Introduction

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

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

Related Articles

• RaceRom Map Switching

• RaceROM Custom Maps Tuning Guide

• RaceROM Custom Map Integral Output Timers

• Controlling Custom Maps With ECU Connect APP

• RaceROM CAN Sensor Input / Output

• VW AG EA888 Engine Tuning

Ecutek RaceROM Maps

Open

Fig 1. Simos 18.XX RaceRom expansion.

The RaceRom Maps feature has been expanded in the sub features as seen Fig 1.

4 Way Map Switching, which was previously just a limit on torque has been significantly enhanced and integrated into several RaceRom sub features, which are independantly adjusted per map mode.
These features are:

• Adjustable boost limit

• Adjustable lambda for DI, MPI, and overall full load and full load with an IAT threshold (OE maps not used).

• Consolidation of 18 ignition maps for open flap, into just 1 lift and 1 no lift map per mode (OE maps not used).

• Adjustable engine speed limit

• Adjustable vehicle speed limit

• Adjustable aiflow setpoints.

• Adjustable torque limit per map mode and drive mode

In addition other specific EA888.3 features have been developed:

• Simplified boost pre linearisation duty output, based on RPM and PUT SP, replacing the two turbine model maps based on intake/exhaust pressure flow factory.

• Clutch switch by pass for manual cars, mitigating against crank walk.

• For most Skoda, Audi and Seat MQB models with a cruise control stalk, there is now an option in the software to select the stalk as an input to switch between map switch modes.

• Immo off option.

• Torque, engine speed, vehicle speed and distance limited valet mode, with a tell-tale indicator on Golf model cars.

• RaceRom Sports display, for vehicles optionally fitted with boost, power or torque gauge

Ecutek Historic RaceRom Features include:

• RaceRom CAN inputs

• RaceRom CAN outputs

• RaceRom Controller

• RaceRom Custom Inputs

• RaceRom Custom Maps

Live tuning.
A first on a Ecutek VW AG product, live tuning is enabled for all 2d and 3d RaceRom map features.

Monitoring of the above calibratables are carryed out via a fast logging function with more than 70 carefully selected OE and RaceRom logging default items samplying at over 12 hz.

An overview of the above will now be expanded below.

Boost Control

Open

Fig 2. Boost Control Overview.

Boost Target Max Map Switch modes 1-4

These maps are a boost target limit applied to the maximum achieved boost target which is derived as a function of airflow determination (VW AG EA888 Engine Tuning | VWAGEA888EngineTuning AirflowDetermination). It should be noted in some circumstances, the boost limit dictated by these maps may effect the torque achieved by the engine.

Boost can be limited by gear/engine or be globally set to a threshold much lower than what could be achieved by the engine. Example of a typical calibrated table is shown in Fig 3, from Ecutek’s development Golf 7 R with a hybrid turbo, which is set to request a maximum of 530 Nm driver request and as a consequence a maximum of 2900 mbar, limited by the boost table for map switch mode 3.

OEM boost limits and Charge Pressure setpoints must be lifted to give enough headroom to achieve you flex boost target as well.

Boost Control (Simplified Wastegate Control)

Simplified / Traditional WGDC control

The Simplified WG control maps can replace the OE factory maps based on modelled turbine intake and exhaust flow, making must simpler to calibrate with more consistent boost targerts achieved. This map uses Engine Speed and Pressure Upstream of Throttle Set Point (PUT SP), to result in pre linearised duty to the electronic wastegate. The user can select between the table in Fig 4 or the OE turbine model maps based on intake/exhaust pressure flow factor.

To enable this feature check the Use Simplified /Tradition WGDC Control check box in RaceROM special features.

Additionally, the output of this map, can be used in custom maps (CM) to Drive a wastegate solenoid, if the CM output is set to either Boost Pressure actuator setpoint or WG position.

