View Full Version : New flash today


WTF no turbo
05-29-2004, 04:20 PM
New flash has hit the street.My dealer got it yesterday and i was the first to get it this morning.On one of the section changes it says a code then"to restore lost power in high rev band".I can tell you this what a difference it made. mod edit: do NOT post street racing stories on this forum.

ranger4277
05-29-2004, 05:07 PM
I hope so. If they put a new flash sticker under your hood, could you post a photo of that too? I'm not gonna get too excited yet.. but I sure want to.

WTF no turbo
05-29-2004, 05:53 PM
No sticker i know tech @dealer very well.I really went up there to use the lift in shop to do wheels springs and brakes.Then when i was leaving he said oh yea new flash came in.

JimW
05-29-2004, 06:58 PM
Is this flash going to be offered to everyone, it's not the "N" flash is it?

xXcfeboXx
05-29-2004, 07:01 PM
awwwww Shiiiiiizzzle
any write ups about it

guy321
05-29-2004, 07:16 PM
I just got the M flash yesterday!

mysql101
05-29-2004, 07:23 PM
I read in a car mag (sorry, I forgot the name) yesterday that had a short paragraph that mentioned that the publishers of the mag heard from reliable sources that mazda had found a way to solve the power issues of the rx-8 by modifying the ECU.

Since I don't know much about that mag, and they didn't provide details, I don't know how reliable their info is, but it does have me hoping to see my car going up to 260+ hp :)

Dookie_Rx-8
05-29-2004, 07:35 PM
Originally posted by JasonHamilton
, but it does have me hoping to see my car going up to 260+ hp :)


are u serious?If you are holy crap! Is this new flash someone with an rx-8 can just ask for

Dookie_Rx-8
05-29-2004, 08:04 PM
oh yea anyone know whats the name of the flash

JeRKy 8 Owner
05-29-2004, 09:05 PM
Theres lost powerin the high rev band? Since when?? Alsodo you think this willonly be for the manual or willit be available for automatic as well?

ranger4277
05-29-2004, 11:03 PM
So when will you be at the strip next to verify the increase? You said you've done low 14s before (at cost of tranny).. how does this feel compared to before? Still linear or do you feel a kick at some point? I'm just dying for details. :)

EatMyBanana
05-30-2004, 12:36 AM
I have had my 8 for a week and have a appointment for monday morn to get the m flash (for some reason they cant tell me if i do so there just going to do it again) but after reading this i will ask about the newest one. after one week and 1000 miles i have had none of the issues that are disscused on here, air is great , power is great once we bounded , no hot cup holder , no flooding . in fact i have never driven a car like this . i was told that all the rx8 on the lot where put back through service about a week before . But i will have and answer about a new flash before i leave monday. LOVE THIS CAR

BoxerGT2.5
05-30-2004, 01:10 AM
hmmmm....I may have to pay my mazda dealer a visit...:) Would it be unwise to get the reflash with a midpipe and O2 Sim in place????

JeRKy 8 Owner
05-30-2004, 03:52 AM
I thinkwe need more proof that another new flash exists thatdoes the things you claim beforewe start going back to service reps hassling them about installing some new flash all over again. I havent seen anything new added to Rosenthal Mazdas bulletin page yet

WTF no turbo
05-30-2004, 07:22 AM
Well as far as proof dont know what to tell ya.Im just going by what the tech said.I was hoping to make it to MIR this weekend but looks like rain today.Hasseling service techs??Please.. dont they get paid?I think someone needs to get on better terms with there dealer.

olddragger
05-30-2004, 11:45 AM
I just got mine M flashed on 5/27. The latest available and I have the cz 1.1 The upgrade to m really helped and with all the work canzoomer is doing on the maps etc he has only broken the 14 sec barrier ONE time in the 1/4 mile (with the 1.1 unit). Now all of a sudden there is a NEW flash that gives this much boost? I hope it is but I'll believe it when I see it.
olddragger

mysql101
05-30-2004, 11:49 AM
Originally posted by WTF no turbo
New flash has hit the street.My dealer got it yesterday and i was the first to get it this morning.On one of the section changes it says a code then"to restore lost power in high rev band
Also, any chance you can scan the invoice for the work done?

