Is tuning a rotary different from tuning a piston engine ?
 

I currently have a Greddy turbo kit that is being tuned by MazdaManiac thru his datalog service. I know MM is a reputable RX8 tuner so (eventually) I will get the ideal tune for my car... It's just sucks having to wait for the next scheduled tuning session.

There is a guy coming down to my local area that is going to be tuning some Subaru's that run the Cobb Accessport also. He said he 'should' be able to tune my car no problem. Is there something that this guy should be aware of rotary engines before I let him start playing with my tune ? I dont know very much about the details in tuning.... just a/f ratios, ignition timing.... and I'm sure there is much more to it than that. Any insight into this would be helpful, thanks !

Different in many ways, just wait for MM's next event.

Unless the guy has some kind of track record or experience with rotaries, better pass. It's easier than blowing things up.

Yes, probably my best bet is to just wait... Anybody with experience with MM, how many tuning sessions did it take to complete your tune ? I'm on version 3 right now and still cant go WOT and have to short shift due to misfiring.

Misfiring due to running too rich? What are your AFR's under boost?

AFR's aren't moving above 11.0 so I'm assuming yes from being too rich.

Yep, pig rich since that is the lowest the factory wideband will read. Better than lean though.

Tuning a rotary is not that different. Tuning a Cobb AP for the Rx8 is unique in understanding the particulars of the OE system layout.

Is the subaru guy coming to your area Steve Kan? If it is-he knows rotaries very well.

doubt it..Has Steve been overseas?

He is not Steve Kan... but he does tune alot of Subarus. So if you can tune a Subaru, you can tune a rotary ? If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.

The key concepts are the same. I think he would have no problem tuning it. I think you should make sure he stays slightly conservative though. Also make sure he knows about the little things that can cause big problems (i.e. SSV) while fine tuning. As long as he takes his time. I'm sure he'll do fine.

Rotaries do not like pre-ignition. It tends to brake apex seals. I wouldn't let just anybody touch mine. If your not going to use MazdaManiac, have you tried Kane?

Air/Fuel is basically the same......rules are basically the same ;)

Timing is quite different and the tricky part .....ask Kane...he's been working on it for quite a while...he is likely one of the brightest bulbs on here in the math department when it comes to that

I have talked to a few Cobb tuners of other platforms and they all just have different methods and the Renesis is not very forgiving so I sure as hell would not be someone else test dummy for tuning. heck just knowing and understanding what map controls what is somewhat difficult. I have no problem using my own car to learn on myself but tuning is very complicated and I have been at it for some time and getting right is not easy at all.

The biggest difficulty is distinguishing between a problem in the tune and a mechanical problem and that is why a good knowledge of the Renesis is important.

:lol: Fixed. I meant is not forgiving. Much less forgiving (boosted anyway)

I vote 9K do it... ;)

:lol:, I vote he let MM finish it.

Where have you been hiding? ;) Damn ARmy got you working again?

Army, School and Software.... same cycle as always, LOL

In a MM tuning session right at this moment !

try reading it again ...

Fixed that for ya.

you fixed it for you, I was saying so for a long time and all the @ss sucking fanbois were bent on calling me a h8r

I know, I just wanted to put a finer point on it. I really hope mazdaedit takes over as the dominant tuning software. It would be nice to have properly labeled tables that are populated with numbers that make sense and have more tables available.