Self tuning?
 

Can you train the Renasis?

Since the ECU monitors the motor and constantly updates the maps, shouldn't I be able to get the car to run better by driving it a certain way?

I've noticed without doubt that the ecu adjusts depending on how I drive. If I putter around for a day, then punch it at a light, it isn't nearly as powerful as if I drive it hard all day, then punch it at a light. This effect is even more noticeable now that I have a turbo. Boy I can't wait to go stand alone and get that wacky ECU out of control.

Standalone ECU? Good luck finding one that supports OBD2 in some way... otherwise, you're gonna have some explaining to do come inspection time!

Which is a shame, because the ECU seems to be the giant problem with getting reasonable power out of this car.

The ECU controls too much functions in this car, not just engine management. You can't really replace it the best way will be to decode the OEM ECU codes that control engine functions and reprogram those to your suiting. I believe companies may be doing this even at this time and will be a matter of time before we can unlock all the hidden HP Mazda took away from this car during the port recall campaign.

You guys think Mazda place a 256bit encryption on this thing???

Interesting. Games Consoles can be cracked so you can play copied games. The Canon rebel camera could be flashed with hacked firmware to make it like a more expensive model camera. I even have hacked firmware running on my wireless router at home to give it more range. It would be cool to get a HACKED RX8 firmware upgrade. Even better if you could also get a program to create new maps with the hacked firmware. And then come CARB time or a dealer visit, just restore the factory firmware.

Please please please - somebody crack this thing :)

Watch the Megasquirt thread for developements in this department.