BoxerGT2.5
05-30-2004, 12:43 PM
I'm still at the "L" flash....so I'm just lookin for something more current. Right now I think a hummer gets better MPG than I do. I know I know....none of these flashes are geared to help MPG, but I 'm hoping they might lean things out and indirectly help MPG.

timisw
05-30-2004, 01:10 PM
Reading through the flash threads...

What is the easiest way to tell what level flash you are? I am taking that there is a sticker under the hood? I havent looked yet, but what is the easiest way to tell?

WTF no turbo
05-30-2004, 03:45 PM
How am i gonna scan an invoice?It was done a saturday when service was closed.I really was just there to use the lift.I know the techs there real well.Andy the lead guy there has a 10 anniversary turbo II.Like i stated before we just hooked up to turn off tpms light.I thought i had the latest flash in "m".

JimW
05-30-2004, 03:51 PM
It will be called the "N" as in no more flashes needed after this one?

Omicron
05-30-2004, 03:53 PM
Originally posted by JasonHamilton
but it does have me hoping to see my car going up to 260+ hp :) Yes, this is theoretically possible.

Think about it: Mazda rates the car at 238 HP, which we'll call 240 for the sake of simplicity.

Canzoomer has been making a PCM/ECU piggyback mod that does nothing more than "fix" the air/fuel and ignition timing that Mazda screwed up, and his mod realistically adds 20 HP.

240+20 = 260HP.

It would be BETTER than GREAT if Mazda really did fix things to where they should be, but I'm skeptical.

WTFnoTurbo, do you have any idea of what "flash number" this new flash is?

WTF no turbo
05-30-2004, 05:09 PM
I called my tech today since the replys on the wheel and tire section about my tpms fix.I will try to get the codes for you on tuesday.Oh and im pretty sure this is new because he had the other 2 disc there with L and M.

EatMyBanana
05-30-2004, 05:14 PM
my appointment is tommorow so i guess my dealer is open. i will have a answer buy the afternoon and post on this thread.

Twinturbo2800
05-30-2004, 10:40 PM
im a newb whne it comes to these flash's...

ive had my car for about 2-3 months now... can i just walk in and get them to give me the new flash? will it cost anything?

davefzr
05-30-2004, 11:25 PM
No it wont cost you anything and it looks like Mazda issued a statement saying that all cars must be flashed up to the latest version.

I am going to contact my dealership abou this latest flash on tuesday, but would sure love to know what it's called.. I am assuming N.. but am not sure..

I guess i'll just refer to it as the latest flash and see what the date they received it on.

Ajax
05-31-2004, 01:36 AM
do we have any confirmation that this is an actual new flash and for real?

timisw
05-31-2004, 06:00 AM
I have an appointment to go in on Tuesday at 1100. I will let everyone know if they have heard of the "N Flash" in Georgia.

I have had my RX8 since September 2003... What level flash do you think I am at? L? And is there anyway to tell? I want to be able to compare the difference.

Currently, my overall mileage is 17.62 over all (70 city/30 highway) with my highest being 22.1 and my lowest being 14.8mpg. I keep really good stats on it so I will be able to tell an improved efficiency difference pretty quickly.

shoptb
05-31-2004, 08:24 AM
Sweet - please let me know. I'll be picking up my 8 next weekend, and I want to make sure that they put it on the latest flash, which up 'til now I thought was the "M". Unfortunately my car was produced right before 3/12/04, so I guess it has the "L" instead of the "M" preloaded.

Strider
05-31-2004, 01:02 PM
Is there a guage that shows the current mpg, or is all this just calculations by the user?

SMigneco
05-31-2004, 01:05 PM
Calculations by user.

