for stuff
Didn't think much of it really,,,, then had to do a few local trips and slowly I succumbed to the feel of it.
It's like a massive confidence booster. I can't recommend it enough right now
Edited by ClassiChimi on Sunday 16th August 00:40
Here's a few shots of the install
Sorry the cars dirty, it sat at my mates place for awhile and rusted.
You can't see much but then there's not much to see,,,,,,
I dared pulling the foot guard to reveal battery and there's nothing there,,,,,,,well the battery is but where's the Ecu,,,,,
Hardly any wiring and my carpets have been stuck back on,
Daren't look any further so pushed foot plate thingy back and just smiled.
Cor blimey govner you've gone and done it this time me old China
I've not thought about the possibilities much,,,, but now it's all reality this is funkie stuff, mapping ,,,,, man o man, total confidence in the signals the Ecu receives,
I had a fairly Modern Jag a few years ago, coil pack V8 and it was good.
My engine feels more refined now, very close if not as good as those modern V8's
It's a gem all of a sudden. I've been in some of the best V8 Tvr's and I was worried mine would never excite me again, with the knowledge I now possess and having not touched my car in ages wait for it,,,,,haha hey it might not have massive hp figures but it feels proper fast, not that slow let's put it that way
I'm well chuffed.
Trouble is I now have to devote the rest of today cleaning the blighter,,,,
Arrrr she loves me as I do her,,,,
Sorry the cars dirty, it sat at my mates place for awhile and rusted.
You can't see much but then there's not much to see,,,,,,
I dared pulling the foot guard to reveal battery and there's nothing there,,,,,,,well the battery is but where's the Ecu,,,,,
Hardly any wiring and my carpets have been stuck back on,
Daren't look any further so pushed foot plate thingy back and just smiled.
Cor blimey govner you've gone and done it this time me old China
I've not thought about the possibilities much,,,, but now it's all reality this is funkie stuff, mapping ,,,,, man o man, total confidence in the signals the Ecu receives,
I had a fairly Modern Jag a few years ago, coil pack V8 and it was good.
My engine feels more refined now, very close if not as good as those modern V8's
It's a gem all of a sudden. I've been in some of the best V8 Tvr's and I was worried mine would never excite me again, with the knowledge I now possess and having not touched my car in ages wait for it,,,,,haha hey it might not have massive hp figures but it feels proper fast, not that slow let's put it that way
I'm well chuffed.
Trouble is I now have to devote the rest of today cleaning the blighter,,,,
Arrrr she loves me as I do her,,,,
Dave I emailed you my number the other day, bell me and we can meet up to discuss, don't get envy get even old chap
Richard, let me have some time in the car to really get the vibes then I'll give my opinion,,,
Can't see it changing much cos it's brilliant so far anyway.
I'd read all about the alarm issues and considered replacing the alarm, well if this has cured the issue I had which used to send me half insane then I feel like I've saved over 500 quid already, what a bonus,,,,,,,
So a new beefed up starter cable seems like a good place to start regards alarm woes.
Sorting that issue out has re ignited my love for the car just as much as mappable fuel/ ignition.
I'm still cautious cos I don't quite believe it and I'm still expecting the starter system to fail but so far it's magnific
Yippidy doo da, bum bum, ha ha ha you know wot I mean Harry, ha ha ha.
Richard, let me have some time in the car to really get the vibes then I'll give my opinion,,,
Can't see it changing much cos it's brilliant so far anyway.
I'd read all about the alarm issues and considered replacing the alarm, well if this has cured the issue I had which used to send me half insane then I feel like I've saved over 500 quid already, what a bonus,,,,,,,
So a new beefed up starter cable seems like a good place to start regards alarm woes.
Sorting that issue out has re ignited my love for the car just as much as mappable fuel/ ignition.
I'm still cautious cos I don't quite believe it and I'm still expecting the starter system to fail but so far it's magnific
Yippidy doo da, bum bum, ha ha ha you know wot I mean Harry, ha ha ha.
Edited by ClassiChimi on Sunday 16th August 15:15
Sorry Daz, I have no idea I just drive the thing!
They seem like good questions so why and for what purpose do you ask these techi questions !
I will find out though.
What difference does it make, I've never read up on open and closed loop to be honest.
I've been thinking long and hard about my car, chasing another 50 hp doesn't interest me, it's all bks
for the costs involved, I have no need to prove I'm the fastest out there, I already know that
Seriously I like my car as it is, I like baffled exhausts, I haven't done this to go FI
I've done it simply to add reliability and a more enjoyable driving experience in all conditions over many years.
