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RaceRom Tuning Guide



Introduction

This guide only applies RaceROM versions up to 12.3 with revision 48502. For version 13 onwards with CAN support please refer to the BRZ Gen2 \ GR86 RaceROM tuning guide.

EcuTek RaceROM is a package of special software features that can be installed into the ECU of the supported vehicles. You simply open your ECU ROM file using EcuTek software, apply the RaceROM Feature File (Patch) to it, adjust the RaceROM maps as necessary, and then program the ROM file into the vehicle.

Please read How to: Add/Remove EcuTek Race Rom to your Vehicle. Feature File Guide for info on how RaceROM works, how to install and uninstall RaceROM feature files, and further hints and tips.

The current RaceROM features are listed below. Features marked ** are only available to trade customers, or retail customers that have purchased the optional RaceROM BRZ/FRS/GT86 upgrade.

Please also see our website for various videos and webinars for further information.


Feature List

EcuTek RaceROM for Subaru BRZ currently includes the following features:

  • Map Switching**
  • Speed Density**
  • Flex Fuel**
  • Boost Control**
  • Custom Sensor Import**
  • Closed Loop Fuel Control**
  • Custom Maps**
  • Launch Control
  • Flat Foot Shifting
  • Downshift Auto Blip
  • Accelerator Trim
  • Per Gear Rev Limits

Note

Features marked ** are only available to trade customers, or retail customers that have purchased the optional RaceROM BRZ upgrade package from their Master Tuner.


Widget Connector
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Supplemental Content

Platform Specific


General








Accelerator Trim

The Accelerator trim map allows you to adjust the accelerator response by intercepting the accelerator position signal and replacing it with a different value. This can improve drivability in vehicles that do not respond to pedal input in a linear fashion.








Auto Blip Feature

Note

Manual Transmission Vehicles Only


The Auto Blip feature applies a short burst of throttle when the driver is down-shifting under braking. This raises the RPM to keep the engine operating within its power band and provides a smooth entry into the lower gear by reducing engine braking.

AutoBlip Minimum Speed

Vehicle speed that must be exceeded for AutoBlip to be enabled.


AutoBlip Pedal Percentage

The x axis is time since Autoblip was triggered (described below). Autoblip ends when the maximum time on the X axis is exceeded. Be careful to avoid using too much Accel at low RPM as this will cause the car to push on aggressively.


How to Use Auto Throttle Blip

The Auto Blip feature is activated when all of the following conditions are met:

  • The ‘Auto Blip Enable checkbox’ is ON for the current Map Switch Mode
  • The vehicle is travelling faster than the Auto Blip Minimum Speed
  • The driver presses the brake pedal, followed by the clutch pedal
Note

I'ts important to push the clutch pedal all the way down relatively quickly, going slowly or only part way can cause the blip to occur when the clutch is still partially engaged causing a lurching motion or potential damage.


The accelerator blip is immediately cancelled when one of the following conditions occurs:

  • The driver releases the Brake Pedal
  • The driver releases the Clutch Pedal
  • The vehicle speed falls below the ‘Auto Blip Minimum Speed’ The Auto Blip timer reaches the end of the map

When the driver down-shifts while braking, the ECU will blip the accelerator. The amount of accelerator to apply and the duration of the blip is controlled by the ‘AutoBlip Pedal Percentage Map’ as shown in the diagram below, this is a 2D slice through the 3D map.






Boost Control  

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BRZ/FRS/GT86 RaceROM Boost Control & Forced Induction
BRZ/FRS/GT86 RaceROM Boost Control & Forced Induction
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Custom Maps

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RaceROM Custom Maps Tuning Guide
RaceROM Custom Maps Tuning Guide


Info

For more information on custom map tuning check out our guide RaceROM Custom Maps Tuning Guide





Flat Foot Shifting Feature (MT Models Only

How To Use Flat Foot Shifting

  • ‘The Flat Foot Shift Enable’ checkbox is ON for the current Map Switch Mode
  • The vehicle is travelling faster than the ‘Flat Foot Shift Minimum Speed’
  • The accelerator amount is greater than the value in the ‘Full Accelerator Threshold Map’
  • The driver is pressing the Clutch pedal


As the Flat Foot Shifting feature activates, a temporary rev limit is set that is slightly higher than the current RPM. The ignition timing is retarded by a specified amount that reduces engine torque while preventing the RPM from rising too rapidly. When the driver completes the gear change, the temporary rev limit and timing adjustment are removed.


