When does the ECU decide to retard timing?
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From: Longing for my ol' white '02 WRX :(
Car Info: 2016 Acura RDX ... meh. Um, nice subwoofer?
When does the ECU decide to retard timing?
I've been wondering when the ECU actually starts to retard timing. I have never heard and audible detonation in my car. (I only run 76 gas at 91 octane, or better, and boost limit to 15.7psi/108kPa, max). There have been times when I've upped the gain and % setting on my boost controller and feel the car fly, only to level out. when I put the gain and boost back down the car actually pulls a lot better, more consistently and longer, so it seems, despite lower settings. Would that be indicative of retarded timing? (I've always thought it was).
If its not my imagination and it is a timing change, then why is it happening? Is it a precautionary measure by the ECU or do you think there's some minor detonation occuring which isnt audible to me but is to the ECU knock sensor?
thanx,
jason
If its not my imagination and it is a timing change, then why is it happening? Is it a precautionary measure by the ECU or do you think there's some minor detonation occuring which isnt audible to me but is to the ECU knock sensor?
thanx,
jason
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do you think there's some minor detonation occuring which isnt audible to me but is to the ECU knock sensor?

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Another thing to ponder is the amount of conservativness built into any OEM computer. It wasn't made for ***** to the walls racing but a compromise of performance(in our case), mileage, and emissions. If consevative settings like an oversensitive knock detection system were not in place, just think of how many people would have damaged their pistons or other things by now.
Thread Starter
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From: Longing for my ol' white '02 WRX :(
Car Info: 2016 Acura RDX ... meh. Um, nice subwoofer?
Honestly, it doesn't seem that conservative. We've got stories floating around I-Club, et. al., about "BB's shooting around in the engine bay". My guess its bad gas or someone forgot to put in 91 (or better), cuz most of these guys seem stock. If they made it any more conservative we wouldn't feel the turbo 
jason

jason
Well it is to an extent. If it were not, then there would be no such thing as an ECUtek reflash
The factory ECU is far from ideal with performance in mind. Sure it gets you from point A to B... But when Shiv @ Vishnu Tuning reflashes it, he does up some of the safeguards built in to prevent any hindering in the factroy ECU.
The factory ECU is far from ideal with performance in mind. Sure it gets you from point A to B... But when Shiv @ Vishnu Tuning reflashes it, he does up some of the safeguards built in to prevent any hindering in the factroy ECU.
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