WHAT IS RACEROM??

RaceROM is a suite of feature enhancements available for OEM ECUs tuned with EcuTek tuning tools, which offers increased tuning & driving capabilities. RaceROM is available for specific ranges of engine management systems, including the Subaru electronic throttle (Drive-by-wire), Mitsubishi EVO X, Mitsubishi Colt CZT and Nissan GTR ECUs.

.

WHY ADD FEATURES TO THE STANDARD ECU?

Without question, the OEM ECU offers the best cold start, driveability and refinement when compared to aftermarket ECU hardware. However, many aftermarket ECUs provide extra (generally motorsport related) features, that many enthusiasts desire. Unfortunately, when replacing the standard ECU with an aftermarket ECU, the refinement of the standard ECU is often lost.

Now with EcuTek RaceROM, this compromise is no longer necessary. By way of a software upgrade to the standard ECU, RaceROM adds many custom calibration options to the standard OEM ECU, offering features beyond the standard fuelling, ignition and boost control, yet retaining its driveability, sophistication and fuel economy.

.

GENERAL RACEROM FEATURES:

EcuTek RaceROM was developed to enhance the standard OEM ECU with additional features. These are some of the features that are implemented in the range of ECU supported by RaceROM.

Currently, RaceROM is available for Subaru electronic-throttle vehicles, Mitsubishi EVO X, and Nissan GTR R-35 ECUs. Other vehicles will be supported in the future.
General RaceROM Features

These RaceROM features are generally available on all vehicles.

* Map Switching – Map switching gives you the ability to swap between two calibrations that can be tailored to your requirements. For example:
- “Road Mode” and “Race Mode”, can provide two sets of maps for civilised driving to conserve fuel, and then a high performance calibration for track days or racing.
- “Valet Mode” A low performance mode if you have to put your car into someone else’s care.
- “Anti-Theft Mode” A mode where the car just doesn’t work unless you know how to change maps.

Switching calibration can be done in several different ways, including whilst driving.

Each calibration can include its own set of other RaceROM features, such as flat-foot shifting or auto throttle downshift blip.

- Per-Gear Boost Control: allows separate boost calibrations for each gear, thereby maximising boost control options and flexibility. For example, boost may be reduced in 1st gear to prevent wheel spin, but raised in 3rd-6th for increased performance.

- Per-Gear Rev Limits: this feature allows per gear rev limits to be configured. It could be used to improve 0-60 times by allowing a higher 2nd gear limit to just hit 60 mph / 100 km/h in 2nd, whilst preserving the lower rev limit in other gears.

- Speed Density: this feature changes the way the engine load is calculated. When SD mode is activated, the ECU will disregard the MAF sensor reading and will instead calculate mass airflow based on Engine Speed, Manifold Pressure and Air Temperature. This allows the MAF sensor to be removed, and a larger intake may then be fitted if desired. This function can be tailored to work permanently, or under certain circumstances, such as MAP value or MAF voltage, enabling you to make the most of the precision of MAP and MAF fuel calculations for low speed driving.

The features available for each vehicle type are detailed below.

.

RACEROM SUBARU:

RaceROM for Subaru is available now! RaceROM currently supports the following features on Subaru Electronic Throttle based ECUs:

* Map Switching – Provides alternate maps for Fuel, Accelerator, Timing, Boost, VVT and Rev Limit that can be switched while the vehicle is operational
* Per-gear boost control – Provides separate boost maps for each gear.
* Per-gear rev limits – Provides separate rev limits for each gear.
* Launch Control – Provides a customisable launch control system.
* Downshift auto blip – Provides a throttle blip when downshifting to match engine speed to gearbox speed.
* Flat-foot shifting – Allows the driver to shift gears without removing their foot from the accelerator.
* Speed Density – Provides tuning options for MAP based fuel calculation.

Note that due to space constraints within some ECUs, not all features are available on all vehicles. However, all features are available on the majority of ECUs. This is due to the available space within the ECUs code and data storage areas varying from ECU to ECU. 153 Subaru ECUs are currently supported.

.

RACEROM MITSUBISHI EVO:

RaceROM supports all models of the Mitsubishi EVO X from 2008 onwards, and supports the following feature enhancements

* DTC Enable & Disable – Provides full access to turn off diagnostic trouble codes
* Custom Live Data Support – Provides useful live data parameters not available from the manufacturer

All RaceROM Mitsubishi EVOs features are available on all EVO X ROMs. More features are currently in development!!

.

