ECU tuning in production classes?

[nc4me]

I was wondering if it's legal or not? we have a rule that states,"Any external engine modification that alters fuel delivery (alternate carb, altered fuel injection, fuel-air ratio adjusters)"

Technically a new tune alters the air fuel ratio and not the means in which it's delivered(same fuel pump, regulator, injectors, etc., etc). So, I would assume an aftermarket tune is allowable in production classes.

I bring this up, because at todays event a newer miata that falls in G, upped his class to modified based on the fact that he had his ECU reflashed. It doesn't seem fair to me, for him. At the time he told me this. I couldn't remember the wording on our site and I didn't want to doubt him.

Either way what was done is done and today is over. I was just wondering, incase anyone asked or assumed the same thing in the future.

[Jamie]

It doesn't say "...alters the means by which fuel is delivered", but "...alters fuel delivery (alternate carb, altered fuel injection, fuel-air ratio adjusters)". That's on purpose.

If it's a factory-directed reflash (which happened to a number of NBs for an emissions adjustment), it shouldn't make a difference -- it becomes part of the stock configuration, since it's (in theory) applied to all cars of the same model. If it's done specifically to enhance performance by altering the air-fuel ratio, then it's no different than rejetting a carbuerator or fitting different injectors for the same purpose.

[Loren]

Changing mixture = altering fuel delivery.

The way the rule is written, ECU changes (unless they merely change rev limit or timing and NOT fueling) aren't allowed.

I'm not sure they should be. Fuel is the limiting factor in our production classes. You can change intake, exhaust, etc all you want, but you won't gain full advantage from it without modding the fuel system somehow, and that's why we allow it so freely! Allowing mixture changes by ECU is no different than allowing it by fuel pressure regulator, larger injectors, etc. It removes a restriction on fueling and allows any other mods to be way more effective (if it's all properly tuned).

Anyway, that's where the line was drawn and why. Makes sense to me.

Of course, anyone is welcome to run a "slighly illegal" car in whatever class they want as long as their competitors approve. So, if the car in question does NOT have a bunch of other mods (intake, exhaust, etc) that could really make an ECU reflash relevant, maybe he could query his production class competitors and see if anyone minds if he competes there.

[nc4me]

Got it.

[shakedown067]

The way the rule is written, ECU changes (unless they merely change rev limit or timing and NOT fueling) aren't allowed.

Could have used that information yesterday! I have a power programmer for my car and after sunday's event could certainly use an slight increase in my rev limiter. I currently just use it to alter my speedometer for the larger rear wheels. 8) Oh how I wished I had a six-speed yesterday...

[USAF EP3]

I wonder though. I just recently bought K-Pro for my car (You send out your ECU and they install the stand alone ECM program on it) but to make the program effectively make power I need to tune the ECU for my setup. I only bought it to have it for my future plans for my car but in the mean time I will only be running a basemap that emulates a stock setup for my car so I can run the car safely. So does that still apply to me or no?

[Jamie]

At this point, I wouldn't get too wound up about it; this is a pretty laid-back group. Class it where you think it fits the way you're running it. When you get to the point where you're worrying your competition, if you think it doesn't quite fit the letter of the rules, pulse them and see how they feel about it -- by that time, you'll know them all better, and the issue may have gone away anyhow.

[Jeremy]

If you aren't cheating, you aren't trying.
If anyone asks, tell them you decided not to do the computer.


Just kidding, I agree with what Jamie said.

[Native]

I'll give that a +1 also, but watch out for the J-police!

[USAF EP3]

Okay, thanks for the insight. Lol, the "J-police"???

[Loren]

The J-class guys, man... they're a bunch of hard asses!

Not really. I think it's just that there are so many potential "J-class" cars that newbs (like yourself) show up with that are obviously lowered or whatever, and they have to make the call to get them classed appropriately. It's no big deal, really.

[Jack]

If you aren't cheating, you aren't trying?
Jeremy,
Now i undersand how your so fast on street tires, theres a go Kart under the body work! Yellow_Colorz_PDT_08

I really doubt the k pro alone will help you win anything.
The car will feel more responsive but can you and will you utilize the power?
More than likely it will cause you to over drive the car, causing you to be slower in the end ?
The investment in a great set of tires is money well spent.
just my advice.

[Native]

Okay, thanks for the insight. Lol, the "J-police"???

The J-class guys, man... they're a bunch of hard asses!

Not really. I think it's just that there are so many potential "J-class" cars that newbs (like yourself) show up with that are obviously lowered or whatever, and they have to make the call to get them classed appropriately. It's no big deal, really.

j/k. No worries. 8)