Japan8
05-31-2004, 01:10 PM
Well according to another post by EatMyBanana there is indeed one more new flash... http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=29979

EatMyBanana
05-31-2004, 01:17 PM
just left mazda to have my new 8 flash updated. and YES there is a new flash as of 5/21/04. he tried to download it but could not and with the holiday no one was at mazda. so he did up date it to the newest one he had.( my car was i week old and did not have the newest one) so i have to return to get the newest newest. and yes flashs are free. also the k,l,m mines nothing to them. he showed me the computer screen and there lots of new updates. i noticed that they did contain either k,l,m but there where several under each letter. so that lead me to belive k was first with serveal updates to k then L started with lots of updates then on to M . so i belive this is still M updated.

MrWigggles
05-31-2004, 01:33 PM
A new flash was issued 5/21/04 and only two people have heard of it?

-Mr. Wigggles

EatMyBanana
05-31-2004, 03:00 PM
all i can say is i was there today and he turned the computer scrren around and it said new pcm update issued 5/21/04. he was not aware of it untill i told him to look.He says they only download updates every two weeks. he also said the RX8 club guys find things out before them.

timisw
05-31-2004, 03:09 PM
Since someone was asking how I calculated my mileage.. thought you guys would like this information. Here are the number... Look at the next post for when I had it serviced (I assume the flashed it at 3000 miles)

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/206/206129/folders/150490/1074813Mileage.jpg

timisw
05-31-2004, 03:14 PM
And of the most interest is at the 3000 mileage (I had it first serviced) and at the 5000 mileage where there is a huge increase from it not running so rich! Remember this is a running average. Total Mileage to Total Gallons used over Time so any huge increase is very significant.

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/206/206129/folders/150490/1074792MileagevsMPG.jpg

timisw
05-31-2004, 03:35 PM
Also interesting is that I got my best mileage on 87 octane. Though it was 100% highway for that trip at 80mph.

MrWigggles
05-31-2004, 03:41 PM
timisw,

Can you guess during what period of times you either had your AC running or your front windo defroster running? (both use the compressor)

Nice chart.

BTW, which stations sell 94 Octane gas?

-Mr. Wigggles

timisw
05-31-2004, 03:45 PM
Up until now, I was stationed in PA and its been so mild out that the AC was never on. Windows would of been down after around April, but 80% of that driving was under 50mph.

I just now started using AC on the last 2 tanks since finding Augusta my home for 6 months. Probably why that 5/23/04 tank got less than 15. Along with the AC on most of the tank, I did have 4 Marines in the car for a night and we did hit 3 figures about 4 or 5 times during the night saying goodbye to 330i (she was cute but couldnt drive to keep up) and a Acura RSX.

timisw
05-31-2004, 03:48 PM
And it was a station in Harrisburg PA that had the 94 Octane. They actually had 4 selections. I believe it was a Sunoco, but I could be mistaken. I am no longer there to go back and find out for sure.

I did a web search and Sunoco was the only pump that I could find quickly that did have 94 octane.

d0va
05-31-2004, 04:17 PM
I'm taking my car tomorrow, I told the service tech that car almost flood twice. And I that heard about a new flash that fixes that problems

WTF no turbo
05-31-2004, 06:12 PM
As far as dates go issued on 5/21 doesnt mean mazda dealers had the disc 5/21.What you guys dont understand is that dealers dont realize the importance of flashes.If the tech there was not a friend i wouldnt have heard about it either.And to all the nasayers :D

EatMyBanana
05-31-2004, 06:52 PM
you are right WTF. thats what he told me today . he had not recived the disc yet. and if i had not read your post last night and ask him about it today he would not have none. thanks for the heads up. and he did not seemed that concerned with flash's.

EatMyBanana
05-31-2004, 06:55 PM
dOva make sure he downloads and puts the one for 5/21/04

timisw
05-31-2004, 07:10 PM
Too bad we couldnt go to Mazda dealership with the current disk!

Could anyone get a bootleg copy?

Would love to see what computer language they are programming this stuff in or is it just data that is meaningless without the computer system to install it?

