Engine Playing tricks on the ECU...

Playing tricks on the ECU...

Manually changing the resistance on various sensors to fool the ECU. This just doesn't sound like a good idea to me. I see a bunch of people on the internet doing this and claiming 20hp gains...
What's other peoples experience with this?

This is why they make performance computer modules like APEXi
right?

Statik

hmmm...

hmmmm...

hmmm...?
Yeah I really don't know much about modding.
I probably sound like an idiot, but I'm not.
give me a break!

hmmm...

At what point in modification stage does installing a piggback system become beneficial?
If you just have a CAI and exhaust, is there any performance advantage to manipulating sensor readings?


Statik

do piggy back systems just plug into the same place as smog testing people do? how do you set everything after you plug it in? how hard is it? am i playing 20 questions?

are there any downfalls? cause right now im thinking about getting the greddy emanage.

short answer:

piggy back (style) computers requires you to tap directly into the ecu wiring harness, and yes they work by manlupilating sensor readings in real time (<--key word) depending on many factors such as rpm, pressure, temperature, etc.

what for? your mods don't necessitate getting an ecu programmer. you're ecu is providing the correct air/fuel ratio already.

actually a cheap route for performance is megasquirt.... i've mentioned it several times.... none of that piggyback BS..... it's a cheap standalone ecu which is fully programmable via a 9 pin serial (straight through) cable..... i have one that i built for my aw11 that will be running a 4agze... only thing holding me back right now is getting the edis4 setup and getting my transmission (in the "mail")

http://www.bgsoflex.com/megasquirt.html

and glensgarage.com is the best place to order them

Yeah, I kinda had a feeling about it... Pretty much all the hype I've come across is b/s. Thank you! That is the kind of answer I was looking for... Plain, simple and to the point.

well, actually MS is different.... it doesn't trick anything.... it is it's own ecu.... you build your maps the way you want it to be.... be it lean, rich or whatever.... the stock ecu is limiting of course because 99% of the buyers aren't buying their cars to modify, and want longevity....

Is MS like a universal stand alone or is it engine specific. And if it is universal, would that mean it could practically be used for crazy engine swaps?

it's made for any engine...... the kit you buy is for GM specific.... but for toyota's all you need to change are a few resistors for the coolant/air temp sensors.... then before you fire the car up, you program in which injectors you are running and how many cylinders.... the built in map is based off a GM v8, i believe..... but there are many maps out there available to download already that people have made.... i'll be using one from a turbo 4age using the same injectors i am.... should be similar, and i can start that as my base map

Actually, in terms of performance, everyone is correct that a piggyback computer essentially does not much. However, if modding the car has caused problems (such as a MAF sensor getting an incorrect reading and causing you to run lean or rich), then a piggyback computer such as the SAFC or eManage could be a choice to correct the problem.

Late,
Trav