I cant get into way too much information here about various functions. I can explain how things work, but I wont get into how we configure our unit. I cant. I hope you all can understand.
Now first of all the stock Protege ECU utilizes an EECV EMS from Ford motor company. IT IS HELL for those looking to upgrade to forced induction. And still hell for the MSP's just trying to get a little more out of their car.
Simply put, The programming and the vehicles were designed one way and they want to keep it that way from the factory.
Piggy backs will only do so much. By the time you get to a point where you are satisfied with the your power levels, you have to worry about reliabilty and the adaptive strategy in the stock ecu.
The stock ECU in the protege has a data stream system. Or DLC. (data link connection). It is used to turn certain outputs on and off, activate solenoids , relays ETC. In our Parallel system we use the stock ecu in conjunction with the AEM unit. It is there only to maintain functionality to the ammenities like AC, Cruise control, Stock tachometer, etc.
The AEM in this particular VERSION will be used to control EVERY fuel and timing aspect for the engine to run. THE STOCK ECU DOESNT HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER THESE ITEMS ANY LONGER.
This goes for all the AEM versions we will introduce. The standalone version will be just that, a standalone. Just running the vehicle off the configurable inputs and outputs we program into it.
Unfortunately some stock functions are lost. NOT ALL!!!! just the Tachometer display at this point that we are aware of. We are doing further testing and this should be resolved also within a month. BUT some dont mind this little drawback. They use aftermarket Tachs and are done with it.
Not telling you guys you should but it is an option. Some just dont mind it. BUT in order to make everyone happy and run the vehicle like it came from the factory, we chose the Parallel mode.
Then you have the RACE version. This is a software version that will be custom spec'd for the customer upon reqeust. ANY and every aspect the enduser will need will be configured. This is not a priced item. It will depend soley on the vehicle and what the customer expects from the EMS to run ALONE for MAX performance only.
Obviously this wont be something many people will run on the stret, AT least not legally
Britt-
The unit doesnt need to switch mapping. Its not like a piggyback ECU where it has to work with the stock fuel and ignition curves. It will incorporate its own parameters to work out of. It will act like an NA car when you are not in boost and like a FI vehicle when in boost. Its all in the tuning. We will have it configured to work in that fashion. Also the stok functions will work fine with the parallel setup. We are going to still work on the data needed to configure the stock dash to work without the stock ECU in place. It will happen. Just right now the tach doesnt work . give it a month then it will be OK
Tonka-
One of the problems with using a devise to just lean out the mixture is that in turn it will most likely affect igntion timing directly. That will lead to worst detonation problems then what the Proteges face now.
Installshield- Thanks
Matty- I would love to speculate but I cant at this time. I will get some prelim figures out very soon though.
Igdrasil- The AEM has an active Knock retard and fuel enriching procedure. This function will be ON. It will be much more agressive then the stock unit. It will retard based on detonation and add fuel if need be. It works off percentage of throttle, fuel and ignition timing.
It doesnt just retard off boost or set intervals. It will adjust timing depending on the set parameters we set into the unit. It will keep your car as safe as possible. Even when YOU dont hear the audible knock.
I have set the units we work on now to retad a set percentage based on load and boost level. Along with adding fuel to counter knock and keep cylinder temps low.
I will get into alot of specifics once we get the units out here in the coming weeks.
Im just tired guys. I know I missed some questions. Just please feel free to ask what you like and I will answer then the best way I can.