Ajax
05-31-2004, 07:27 PM
I talked to one of the techs over at a local dealership. They aren't aware of any new flash since M. Once again, are you sure this is real?

Japan8
05-31-2004, 07:32 PM
As others have said... this forum is often ahead of the dealers and techs. Don't just ask... have them check the system. It has repeatedly been told that dealers had no idea when a new flash became available. People had to get them to check and thus the new ones were found. The only difference between then and now is that the newest ECU flash isn't "official" by the forum yet.

Ajax
05-31-2004, 07:37 PM
Well, I guess I'll ask him to look as I know this tech on a pretty personal level. He's a cool guy and has his own rotary performance shop (Marvelspeed). I didn't ask him to look, but maybe they just haven't gotten it in yet.

EatMyBanana
05-31-2004, 08:13 PM
belive me it is out , but the disk haven't arrived yet ( at my dealer]so they tried to dowload it but was not able yet. i belive it is still m with an update no new letter.

EatMyBanana
05-31-2004, 08:17 PM
in fact he showed me the list and there have been lots updates.at least 10 to each letter.

adrian-1
05-31-2004, 09:38 PM
Found out from a friend at the dealership that there is indeed an "update" as follows:

WDS Release Level B31_5, 5/21/2004 9:43:36 AM.

As far as "restore lost power in the high rev band" he didn't see that. He did find the info below......


P2107/P2108/P2402/P0420 LACK OF POWER / PINGING
Applicable Models
Model Starting S/N Ending S/N
2004 RX8 40100001 40135537

Some vehicles may experience a check engine light and / or a lack of power / engine pinging. The cause may be due to incorrect logic in the PCM. Customers with lack of power / pinging, or the following DTCs stored in PCM memory should have their vehicles repaired using the repair procedure. P2107-Throttle actuator control module processor error. P2108-Throttle actuator control module performance error. P2402-EVAP system leak detection pump control circuit high. P0420-Catalyst system efficiency below threshold. 1) Verify concern. 2) Check current PCM calibration by accessing mode 9 using WDS. WDS menu- POWERTRAIN - OBD TEST MODES - MODE 9 VEHICLE INFORMATION. 3) If calibration level is not at or above "M" proceed to next step. If calibration is at or above "M", consult WSM for diagnosis. NOTE: mode 9 calibration is displayed as N3H*EL000********. The digit following the "E" is the current calibration level of the PCM. 4) Reprogram PCM using WDS. Update WDS to version B28.0.11 or later if necessary. 5) Clear all DTCs. 6) Verify repairs. VEHICLE TRANS TYPE Filename New PCM Cal. P/N Manual transmission SW-N3H6EM000 N3H6-18-881M Auto transmission SW-N3H4EM000 N3H4-18-881M NOTE: * WDS shows the calibration part number after programming the PCM. * Please be aware that PCM calibration part numbers and file names listed in any service message may change due to future releases of WDS software and additional revisions made to those calibrations for service related concerns. WDS PCM reprogramming will always display the "latest" calibration P/N available for that vehicle. If any calibration has been revised/updated to contain new information for a new service concern/issue, it will also contain all previously released calibrations. Install PCM calibration label with revised PCM calibration part # in the appropriate location. After performing the PCM reprogramming it is necessary to road test the vehicle to relearn KAM strategy and verify no MIL illumination or DTC's are present.

PoLaK
05-31-2004, 09:45 PM
Could Either of you Guys get a picture of the Service sticker under your hood or by the drivers side door which indicates which flash they put on.

I really don't think they have anything past M according to the site where mazda downloads their WDS configs.

adrian-1
05-31-2004, 10:20 PM
Latest flash is still 'M'. Only a new "update" to M is available, (whatever that means). I'll be asking the service deptartment.

snap-on
05-31-2004, 11:54 PM
Originally posted by EatMyBanana
belive me it is out , but the disk haven't arrived yet ( at my dealer]so they tried to dowload it but was not able yet. i belive it is still m with an update no new letter.

