View Full Version : DIY: Installing eBay Electronic Throttle Control


Sergioo915
09-07-2011, 02:42 AM
So, looking at some of the post regarding the low idle and vibration issues surrounding RX8, I was wondering if there was a way to control or adjust the position on the throttle butterfly. The idea came from feeling how good and smooth my 8 idles at about 900-950 rpms. My 8 idles pretty good with some vibrations, which can be anoyning. While reving the 8, I noticed it was smooth and nice at about 900-950.
So i found this unit on Ebay for about 110$. It comes from Japan and is all plug and play 176670

I installed this unit on the radio face plate with very little effort.
176667

With double sided tape, I attached the controller box inside the radio unit and guided the wiring throught the channel
176668

Plug the harness to the pedal and connect to OBD II port, done.
176669

So after programing the unit, I found out that the position on the butterfly connot be ajusted. This unit has preset settings that are NORM, SPORT 1-7 and ECON 1-7.
which I found to be useful in actually changing driving characteristics of the throttle reponse. In Econ mod I got a 1-3 mile per gallon increase. Not bad.
On the Sport Mode, the fuel inconomy sucked, but the responce on the throttle during agrresive turning and accelaration was pretty inpressive. On normal Mode, well its normal. Has a safety feature for while car is in reverse (RED and Yellow wire in the driver running board)
On a lighter note. my car is idleing a little higher. I think its just the nature of the unit reading the data from the CAN bus
176666
Again, your thoughts and comments.

oltmann
09-07-2011, 04:24 AM
With the Cobb Accessport, you can change the idle speed and the throttle mapping as well as many other things that will improve the performance and reliability of your car. Best bet is to also purchase MazdaManiac's custom calibration service.

http://www.mazdamaniac.com/cobb/accessport.htm

The stock engine computer actually does a great deal to ensure the stability of the idle, but rotary engines simply do not idle well compared to many piston engines. Increasing the idle speed with the AccessPort will improve your idle whilst also properly utilizing the built-in logic in the engine computer which is designed to alter ignition timing and fuel injection to maintain smooth idle.

Simply changing the throttle opening is not sufficient.

Try to return that device if you can.

TeamRX8
09-07-2011, 05:15 AM
or just push your throttle foot slower or faster for free ...

bse50
09-07-2011, 06:00 AM
With the Cobb Accessport, you can change the idle speed and the throttle mapping as well as many other things that will improve the performance and reliability of your car. Best bet is to also purchase MazdaManiac's custom calibration service.

http://www.mazdamaniac.com/cobb/accessport.htm

The stock engine computer actually does a great deal to ensure the stability of the idle, but rotary engines simply do not idle well compared to many piston engines. Increasing the idle speed with the AccessPort will improve your idle whilst also properly utilizing the built-in logic in the engine computer which is designed to alter ignition timing and fuel injection to maintain smooth idle.

Simply changing the throttle opening is not sufficient.

Try to return that device if you can.

Shhhh, don't tell them.
A resistor like that is one of the stupidest things you can do to a drive by wire car. Like the human brain, some things on our car need some feedback to work properly. Add alcohol and you can't keep a proper erec... well, add this thing and you get my point!
Team is spot on, it does what you can do with your right foot.. only worse.
The MPG is bullshit, it doesn't affect fuelling at all.