Hi all

I just started going to this forum after checking the RX-8 out at the showroom. I have to honestly say I like the RX-8 more than I thought I would after seeing it in person (Still waiting for a test drive) One more car to add to my potential car's list

Anyways, I was reading about people discussing about ECU on the RX-8. Can anyone fill me in on what the issue is with the ECU or the fuel mapping etc. Seems like everyone is disappointed with the power going to the wheel. What's going on with that? Thanks...

 

To summarise:

Several owners have measured the power output of their cars by using a device called a dynometer. The power is measured at the rear wheels and it appears to be less than that stated by Mazda. There are various theories to explain this (one being that there is no problem and the dyno is at fault) but the favourite seems to be that the engine management system (computer) is programmed badly or has a deliberate software switch that alters the way the engine runs after a preset number of miles (for breaking in the engine).

http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8788

http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7976

http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7863

http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7920

 

So all these information are speculatory. No one knows for certain if it is a ECU issue, or something else. a 20% lost from the powertrain is resonable...isn't it? Or should it be less in a rotary engine? What was the stated power at the wheel by Mazda? Or, is it a similar issue with the Miata from a few years ago where they rated the power at 160hp instead of the true value of 142 at the flywheel?

 

I was kind of hinting that there are already too many threads on this subject. It'd be really useful if we continued this discussion on one of the existing ones.

 

No, noone knows what the issue is.

I know it's a load of repitition, but please look through the existing threads.

---jps