Introduction

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.

RaceROM Map Switching

Through RaceROM Map Switching you're able to control a variety of different things.  From different base ignition/fueling maps to custom maps.  If the user has one of our EVI-BT modules on their vehicle they're also able to select through various maps and parameters using our ECUConnect APP.

For the basic ideas of how our map switching system works, check out our guides

• RaceRom Map Switching
• How to Change Map Slot

For items that are slightly different from our normal offering/operation see below.

Per Gear Maximums

Torque Desired Max (RaceROM)

This table allows you to set a desired max amount of torque per gear by RPM. This torque request is scaled but the output of the driver demand maps such as Torque - Driver→Pedal Request - Drive AT and related maps.

Only used when "Use RaceROM torque desired max maps" is enabled in RaceROM Special Features→Enable Special Features and overwrites the values from the map Torque - Engine→Clutch Torque Maximum (which can be left stock if the RaceROM map is enabled and calibrated).

If Flexfuel is also enabled, it's blended with RaceROM FlexFuel->Torque→FlexFuel Torque Desired Max

Torque Desired Max Scalar by MS Mode (RaceROM)

Allows a percentage multiplier to be applied to the Torque Desired Max (RaceROM) table based on map slot.  This can be handy to allow map modes of varying power levels for use with different drivers / driving conditions.  These can be customised further to allow for different percentage changes for normal vs sport mode.

Map modes are in a descending order with the top of each section being slot 1.

The final output of the RaceROM Torque Desired Max be logged using the Torque Desired Max logging parameter.

Torque Request Multiplier

Since the factory torque requests from the pedal are percentage based, as you increase the amount of torque being targeted either through the RaceROM maps, Flex Fuel (or even the stock maps) you can run into some undesireable behavior.  At low throttle positions you'll still be requesting the same percentage of torque, but because your targets are higher, you'll be targeting more torque than you'll really want to see at those lower pedal positions or gears.

For example, if you're targeting 20% more torque than stock, than you'll also be targeting 20% more torque than stock at 2% throttle.

This table provides a function allowing you to set a multiplier curve to adjust the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal per map slot to target a lower level of torque than it would otherwise be trying to reach.  This works in conjunction with the factory Torque-Driver → Pedal Request maps.

Load Limit - Gear (RaceROM)

This table allows you to set different load limits by RPM per gear, they are used in conjunction with the OEM load limits. The lowest value from any of the active limits will set the final limit on the target load.

Load Limit Scalar by MS (map slot) Mode

This map sets a percentage multiplier to the Load Limit -Gear (RaceROM) value by map slot.  This can be handy to have map modes of varying power levels for use with different drivers / driving conditions.  These can be customised further to allow for different percentage changes for normal vs sport mode.

Map modes are in a descending order with the top of each section being slot 1.

Burble Control

The burble control allows the tuner to configure maps for soft and hard burble. The ECU will interpolate between these maps based on the Burble Aggression parameter which can be configured independently for each mapswitch mode and also through custom maps if you want to control it from a cell phone.  For further information check out our guide below.

• BMW RaceROM Burble Control

Ignition Base Timing Maps & Lambda / Fuel Maps

Map switching allows you to switch between multiple versions of the Ignition and fuel maps allowing for different driving behavior in different maps.  Keep in mind that these tables may come before other compensations.  If you see it running at a different value than you expect, make sure your other limits and safeties aren't coming in to play.

Ignition Base Normal/Safe Timing Mode 1-4

Uses Cylinder Fill % (x-axis) and engine speed in RPM (y-axis) to set base ignition timing in normal mode and safe mode.  Replaces the factory Ignition Base Timing Offset Multiplier map.  Once the RaceROM maps are activated the base map will no longer operate.

Ignition Base Timing Offset Multiplier

Applies a multiplier to the Ignition Base Timing  maps using Engine Temperature (Coolant) and Intake Temperature to modify the timing for varying environmental conditions.

Fuel Target Bank 1 Mode 1-4

Sets the fuel target for bank the engine using Cylinder Fill % (x-axis) and engine speed in RPM (y-axis).  Replaces the factory Fuel Target Bank 1 map.  Once the RaceROM maps are activated the base map will no longer operate. 

These tables have additional resolution (rows and columns) when compared to the factory map.  As such you may need to interpolate some of the cells from your factory map if it was tuned previously, rather than simply copy and pasting it in.

