Gr8White

So I realize that by asking this I may start a feud but I haven't seen any real comparison between these three options and I'd like folks opinions on which of the three tuning options to use for S1 Rx-8s. The info below is just from what I've been able to gather and any corrections to info we be made if identified.

I am not a tuner (yet) so ease of use and versatility are the big points for me. I'm not looking as much for the HP gains as making corrections that I've seen recommended such as OMP rate increase, fan temps, etc. Other folks, of course will want to be able to squeeze as my HP out of both stock 8s and mods so input in that area will still be appreciated.

Cobb AccessPort - I know it isn't really available anymore but you can still find unmarried ones on eBay and it would appear the MM is still selling remote tuning maps. This used to be the go-to option back when I had my first 8 but I never got to play with it to see how user friendly it is. Now I live in at least the same state as MM so it may be easier to get things done if it's still the recommended route. If I recall correctly, Cobbs can also be used as a dedicated gauge of your chosing which is a plus.

MazdaEdit - It seems this is the new go-to for folks who don't mind pulling out a laptop to do their tuning. Considering that ECU tuning is mostly tables, having a PC to save multiple old maps to might not be such a bad thing. Couple this with my personal goal of converting the factory nav into a carputer, and this may be the best option. The software has been described elsewhere as highly versatile but, again, I haven't used it so user-friendliness is still up in the air. Either way, it appears to be tuning software without gimmicks and that may be for the best.

VersaTuner - I really need to read up on this more but a rep described it thusly, "VersaTuner is software (Windows application) that can connect to your car and change the way your engine operates to give you more power, better fuel economy and greater control." Sounds fairly standard but with some features not found elsewhere like launch control. Again, I really need to read up more on this one but for whatever reason appears to be the less popular option.

So, experienced tuners, I'd love to hear your opinions on the pluses and minuses of each option if you happen to have been lucky enough to have hands-on experience with any of them.

Fatti_8

iTrader: (1)

They all pretty much function the same way honestly from what I have gathered.

I have played with Cobb a little and MazdaEdit alot

The two are basically the same when it comes to tuning.

From the pictures Versatuner just looks like a prettier version and from I have heard/read offers the same options.

MazdaEdit is also cheaper too at only $420 for the personal version after picking up an Openport 2.0 which is like the versalink

Only thing that Versatuner might have extra is the Launch Control and No Lift Shifting if that even applies to the RX8.

furansu

Cobb shouldn't even be in discussion as Cobb did what they always do when sales don't match their goals and abandoned the established customer base. If you have an AccessPort and an old laptop that happens to have the software, you can use it, but get to live in fear that the laptop may die and leave you in the dark.

MazdaEdit has shown accuracy challenges with tables in the Miata community, granted so has ECUTek, but ECUTek seems more diligent about correcting errors, updating records, and sharing knowledge to those that have bought into their product. How accurate are the table descriptions and how fully-mapped is the ECU within MazdaEdit for the RX-8? I am fond of ECUTek, unfortunately they developed for the NC but not the RX-8. Given the small number of owners and lack of additional development from Mazda, I don't see ECUTek *EVER* bothering with our cars.

VersaTuner looks promising as they seem engaged in the community (forum posts) and offer updates (semi-frequently?). I just want to know if they did the OpenTablet path of copying MazdaEdit table records, or if they did their own engineering to identify table functions and thus (hopefully) documented them with accuracy. Again, my only MazdaEdit experience is with the Sky-G motors, where the tables aren't always what they say they are (especially under ignition since Sky-G uses 8 ignition maps depending upon VVT, temp, and calculated values such as catalyst condition. Maybe ME's mapping of tables is good with the RX-8 since it has been out longer?

Gr8White

Cobb - Thank you for the info about Cobb bailing on support. I had hoped that they were still providing corrections.
MazdaEdit - I'd love to hear from someone who tunes their 8 with MazdaEdit to confirm or deny any issues with table accuracy. If there are variations but both static and known, it's less of an issue than if it's variable.

VersaTuner - I've seen a few of the VersaTuner posts and I'm glad to hear that they're still engaging with us. Hopefully either a tuner can weigh in with accuracy details or a VersaTuner rep can clue us in on table function accuracy.

furansu

Yea, I dont want to infer that MazdaEdit does have a concern with the RX-8 tables, as I just don't know. I can I can only speak to their ND Miata tuning; so like you, I hope to hear from an owner or calibrator that uses them with our platform.

Fatti_8

iTrader: (1)

I have never heard of that issue with MazdaEdit with the RX8 and have read alot of threads/posts about it and watched the videos on them, plus I do tuning with Edit and have had no issues scaling MAF/Injectors

I did my research on it as well before and for me planning on Staying NA Edit was for me and it offered a nice price for the Pro version so I can offer tuning for local RX8 owners.

Only big gripe I hear is how the tables are limited for guys that go turbo.

MazdaEdit does have good customer support though, the guy responds to emails very quickly.

Fatti_8

iTrader: (1)

If I planned on going boost id just go to adaptronics personally but versatuner just released an update giving better tables for turbo guys and some some other features as well.