Does any of that make sense?
They seem like good questions so why and for what purpose do you ask these techi questions !
I will find out though.
What difference does it make, I've never read up on open and closed loop to be honest.
I've been thinking long and hard about my car, chasing another 50 hp doesn't interest me, it's all b
ks for the costs involved, I have no need to prove I'm the fastest out there, I already know that
Seriously I like my car as it is, I like baffled exhausts, I haven't done this to go FI
I've done it simply to add reliability and a more enjoyable driving experience in all conditions over many years.
Does any of that make sense?
MPoxon said:
Very tempted to book mine in this winter. What is up with Dom's Rolling Road?
Do it Matt, with your engine and sorted car and especially as you like to rev her on track knowing what the fuelling is upto at those extremes is a no brainier really especially if your keeping and developing your car as you go along. finite throttle control is a must when putting the power down, Cux sort of just chucks loads of fuel at it, this the tiniest of throttle position change and the engine responds accordingly,,,, very fine tune indeed.
I'm saying all this and I've only just got it back.... Time will be the test,,, not just this year but can my MBE go say 15 years because my Cux did!
Logic says it will, the wirings got to be better, the Ecu software should operate without fault, hopefully the sensors work well over time and the trigger wheel stays true.
All I know right now is, it's no longer a Tvr, I have a totally different feeling about the car, it's an amazing Tvr, I believe it's going to run,,,,,and properly, I ain't fearing a poxy coil going down,,,,,, I grew up around wreck motorbikes, non of them ever working properly, coil,,,, always at the top of the list when they had no spark,,, it's a bug bare to see it in my engine bay,,,,
Well now it's gone and I'm not looking back.
I'm lucky as Doms place is only down the road, if the map takes a few tweaks to perfect that's ok by me,
I was thinking I'd probably have to go back when the ambient temps are low, I'm not sure but can Doms road create a cold climate, unlikely but I've got full confidence, Jay helped to create the system, they know there own diagnostic equipment well, I've got a re built engine, what could possibly go wrong that can't be fixed!
People say it's expensive,,,, well using a rolling road isn't cheap, Dom will put my car to test until it's right,, maybe map it once and it's spot on, if it needs tweaks it will be mapped again until it's right.
That's what I'm paying for not just a loom and box of tricks,,the service to work on it until it's correct, not everything goes right first time but mine seems fine at the mo, map def needs tweaking, Dom mailed me and said Drop it back tomorrow and hed do it! I can't get there until at least the weekend but the offer was instantly made
I'll get to understand the Ecu but I'll let Dom and Jay sort it first, finally I like the idea of watching some mapping and getting some understanding but I'll leave an expert to his work before I fudge the waters
I don't think I can ever hope to or even want to have the knowledge to map my car better than a mapper,,,
Maybe I'll look into it and change my mind but if my map works for the car, looks after my engine and stays true and I can put 100,000 miles on the clock before a re build then it's rather a cheap price to pay.
My alarm issue is still fixed,,, how much is it for a new alarm again!!!
I was thinking I'd probably have to go back when the ambient temps are low, I'm not sure but can Doms road create a cold climate, unlikely but I've got full confidence, Jay helped to create the system, they know there own diagnostic equipment well, I've got a re built engine, what could possibly go wrong that can't be fixed!
People say it's expensive,,,, well using a rolling road isn't cheap, Dom will put my car to test until it's right,, maybe map it once and it's spot on, if it needs tweaks it will be mapped again until it's right.
That's what I'm paying for not just a loom and box of tricks,,the service to work on it until it's correct, not everything goes right first time but mine seems fine at the mo, map def needs tweaking, Dom mailed me and said Drop it back tomorrow and hed do it! I can't get there until at least the weekend but the offer was instantly made
I'll get to understand the Ecu but I'll let Dom and Jay sort it first, finally I like the idea of watching some mapping and getting some understanding but I'll leave an expert to his work before I fudge the waters
I don't think I can ever hope to or even want to have the knowledge to map my car better than a mapper,,,
Maybe I'll look into it and change my mind but if my map works for the car, looks after my engine and stays true and I can put 100,000 miles on the clock before a re build
then it's rather a cheap price to pay. My alarm issue is still fixed,,, how much is it for a new alarm again!!!
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