Since Stage 2 will be closer to the edge what about having the stage 1 maps in with the stage 2 unit. With a switch to change between stage 1,2, or turn it off (stock).

If that could be done, we could run our cars nearer the edge when more "spirited driving" is wanted and run stage 1 for normal day to day driving.

So Canzoomer or friends is this possible?
And is there any harm to turning the unit on or off while the car is running or under acceleration?

Unfortunatly, the unit currently can't switch between programs. It you switched it off with the engine running, you'd probably throw a CEL.

Thanks.

Now I need to decide how close to the edge I want to live :)

The answer to that question has been simplified greatly. The hardware is now the same for Stage 1 as for Stage 2 (other than the needed cat. change). So you can get a Stage 1 and at some future time upgrade it to Stage 2 with software. Or even go back and forth if you got the capability to change programs yourself!

I believe Maurice is pricing it so you will not take a hit upgrading compared to just going Stage 2 in the beginning.

Cool.

Will we be able to upgrade the kit with a laptop or is some special hardware required?

In another thread there was discussion that the presently planned Stage 2 plus exhuaust setup should pass 48-state emissions UNLESS the test is started from a cold start (as it might not warm up fast enough). But if the ECU piggyback hardware is the same as Stage I, it comes with the on-off switch. So, before visiting the friendly emissions check garage, can't you just switch the unit off and be running stock through the new exhaust? (The new exhaust hardware should not be a state emissions issue.) Yes?

If they do visual (and many do) you will have a problem. Unless they don't know what an RX-8 cat looks like. Some just look for a cat. period, and you would be ok. You could cover the stainless cat with ugly pieces of metal, to make it look stock ;) .

If you want to change the program you have two options:
1. Send it back for reprogramming.
2. Purchase the programming kit (laptop is needed).

One question -- How do we know whether our local Mazda dealer is doing or will do to our own cars the same re-flash that Canzoomer has found out about? I take it that the accuracy of Stage 1 and Stage 2 depend on assumptions about the current flash. (And do we know when they started doing the latest one; e.g. they did my car dec. 11.)

I dont beleive thats the case, since the piggyback unit is adjusting values for the ECU to see to give specific air/fuel ratios. IE, the piggyback has a "target" value and adjusts what the ECU see's to get that value.

I always stand to be corrected, but one question I hear often from (consumer electronics) engineers is, "How do it know?" Unless the unit has a way of monitoring the ECU's performance, it is feeding data based on assumptions rather than feedback. (And, if Stage 1 were self-adjusting no matter how Mazda changed the ECU flash, CZ would not be citing the reflash as a reason for modifying the shipped products [in addition to his more advanced fuel/ignition work].) I would prefer that you be correct, however.

We seem to be going at this issue in parallel threads. Because the last post on the other thread agrees with me :) here is the other thread:

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21530

But, er, stay tuned.

Heh, yeah, shows what I know huh?