The Flat Foot Shifting Feature is cancelled when one of the following conditions occurs:

  • The driver releases the Clutch pedal
  • The driver lifts off the accelerator
  • The vehicle speed falls below the value in the ‘Flat Foot Shift Minimum Speed Map’


An AFR adjustment is provided that allows you to enrichen the mixture during the shift. The richer AFR cannot be measured from the exhaust gas due to the operation of the rev limiter.







Flex Fuel

The BRZ/FRS/GT86 platform have proven to be a platform that takes to flex fuel fairly well, making additional power even without forced induction.  While some of the early generation high pressure fuel pumps would begin chirping with or without ethanol, all of them have proven to be compatible with ethanol.


For a complete rundown of the RaceROM Flex Fuel system check out our guide here

RaceROM Flex Fuel


Flex Fuel Ethanol Sensor Installation

In order to set up Flex Fuel properly you'll first need to purchase and setup an ethanol content sensor kit.  These kits typically include a sensor, module, and potentially replacement fuel lines depending on where it is installed.

After installation you'll need to setup the sensor in the Sensors section of the map list.



FF Sensor Default

Sets an ethanol value the system will revert to in the event that the output goes outside the normal bounds of the voltage (FF Sensor Max & Min).  You'll typically want to set it close to what the end user is typically going to have in the vehicle.  You'll want to set the value close to the voltage output of e85 if running e85 all the time, close to e10 if they typically run pump gas, or a safe middle value if they go back and forth frequently.






FF Sensor Max

Maximum sensor voltage for the sensor.  You'll want to set this to the high end of your kits voltage range which can vary.  Common kits use either 4.5v or 5v for the high end, refer to the manufacturer for their recommended values.






FF Sensor Min

Minimum sensor voltage for the sensor.  You'll want to set this to the low end of your kits voltage range which can vary.  Common kits use either 0.5v or 0v for the high end, refer to the manufacturer for their recommended values.






FF Sensor Scaling

This is where you setup the relationship between the voltage of your sensor and the ethanol content it designates.  Most kits output a higher ethanol content the higher the voltage level, refer to your manufacturer for their recommended values.






FF Sensor Smoothing

Applies a smoothing value to your ethanol content values being used by the computer for calculations.  Can be helpful to get a more consistent value if the signal you get from your sensor tends to have small spikes.






FF Sensor Source

Selects what input is being used to add ethanol content to the vehicle.  Keep in mind that this will also require deleting whatever sensor was previously on that channel, so check local laws for legality and make sure to adjust the tune correctly to prevent any issues.







Launch Control

The Launch Control feature limits maximum RPM during launch to help control wheel spin and allow the fastest possible take off.

How to Activate Launch Control

  1. Ensure the ‘Launch Control Enable’ checkbox is ON for the current Map Switch Mode
  2. Engine must be running and Vehicle must be stationary
  3. Press clutch pedal and move the gear stick to 1st position
  4. Quickly press the accelerator all the way to the floor
  5. Adjust launch RPM using the cruise control stalk
  6. Release the clutch to commence launch


When Launch Control is active, the rev limit will be set to the ‘Launch Control Rev Limit’. This limit defaults to the

'Launch Control Rev Limit Base" value and can be adjusted up and down using the cruise control stalk. Select "Res/Acc" to increase the launch RPM and "Set/Cst" to decrease it. An alternative method of adjustment is available for vehicles without cruise control.

During the launch, the rev limit increases according to the 'Launch Control Rev Limit Delta, This 2D map, indexed by elapsed time, has multiple columns to allow you to set up a multi-stage system for best results.

Adjustments are provided that allow you to richen the AFR and retard the timing when the vehicle is stationary in order to create pops and bangs. This adjustment is removed as soon as the vehicle starts to move.

The Launch Control feature is deactivated when one of the following conditions occurs:

  • The elapsed time exceeds the last column on the ‘Launch Control Rev Limit Delta Map’
  • The driver lifts off the accelerator
  • The driver performs a flatfoot shift


How To Adjust Launch RPM Limit

Vehicles without cruise control

Set the launch control rev limit as follows:

  • Ensure the ‘Launch Control Enable’ checkbox is ON for the current Map Switch Mode
  • Engine must be running and Vehicle must be stationary
  • Turn on rear window demist switch
  • Press clutch
  • Rev engine and hold at desired launch RPM
  • Turn off rear window demist switch
  • Check engine light will flash to indicate that new limit has been saved.