Fueling

RaceROM Lambda Setpoint

Each map switch mode has independent full lambda setpoints. In addition OE maps for part load lambda in GDI and part load maps in MPI are now RaceROM maps, replacing similar OE maps.
Maps influencing Lambda setpoint in RaceROM are:

• Full load enrichment Lambda Target with and without an IAT threshold

• GDI Lambda Base Target

• MPI Lambda base Target

Lambda Base GDI and MPI Setpoint (RaceROM)

SIMOS 18.X control systems have two part load lambda setpoints for gasoline direct Injection (GDI) and manifold port Injection (MPI). These maps should be set to match your desired lambda target in part load operating conditions.

Lambda Full Load Enrichment maps

Full load enrichment is active when the Fuel Load enrichment thresholds are exceeded, all of these maps must be exceeded before full load enrichment starts.

The map that is usually calibrated to stop the trigger until WOT is Pedal Threshold for Full Load Operation.

The Full load Enrichment maps are listed below

There are two sets of maps normal and IAT compensation, one for normal IAT and one that is used when the intake air temperature is above the Lambda at Full Load IAT switch Point (an OEM map normally set at 60degC).

These map are RPM and time at full load based. Set these values to represent your target lambda at WOT.

The Lambda Target systems follows this basic flow diagram, where it selects between

Please note that RaceROM maps overwrite the OEM maps so tuning changes should only need to be made to the RR maps. Custom maps can also alter the Lambda Target.

Fuel System

Injection Quantity adjustment (via custom maps) can be made, in the future when a flex fuel feature is integrated this section will be populated.

PFI Size

To scale the Port Fuel Injectors on the Vehicle a RaceROM version has been added to match the normal injector flow rate in CC/min.

The default Value is 200cc based on the known injector size of EcuTek’s development car, use the manufacturer guide as a base and correct this value to keep the trims tight when using PFI.

Torque demand Limits

Per Gear per MS Mode Torque Demand limits are available in the torque control category to limit the maximum torque demand in both Sport and Normal to allow for fine tuning of drivability in each mode.

Accelerator multipliers are also available to adjust the accel pedal scaling of the torque demand limit

Reference Airflow

Per MS mode airflow limitations can be applied using the Reference Air charge Limitation maps, this could be used to control the reference airflow per gear and RPM lowering power output when required.

These maps use RPM and gear to cap the reference aircharge.

Map Switching EA888 specifics and Steering wheel buttons / Multi Axis stalk / 3 button Stalk operation.

For Map Switching and RR controller on Skoda, Audi and Seat MQB Simos 18 models with a cruise stalk setup, there are different procedures to follow vs Volkswagen Golf models with a steering wheel buttons.
Map switch operates the same for both versions.

To use Map Switching you must select the correct type of cruise buttons

Steering Wheel Button

How to map switch on the steering wheel buttons

• Press and Hold “Res” for 3 sec (the map switch should now be displayed on the Tach)

• Use the and buttons to select different MS modes

• press set to confirm the mat switch mode or allow it to time out.

if you wish to change the RaceROM controller for Boost or Power

• Press and Hold “Res” for 3 sec (the map switch should now be displayed on the Tach)

• Press “Res” again to enter RaceROM controller for Torque and use the and buttons to increase and decrease the controller

• Press “Res” again to enter RaceROM controller for Boost and use the and buttons to increase and decrease the controller.

• If you keep pressing “Res” it will keep cycling through the MS mode or RR controller adjustments.

• Press “Set“ to exit.

Multi Axis Stalk

How to map switch on a multi axis stalk

• Press and Hold “CANCEL” for 3 sec (the map switch should now be displayed on the Tach)

• Use the and buttons to select different MS modes

• press set to confirm the mat switch mode or allow it to time out.

if you wish to change the RaceROM controller for Boost or Power

• Press and Hold “CANCEL” for 3 sec (the map switch should now be displayed on the Tach)

• Press “CANCEL” again to enter RaceROM controller for Torque and use the and buttons to increase and decrease the controller

• Press “CANCEL” again to enter RaceROM controller for Boost and use the and buttons to increase and decrease the controller.