The only "disc" the dealer needs is for a Major update IE 30.XX to 31.XX. All minor upgrades are done on a floppy directly from the Mz ESI site.

http://forum.mazda6tech.com/viewtopic.php?t=15

EatMyBanana
06-01-2004, 12:14 AM
yes he was trying to download to a floopy disk. but was unable too.

Dookie_Rx-8
06-01-2004, 01:31 AM
i thought it was to add hp?

Omicron
06-01-2004, 02:11 AM
I have it from a reliable, inside Mazda source that there is no "N" flash yet. The most current version you can get it "M."

timisw
06-01-2004, 06:22 PM
Just got back from Mazda. They said their latest RX8 flash was from 2 weeks ago. The flash number is N3H6-18881-M. I will update the mileage with time and update any changes I feel.

EatMyBanana
06-01-2004, 09:40 PM
How do i say this, since i am not very computer savy i belive i might have spoken out of line. sorry. new here . All i can find on my invoice are the following numbers reflash pcm 08-8z a 5555-nt-egi (o). What does this mean?

timisw
06-01-2004, 10:46 PM
My numbers were printed on a sticker that they put on the inside wall of the driver side passenger door. Sorry that I wont be able to help you on that one EMB. Mazda really shoud simplify this!! Actually, its not just Mazda... its all of these companies trying to get more and more out of a computerized engine. I miss the old days with my 79 Camero. I could work on that 350 ci engine by sitting inside the engine compartement! Changing the water pump was a 45 minute process... not something where I would have to pull the engine. Though, this rotary engine is amazing. Everytime I go down the road I keep thinking... my engine has 5 moving parts and is the size of a mail box ~smiling~

snap-on
06-01-2004, 10:50 PM
Originally posted by EatMyBanana
How do i say this, since i am not very computer savy i belive i might have spoken out of line. sorry. new here . All i can find on my invoice are the following numbers reflash pcm 08-8z a 5555-nt-egi (o). What does this mean?

The 08/8Z are the symtom and correction codes.

5555-NT-EGI is the labor operation code the dealer submitted to Mz for reimbursment.

Funny thing is the op code doesn't match the code in the TSB.

They submitted a claim that basically reads.

08--you thought you had a problem

8Z--they tested it and found nothing wrong

NT-EGI-- pay me for my time

timisw
06-01-2004, 10:52 PM
Snap On... Any ideas if the flash I got today was something new or an old one that I was just missing?

SMigneco
06-01-2004, 11:20 PM
I was at the dealership today. Friends with service writer. They updated their WDC this morning. They told me there is no new flash available.

EatMyBanana
06-02-2004, 12:10 AM
Thank you Snap on. you seem to know a great deal i will watch your post. it is funny because i was told that when they hooked it up , that i did have the older one and needed the new one. they did drive the car away after they where complete to test it. as i look at this invoice they corrected the above pcm but i can not find what they corrected it to . if it was corrected to the above reflash is that the lastest m flash? Dam im getting confused. so you think they did nothing?

Omicron
06-02-2004, 12:41 AM
No, they most likely updated you from "K" to "L" or "L" to "M" or "K" to "M" or... ;) Point being, they just brought you up to date.

JimW
06-03-2004, 08:21 AM
I think you are right Omicron. On page 5 of "how about and update" at Canzoomers sight, RX8 friend explains that Maurice found the "M" flash he recently installed showed much improved power than the previous flashes, especially in the upper RPM band. Although I was really hoping Mazda would have a flash to restore original H.P. specs and much improved MPG.

smrx8
06-03-2004, 08:48 AM
Maurice didnt actually dyno the car with m flash from what i understand to prove he made more hp on the other hand someone did and LOST about 20 hp on the dyno.

JimW
06-03-2004, 12:09 PM
Hskr8, I see it. Sorry for the ill advised url. Somehow I thought it was in realtion to the original posters new flash as he read to correct loss of power in the 6-7 rpm range.... Don't ask, it was early!

JimW
06-03-2004, 01:15 PM
Yes it is getting crazy. It seems that some people are happy with the "M" flash and canzoomers 1.1 stage. I think it's a good time to get the cable upgrade.

