Tuning CA18det ecu for maf, injectors, etc...

[Spock]

Most searching on this subject returns info on how to DIY eproms and such. I am looking for any info on where ( ie- a company or individual ) I can have a CA18det ecu programmed. Any info would be great as I don't have the time to custom burn my own eproms. Thanks for anything helpful.

Regards,

[c-rad]

T88Lexus does....

[themadscientist]

in this day and age of affordable user-freindly piggybacks and full engine management systems it seems silly to screw around with a tweaked OEM computer.

[redamnavit]

in this day and age of affordable user-freindly piggybacks and full engine management systems it seems silly to screw around with a tweaked OEM computer.

I think that if you're not going full standalone you'd want some modification to the ECU to support your base changes before tuning, if only to improve the granularity of adjustment available from your piggyback. Every layer of change compensation (larger injectors, new MAF) should reduce just how specific and incremental you can be with your piggyback tuning inputs because your inputs are being magnified by the degree of compensation being employed.

Or at least that makes mathematical sense to me. Its why I plan to get a "Z32 MAF/550cc" ECU to start from and employ an eManage from there for final timing and fuel changes. If I'm wrong about this, let me know.

[themadscientist]

E-manage has auto correction for injectors and flow meter. Enter the size of the injectors and the type of AFM and it trims the maps for you.

[c-rad]

I know that with a SAFC, once your injector size is more than 30% larger than the stock size, you start running out of correction real fast. 550cc injectors would be about your limit on a CA only using a SAFC as your controller. I agree with redamnavit in that a base setting of the setup you are running combined WITH a piggyback would be the ideal alternative to a standalone.

[rico05]

Chipped ECU from T88Lexus: $150EPROM Burner and program: ~$150EPROM chips: ~$10Empty road for real world base tuning: $0Total cost: ~$310

Apex Power FC (if you can find one): ~$1000SDS: ~$1000+ sensors/options

Can you post a link for an eManage that will hook up to the CA? I am not really well versed in gReddy/Trust stuff, as I prefer other brands over them usually.

Also, a large nember of folks in both the EVO and WRX world rely on modified stock ECUs to control 500hp+ monsters. Granted, our early Nissan ECCS is VERY basic at only 16bit, basic sensor input, with minimal learning functions and such, so I guess that is like comparing apples to Grandma's apple pie with vanilla ice cream. If I wasn't content with more suspension and chassis mods over power, I would for sure be looking into standalone rather than chipped/tuned stock ECU. But since I am considering only a T28 and I am using 460cc injectors, standalone is not overkill but not necessary. That is $700 to go into brakes and bushings!

[float_6969]

And just a little FYI, I'm pretty sure the CA and early skyline ECU's are only 8bit. It is my personal opinion that any considerable amount of upgrading past what a SAFC can handle is in the territory of a standalone. I have a PowerFC and will be using many of the functions that it has available. With what I'm needing to do with my car, a chipped ECU and piggy back just wouldn't have cut it. Maybe if this was a more modern, faster, more accurate ECU, I'd consider a chipped ecu, but with only an 8 bit processor, it didn't seem worth risking my motor to save a few bucks.

[Spock]

Beyond a rare PowerFC or a S-afc/II setup, the CA18det is out of luck in terms of tuning. From what I have read so far. How do CA owners make power if they are limited in the tuning area?

[float_6969]

A lot of people on here have chipped ECU's or tuned ECU's from Japan OR SAFC. I'm personally going to be running the Power FC and I know a few other have a standalone also. I think it mostly depends on your power goals and the money you want to spend. But IMHO even with two identical setup motors, the one running a standalone will make more power...

[Spock]

A lot of people on here have chipped ECU's or tuned ECU's from Japan OR SAFC. I'm personally going to be running the Power FC and I know a few other have a standalone also. I think it mostly depends on your power goals and the money you want to spend. But IMHO even with two identical setup motors, the one running a standalone will make more power...

I agree. I am a believer that power is in tuning, that is why I asked about tuning options. The CA being such an old motor, I guess limited tuning options are understandable. I am coming from owning two DSMs, so maybe I'm a little spoiled. Thanks for the info.

Regards,

[float_6969]

And contrary to popular belief, a small amount of patience CAN score you a PowerFC for your CA. I was lucky enough to get mine, with the controller, and shipped for just under $900. That's a pretty decent price for an entry leve standalone IMO..

[rico05]

8bit!!!! O damn. I could have sworn that I read that all ECCS were at least 16bit.

[Spock]

And contrary to popular belief, a small amount of patience CAN score you a PowerFC for your CA. I was lucky enough to get mine, with the controller, and shipped for just under $900. That's a pretty decent price for an entry leve standalone IMO..

Is the PowerFC capable of MAF and injector changes? It would certainly be worth the money, of course searching is always the hard part.

[c-rad]

Yes it is....

[Spock]

Yes it is....