• If you keep pressing “CANCEL” it will keep cycling through the MS mode or RR controller adjustments.

• Press “Set“ to exit.

NOTE: Some Audi’s do not have sports gauges so will not have RaceROM controller displays.

3 Button Stalk

How to map switch using the 3 button stalk

• Slide switch to “CANCEL” and hold for 3 seconds (the tach should mode to your current MS mode)

• Use the and buttons to select different MS modes

• allow the MS mode to time out and tach returns to normal

NOTE: The 3 button stalk cannot map switch when rolling (due to cruise being active) there is also No Set button press to activate custom maps ECU connect could be used instead.

f you wish to change the RaceROM controller for Boost or Power

• Slide switch to “CANCEL” and hold for 3 seconds (the tach should mode to your current MS mode)

• Press “CANCEL” again to enter RaceROM controller for Torque and use the and buttons to increase and decrease the controller

• Press “CANCEL” again to enter RaceROM controller for Boost and use the and buttons to increase and decrease the controller.

• If you keep pressing “CANCEL” it will keep cycling through the MS mode or RR controller adjustments.

• allow the MS mode to time out and tach returns to normal to exit.

Enabling Map switching is a simple as selecting the number of modes you wish to use and then populating the MS mode maps that you need to tune. Map Switch mode descriptions for ECU connect can be used so the car owners using the ECU connect App know what each MS mode is tuned for e.g. 91 octane, 95 octane and e30.

Enable using the Map Switch Modes Enabled checkbox, by default 4 MS modes are selected.

RaceROM Power and Torque Controller

As per the previous versions of RaceROM the RaceROM torque and power controller are configurable in the software to limit the torque and boost infinitely by the car owner. It also display’s the current setpoint on the Sports display and ECU Connect App.

The RaceROM controller needs to be enabled to limit (CAP Only) the maximum boost and torque targets using the cruise controls

RaceROM Controller Boost

The RaceROM for boost is a cap on the boost target adjustable by the cruise buttons and displayed on the performance gauges. The RaceROM controller is limited in what it can display by the size of the gauge. If you set the Boost control max value higher than the range of the display the gauge will move over into a 0-100% percentage and not display correctly.

If you wish to use the RaceROM controller for boost with targets high than 2.5bar absolute (2500hpa or 1.5bar gauge) you can set the RaceROM controller for boost to be a gauge presssure limit instead of absolute. to do this simply check the box in RaceROM special features.

this will offset the RaceROM controller for boost by 1000hpa allowing you to target 2.5bar gauge pressure or 3.5bar absolute. If you wish to target higher boost than this disable the controller and use custom maps to set the appropriate limits.

RaceROM Controller Boost Default

Is the value that the controller will reset to after a battery reset, the Max and Min set the limits for boost targets

RaceROM Controller Boost Max & Min

RaceROM Controller Torque Default

Is the value that the controller will reset to after a battery reset, the Max and MIn set the limits for Driver torque demand.

RaceROM Controller Torque Max & Min

RaceROM Sport Displays

It is possible to set up the sports displays (of vehicles equipped with them) to display almost any variable. This can also be changed by the car owner using ECU connect pages. to configure what can be displayed on the sports display use the following maps

there are two display modes,

• During map switching only (so only when you are changing the RR controller using the cruise buttons to adjust the controller)

• During Normal Operation, this mode overwrites the value full time (except when map switching)

Each Display mode can have individual inputs specified using the Sport Display Options Maps

Sport Display Options (during Map Switch)

This map sets the parameter that you want to display on the gauge when you are using the Map switch change menu.

if you have the RaceROM Controller setup to control Torque or Boost it is recommended to set these as RR controller input to display the setpoint on the gauge, if there is no gauge the RR controller setpoint can be viewed in the logging under

If you want to display something else like Knock retard Average or Lambda target these need to be input into a custom map and then this custom map set up as the the display variable .

