Can anyone elaborate on Openflash Tablet "improved drivability"?

[Formula Vee]

Thank you for the feedback, guys. The OFT might beat out the Tom's tails on my to-do list.

I'd still like to hear about experiences with improved drivability, especially as it relates to the issue I mentioned. Anything to offer, Shiv?

Many thanks in advance, everyone.

[raven1231]

OFT gives your FRS wings !

[Formula Vee]

And, follow up questions:
-Is OFT compatible with 2014 BRZs?
-Do we have any idea how safe the off-the-shelf maps are?

Thanks.

[cycleboy]

Originally Posted by Formula Vee

What I have in mind, specifically, is the awkwardness of the 1-2 ans 2-3 shifts. If there is one beef I have with the car, it's that I can't shift quickly between those gears; if I try to get on the throttle immediately after the shift, there's a split second delay before the power kicks in. This leads to some really jerky shifts unless I pause before getting on the gas... which is what I've learned to do but I'm not very happy about it. It's only seems to happen during the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts.

Things to consider to improve the shifting:

MTEC springs
Change stock tranny oil

The springs definitely help with the cross-center shifts (2-3, 4-5 and vice versa). The shifter just wants to go to the next gear. They are fairly cheap though sort of a pain to install (I did mine, couple of hours of work, little bit of swearing, no knuckle bleeding).

[Shiv@Openflash]

Originally Posted by Formula Vee

And, follow up questions:
-Is OFT compatible with 2014 BRZs?
-Do we have any idea how safe the off-the-shelf maps are?

Thanks.

Yes OFT is compatible with all FA20s. I'd say the OTS maps are very safe. The only caveat id say is not accidently running the E85 maps on gasoline. That would take some premeditation I think. And even then I think the engine would just run rich and not make much power.

[Formula Vee]

Originally Posted by cycleboy

Things to consider to improve the shifting:

MTEC springs
Change stock tranny oil

The springs definitely help with the cross-center shifts (2-3, 4-5 and vice versa). The shifter just wants to go to the next gear. They are fairly cheap though sort of a pain to install (I did mine, couple of hours of work, little bit of swearing, no knuckle bleeding).

Thanks for the advice. Aren't these things intended to improve the mechanical aspects of shifting? What I'm experiencing could be a transmission thing, but seems like more of a throttle thing. There's just a smidge of lag or delay with the power when moving into second or, to a lesser extent, third (which causes the car to jump forward suddenly). I've seen it mentioned in a post or two on these boards, but it doesn't get as much attention as I'd expect it to. In fact, it seems like a lot of people don't even know what I'm referring to. It drives me absolutely mad, especially coming from a 14 year old NB Miata without this idiosyncrasy. Maybe all of these fancy electronics just spoil some of the driving experience? Or maybe I'm spoiled?

Originally Posted by shiv@vishnu

Yes OFT is compatible with all FA20s. I'd say the OTS maps are very safe. The only caveat id say is not accidently running the E85 maps on gasoline. That would take some premeditation I think. And even then I think the engine would just run rich and not make much power.

Thanks for the quick response, Shiv. Even with my limited knowledge of all things cars, I think I can manage to not screw that up. I think.

[cycleboy]

Originally Posted by Formula Vee

Thanks for the advice. Aren't these things intended to improve the mechanical aspects of shifting? What I'm experiencing could be a transmission thing, but seems like more of a throttle thing. There's just a smidge of lag or delay with the power when moving into second or, to a lesser extent, third (which causes the car to jump forward suddenly). I've seen it mentioned in a post or two on these boards, but it doesn't get as much attention as I'd expect it to. In fact, it seems like a lot of people don't even know what I'm referring to. It drives me absolutely mad, especially coming from a 14 year old NB Miata without this idiosyncrasy. Maybe all of these fancy electronics just spoil some of the driving experience? Or maybe I'm spoiled?

Yes, these would be mechanical improvements. I can't help you with the lag issue you are talking about. I find I can shift this car very easily whether shifting fast or slow and don't notice any delay in throttle response. I did find it a bit weird at first driving a drive-by-wire throttle. For example, stomp the pedal with the car in neutral and there's a little lag between your foot hitting the pedal and the tach moving. Not the same as a mechanical connection. I have gotten used to it though.

Edit: well now that I think of it, could that be what you are experiencing?

[Turdinator]

Originally Posted by Formula Vee

Thanks for the advice. Aren't these things intended to improve the mechanical aspects of shifting? What I'm experiencing could be a transmission thing, but seems like more of a throttle thing. There's just a smidge of lag or delay with the power when moving into second or, to a lesser extent, third (which causes the car to jump forward suddenly). I've seen it mentioned in a post or two on these boards, but it doesn't get as much attention as I'd expect it to. In fact, it seems like a lot of people don't even know what I'm referring to. It drives me absolutely mad, especially coming from a 14 year old NB Miata without this idiosyncrasy. Maybe all of these fancy electronics just spoil some of the driving experience? Or maybe I'm spoiled?