Valet Mode

Selecting Valet Mode

Enabling Valet Mode in the software can be done easily by navigating to the Enable Special Features Map and toggling the Valet Mode option.

How to Use Valet Mode

1. Press the cruise control UP button until the rev counter reads 7

2. Temperature gauge will show 6 bars for valet mode OFF, or 7 bars for valet mode ON.

3. Press the RES/CNCL button to select ON or OFF as desired.
   
   

   When valet mode is enabled, the torque and max speed of the vehicle is limited according to the distance travelled.It can be used to prevent misuse of the vehicle or as an additional anti-theft measure to complement the inbuilt security.

Vehicle Speed Limit Override

RaceROM has its own vehicle speed limit maps which override the limit set in the vehicle coding.  These can be set per map-Switch Mode

Saving Selections at Key Cycle

Depending on the circumstances, you may or may not want your mode selections to persist after a key cycle.  The mapswitch mode, torque/power settings, custom inputs (from ECUconnect app) and valet mode settings can be backed up into the EEPROM when the ignition is turned off, and restored when you start up again.

Display Hijack

Similar to our BMW N55/S55 product. Racerom allows the tuner to customize what is displayed on the Sports Display. As described earlier, the displays can also be used as inputs in conjunction with the cruise control buttons.

The torque gauge can also be used to allow the driver to adjust the max desired torque.  If the Torque Controller option is enabled then the value selected on the Torque Gauge will be used as a limit to the maximum desired torque. This is similar to the RaceROM boost controller on our GTR product.

In order to make changes to the torque controller

1. Ensure the sports displays are visible.
2. Push the RES/CNCL button again.
3. Temperature gauge will show 3 bars.
4. Press the cruise control UP/DOWN buttons to adjust the Power Gauge input.

For additional information on how this feature works for other vehicles, check out our guide 

• BMW RaceROM Display Hijack

RaceROM Custom Input

The Custom CAN input feature in RaceROM allows you to import CAN data from an external sensor such as a wideband or ethanol content analyser.

Installation

The BMW ECU has three CAN channels (PT-CAN, PT-CAN2 and K-CAN5), none of them are directly connected to the OBD port. You cannot connect the CAN sensor to the OBD port. You must connect the CAN sensor directly to one of these buses. Suggested connection points are near the ECU in the engine bay or the Front Electronic Module in the passenger footwell.

The pins you'll want to utilise for this system can be found on Connector A46*1B as shown in the diagram below.

• PT-CAN bus is ECU connector A46*1B pins 41 & 42.
• PT-CAN2 bus is ECU connector A46*1B pins 35 & 36.
• K-CAN5 bus is ECU connector A46*1B pins 33 & 34.

CAN Sensor Configuration

In the CAN Sensor Enabled map you'll be able to select your CAN sensor type from a list of pre-configured items, or custom devices.   Note that the presets only apply if you're using the standard CAN ID of the unit. 

Zeitronix ECA-2 Ethanol Sensor
Zeitronix ZT-3 Wideband
Innovate LC-3 Wideband

Select the device from the CAN Sensor Type field, then choose which PT-CAN pin it is plumbed into.

Configuring an Autosport AnalogX or ECUmaster CANswitch

These devices are not confined to measuring lambda or ethanol content. they have multiple general purpose voltage inputs and requires a little extra configuration.  Select your device from in the "CAN Sensor Enabled" map. Select whether you have connected it to PT-CAN or PT-CAN2 bus.  By default, the AnalogX uses 29-bit extended CAN IDs, so select "Extended (29-bit)".  The ECUmaster CANswitch uses standard (11-bit) CAN.

If you have set the unit to use a non-standard CAN ID, you will need to adjust the map that sets the CAN id for your device.

For each of the 8 input channels, you can define a bitmask, multiplier, offset to convert the input into a meaningful engineering unit. You can specify a usage to route the calculated value as Ethanol Content for flex fuel or Wideband Lambda, or as an input to Custom Maps.

It is also possible to define an error channel which will can be used trigger a failsafe map in the flex fuel code.

Visconti CanBox

Select this device from the CAN Sensor Enabled map.  The Visconti CanBox also has two voltage inputs (channels 4 & 5). You can use the bitmask, multiplier and offset maps to convert the input into a meaningful engineering unit. For voltage, set the multiplier to 0.001221 (4095 = 5 volts).