Note - the scaling output of the map should suit the sports display max and min, the display cannot process negative values and strange values will display if negatives are used.

Sport Display Options (Normal Operation)

This is the normal Display map that control the sports display values under normal operation

As per the above example custom maps can be used to display any value custom maps can recieve.

Sports Display AutoScale Maxium & Minimum

These are the values that the sports display will scale between

Sport Display Ranges (normal and Per MS modes)

these maps control the maximum value that the gauge will display this is helpful to stop wrap around if putting custom map inputs into the sports displays.

ECU Connect Pages

ECU Connect pages can be disabled in the ROM if they are not required, ECU Connect pages allow the car owner to adjust what is displayed on the sports gauges from within ECU Connect

In ECU Connect to access the ECU Connect pages from the My Car Menu select Sport Display Set up

From there select the gauge you wish to alter

and Choose the variable you wish to display

and watch the Sport display change to show the desired variable, the “Tuner” option displays the selection you as the tuner have setup in the normal mode display overwrite, the settings above make a sports display like below.

Limiters

Several Map switch mode dependant limiters have been added to the RaceROm patch which allow more accurate control over select parameters.

these require enabling in RR special Features to be used simply check the box to enable the maps.

Map Switch mode Adjustable limit map include

A rev limit top value being Mode 1 bottom value mode 4

An Adjustable vehicle speed limit top value being Mode 1 bottom value mode 4

There are also torque and load limits that are covered in the torque and airflow descriptions of these instructions.

Ignition Timing

RaceROM Ignition timing maps for Lift and No lift (as Previously mentioned Consolidation of 18 ignition maps for low flap, into just 1 lift and 1 no lift map per mode (OE maps not used).

These maps emulate the OEM maps which would no longer need to be tuner the RaceROM ignition maps can be live tuned as required.

NOTE: The idle and flap closed maps the OEM maps have not overwritten and will need to be tuned if you wish to change the timing in these low load conditions.

Ignition Timing Mode 1-4 & Lift

These base setpoints still have knock correction and other corrections applied and the values are only applied when at higher load points when the low load tuning is required the OEM maps will still require tuning.

Live tuning (RaceROM maps Only)

We have added the ability to live tune RR maps (and only RaceROM maps at the moment) so you can tune any 2D or 3D RaceROM map including custom map values help to tune you boost and timing a little quicker. for more details on how to utilise RR live tuning see the following article Live Tuning With ProECU

Immobilizer off

As an option for engine swap vehicles. to disable the immobiliser to use an engine in an engine swap simply set the checkbox and program the ECU

RaceROM Extra Input and Output Pin Enable

As well as CAN inputs and Outputs RaceROM custom maps can also enable unused pins on the ECM. To enable them simply select them from the RaceROm special features map

these inputs and outputs include,

Inputs

• Frequency input on Pin A71 (tested On Development cars but if the A71 is populated in VW loom contact support@ecutek.com)

Outputs

• Exhaust Flap Duty output (even for cars with out flaps natively) on Pins K10/59 & K91

Wiring Pinouts for the Extra pins are

The full connector

for connector A

For Connector K

Input Pins

Connect a turbo speed or other frequency based sensor to pin A71 at the ECM and use the input into custom maps to drive any strategy you can think of. The input frequency can be between 50 - 150Hz.

Output Pins

Connect an external device to take the 5V adjustable frequency signal output and drive it at whatever duty cycle you require. Once the output is enabled simply set the frequency using the exhaust flap period slider map.

If you have a target frequency it is converted to Hz using the below formula,

Period (ms) = 1000 / Frequency desired (Hz)

So for a frequency of 30Hz (suitable for most boost control solenoids) set the period to

1000/30 = 33.33 (ms)

some common values are here

you can also convert a period to a frequency using the below formula

Frequency (Hz) = 1 (sec) / Period (sec) or 1000 (ms) / Period (ms)

Once you have set the Frequency you then use the custom map output for the desired pin to drive an external device at the desired duty cycle (solid state relay or PWM voltage converter with enough current carrying capacity to perform the task).

