UPDATED NICO ECU INFO.

[elwesso]

So heres the deal on the NICO ECU's... I will let Robert chime and let us know when he's ready to start doing them again, tentatively he is wanting to hold off and sort of give them a break. These ECUs while being an invaluable service to the membership have likely been a thorn in his side for a while

SO anyway, heres the updated scoop... New price is $125 for any year ECUIncluded is 1 or 2 programs for the 94/95, and 1, 2, or 3 programs for the early ECUs. We can do more programs on a case-by-case basis (like for an additional $10-15). The 90-93 will include the switch, the 94/95 will just have a wire pigtail that you can add their own simple switch to.

Currently available programs, that I would consider "standard issue"

- Stage 1- 91 octane- Stage 2- 93 octane- Stage 3- The "max" program, really its the same thing except it eliminates the o2 sensors under hard acceleration and has amazing throttle response. Apparently a big difference.- Stock- Valet (limits RPM to 3000 and 60MPH)

Special programs we can do- Impul ECU- Stock JDM ECU- any year USDM - light boost (that dont exceed power of factory injectors)- Race gas

There may be more, but that should be as much info as you need. All other details that I didnt mention are assumed to be the same...

[blind6]

Still no Y33 ECU options........

[Q45tech]

- Stage 1- 91 octane- Stage 2- 93 octane

What would be great is a method to read knock counts or a light/ voltage that shows amount of retard.............too select the best gasoline.

Since you cannot rely on the posted pump numbers.

Robert:How does KS retard table work? RPM limit slope. Variable Coolant temp factor? Does ecu ignore above a certain rpm [noise floor]

What would be neat is to change the O2 AF point so that it is now optimized for ethanolized fuel vs conventional 14.7 vs 14.2 to untrick O2 back to normal to avoid extra cruise richness.

32-50 gallons wasted per year pays for the ecu mods.........0.10-0.15 msec leaner cruise inj opening time. ????? off the top of my head. Much harder/difficult mod than WOT prom reprogramming.

Also members should understand that fully removing WOT safetys and WOT for more than 20-25-30 seconds might over heat spark plugs and piston crowns in Summer heat.

One step colder than midrange plug might be a good idea in HOT Southern areas if you plan on road racing vs just a simple quarter mile [15 sec].

The coolant temp sensor may react too slowly [195-200F >] for ignition retard. Owners could develop a temp faux switch to fool ecu into the retard after 120 mph..............another resistor switched into parallel with sensor.

[Jeff Williams]

What Dennis said.

I too am interested in a leaner cruise mixture (2400 to 2600 RPM = ~ 80 MPH).

Of course, on WOT, I don't care about gas consumption, only throttle response.

I think now, Robert is starting to wish he was charging $800 per ECU.

I like my NICO ECU, except it is the 91 Octane model, and I wanted the 93 Octane model.

I think I will have it re-programmed with the switch, and try to use an actice handling switch in the console, or a "Go Baby Go" button on the gear shift.

[KD]

Thanks on the update!!

[elwesso]

On the stage 3 program, the KS are heavily desensitized..... Stage 1 and 2 is based more on safety

[Q45tech]

Reprograms and options are where the monies are sell a basic chip and socket and offer a revision on the software every 90 days. DOM'T provide too much initially.

My comment about standard O2 and ecu switching at 14.7 may not work at higher than 55-60-65 mph cruise. Would be tricky to get just right for emission test and Nox or just bite the bullet and reset the calculated value bs reference block learn [adaptive] to 4% leaner than output calculation.

This is an area where the most time is spent by programmers to minimize emission while maximizing MPG [TAXATION]. As we known lean knock shows itself very easily in summer on sudden light accelerations.

Luckily the ethanolized gasoline has less BTU per gallon so the temps might ne a little better for the same volume.

It appear that oxygenated fuels have a higher laminar flame speed vs conventional. Could manufacturers have recently [last year or so?] used this fact to increase MPG [0.5000001 = 1.0 MPG] assuming oxygenated fuels would be everywhere in US. New wide band O2 sensors

Robert check this out:http://www.epa.gov/otaq/presen...5.pdfh ... en...3.pdf

Isn't burning oxygenated fuels like adding 3% less egr at cruise? Why the egr system must be kept spotlessly clean to maximize mpg at cruise. to avoid knock which would decrease advance which would reduce efficiency in those cylinders that are not knocking or quit early.

"Some lean air/fuel sensor-equipped Hondas, for example, routinely operate at extremely lean lambda ranges in excess of 1.63 under highway cruise conditions."

Suppose Robert and I could develop a way to increase highway MPG by a true [5%] 1.00 MPG with 10% oxygenated beyond what the oem ecu does.

Worth a $150 increment on cpu reprograms? Assuming 50/50 highway that would be a 2 year payback at $3 per gallon

[maxnix]

I like my NICO ECU, except it is the 91 Octane model, and I wanted the 93 Octane model.

I corresponded with Robert about this as for now 93 octane is plentiful in TX and most of the West outside of CA.

In consideration of summer heat and engine longevity, and the minor differences between the programs, we decided to stay with the 91 octane. I will probably go to the 6 heat range plugs like I have on the FY33. Who knows, I may drive through CA or AZ in the future, and don't want the engine to crater on what the stations there pump for premium fuel.

[elwesso]

I too am going to switch to the PFR6G-11s.

I have a set of 6 that I got for free about a year ago... just gotta buy 2 more

[Q45tech]

PFR6B-11 is the standard plug, 7 is the colder version and 5 is the hotter than standard plug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[elwesso]

True... for the 90Q, not the 94 according to the FSM....