SMigneco
06-03-2004, 01:27 PM
I think the cable is next on my list of things to buy. Just received my stage 1 yesterday but have not installed it yet (been working my a$$ off).

JimW
06-03-2004, 03:48 PM
Did you get the "M" flash yet? let us know how you like it!

SMigneco
06-03-2004, 05:36 PM
Yes, I have the M flash. When I went to the dealer on 6/1, I already had the M flash. They compared my car to the WDC (which they had updated that morning) and there were no updates available.

I will definitely let you guys know how it feels once the stage 1 is installed. I might be able to install it tomorrow after work but if not, then it will probably not be until Sunday because I have a wedding to go to on Saturday.

Hopefully I will have no problems but I am a little concerned about running lean because I live in S. FL, have an intake, have an exhaust, and have the M flash. Don't want to run too lean but we shall see. If I end up running lean and get pinging then I am going to remove the K&N and put my stock intake back on. I will then have a K&N with 2,000 miles on it for sale and I will sell it cheap.

RX8FOREAL
06-03-2004, 11:15 PM
I just had my car at the dealer today who was installing my SSR flywheel. Since I have had all my work done at my local dealer, I have developed a cool relationship with the service manager. When I picked the car up he told me he noticed there was a latest flash which I did not have. He said it was the M flash and that he installed it because he said Mazda had it listed as a recall ? I did not have a chance to test change or flywheel yet, but you know I will tomorrow.

JimW
06-03-2004, 11:27 PM
SMigneco: Especially now that temps are up in the high 90s the last couple of days. That combined with high humidity and sea level can be a killer. Just make sure you use really good gas. I ordered the stage 2 kit and the highflow cat midpipe/resonator although I told Maurice to hold up on it because I thought there was a new flash from Mazda, after the confusion I ended up telling them to send it anyway and Michelle informed me that I didn't loose my place, to my relief.

EatMyBanana
06-03-2004, 11:42 PM
After getting a flash update an monday i can say it is a must for the automatic owners the power deffrence to me is very noticeable. after reading all these threads and post i am wondering if L might be better for M/T and M for A/T. Wouldn.t you think that maybe the M/T and A/T should get seperate updates ,than the same to fix both transmissions? also any other A/T owners have the update ? and if so whats your opion?

SMigneco
06-04-2004, 12:07 AM
JimW. I only put 93 octane in my car and I have been since I got it. Hopefully I will have no problems but you're right about sea level and humidity. I hope I don't have to take the K&N out but if I get the pinging then that will by my first step. If that does not fix the pinging then my next step is the software cable and hopefully a new map from Maurice with a richer fuel mixture.

Good thing you did not lose your place in line!

JimW
06-04-2004, 08:56 AM
I wonder if there is a decent additive to increase octane that might prevent this, but then again this is why the cable and O2 sensors are beneficial and might let you keep the filter. Good luck!

PA BATMOBILE
06-04-2004, 10:01 AM
Xylene and Toluene, which can be found at Sherman-Williams are natural fuel additives. Fuel additives and "octane boosters" were talked about in another thread. Just search for the info.

SMigneco
06-04-2004, 05:18 PM
JimW...I just wanted to let you know that I installed the stage 1 today and have zero problems. Now, today was a pretty cool day but it is still in the 80's.

Beeped 1st and 2nd about 5 times right after install with no power drop at all.

Power is definitely smoother throughout rev range and it gets to redline quicker.

I have no problems with my idle. In fact, if anything, it is smoother with the stage 1 than it was beforehand.

I will have to wait for a really hot day for the true test but as of now, I am not running too lean. YEAH!

rx-81688
06-05-2004, 01:39 PM
sorry what is a M flash can anyone tell me, is't have anything to do with the ECU, or a cumputer program?
and where can u get it at, what is the price, and hp increase

thanks

SMigneco
06-05-2004, 01:46 PM
Hey rx-81688 stop trolling. You PM'd we with the same question. I was nice enough to actually answer your question via PM and now you come onto thread and ask the same question.