If you are using the output to control the exhaust flaps with custom maps you must set the duty to match the open and close duty requirements of the valve (10% for closed and 90% for open).

Driving Solenoids from Exhaust flap Outputs

As previously mentioned the exhaust flap output is a low power PWM device (0-5v and very low current) and can only drive solenoids that require very low power input signals. It appears that most aftermarket solid state relays and solenoids require more current than the ECU can output. With only a simple circuit or driver the output can be used to power WG duty solenoids and injectors like below.

These types of units (High-Current Solid-State Relay or https://www.holley.com/products/nitrous/controllers_and_accessories/parts/15620NOS) can be used if the 5V signal is converted using a transistor and resistor on the switching to ground output.

Using a Similar set up on the bench (an ignition driver MOSFET) you can also directly drive the solenoid) other protections might be needed in this circuit to protect from solenoid flyback and reverse voltages etc.

Driving a MAC valve with a 5V ignition MOSFET to power the solenoid

Driving an injector with a 5V ignition MOSFET to power the solenoid

If the solenoid has a low enough drive threshold and can be directly driven by the ECU is could be set up like below

NOTE: the Output frequency is adjustable but the OEM signal output voltage is 5V and low current capable, The 5V supply will need to be converted using an external controller to a 12V signal. there are commercially available 5V to 12V PWM converter circuits (fast acting SSR 80A DC SSR (50V)) don’t forget back EMF protection diodes.

Custom maps

Custom Maps are blank map that you can configure the inputs and outputs (as well as activation parmeters) to perform a task that isn’t covered by another hardcoded RaceROM feature. Custom Maps gives tuners the ability to add their own general-purpose maps to control key engine parameters such as ignition, fuelling, boost target, cam angles, wastegate position and more (listed below). They also integrates with the ECU Connect app to give drivers the ability to make adjustments to their tune using the app within the boundaries set by their tuner.

Note: Some ROMs do not have enough free space for all custom maps, when this occurs maps of each type are dropped out of the listing (i.e. custom map D, H L & Pare removed) but their reference will still be shown, these references as custom map inputs will not have any action or value assigned to them if used so do not select them.

Possible Custom Map Features

With Custom maps you can Achieve things like,

• One Touch Rolling Launch

• Steering wheel adjustable Launch Control

• External Wastegate Pneumatic Solenoid control

NOTE: the Output frequency is adjustable but the OEM signal output voltage is 5V and low current capable, The 5V supply will need to be converted using an external controller to a 12V signal. there are commercially available 5V to 12V PWM converter circuits (fast acting SSR 80A DC SSR (50V), or High-Current Solid-State Relay or https://www.holley.com/products/nitrous/controllers_and_accessories/parts/15620NOS) don’t forget back EMF protection diodes .

• Traction control

• Nitrous Control

• Water Meth Injection Control

• Frequency Inputs

• Knock Warning

Activation Options

Activation Of custom maps can be done using any

• Map switch mode

• Input Parameter

• Cruise Button

Axis Options

You can also configure the Axis interpolation methods adjustable between interpolate (normally), HI low and nearest.

The Select Nearest option

• Chooses the Axis cell that is closest to the input variable, this option can be use to create a binary switch 1->0 switch using a multiply output, If an interpolate option is uses the multiplier would produce decreasing values down to 0, which may not be ideal if multiplying fuel quantity etc.

Select Higher Lower Option

• Choses the Axis cell that is above or below the last break point with no interpolation similar to the nearest option but biasing 1 way or another, this can be useful for gear axis values.

Output Options

Used to select the output channel for the value calculated by your custom map, as well as what it should do with that value. Output calculation for replace, Multiply, Add, cap value HI & low as well as Multiply and Add to integral (with limits)

Output Channel

There are multiple options that exist for the output channel itself, however they can be lumped into two types.

