Michael Benno

(thread update, go to post 129 for the latest information on the chip tuning)

For a few months now, I have been running new version of a EZK ignition "self-tuning" chip from @PorKen.

With @PorKen 's permission, I am posting an update on my perceptions of the chip as he has made it commercially available (http://liftbars.com/)

The chip works by advancing/retarding spark of individual cylinders at each point in the RPM range for maximal performance and minimizing knocks. I’ll leave the technical explanation to Ken since its mostly over my head.

The ignition tuning improvements are subtle but noticeable. I dont have an dyno data, but can provide observations between stock and the the modified chip. Throttle response is better and the cars pulls stronger in the lower RPM ranges. Also it feels smoother in the rev ranges and even sounds a little quieter as well, which I don't understand. In the first few rounds of tests, my cam timing was set to Zero. The power gains seemed to be in the 3000-5000 rpm. I have since adjusted cam timing to 3-degrees advance and now the power gains seems to have shifted down into the 2300 range.

Also redline behavior was changed to give a soft cutout. Ignition timing is retarded just before redline.

The most interesting thing about the chip is you can really feel it adapting over time. I found the car would really ‘wake up “ after an hour or so of driving after disconnecting the battery / resetting the memory. I also had a test light set up to the diagnostic port and you can monitor the knock detection as well. Here are some test runs with the chip and test light

These videos were taken on my second round of tests.

You Tube

You can hear and see some wheel spin between 2000-3000 rpm

You Tube

This one I hit the rev limiter by accident.

You Tube

All in all it’s a very nice chip, very drivable in all situations, and the throttle response is really fun for twisty roads requiring lots of accellerations out of corners. I like the constantly adapting timing concept.

Here is some information on my car: 1988 S4 5spd (stock cams) recent intake refresh with new knock, hall, CPS sensors and new 19-lb injectors (4-hole style). Exhaust modifications include: X-pipe, Cat delete, and 2.5” exhaust.

I am sure you have lots of questions for Ken, I am sure he will respond to this thread.

Zirconocene

Oh my goodness, my car is so, so far away from being able to do what I just saw.

That sounded amazing.

ddire333

Thanks for the review, I ordered one of Kens new S4 chips on this week and i'm doing xpipe install next week so will also report back on impressions in a 1988 auto in a few weeks. If i get more low end pull and responsiveness i'll be happy. You mention "adjusted cam timing to 3-degrees advance" can you say how you do that?

FredR

You need to get hold of Ken's 32VR cam timing tool and the bumpstick [a custom wrench] then such changes are a doddle. Advancing the cam timing a few degrees gives the low end to mid range a bit more oomph at the expense of top end that will be slightly diminished - it is not for everyone but a quite understandable tweak.

In my opinion every 928 DIY hack should have this kit in his tool chest- it is a very neat piece of kit.

ddire333

Thanks, Fred clear now, I have seen the tool on here. Will see how its does as set currently - already having to back peddle with the boss on spending.

buccicone

Following. Very interested. Waiting for the GT & GTS versions?

FredR

Pays to have a Stealthy bank account when you run a 928!

The increments gained by small changes are barely if at all noticeable but revert to a full stock setup and then one can notice the sum of the parts when they are not there. Torque is what one "feels" when driving and unless your name is Lewis Hamilton changes [positive or negative] less than about 10 ft lbs are barely discernable for most of us or so I suspect.

Michael Benno

I have the 32VR tool, as well as the test lead to monitor knock for 87/88 cars. I would be happy to lend out the tools to anyone who needs them.

Darien

Ken sent me the EZ Chip before the Badlands event. 2700’ish miles and the 89 performed flawlessly and pulled better than stock chip in every gear! Awesome and simple mod for the $$

PorKen

You can see in Mike's videos that the chip was fairly far along in learning. The knock light will flash less and less and eventually hardly at all as it records where each cylinder knocks. (It has to knock a few separate times in the same place to become permanent. The factory timed retard is still used so the knock is usually gone by the next revolution.)

Power and smoothness increase as the chip slowly ramps up the advance on each cylinder at rpms where it has not knocked before

Just need to get my hands on some factory GT and GTS EZK EPROMs to borrow for the stock maps - I do not trust the images I have gotten of the internets - will trade upgraded chips in return!

buccicone

If I send you my GT or GTS chips, you would trade out original for new programmed chip just like you did on the early S3’s I got several years ago?

PorKen

I would read your EZK chips and send you self-optimizing ones along with your originals. The GT chip should be a straightforward conversion. The GTS may take a little longer (the copy I have appeared to have additional revisions vs. S4/GT). I can send your originals back the same day if you need them. Email me if this sounds OK to you - info@liftbars.com

Thom

Does this mean your algorithm is necessarily based on stock ignition maps?
Could you extend its "reach" so that it could adapt to non-factory cam profiles which may require "much sharper" ignition curves?
Sorry if this is asking too much about how you have programmed it!

Tom. M

If you're up in the area...feel free to swing by and grab my 89GT EZK....no rush to get it back if you need to hold on to it for a while....

Zirconocene

I hope this isn't too obvious a question, but is the product that's been developed just the chip, with no need for a link to a laptop or other hard/software? Is there the capability to diagnose issues which the chip may not be able to compensate for?

I'm really interested in this product but it also seems a little like maybe I'm missing something. It sounds (not just the motor noise, above) like a fantastic solution.

Thanks for any clarification.

Cheers