Question to the self-mapper among us: Knock detection?

[Speedline]

TechTom has available modifications for the AE86 ECU but are difficult to get hold of. And not really self mappable.

[off topic]
I agree with that using the stock ECU is the best way to go if available. But check engine light and oem's investing millions is BS. Yes, these ECU's are certified and tested. But oem's buy these things in the millions based on a draft of what they need to comply with emission legislation. And be flexible enough to support mapping for different types of engines.

And last but not least to incorporate lots of features to force the consumer to the dealer who then can extort money for diagnosing all sorts of problems who shouldn't even arrise in the first place.

For example, Nedcar produced Volvo's 440 with a Renault drivetrain with Renault supplied Siemens ECU's. The diagnose protocol is exactly the same as in every Renault with this Siemens Fenix ECU. But they changed the protocol as that it can only be accessed by a Volvo dealer diagnosing system...


Oem's don't invest millions in relability. They force suppliers to deliver stuff which is reliable for the lowest cost. If every manufacturer used the same suppliers and products as Mercedes used for their W123 and W124 they wouldn't sell a shitload of new cars. Because everybody would drive 'm for lets say 20 or 30 years...

These days I consider Toyota to be the best in some respects. But they use cheap labor in for example Thailand (Laem Chabang) to produce parts and cars in Toyota (subsidiary) owned factories. Toyota just has some really clever (Eu, Jap and US educated) people in their workforce who cover up all the shit and have set quality (for a price, especially parts...) as a Toyota brand value.

[on topic]

For knock detection I prefer headphones. Every engine has its own unique detonation sound. An advanced knock sensor is the best option if the ECU can use it properly. May late generation ECU write their own ignition maps to within part of a degree crankshaft rotation to the detonation limit. You can't beat this kind of mapping.

In the future I would like to see aftermarket ECU/ tuning guys delivery the same kind of stuff to the aftermarket. Would make lots of people's 'tuning' lives a lot easier.