MP3 ECU Upgrade

[quikmp5]

Does anyone know if there's anyway to reprogram the MP5 ECU to get the timing of the MP3 ECU?

If there is that's a great way to get some extra horsepower!

Let me know if you come up with anything

[melicha8]

I was under the impression that we have the same ECU specs, and the only difference is the Racing Beat exhaust

[quikmp5]

They have a different ECU program and a different muffler. The rest of the exhaust is the same. MP3's have 10 horses more and only about 2 can come from that muffler, so we're lookin at a 8 hp difference because of the ECU.

[quikmp5]

This has to be a possibility! Help me find out guys.

[mazdamp3_18]

I believe the MP3 has a 2* degree advanced ignition compared to the stock Protege.... It would probably be cheaper to get a S-AFC and a MSD ignition and you then would probably have more HP than an MP3 with proper tuning.... and MP3 ecu (if you can find one) will probably run you $1500... on my old car i could have gotten a euro spec ecu for 2 grand but my gains would have been a lot higher than 10 hp.... i would have doubled my torque and hp..... but im rambling....... lol .....

chris

[mofoaka]

i just wanted to know the pricings of it and whether the installation is hard or not.. thanks

[mofoaka]

for those who took out their resonator off the exhaust.. how does it sound? fart can? or super import? just curious..

[mp5]

I checked into doing the same thing. Your dealer, provided he has the software, can reprogram your pcm (power control module) in about an hour. It therefore is a relativly cheap mod, but it does void for factory warranty. For that reason, I'm waiting for the warranty to expire.

[rodslinger]

But that's a different debate.

[mp5]

You may have different info they I have, but when I inquirered about having the pcm reprogramed "Rob" at Mazda North America (not the dealership) told me I could have it done but that it would void my warranty.

[DBR]

i just tried to call mazda north american operations (MNAO) to talk to "rob" about reprogramming the p5 ECU, but a recorded message told me to call mazda canada. i called mazda canada, sent them this email and a couple from protegeclub.com.

mazda canada said they don't know anything about reprogramming a p5 ECU, they contacted MNAO but couldn't locate a rob in customer relations, and said they're surprised anyone inside mazda would even suggest reprogramming the ECU because of the (legal? engine? emissions?) complications it might cause.

i hope it's doable and i've heard it a few times, but i can't seem to get solid confirmation.

[rodslinger]

It should be doable as long as the only difference between the Pro5 and the MP3 is the software. Most all manufacturers now have reprogrammable computers in the cars. Much easier to flash new software than to swap a whole ECM or change proms (ala GM) every time a problem comes up. Cheaper too. Regarding the warranty. Since the MP3 isn't ULEV certified, I could only see them not wanting to honor the full emissions warranty but would still be tough as most of the parts are the same. I would enjoy seeing them try to prove the upgrade damaged the drivetrain too when the same parts are shared between the two models. Ford replaced the head gasket on my Mustang even though I have a supercharger on it. Put the burden on them to prove it caused a problem. Don't let the service writers push you around.

[OurP5]

Getting a reprogrammed ECU does sound like a pretty "simple" performance mod. I have an idea, though. If you’re worried about the warranty, try to pick an ECU up at your local salvage yard. There has to be some stupid kid out there who got the car from Mommy and Daddy and thought all of a sudden he was a cast member in the Fast and the Furious and wrapped it around a tree. A lot of salvage yards give a great deal if you offer to pull it yourself. I got leather seats from an Acura GS-R and put them in my '99 Civic EX for $100. As far as voiding the warranty... keep the old ECU, you have problem and need to take the car to the dealer... just plug in the factory MP5 ECU. Let me know if you have any luck. I plan on adding mods to my MP5 but I'm going to let the engine get broke in first. I only have 210 miles on it.

[YellowMP5]

i think the mp3's also have a different upper intake manifold. the runners are different and it breaths differently. but ECU is also involved.

[APEXistud]

YellowMP5 is correct. The MP3 has better breathing habits due to it having a dual stage intake manifold. The ECU has different timing just like everyone has been saying. Other than those 2 differences, the P5 isn't much different from the MP3. The main differences are of course the swaybars, shocks, wheels/tires, shorter throw shifter, shaved side moldings, headlamps, and the cute orange sidemarkers.;)

[311Mazda]

Anyone know how much it would cost to get/install an MP3 dual stage intake manifold from mazda? :confused:

[APEXistud]

I know you can get one from Mazda Motorsports (http://www.mazdamotorsports.com). I think Corksport might also have them. Of course depending on your setup, you might not want to spend the cash for it. If you're looking to build a turbo'd monster of a P5, just follow chdesigns example. He's got a very capable car. Of course the intake manifold will always help, but it's all upto you.