Vehicles with automatic transmission

(Due to the operation of the automatic transmission, we do not advise you use the Launch Control feature) Activate the launch control as follows:

  • Ensure the ‘Launch Control Enable’ checkbox is ON for the current Map Switch Mode
  • Engine must be running and Vehicle must be stationary
  • Press brake pedal and move the gear stick to a forward drive position
  • Quickly press the accelerator all the way to the floor
  • Adjust launch RPM using the cruise control stalk
  • Release the brake to commence launch

Ensure that the launch RPM is below the stall speed of the torque converter.


Widget Connector
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Column

Map List


Column

    


Column

Live Data Parameters

  • Launch RPM – Launch control RPM setpoint
  • Launch RPM Error – Difference between current RPM and the Target, positive is over target
  • LFA State – Diagnostic status info for LC, FFS and AutoBlip, for use by EcuTek support






Map Switching

Method of Operation

The Map Switching feature is enabled by the option buttons in the ‘Map Switch Options' map. Four modes are allowed by default, but this can be reduced if desired.  In “Mode 1”, the ECU will use the original ECU maps for Fuelling, Base Ignition Timing and Ignition Advance.  In the other three modes, the ECU will use the new Fuel, and Ignition Timing maps labelled Mode2, Mode3 and Mode4 as appropriate.

Note

Currently, the ECU does not always remain in the chosen mode when the ignition is turned off. We hope to develop a solution to this problem. In the interim, you should always check the current mode when starting the vehicle.



Switching mode using the cruise control stalk

  1. Ignition must be ON
  2. Ensure cruise control master switch is OFF
  3. Pull the cruise lever towards you (i.e. cancel position) and hold for 1 second.
  4. The tachometer will move to 1000, 2000, 3000 or 4000 rpm to indicate the currently active mode.
  5. Move the cruise lever up (res/acc position) to increase the mode.
  6. Move the cruise lever down (set/cst position) to decrease the mode.
  7. Save the selected mode by pulling the cruise lever towards you (cancel position) or waiting 3 seconds.


Switching mode using the accelerator and defog switch

The driver can switch modes by turning on the rear window demist switch while holding the accelerator to the floor. Every time you do this, the mode increases by 1. After mode 4, it goes back to mode 1.

The check engine light will flash to indicate which mode has been set: One flash for mode 1, two flashes for mode 2, three flashes for mode 3, etc.


Switching mode using the traction and stability control switches

When this option is selected, the ECU maps are selected depending on the vehicle's traction and stability settings.

  • Mode 1 - Traction Control on, VSC Normal
  • Mode 2 - Traction Control on, VSC Sport
  • Mode 3 - Traction Control off, VSC Normal
  • Mode 4 - Traction Control off, VSC Sport


Switching mode using the Automatic Transmission Mode

When this option is selected, the ECU maps are selected depending on the Automatic Transmission setting.

  • Mode 1 - Normal
  • Mode 2 - Sport
  • Mode 3 - Snow
  • Mode 4 - Manual


Integration with Launch Control, Flat Foot Shifting and Auto Blip

The Launch Control, Flat Foot Shifting and Auto Blip features can be independently enabled in each of the four modes.


Logging

The “Mapswitch Mode” diagnostic parameter can be used to log the current map switch mode.







Speed Density

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BRZ/FRS/GT86 RaceROM Speed Density Setup
BRZ/FRS/GT86 RaceROM Speed Density Setup
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Info

For more information check out our complete guide BRZ/FRS/GT86 RaceROM Speed Density Setup









Warning

EcuTek ProECU tuning tools tools should only be used by experienced tuners who understand the product and engine calibration. 
If you do not fully understand this product then you WILL damage your engine, ECU or your vehicle. 
Please ensure you fully read all EcuTek manuals BEFORE attempting to use ProECU with your laptop or your vehicle. 
Use with extreme caution and understanding at all times, if in doubt then do not proceed. 
EcuTek accepts no responsibility for any damage to the engine, ECU or any part of the vehicle that results directly or indirectly from using the product.


** If you are in any doubt that you do NOT have the experience required to use this product then you should NOT USE IT **


Retail customers

** If you have any doubt that you do NOT have the experience required to use this product then you should NOT USE IT, you should simply contact your EcuTek Master Tuner shown clearly on the top of your Programming Kit or visit your preferred tuning shop to have a professional tuner use it for you ** 


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Contact Us
Contact Us
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BRZ/FRS/GT86 RaceROM Version Update Log
BRZ/FRS/GT86 RaceROM Version Update Log



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