JimmyBlack

A lot of us use MazdaEdit on turbo setups. Not sure what you mean by about tables limited for turbo guys - the loads on certain tables just need adjusting. I.e. create or load an FI base map, and play with that one until you're tuned. The tables are defined by the ECU, the tuning software just accesses the existing tables, it doesn't create new ones. There are no deal-breaking "wrong tables". I can't remember the exact details, but from memory there's a section in the high RPM range of two of the OL fueling tables that are swapped (e.g the 3-4 gear table and the 5-6 gear table), however the AFRs on these tables is typically very similar on both tables, so it really doesn't cause any issues. It hasn't been confirmed whether this is an ECU bug or a ME bug. If it's an ECU bug it'll be present on AP, ME and VT tuning solutions. In short, I wouldn't let this specific table problem stop you from buying ME.

I haven't looked into Adaptronic (recently acquired by Haltech) features as I'm not looking to purchase a new tuning method, however, if it offers turbo specific safety features not available on the stock ECU, I'd definitely pay the money for it. E.g. ignition cut triggered by overboost, knock sensor, high AFRs under boost, etc. It does support flex fuel, which would be cool - no need to change your tune when you fill up with different gas.

furansu

That is good to hear. The case you note about the tables being switched/mixed up is a common concern with the ND and MazdaEdit. If it is known that those maps are 'switched', it should be a simple matter for the developer to update their descriptions to reflect 'This is 3-4' and 'This is 5-6'; otherwise it deepens the learning curve and makes the already complex task of calibrating a car more difficult as you have to now test and verify that a modified table actually does what you expect it to. Overall it sounds like the experience with MazdaEdit and the RX-8 is better than it is with the ND, which is fair since the ND platform is still so new.

As of now, I'm still on the fence between ME and VT; ME sounds like a great value if you are a calibrator, since the Pro version has a lowish cost of entry and allows for tuning multiple Mazda platforms. As an individual, the playing field sounds more equal or at least much closer together.

JimmyBlack

Here's a useful link on the Adaptronic engine protection features:
https://adaptronicecu.com/blogs/modu...-modular-ecus/

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

The issue with the gear maps is that you don't know which table will be used (without testing) and it can swap between tables without you changing gear as JB mentioned . To overcome this is pretty simple , just set all maps to be the same . There really isn't the ability to tune by gear on the stock ECU.

Gr8White

Sorry for the slow response back, apparently I'm not getting the notifications. Anyway, thank you for the info on ME. For the time being, my 8 will be NA so, thankfully, turbo isn't a factor...yet. Most of what I'm looking for out of a tune is fairly mundane but it's good info for anyone else tracking this thread. I'll keeping reading up on Adaptronic but I, from what I'm seeing here and elsewhere, think ME will likely be the way for me to go.

Thanks for all the great feedback, guys. Now I just need to find a good tuner here in Phoenix.

E.Murray

I've been using Versatuner for about 6 months. I have a weird issue I'm 95% sure is related to it (car seems to "reset" itself while driving - shuts down for an instant), so I've uninstalled to see if that fixes it. But I think my car is just strange for some reason. If I had it to do again, I'd still go Versatuner, mainly for the customer service. The package works extremely well, the tune database is growing, and new capabilities are being added. But mostly, I like that every time I contact them, I get a response quickly. And the responses are actually useful, lol.

TomD_Cincy

iTrader: (2)

Looks like VT has posted a demo version of their software for the S1 RX-8.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-ii-en...rx-8-a-265290/

Steve@VersaTune

Please let me know if uninstalling VT fixes your issue.
Please also try installing the latest version 1.13. You should have received an email with the download instructions.

Steve@VersaTune

We just received our new Mustang MD-500 AWD dyno on Friday. We are working on installation. Once it is up and running, the pre-buit tunes will start coming.

Shaozhou Zhang

Experiencing same issue after using it, gonna uninstall it tomorrow. But if they fix it I'll install right back, they are doing well in their customer services.

E.Murray

Count me in. Annoying as hell and done it since day one.

Shaozhou Zhang

Does uninstall it from your car solve the issue? There’s another person I know also experiencing this problem

trackjunkie

same with me, been running Versatuner for over a year. engine power would completely cut off for a split second, rpm signal and TPS signal drops, then recover instantly but does it several times a few seconds apart. usually on track while under WOT. i thought it might have been bad ground wiring or bad sensors and have been chasing the issues for awhile. replaced crank sensor, MAF sensor, baro sensor. then i also thought maybe because i have AiM solo DL plugged into the obd2 port for data. but I unplugged that last week and still have same issues.

you can see in this video, that the 35:42 mark, the rpm signal drops completely and the TPS signal also drop. coolant and AFR signal didn't drop tho. my foot was still flat on the throttle at that point.

Steve@VersaTune

We're looking into this. We're trying to figure out if it's a software issue or a CAN wiring issue. RX-8s are notorious for CAN bus wiring issues.

Does uninstalling VersaTuner resolve it? Please send me your calibration ID if you're experiencing it.

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

I've used M/E on a ton of RX8s and never had a similar issue reported ............................

Steve@VersaTune

We do some magic on the backend to allow you to use a single tune across all calibrations for a given platform. This means rescaling tables and axes to deal with dissimilar sized tables across calibrations as well as some calibrations that have extra tables that others don't have.
It's possible that there's a bug there. I'm trying to rule out hardware and define the scope of the problem.

hufflepuff

Jumping in here because I love my versatuner but I am also experiencing occasional, brief dropouts of engine power and gauges at WOT

Shaozhou Zhang

Welcome.

Did you notice any dash light illuminate?
And (if you have) does uninstalling VT solves your problem？