derwankel

I thought it would be interesting to know what other AT 8 owner's with the "L" PCM flash think.

I have had mine for a day now and all I can say is Thank You Mazda!!! The personality of the engine is completely improved in my opinion. Prior to the flash, there was very pronounced non-linear power delivery. It seemed strained to get to 3750 and when the secondaries would open there was this dramatic surge of power, but the motor just didn't sound happy doing this.

Now, with the "L" power is delivered in a very linear manner and there is no "secondary" bump. It pulls very smooth now through the full RPM range. I am anxious to see what the mileage does, I was getting 15 mpg prior to the "L".

The car now "feels" like I believe it was originally intended. I have no way of knowing, but I think Mazda may just have given me the car as originally promised.

Very nice work indeed Mazda!!!

BoxerGT2.5

Ok I have just one dumb question. I am takin my 8 in for the airbag recall on monday. I have complained about poor MPG and the stated they will probably reflash. This whole "L" Reflash....is this how the mech would call it or are they gonna look at me when I say "L" reflash as if I were nuts? Just want to be informed when I go there on Mon.

310Guy

Check this thread: https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=21225

Read through it all. You'll find information on the "L" flash and specifics...



derwankel, gald to hear about the improvement. I hope MPG increases also. Keep us informed.

310Guy

Also, the Mazda "number" for the most current PCM calibration (flash) is N3H6 18 881L for the manual transmission and N3H4 18 881L for the automatic.

derwankel

When I called to make the appointment, I told them I had the airbag recall that needed addressing. I said I also would appreciate them upgrading the PCM to the most current version to see if my low fuel mileage could be enhanced. They said no problem. When I went in, I took my recall letter and I took this TSB:

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...01-010-04.html

... which identifies the latest PCM by name and file. My dealer had no problem doing this ... hope yours is as helpful.

310Guy

Thanks for the TSB info.

JeRKy 8 Owner

You dontfeel that awesome surge anymore after 4000 RPM w/the new L reflash on the automatic? Forsome reason that doesnt sound good to me. I reallylike how it kicks in. While I dont likehow long it takes to get the automatic up the tachometer whenyou are below 3750 RPM - that surge makes up for it. If the flashdecreases the time it takes to get up to 3750 then wouldntthat mean that some high end power hasbeen sacrificed for some more low end? I wonder if the torque and horsepower have been affected in the automatic by this reflash.

rotarygod

I think you are missing the whole point. There is no more lack below 3750. The fact that there is no more kick doesn't have to mean that there is less power. It means there is more up to this point and the power transition is seamless. It is a good thing. The same top end with more low to midrange power. How can this worry you in even the slightest way?

derwankel

Yes ... exactly! Area under the curve ... and the curve is much more ... linear. Getting to 3750 is much smoother and much quicker. I definitely believe torque and HP have been positively affected by the "L".

By the way rotarygod ... it is the DIFFERENCE in pressure between inside and outside that causes "wind" ;-)

rotarygod

lol

mngpao

I had my AT "L flashed" when my oil pan was changed. I haven't noticed any difference in mpg - I've always gotten 20 to 24+ depending on my drive. Next time I drive it I'll have to check the power. I ususally feel a surge at about 4k rpm.

JeRKy 8 Owner

Ive spokento two different dealers today andboth of the service reps told me that Im the 2ndor 3rd person to call in about it but their techs have not recievedany information on any new L reflash yet. I guess some regions must begetting the TSBs before others do.

mngpao

Well, I took my 8 for a drive to see if the L-flash did anything for the power curve... no change. It still lets loose at 4k+ and zooms ahead.

As posted earlier, it didn't change my good 20 to 24+mpg either. I guess I lucked out with a good AT 8 to start with.

derwankel

Just completed my first full tank of gas (Shell 87) following the "L" reflash. With lots of heavy "stop" and "idle" and "go" traffic combined with the use of A/C on several days, I can only report a "lousy" 10% improvement in fuel economy. I know it's not scientific, but it is a fact. Prior to the "L" flash I consistently got ~ 15 mpg, with todays fill-up, it was 16.5 mpg. I am thinking of switching to the hotter plugs due to all the s-n-g driving.
Regardless, with the improved power delivery and now improved fuel economy, all I can say is KUDOS Mazda... Domo Arigato!

Chrisbert

Which Atlanta dealership did you use?

JeRKy 8 Owner

So you never use Premium -- whichis 91 or 93 -- fuel?

Hou-TX-RX-8

If you use Premium which is recommended you may see MPG improvements

derwankel

JeRKy 8 Owner said > So you never use Premium -- whichis 91 or 93 -- fuel?

I have always happily used 87 octane without issues.

Hou-TX-RX-8 said > If you use Premium which is recommended you may see MPG improvements

I think the operative word here is "may". If my calculations are correct, I'd need to see an ~ 2mpg improvement to justify the extra 20 cents per gallon for 93 octane. It's no problem to pull a bit further forward at the pump to get the 93 octane :-)

I'll try it for the next couple of tanks and report back.

bagman

Just got the "L" flash done on my Auto, and the power "surge" at 4000rpm is a lot less pronounced now. The rev range is hella smoother. There is a very subtle surge at 5k rpm but you can hardly tell.

Bottom end (below 4000) seems a bit quicker as well.

bagman

Did a little more "late night" testing hehe.

There definetely feels like there is more power in 1st. 2nd and 3rd are a hell of a lot smoother all the way through the range. It almost feels as though the flash "smeared" the surge at 4000rpm down through 3000rpm so that you can't feel a sudden surge any longer, but it's the same speed when you hit 5000rpm as prior to the flash, only it gets there more smoothly.