Configuring a custom CAN sensor

Select Custom Device from in the "CAN Sensor Enabled" map. Select whether you have connected it to PT-CAN or PT-CAN2 bus.  Select whether your custom device uses 11-bit standard or 29-bit extended CAN IDs.  Enter the CAN ID for your custom device into the CAN ID for Custom Device map.  Configure up to 8 input channels for your custom device. For each one, select the start byte and data format. Configure the scaling and usage for each of the 8 channels.

CAN Sensor Timeout

Allows a failsafe to be triggered in the event that no signal is reported from the sensor within the chosen time frame. (seconds)

Additional CAN sensor setup tips can be found here

• BMW F-Series CAN Sensor Input

RaceROM Custom CAN Output

This feature allows you to configure the ECU to output a custom packet onto one of its CAN buses. This packet can be used to pass data over the CAN bus from the ECU to another module such as a custom display or water/meth injection controller. In future we plan to include pre-calibrated profiles for a selection of supported devices, but currently there are just two options, "Custom Device" that you can configure yourself, and "EcuTek Test Packet" that will output a packet containing "EcuTek" followed by a sequence number and a checksum.

With control of up to 8 parameters (channels) to be included in the packet. You can scale each channel to ensure that its expected range of values fits into 8 bits (0-255) or 16 bits (0-65535).

A channel can contain either a constant value, a parameter, a sequence number (heartbeat), or a CRC8 checksum of the other bytes in the packet.

For each channel, you specify the start byte within the packet, and the format, 8 or 16 bits (big or little endian).  The total number of bytes you can output in the packet is 8. Most CAN packets send the full eight bytes, even if some of them are not used, but you can send a shorter packet if you need to.

For example, you could configure channel 1 and 2 to output 16 bit values, starting at byte 1 and 3 respectively, then channels 3, 4 and 5 as 8 bit values starting at bytes 5,6 and 7. Then channel 6 as a checksum at byte 8. Channels 7 and 8 would remain unused.

To send a constant value, select parameter, then set the parameter type as unused, then specify the constant in the offset map for that channel.   The sequence number will increment for every packet from 00 to FF and then rolls over to 00 and counts up again.

RaceROM Antilag

The Antilag feature is designed for roll racing. It is similar to the Rolling Launch feature in our GTR product.  The objective is to spin up the turbo and create a reserve of boost in anticipation of rapid acceleration.

To Use

1. Ensure the cruise control system is deactivated.
2. While driving forward press and hold the cruise control "Set" button, you can adjust the speed by modulating the accelerator. Increased input will demand slightly higher torque and allow subtle acceleration and vice-versa.
3. When the driver wishes to launch simply release the cruise "Set" button.

While activated, the Antilag feature selects a boost target (default 1800hpa) and applies closed-loop ignition retard to generate more exhaust gas energy and help maintain that target.

Best results can be achieved by manually selecting a suitable gear prior to activating the feature, if used in auto, the accelerator pedal input will cause a downshift.

Enable AntiLag 

Switch that activates AntiLag system per map slot mode.  Also provides the option to force the Exhaust Flap open to increase flow on map slots where you're using the AntiLag system.

AntiLag Boost Target

Establishes a boost the ECU will attempt to achieve while the anti-lag system is active.  The four settings are for the 4 map switching modes.

AntiLag Engine Temperature Maximum

Sets a Maximum (high) temperature the engine coolant temperature must be below in order for the AntiLag system to engage.  Since this system can cause an increase in coolant temperature it's a good idea to keep this at a reasonable level to prevent overheating or engine damage.

AntiLag Engine Temperature Minimum

Sets a minimum (low) temperature the engine coolant temperature must be above in order for the AntiLag system to engage.  Keeping this to a sane value ensures that the car is up to proper operating temperature before using engaging the system.

AntiLag Exhaust Gas Temperature Maximum

Sets a Maximum (high) temperature the exhaust gas temperature must be below in order for the AntiLag system to engage. Because this system can cause an increase in temperature as a result of using the AntiLag feature it's important to keep the exhaust gas temperature to a safe temperature to avoid damage to engine components.

AntiLag Ignition Ramp Rate

Establishes the rate in degrees of ignition timing the system will alter ignition timing over a period of time.

AntiLag Timing Base

Base values the system will use to alter ignition timing when the system is activated.  These are adjusted over time by the ramp rate and the AntiLag Ignition TIming Proportional in order to hit the desired boost level.