RACEROM SUPPORTED VEHICLES:

Currently, RaceROM supports the Subaru electronic-throttle (drive-by-wire) vehicles, Mitsubishi EVO X and the Nissan GTR R35. However, due to space constraints on each specific ECU not all features are available on all models.

.

RACEROM FUTURE DEVELOPMENT:

Currently only Subaru electronic throttle (drive-by-wire), Mitsubishi EVO X, Colt CZT and the Nissan GTR R35 are supported by RaceROM. EcuTek will extend RaceROM support to other ECU families in the future.

.

RACEROM SUCCESSES:

During its development, several EcuTek dealers around the world have used development versions of RaceROM to test features and performance. Here are some of the teams performing with RaceROM tuned vehicles.

* Kocar won the Polish Time Attack, beating cars with significantly higher power outputs.
* Crawford Performance have powered vehicles in several major US events such as the Super Lap Battle, ESPN X-games, and the Gymkhana Grid.
* Zenkai Motorsports have consistently taken first place at events across Nevada in the Super Lap Battle and Redline Time Attack, setting new class records with a RaceROM tuned Subaru.

.

RACEROM MERCURY MOTORSPORT CUSTOMER REVIEW:

This is a review from a Mercury Motorsport customer after we enhanced his vehicle with RaceROM:

“I have recently had my car tuned by Mercury Motorsport and as one of the first to try out the new Race-Rom software offered by ECUTEK, I was asked to write a review on how I found this product.

Race-Rom offers three distinct features above a typical flash upgrade, these are, Launch Control, No lift to shift and downshift throttle blip.

Firstly launch control, this is activated by engaging the clutch while stationary and applying full throttle, the car does not rev past 4500 and builds boost pressure. I found this feature absolutely amazing! The car launched to speed instantly, no hesitation or boost lag, just a crack and we were away.

No lift to shift would have to be the best feature of Race-Rom in my eyes. After taking my near stock 2008 WRX to the local drag strip I found the electronic throttle was severely cutting back on a hard shift. Even third to fourth gear shifts the car bogged down very harshly. Now that Race-Rom is switched on the car stays on the power and feels incredible. A hard shift and there is almost no power loss, this severely improved the cars performance.

Almost anyone that drives these new model cars complains of the ‘doughyness’ of the electronic throttle and I have found that the Race-Rom immensely improves this.

The downshift throttle blip does not activate every time you downshift (which would get annoying) it seems to only blip above 2500-3000rpm and light braking. This comes across as a race oriented feature and would be great on the circuit. As it is the ECU doing the throttle blip not the driver it is much more accurate and stops the over rev or under rev coming into a corner.

As a summary I found the Race-Rom a great street/track feature and would definitely recommend it to anyone that plans on getting their ECU flashed with ECUTEK. The vehicle I had Race-Rom fitted to was a 2008 WRX with an intake and exhaust package. Finally a big thanks to the guys and girls at Mercury Motorsport for the tune, it has made the WRX come alive. I would definitely recommend them to everyone.”

.

http://speedhunters.com/archive/2011/11/23/car-builder-gt-gt-mercury-motorsports.aspx

For those interested, the car is back in development with a suspension overhaul thanks to Tein and SuperPro. We are also redesigning the aero package used on the car, as well as undertaking further engine development with the aim of having in excess of 900hp at the wheels for WTAC 2012. We can’t wait!

Although renowned for our Nissan GTR, Subaru WRX/STI and Mitsubishi Evolution work, we have this Supra here at the moment which is undergoing a major upgrade. The end goal being around 600rwhp on pump fuel. As you can see the stock twin turbos have been pulled off, which has made way for a custom split pulse 6Boost exhaust manifold. The reason behind running a split pulse manifold is that it enables us to run twin Turbosmart 40mm wastegates, which will increase response. Turbo of choice is a Garrett T04Z, rather than going down the path of a large turbo – owner is after response & good power!

A custom 4 inch dump pipe with be fabricated once the turbo is installed, along with the rest of the exhaust, and twin screamer pipes. A custom intake pipe and K&N pod filter will then be installed.

The standard camshafts will be replaced with a set of 272 degree cams as well as upgraded valve springs and retainers.

ECU of choice is a Haltech Platinum Series 2000. This will do everything you would expect from a high quality ECU, like launch control, anti-lag, rev limiter, EGT fuel control, dual map switching…The list goes on. Another main reason behind choosing the Haltech PS2000 is extremely accurate tuneability.

To help get all 600hp to the wheels the clutch will need to be upgraded. We have gone with an NPC twin plate for this particular job.