• Existing Channel Alteration - Performs an alteration based on the Output Function selected to an existing channel in the ECM.

• Calculation Only - Only performs the calculation for the table, this value isn't output to a different channel being used by the ECU.  However it is possible to take the calculation output and use it in a different custom map.

Output Function

When using an output channel to be altered by the custom map, this function decides what way the output function of your custom map is applied to the output channel.

• Replace channel value with map output - This means the map output will completely replace the value chosen as the output channel overriding any other table outputs.

• Add map output to channel value - Map output will simply be added into the channel value (positive values will have an additive affect while negative values will reduce it)

• Multiply channel value by map output - Uses the map output as a multiplier for the output channel.  Use fractions to have a reduction of value, and positive values to increase.

• Use map output as a minimum/maximum for channel value - Uses the value in a manner similar to a limiter based on table output for what the min/max values can be for your channel output.

• Add map output to integral.  Add integral to channel value - Adjusts integral value for the channel output by adding the table output.

• Add map output to integral.  Multiply integral to channel value - Adjusts integral value for the channel output by multiplying the table output.

List of Inputs and outputs to Custom maps

 For more information on how to tune using custom maps please see the link RaceROM Custom Maps Tuning Guide .

CAN inputs

Take any Can based input (some defaults exist) and use it in custom maps to give the output you want. (https://www.ecumaster.com/products/can-switch-board/ ) there are more instructions on how to set up can inputs here RaceROM CAN Sensor Input / Output.

On our dev MK7.5 GTI we used the sound control module CAN wiring under the scuttle panel to wire in various inputs. Please note wiring to the OBD port will not work as the gateway module will filter out the CAN Communication and it will not make it onto the powertrain CAN bus.

CAN outputs

Drive an external can based device for external WG, meth controllers or nitrous, see RaceROM CAN Sensor Input / Output for instructions to enable the output and CAN bus wiring. Devices like this could be used to drive a high current PWM output.

https://www.maxxecu.com/products/accessories/maxxecu_can_pwmmodule

https://www.maxxecu.com/webhelp/can-modules_pwm.html

Please note wiring to the OBD port will not work as the gateway module will filter out the CAN Communication and it will not make it onto the powertrain CAN bus.

Valet Mode

Torque, engine speed, vehicle speed and distance limited valet mode, with a tell-tale indicator on Golf model cars.

To enter valet mode these are the set’s

1. Press “Res” button to enter MS mode choice,

2. Press “+” to get to mode 7 (7Krpm on dash)

3. Press “Res” (or cancel button on 3 button stalk) when it displays Mode 7, the Coolant Temp Gauge should go to max now to show you are in Valet mode

4. There will be a torque and speed limits applied now, they will reset on Key off.

To exit valet Mode

1. Press “Res” button to enter MS mode choice,

2. Press “+” to get to mode 7 (7Krpm on dash)

3. Press “Res” (or cancel button on 3 button stalk) when it displays Mode 7, the Coolant Temp Gauge should go to normal now to show you are NOT in Valet mode

4. There will be NO torque and speed limits applied now.

Clutch switch by pass

Added for use in manual cars to reduce the chances of crank walk on start up. To enable the clutch interlock disable simply select the clutch switch disable option in RR special Features

Fast logging

Carefully selected OE and RaceROM logging items, over 70 logging items by default at over 12 hz.

Support

If there are any Issues or perceived bugs please contact support@ecutek.com and send a Log of the issue and the ROM used when logging for comparison, this will allow the EcuTek support team to assist you and inform the dev team to look for a fix.

Contact Us:

EcuTek Technical Support

support@ecutek.com

(+44) 1895 811200

When dialing from within the UK, the country code is not required so dial 01895 811200

Open Hours

Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm BST (UK Time)

(4am-1230pm Eastern Standard TIme US)

Visitors by appointment only

EcuTek Tehnologies Ltd.8 Union Buildings
Wallingford Road
Uxbridge, UB8 2FR
England

VAT No: GB 235 2616 23