Is a modification to the engine software/ECU (for timing, fuel injection) always necessary when running a high boost setup, specifically a 10+psi turbo?

Let me give you background. My friend has a '99 Mercury Cougar with the I4 (2.0L Zetec engine - same as the Focus). He wants to turbo badly and was originally looking to adapt a Focus turbo kit because the engine is exactly the same. He double backed on his original plan, and now wants to do a full custom job himself. I think he is on crack and tell him so, but he doesn't believe me. He figures running all the piping and hardware will be the "easy" (if that word even applies) part. As for changing the fuel injection system to deal with forced induction, he thinks all he needs are larger injectors and a larger fuel pump. He believes the stock ECU will be able to adapt to the added demand for fuel. As for timing/detonation issues, he isn't worried because, quote: "other guys I talked to who have aftermarket turbos [on different cars] never had problems with running lean or detonation."

Now, am I just a moron? Because EVERY aftermarket turbo kit for EVERY vehicle I have seen required some type of ECU/software change (along with various other nickety-nacks). Can someone please shed some small light on this subject? :help

Tell him if you add bigger injectors and change the mixture how will the ECU know what todo unless its programmed to know.

If you change the amount of air coming into the engine forcing more air in with the stock ECU running with its pre-programmed stock air/fuel mixture numbers would'n the car think its running way off with the added stuff.

If the fuel pump is strong enuf it wont need to be changed the fuel pump on my dads car was not. But the software and injectors were changed.

Turbo will need alot of piping and crammed into a small place plus new exhaust manifold.

The ECU would have to be modified to change fuel tables, timing tables, etc.

With forced induction, you usually pull timing in the upper RPMs to reduce the chance of detonation. You are also adding more fuel at the top-end. If you are having the chip tuned on a dyno with a wide-band sensor, then there are actually changes made throughout the rev-band to fuel & timing. This is made to WOT and part throttle tables.

Changing injectors will also require a change to the ECU.

There are stand alone controllers that you can use... but this all costs money. It's usually more cost effective to do it in a chip.

John.

Just let him do it and then sit back and laugh after the engine craps out.

Originally posted by Rel44 M3
Just let him do it and then sit back and laugh after the engine craps out.

I guess thats all I can do :dunno . The bastard is as stubborn as they come.

My friends usually ask my advice on something, usually cars, don't take it, and then complain why something didn't work out :eyes1 . One of my other friends asked me the feasibility of changing out his engine (Mustang: V6 to 350w :laugh ). I told him he was on crack. He didn't believe me. Then he went out and asked a mechanic, and the mechanic told him he was on crack. Then he changed his mind.

I think they are hanging out with ricers :confused: while I am away. Time to bust some heads when I come back for spring break...
:bigun2:

The ECU does not have to be replaced at all. He will need various electronic components though, especially w/ added injectors and fuel pump. If he is planning on doing the tuning himsef, he'll need a lot of gauges as well as a very, very, very sensetive knock link sensor.

Electronics he should have:
MBC/EBC, AFC, ITC,...it would be cheaper and better for him to buy a stand alone though. He'll probably need some kind of fuel injection controller like MSD too.

FWIW, the fastes east coast Integra (runs 11's) still uses the stock ECU.

The problem seems that his friend doesn't seem to feel he needs to do any tuning of this sort at all... simply bolt on the turbo and plumbing, and his ECU will automatically adjust to it.

That would be a dangerous assumtion.

Originally posted by Rel44 M3
The problem seems that his friend doesn't seem to feel he needs to do any tuning of this sort at all... simply bolt on the turbo and plumbing, and his ECU will automatically adjust to it.

Originally posted by Dori Dori
That would be a dangerous assumtion.

I know! Thats why I'm trying to convince the bastard he needs ALOT of timing/fuel injection modifications but he just says "the guys I talk to say you don't need it. They have forced induction and only replaced the fuel injectors."

:mad: :(

Originally posted by Anfanger




I know! Thats why I'm trying to convince the bastard he needs ALOT of timing/fuel injection modifications but he just says "the guys I talk to say you don't need it. They have forced induction and only replaced the fuel injectors."

:mad: :(

I don't see how that would work. He would at least need an AFC in that situation. Oh, and probably a fuel pump...I don't see how a fukus fuel pump could handle flowing the extra gas.

Originally posted by Dori Dori


I don't see how that would work. He would at least need an AFC in that situation. Oh, and probably a fuel pump...I don't see how a fukus fuel pump could handle flowing the extra gas.

I told him I imagine they are running lean and don't know it... until one day they will rev the engine and it will explode like a hand grenade. Or more likely the engine will just die after 20000 miles... with every internal part fried.