DO A SEARCH.

rx-81688
06-05-2004, 01:59 PM
im sorry i tho u never answer me back

LiL BenNy
06-05-2004, 06:07 PM
Correction... isnt the flashes for the ECU?... if so then if you have the canzoomer mod you wouldnt get the flashes right? or am i understading this incorrect...

rotaryaddict
06-05-2004, 06:15 PM
I believe it's time for me to have a little chat with my service manager. I asked him if Mazda had come out with anything to improve the mileage on the rx8 and he said no. It will have to wait 'till monday of course. I have to go and get an estimate done on getting my airdam fixed since I hit a racoon on friday night driving home from work. Ouch! I still feel sorry for the little guy.

TybeeRX-8
06-05-2004, 06:42 PM
Originally posted by timisw
Just got back from Mazda. They said their latest RX8 flash was from 2 weeks ago. The flash number is N3H6-18881-M. I will update the mileage with time and update any changes I feel.

This is exactly the flash I had done on 5/26. To see my sticker, go to:
http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25613&perpage=15&pagenumber=26

JimW
06-05-2004, 10:19 PM
SMigneco, that's teriffic! Do you notice any seat of the pant's difference? And just to let the others know, according to Mazda The "M" flash has nothing to do with MPG. It is to stop the flooding and hard starting problems. This is their offical stance as of yesterday as they E-mailed me because I was still complaining about MPG even after I had the "M" flash, but we all know that mileage is helped somewhat, but I think that has more to do with how you drive it and the fact that it was leaned out more in the lower RPM band and richened significantly in the 6-7 thousand RPM bandwidth, most people that do everyday driving in traffic will not rev the car that high. In relation to the flashes and Maurices (Canzoomer) stage upgrades, The "M" flash seems to work the best and is the easiest to tune thus far, some people have noticed a much improved difference with the stage 1.1 and "M" flash vrs the stage 1.0 and "L" flash. It is quite possible that a few or many other flashes by Mazda might occur, that is why it might be a good idea to get the cable, so if flashes do occur, all you would need is to transfer the data or map to the box instead of taking it out and shipping it for a new map install, as it can be quite a headache and time consuming for the purchaser and Maurice if updated flashes continue to happen.

Genom
06-05-2004, 10:30 PM
If there's anybody in SoFla that has a stage1 and wants to update it but not buy the cable, let me know. I got the stuff necesary to do it and it takes 30 seconds.

JimW
06-05-2004, 10:48 PM
Genom, how is your car running with the updated map. I'm just curious because Jay Goldfarb dynoed the stage 2 and was very dissapointed, he only measured 178 whp at Pettit racing and did not notice any seat of the pants difference as well. I don't know if he has the "M" flash or that limp mode is the cause. It seems even if it went into limp mode you would still see a higher number than 178 whp, as that seems to be normal on stock RX8s going into limp mode.

AlexCisneros
06-05-2004, 10:55 PM
just to get back on subject for a second... I recently went to the dealer (and they stole my rear Rotary accent) and they pulled up my car's history. On it it showed open and closed recalls. The Air bag and tranny thing were closed, the one open was a computer reflash that "helps start up problems, AND increases performance in upper rev something or other." There is no flash past M atm. It's just a TSB now and dealers want to sound smart (we all know they need too) and say "hey I have a new reflash that increases performance".

For those of you who have not subscribed to RX Tuner magazine (shame on you), there is a nice write up on the different flashes.

Jim, tell Jay I said "I told you to get the Ric Shaw ;) "

rx-81688
06-06-2004, 03:23 AM
do i just go up to any Mazda dealer and say that i want to get m flash done to my car? and they gonna know what im talking a bout


thanks

AlexCisneros
06-06-2004, 12:11 PM
if they don't, have them look up any open recalls. It should pop up

TybeeRX-8
06-06-2004, 12:16 PM
Check Finish Line Performance....Rosenthal Mazda. There is a NEW TSB dated 06/02/04 but I can't tell if it's really new or just the M flash that I got on 5/26. All the numbers are the same except my sticker has an "M" at the end instead of an "A".
http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/01-022-04.html

I wish they'd get this thing straight. My dealer/service tech is cooperative but I hate going there every week.

