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Is the Rtek7 right for me?
The Rtek7 chip is a powerful upgrade which has features that are just not possible with add on or piggyback electronics. The Rtek7 goes right to the source and changes the code (or "program") in the ECU to be more friendly to performance upgrades. If you are doing any performance modifications to your RX-7, the Rtek7 chip is the perfect upgrade to allow those modifications to be made more safely.
FCD Explained
All Rtek7 versions include a built in Fuel Cut Defenser (FCD). "Fuel Cut" is a safety mechanism built into the ECU from the factory to ensure the integrity of the motor if something were to cause boost to go beyond stock pressure levels. This is good for safety, bad if you want to run higher than stock boost levels. Aftermarket "black box" FCDs trick the ECU into thinking there is less boost than there really is by "clamping" (or limiting) the voltage the ECU sees from the MAP sensor. In doing so, the ECU does not hit fuel cut simply because it doesn't know how much boost is really being run.
The FCD built into the Rtek7 goes to the source of fuel cut. By eliminating fuel cut from within the ECU, it is possible to run higher boost levels. Some other benefits include:
- No additional box under the hood which is a very harsh environment for electronics, both vibration and temperature.
- No additional connectors or splices in your harness so cleaner install.
- No adjustments to make, so nothing to set wrong.
- It doesn't clamp the signal to the in-dash boost gauge.
Which version should I get?
Stage 1.0 (discontinued)
A simple chip swap. It is suitable for stock or mild mod levels. The FCD allows higher than stock boost levels without the ECU cutting fuel. It also adds a few 'convenience' mods. It does not, however, change any fuel or timing curves. An SAFC or similar fuel controller is recommended for optimum performance and safety.
Stage 1.5
Still a simple chip swap. It has almost all the features of 1.0 (no flood clear), but adds fuel and timing 'help'. This will allow engines with mild modifications to safely run without the need of an SAFC. One of the limitations of the stock ECU is that it will not enable the secondary injectors below ~3800rpm. With even mild mods, airflow below 3800rpm can be increased to the point where the primary injectors are maxed. Stage 1.5 better balances the secondary staging point to be as low as possible for a stock injection setup. Set the point too low and it will run lean up high, too high and you get the original problem of maxing out the primary injectors down low before the secondaries come on. The better balance minimizes the lean spot that can occur around 3800rpm on a vehicles running higher than stock boost and the stock ECU.
If you are running larger secondary injectors, you will need an AFC to compensate for the larger injectors. The AFC will trick the ECU into thinking there is less air entering the engine (the larger injectors need to be leaned out to run right). The lower airflow makes the ECU advance the timing. This again sets up a high boost, high timing advance condition that can end very badly (Boom!). Stage 1.5 helps compensate for that by retarding the timing about one degree per pound of pressure above 9 PSI. This adds even more safety for those running higher that stock boost levels.
Stage 1.7
Basically Stage 1.5, but for cars with 720cc (or larger) secondary injectors. The Flood Clear option has been added back in as well. For Stage 1.7, the fuel map has been corrected to compensate for larger 720cc secondaries without the need for external fuel control, like an AFC, to keep from running very rich. If you have an AFC, it will no longer have to trick the ECU to compensate for the larger injectors. The AFC can still be used for fine tuning. This also means that you CANNOT run Stage 1.7 in a car with 550cc secondaries or you will run lean. As we have demonstrated above, the less you have to 'trick' the ECU, the better. So with Rtek Stage 1.7, 720 secondaries, and a larger fuel pump, you should have a setup that can push the stock turbo to its safe limit (approximately 12 PSI).
Stage 1.7 is slightly more complicated to install so we require you send in your ECU to us.
Stage 2
A daughterboard setup that adds a serial data port, additional program space, and Non-Volatile memory to the stock ECU for serious tuning power. The daughterboard is complicated to install and must be installed by us but with the added complexity comes the ability to add even more features.
Stage 2.0
All of the features of 1.7 plus full engine sensor datalogging, a 10 x 10 fuel correction map, direct access to all internal timing maps, adjustable secondary staging point, and selectable for 550 or 720 primary and/or secondary injectors. Stage 2.0 has all the benefits of a stand alone ECU without the associated cost, complexity, or installation difficulty. If your mod level requires advanced fuel and timing control, then Stage 2 is for you. Stage 2 is a powerful tuning tool that has the ability to destroy your engine if not used properly. Proper engine tuning knowledge and engine monitoring using a Wideband A/F Meter is very highly recommended for safe operation.
Keep in mind that the condition of the engine should be taken into account before doing modifications that will increase the stress on the engine. Careful monitoring of engine vitals is critical to ensuring your engine is running well and safe.
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