Is it capable of swapping to a z32 maf, or maybe even a speed density setup? The PowerFC is probably my best bet in tuning the CA, so any info on it would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Regards,

[themadscientist]

Can you post a link for an eManage that will hook up to the CA? I am not really well versed in gReddy/Trust stuff, as I prefer other brands over them usually.

I have one and the setup instructions for the CA. There was a link to the PDF file somewhere in the CA forum a looooonnnng time ago, go back through the archives it should still be there.

[float_6969]

Is it capable of swapping to a z32 maf, or maybe even a speed density setup? The PowerFC is probably my best bet in tuning the CA, so any info on it would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Regards,

It can handle just about ANY MAFS that you would want to put on it. I know they make what's called a "D Jetro" converson wich is speed/density, but it's for the SR and I don't know if it would work on the CA unit. I don't think that Apex actually makes them for the CA. I think they're made by another company under the Apex name. I think your only hope of ditching the MAFS would be to get an HKS VPC. I'm sure a search using "Power FC" would yeild you some info...

[Spock]

I

It can handle just about ANY MAFS that you would want to put on it. I know they make what's called a "D Jetro" converson wich is speed/density, but it's for the SR and I don't know if it would work on the CA unit. I don't think that Apex actually makes them for the CA. I think they're made by another company under the Apex name. I think your only hope of ditching the MAFS would be to get an HKS VPC. I'm sure a search using "Power FC" would yeild you some info...

;

I've turned up some good info on the PowerFC and looks like what I'll be going with. I even found a datalogging hardware for it with a USB connection.

http://www.fc-datalogit.co.nz/fc-datalogit.html

Regards,

[RMiller]

Power FC is pretty decent, but I'm convinced the Emanage can do the same stuff for cheaper. And with a chip set to control larger injectors already, the emanage would control injectors up to 50% larger than the chip is set up for.

But hey, my intercooler pipes are plastic what do I know.

[boost_boy]

Though this subject have been covered numerous times and on different threads, I'll leave this one open because it's the holiday season. To those of y ou that think you know what you're doing or have someone that has a really fast honda and recommends some of the same products they use, then you are in a adventure that you'll never forget. And in the end, if you need another CA18DET, I'll be happy to assist whomever.

To those chasing this infamous 300whp, you're going to have to open up your pocket books or wallets. SAFC, 500+cc injectors, Z32 Maf all sounds good on paper, but will work your very last nerve. It will take at least a 500cc injector set-up to supply the CA18DET with enough fuel. The T25 will run out of air fast, so an upgrade in the turbo section is warranted. No CA18DET sidemount intercooler is going to cut it. You'll burn your engine long before 300whp with the little sidemount heatsink.

VPC, GCC, SAFC, F-CON, Power FC, are just some of the additions around that can aid in getting you where you want to go, but the word "Cheap" is an understatement. Tuning is still involved, installation is still a factor and when you're done realistically adding up the costs, the price is nearing that of a standalone which is by far the more sensible answer for a CA18DET other than a Power FC.

If you know you're going to want more power, think big. If you're broke, leave it stock. The standalone system I use is more than flexible enough to support 600+hp without the use of all the little magic boxes with the pretty displays. PLan before spending your money and if it doesn't work out and your engine and ego gets damaged, I can probably help you still.

Dee

[themadscientist]

don't forget the E-manage and Power FC still rely on the OEM sensors and harness so the only thing you really gain is a little adjustability. sitting on the floor next to the E6K the E-manage is busy, and that doesn't include the rats nest Nissan put under the hood that I have to hook it up to.

[ca18detizzle]

ok.. this is all for tuning the ca to 300whp?? one question.. ( might of been answered already )

what kind of tuning would need to be done for about 220whp?

[RMiller]

I'm thankful for the simplicity of the ca's wiring. It could be so much worse.

Don't forget people, you either have to pay someone to tune it or get a wideband o2 sensor. And computers work differently, haltech and sds I believe are based on load, while PFC is based on boost.

Merry Christmas fellas.

[boost_boy]

ok.. this is all for tuning the ca to 300whp?? one question.. ( might of been answered already )

what kind of tuning would need to be done for about 220whp?

An upgraded T25, about 17psi, an efficient intercooler, move timing to 17 degrees and run some octane booster or 100+octane fuel. The stock T25 can't keep up past 13psi and will fall on its face.

Dee

[ca18detizzle]

would the safcII do the job?? what other electronics would i need? would i need to get an upgraded ecu??

[WeldingHank]

Power-FC is a standalone, E-Manage is a piggy back. with the E-Manage still being a piggy back, you run into limitations. but the E-manage can control injectors up to 150% larger than stock. you can also tune with the optional MAP sensor. so you can tune by way of airflow, instead of throttle position (like the SAFC).

[ca18detizzle]

thanks for the info hank! helps alot. so do you think i would need all of those or can i just settle with the safc for my goal of 220whp

[c-rad]

SAFC should be more than adequate for 220whp as that can be safely attained on the stock injectors. It's when you start running injectors more than 30-35% larger that you start running out of correction.

[ca18detizzle]

oOo.. i get it. thanks. I'm slowly learning more about tuning.