AntiLag Ignition Timing Proportional

The change to existing ignition timing after the AntiLag Timing Base values are applied that the system will utilise in order to correct for boost error (failure to meet or maintain the AntiLag Boost Target)

AntiLag Lambda Target

The fuel target the AntiLag system will use while the AntiLag system is active.

AntiLag ReArm Timer

In order to prevent heat buildup or damage we recommend not using the AntiLag system continuously without allowing the engine to properly cool down in between.  This value sets an amount of time that must pass before the system can be activated again.

This either begins after AntiLag was just used, or if the system shut it down due to the AntiLag Timeout value being exceeded.

 

AntiLag Timeout

Amount of time the AntiLag system can be active before shutting down.  An important value as the system generates a lot of heat in the turbocharger and exhaust which can be damaging.

AntiLag Torque Base

Adjustment to the torque request based on gear.  Important to maintain speed as higher gears will require more torque in order to keep the same amount of speed.

AntiLag Torque Multiplier

Works in conjunction with the AntiLag Torque Base table.  Applies a multiplier to that value to adjust for the added torque required at higher vehicle speeds to maintain speed when the system is active.

RaceROM Flex Fuel

For information on how the RaceROM Flex Fuel system works check out our main guide here: 

• RaceROM Flex Fuel

Important differences with the basic RaceROM system are outlined below.

Fuel System Limitations

FlexFuel Enable

Using the map FlexFuel Control (RaceROM) you'll be able to enable flexfuel in any of the different switchable map slots/modes.   

• Disabled - When selected the FF system will not be utilised for any calculations.
• Fixed Value - The FF system will run calculations based on a constant value of ethanol established by the map FlexFuel Ethanol Fixed Values by MapSwitch Mode
  
• CAN Sensor - When this option is chosen the system will use the sensor input from your CAN Ethanol content sensor

Torque Desired

You'll need to enable the RaceROM Torque Desired Max maps.  This allows you to first set up all of your Torque Desired Max maps and fuel targets for gasoline.  Then you can set the Flex Fuel torque desired to allow you to target a higher torque level (due to the ethanol content).   If you miss this step you won't see any increased amounts of torque despite targeting different fuel/ignition/cylinder fill targets while on ethanol.

FlexFuel Ethanol Fixed Values by Mapswitch Mode

Sets a constant ethanol content per mapswitch mode.  Only utilised if selected in the FlexFuel Enable map.  See above for more details.

FlexFuel Knock Threshold (cylinder 1-6)

Sets a knock value for reading knock for each cylinder.  This value is multiplied by the map FlexFuel Knock Threshold Blend to make proportional adjustments to knock sensitivity based on the ethanol content.  This can be helpful in some instances as we've seen knock sensors react differently than on gasoline when running ethanol due to harmonic differences in the combustion. If you encounter persistent ignition retard when running moderate concentrations of ethanol, increasing the knock thresholds here by 10% may be a good starting point. Proper tuning of these maps really requires an external knock monitoring device to corroborate the ECU's own knock detection.

FlexFuel Knock Threshold Blend

Multiplier value based on ethanol content.  This value is multiplied against the FlexFuel Knock Threshold map for each cylinder in order to establish a different threshold of knock for different ethanol contents.

Flex Fuel Load Limit

Makes adjustments to the Load Limit based on ethanol content and RPM.  Allows you to run more or less load (boost) based on ethanol content.

Typical uses for this map are to prevent excessive fuel system load, by limiting airflow at high ethanol concentrations, or to limit load when there is insufficient octane due to low ethanol concentration.

This map is active when FlexFuel is enabled, regardless of what setting of "Use RaceROM load limit maps" is in RaceROM Special Features→Enable Special Features

FlexFuel Sensor Failure Error Mask

The output value from the sensor should it detect an error.

Flex Fuel Sensor Failure Ethanol Content

In the event of a sensor failure the ethanol content will default to this value for purposes of engine operation.  If a customer typically runs on pump gas or ethanol exclusively it's good practice to set it to that value.  If they typically run a blend, finding a safe middle ground is the best bet.

Flex Fuel Sensor Failure Load Limit

Maximum Load Limit if an ethanol content sensor failure is detected.  Reduces output when the ECU isn't sure of what the ethanol content is.

Boost Target Max Regular and Flex Fuel

For a given desired cylinder fill (%) and RPM level you'll be able to limit your possible boost target.  This helps you to avoid throttle closures and relies on the system being tightly controlled.  Setting the max level affects the targeted boost level rather than being a hard cut for use in an emergency/overboost situation.