madcows

I've been searching through the forums with not much success regarding all the available ECM flashing devices, as well as piggyback units, or even aftermarket ECMs. So, in an attempt to better understand what's available to the RX-8 community, for my sake, and others with similar questions, I hope to get all this info in one thread.

So to start off, it appears that the most popular flashing tool seems to be the Cobb AP. The question is, how many parameters are editable? Does it reveal every map in the ECU? Is this device the solution to the tuner's needs? One last thing about the AP, does anyone know if it's possible to use a single AP for different models of cars, or is the firmware model specific, and unchangeable?


Now among the Mitsubishi and Subaru tuners, there are some CAN to USB converters which are used in conjuction with free, or paid for PC utilities that allow for ECU data logging/flashing. However, before these are of any use, they predominantly rely on decompiling and interpreting of the ECU program in order to reveal many of the maps, and the workings of the program. Are there similar tools available for RX-8s, and/or are there any ongoing decompilation projects?


While I personally may not be a big fan of ECM piggybacks, what units are available to the RX-8 community? Have users been satisfied with the performance, and flexability of the units?


Lastly, how about aftermarket ECUs? How good do the users feel about their flexibility/support/usefulness?


While I'm mainly trying to compile this information for myself, I hope other users might find it useful.