SMigneco
06-06-2004, 01:57 PM
JimW: It is difficult to describe. I don't think it is "seat of your pants," different like the previous stage 1 that was tuned for K flash. It does not give the OOMPH at 5K rpm like that tune did. It is tuned more to give you power throughout the rev range. There is no doubt that the car is different now. Idle is better and it redlines much quicker but it does not kick you in the butt when you floor it. I have noticed less smoot on my tailpipes due to the leaner fuel mixture and I hope to be reporting better gas mileage. I will let you know after a full tank.

I'm sure it can be tuned for more power but Maurice had to back off a little to compensate for different sea level's and weather conditions. Since he tests all of his units high above sea level and in a cool climate, a tune for his car can be much more aggressive than his production tune. Even though I am at sea level and in a hot humid climate...I think it can still be leaned out a little more to provide more power. I am definitely ordering the software/cable this week.

Maurice is a good guy and I don't think that if you order his product and something better comes out he will just leave you high and dry. I'm sure Mazda is going to release an N flash sometime soon and perhaps then Maurice can get more aggressive with his tune again. Who knows. I am just speculating here but at least Maurice is planning ahead by offering the software/cable and putting a USB port on the Stage 1's. He knows what he is doing and will continue to perfect his product. I currently have the 5/18 tune and Maurice is currently working on another tune that will be released shortly. The great thing is that, once I have the software/cable, I can download the leaner tune. If I get pinging or loss of power then I can just hook up my laptop and go back to the tune I know works.

Hopefully Maurice will get his FTP site up soon so we can all just download whichever tune works best for our climate/sea level conditions.

JimW
06-06-2004, 02:58 PM
Originally posted by AlexCisneros
just to get back on subject for a second... I recently went to the dealer (and they stole my rear Rotary accent) and they pulled up my car's history. On it it showed open and closed recalls. The Air bag and tranny thing were closed, the one open was a computer reflash that "helps start up problems, AND increases performance in upper rev something or other." There is no flash past M atm. It's just a TSB now and dealers want to sound smart (we all know they need too) and say "hey I have a new reflash that increases performance".

For those of you who have not subscribed to RX Tuner magazine (shame on you), there is a nice write up on the different flashes.

Jim, tell Jay I said "I told you to get the Ric Shaw ;) " I would but I think he is already pretty pissed, besides I don't know him personally. I read his post on Canzoomers staged upgrade section. I'm sure Maurice will straighten it out when he returns.

JimW
06-06-2004, 03:00 PM
Thanks SMigneco, I know what to expect more or less.

SMigneco
06-06-2004, 05:25 PM
JimW: No problem. If you have any questions or concerns, shoot me a PM. Since we are both in S. FL, if a meet is put together soon and we both attend I will let you drive my car so you can see how it feels. That is really the only way for you to know if it is something you want to purchase. It is pretty hard to describe via posts. All in all though, I am happy that I purchased it.

JimW
06-09-2004, 08:26 PM
Thanks for the offer SMigneco, I tried to attend the last one that Cortc was at, but it's really hard on the weekend for me as I take the kids to soccer and dance, but I'm going to make one of those meetings as you and the other locals sound like a bunch of great guys.

davefzr
06-10-2004, 07:50 PM
So when we look at the TSB from finishlineperformance it's the A flash?

K FLASH N3H4-18-881K

L FLASH N3H4-18-881L

M FLASH N3H4-18-881M

Latest one issued 6/2 N3H4-18-881A

?? comments.... ??

Sounds like a new PCM part number to me.

jimbo912
06-11-2004, 11:07 AM
I got reflashed today-Part#: n3h6-18-881A. Anyone know which reflash I got???

JimW
06-11-2004, 04:30 PM
You could be on to something, Dave.