[Q45denver]

You could always switch to the standard program for emissions purposes or when you get a bad tank of gas.

I need a warning light when knocking because I have trouble hearing it.

Disabling the TCS on the Max program would be a desirable feature.

I thought the 90-96 used the same plug?

[elwesso]

You could always switch to the standard program for emissions purposes or when you get a bad tank of gas.

I need a warning light when knocking because I have trouble hearing it.

Disabling the TCS on the Max program would be a desirable feature.

I thought the 90-96 used the same plug?

technically they do.... Theres a TSB that says you can use the 5G's on the early Q.. They had problems iwth the 6G's fouling if you didnt redline often and/or had lots of short trips.

[maxnix]

PFR6B-11 is the standard plug, 7 is the colder version and 5 is the hotter than standard plug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, and all I have seen in 1994-1995 G50 have all been the 5 heat range.

[Q45tech]

Doesn't everybody redline often with the moded ecu? ........with it's leaner mixture?

[maxnix]

Doesn't everybody redline often with the moded ecu? ........with it's leaner mixture?

Would that explain the slower traffic, declining fuel mileage and surprised M3 drivers?

[cccpman]

where do I place an order... just cashed out a couple hundred and this is sounding like something I would like to add to make it feel more worthwhile

[sijoko]

I really like the idea of the switcher ECU.

This way if I do go out of Texas and get some 91 octane (aka Horse Piss), then I can just switch to a less aggressive program.

One thing I would like to know: Is it possible to set up the ECU with some type of output to show Knock Sensor activity?

[RobertsnewQ]

One thing I would like to know: Is it possible to set up the ECU with some type of output to show Knock Sensor activity?

It's possible through the consult interface - you'd need custom software on the client (consult terminal) end, though.

I've done this with other data.

[maxnix]

Having a KS read out with LED indicators and ATF temperature readout before going back into the transmission would be great.

[Q45denver]

So heres the deal on the NICO ECU's... I will let Robert chime and let us know when he's ready to start doing them again, tentatively he is wanting to hold off and sort of give them a break. These ECUs while being an invaluable service to the membership have likely been a thorn in his side for a while

SO anyway, heres the updated scoop... New price is $125 for any year ECUIncluded is 1 or 2 programs for the 94/95, and 1, 2, or 3 programs for the early ECUs. We can do more programs on a case-by-case basis (like for an additional $10-15). The 90-93 will include the switch, the 94/95 will just have a wire pigtail that you can add their own simple switch to.

Currently available programs, that I would consider "standard issue"

- Stage 1- 91 octane- Stage 2- 93 octane- Stage 3- The "max" program, really its the same thing except it eliminates the o2 sensors under hard acceleration and has amazing throttle response. Apparently a big difference.- Stock- Valet (limits RPM to 3000 and 60MPH)

Special programs we can do- Impul ECU- Stock JDM ECU- any year USDM - light boost (that dont exceed power of factory injectors)- Race gas

There may be more, but that should be as much info as you need. All other details that I didnt mention are assumed to be the same...

Wes,Can Robert now do the stock, NICO and MAX program w/o TCS on a 95 ECU w/TCS? Would the different programs be selectable with a toggle switch that I or Robert could install? If not, I'll just send him an 90-93 ecu for the rotary switch install. I guess the main difference in using the earlier ECU's is the control of the aux fan. Are you still the Paypal recipient for the payments?

[elwesso]

NO we can only 2 programs for the 94+ ECU.

[redmanfx]

I've redlined more with the Nico ECU than ever before. I should really say that I CAN redline when I want and have gone well past redline, like eye poppin past redline.

red

[elwesso]

Yeah its cool seeing that needle dip donw into the red... Makes me feel so naughty!!! :

[Rex]

Yeah its cool seeing that needle dip donw into the red... Makes me feel so naughty!!! :

Who can watch the needle, when you're just trying to hold on?

[redmanfx]

Who can watch the needle, when you're just trying to hold on?

Hey, that's not fair! You have a new two strap, gahoona holding man's toy to play with now. You've handicapped us all! Watch as Rex beats me over the head with a hammer.... and I can't do anything about it,....well maybe if I can get under 14 in the 1/4 mile...

red

[Rex]

...well maybe if I can get under 14 in the 1/4 mile...

red

That will be very impressive, VERY impressive in a Q.

[redmanfx]

It sure would! Unfortunately I need more than just this great ECU from Robert So much more for me to do. It simply never ends...

red

[off2sobe]

I'm getting ready to install the NICO ECU in my 94. I'm thinking of using the TCS cancel switch (between the heated seat switches), as it's a simple 2 pole switch that breaks a circuit between a direct ground and the TCS control unit.

Anyone see any problems with using this switch?

I don't imagine I'll have a use for the TCS while running the NICO ECU program.

[qsiguy]

.....I'm thinking of using the TCS cancel switch (between the heated seat switches), as it's a simple 2 pole switch that breaks a circuit between a direct ground and the TCS control unit.

Anyone see any problems with using this switch?

I don't imagine I'll have a use for the TCS while running the NICO ECU program.

Using it for what? It's only momentary so you couldn't switch anything on/off with it unless you make a latching circuit. Plus, with the switch disconnected from the TCS you won't be able to defeat your TCS system and it'll always be on. I have tried to just wire the TCS off lead directely to ground and it doesn't work like that. It has to see a short ground pulse to activate the one time TCS defeat.