The fuel system will be upgraded with twin in- tank Bosch 044 pumps, adjustable fuel pressure regulator, new Sard fuel rail and Injector Dynamics1000cc injectors. Big enough to run E85 if 600hp at the rear tyres isn’t enough!

ENGINE:
Bottom end – AMS 4.0 big bore built engine
Head – cams and upgraded valve springs, retainers etc
AMS alpha 10 turbo and exhaust manifold package
AMS piping and MAP sensors
AMS intercooler
Mercury custom 4 inch titanium variable valved exhaust
Mercury surge tank setup and upgraded fuel lines thoughout
COBB Access Port

TRANSMISSION:
Full Dodson spec Straight cut box, the works!
Dodson FWD clutch upgrade
Front and rear ATS diffs

SUSPENSION:
Custom Murray Coote coil-overs
Hi Octane front control arms
Dodson rear control arms
Whiteline antiroll bars
Whiteline bushes

AERO + BODY:
Carbon R2.2 adjustable rear wing
Custom carbon diffusers
Top Racing widebody carbon front bumper and fenders
Custom carbon splitter changes to the Top Racing piece
Top Racing carbon side skirts and plates
Carbon vented hood
Carbon doors with custom carbon door trim and window frame
Polycarbonate side and rear windows
Custom carbon dash and transmission tunnel cover
OMP carbon seats
Other sneaky custom aero engineering…..

WHEELS:
Custom CCW (forged lightweight)
12 x 18 all round for Michelin slicks
11 x 18 all round for semislicks

BRAKES:
DBA rotors
Endless pads
Willall water cooling kit
Custom ducting
Upgraded braided lines

• E85 by the drum (200L)
• E85 by the litre
• The ONLY 108-octane available on the market today
• Most consistent E85 available
• Very long shelf life
• Corrosive inhibitor added
• In-house dyno tuning available from street to race!

Contact us for a price today…

As sponsors of the Powercruise Qld events, our Mercury Motorsport Team had our impressive display set up – two gazebo’s side by side; tables loaded with big turbo’s, brochures & other stock; the Mercury Motorsport pull-up banners, plus glass cabinets showcasing the finest products from Tomei, HKS, Turbosmart, Nitto Performance Engineering, amongst others. The barbie was also fired up, providing breaky, lunch and dinner for around 75 Mercury Motorsport customers, supporters and staff members!

We also had 30 cars competing in events with ALL being housed in pitlane carports or pit garages, meaning there was no ‘line-up’ time for the Mercury Motorsport Team! A mixture of staff and customer’s cars, over half had 500 horsepower at the wheels so we all made a sure impact on the day. We also had 4 our of our 11 Mercury-Modified R35 GTR’s out as well! Big ‘shout-out’ to Will in his Mercury built and tuned R35 GTR coming a very close 3rd in the Off Street Drags competition, out of approximately 100 cars!

A great fun day was had by all so bring on next year’s Powerplay!

Enjoy the pics…

To this day, the pass actually still stands in the top 5 of Performance Import Magazine’s “Street Drag Challenge” in the “RWD Under 2400CC” class with the car also having the top MPH out of the top 10.

The team at Mercury Motorsport has built a number of tough, high-horsepowered SR20 engines and through this “research and development” experience, has found the engine’s limitations and weaknesses. The alloy block of the engine is definitely the weak link at high cylinder pressures and high RPM.

Trent, owner of Mercury Motorsport, says,

“It is important to keep the bores straight and minimise crank harmonics when trying to build a powerful SR; otherwise this can be cause oil pump failure. So, block preparation and balancing are both critical, as is the introduction of an ATI balancer (or similar). We also utilise oversized mainstuds to stop the main caps “walking” and in extreme situations where boost levels are likely to exceed 30psi, we recommend to sleeve the block and use block cement, also known as ‘grout’, to fill the water galleries for increased block rigidity.”

The team at Mercury Motorsport has found that the redtop SR20 heads are better suited to ultimate horsepower production with the downward facing ports aiding flow into the chamber. In an all out horsepower application, they use 290° inlet and exhaust camshafts with more than 12mm of lift, coupled with a solid lifter conversion (for high rpm), upgraded valve springs, upgraded valve guides, oversize stainless valves, extensive porting and adjustable cam gears for fine tuning. Investing in head upgrades with these specs have produced back to back power increases as high as 50hp (or achieving the same power on 6psi less boost!!)

The highest boost Mercury Motorsport have had on an unsleeved SR20 engine has been 42psi on C16, which produced 420kw at the wheels with a GT35R turbocharger.