I haven't had any problems with the throttle response on my 86. It may be an issue with your car. Have you tried talking to some other local BRZ/FRS owners? It might be worth swapping cars with someone for a drive around the block to see if a) their car has the same issue and b) that they notice the problem with your car.

I have read the occasional thread about some cars having a "dead pedal" where the first 10mm (3/8") of pedal travel does nothing. Maybe do a search for that also.

[Migero86]

Just got my OFT yesterday and Immediately flashed to Stage 2 for my mods using the out of the box configuration using 94oct.

I only have about 30 miles on the new tune so far, so I am sure it is still adapting and adjusting itself. However, Car feels smoother, more refined, the engine tone is slightly more aggressive and power is consistent throughout the power band.
@shiv@vishnu - Great job on the tune!! This is how this car should of been from the factory for sure!

[Formula Vee]

Originally Posted by cycleboy

Yes, these would be mechanical improvements. I can't help you with the lag issue you are talking about. I find I can shift this car very easily whether shifting fast or slow and don't notice any delay in throttle response. I did find it a bit weird at first driving a drive-by-wire throttle. For example, stomp the pedal with the car in neutral and there's a little lag between your foot hitting the pedal and the tach moving. Not the same as a mechanical connection. I have gotten used to it though.

Edit: well now that I think of it, could that be what you are experiencing?

I thought it might be the wire throttle initially, but I really don't think it is anymore. If I wait a split second before getting back on the throttle after upshifting, the jerkiness doesn't pop up at all. But if I am on the throttle promptly after shifting (at what I consider to be "normal" speed) the car lurches forward on the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts. Every time.

Originally Posted by Turdinator

I haven't had any problems with the throttle response on my 86. It may be an issue with your car. Have you tried talking to some other local BRZ/FRS owners? It might be worth swapping cars with someone for a drive around the block to see if a) their car has the same issue and b) that they notice the problem with your car.

I have read the occasional thread about some cars having a "dead pedal" where the first 10mm (3/8") of pedal travel does nothing. Maybe do a search for that also.

I don't know any local owners, but I'll do a search for the "dead pedal" issue. Still, that wouldn't really explain why it's only happening with low gears, and it doesn't happen if I delay my throttle input. It doesn't feel like a dead zone in the pedal. It's a noticeable lack of transmission of power upon first entering a gear.


This topic seems to describe what I'm experiencing:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8611

But with all of you saying you don't have this problem, I'm beginning to think it's a legitimate issue with my car, not an idiosyncrasy with every car. Which is a total bummer. I guess I'll make an appointment with the dealer.

[Turdinator]

Originally Posted by Formula Vee

I thought it might be the wire throttle initially, but I really don't think it is anymore. If I wait a split second before getting back on the throttle after upshifting, the jerkiness doesn't pop up at all. But if I am on the throttle promptly after shifting (at what I consider to be "normal" speed) the car lurches forward on the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts. Every time.





I don't know any local owners, but I'll do a search for the "dead pedal" issue. Still, that wouldn't really explain why it's only happening with low gears, and it doesn't happen if I delay my throttle input. It doesn't feel like a dead zone in the pedal. It's a noticeable lack of transmission of power upon first entering a gear.


This topic seems to describe what I'm experiencing:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8611

But with all of you saying you don't have this problem, I'm beginning to think it's a legitimate issue with my car, not an idiosyncrasy with every car. Which is a total bummer. I guess I'll make an appointment with the dealer.

Hmmm just thinking out loud here, maybe it's the clutch or more accurately clutch feel. Does the FRS have a softer, longer throw or more wooden feeling clutch than the MX5?

I am wondering if the clutch isn't fully engaged when it feels like it should be to you.

[Formula Vee]

Originally Posted by Turdinator

Hmmm just thinking out loud here, maybe it's the clutch or more accurately clutch feel. Does the FRS have a softer, longer throw or more wooden feeling clutch than the MX5?

I am wondering if the clutch isn't fully engaged when it feels like it should be to you.

I don't think that's it. The clutch is for sure different than the one on my Miata, but it's totally engaged and in gear by the time I'm on the gas (and experience the lurching thing). And the revs don't shoot up at that moment of throttle input like they would if I weren't fully in gear. I also adjusted the pedal and am very comfortable/familiar with the grabbing point...

[Formula Vee]

This post from another user also describes what I'm experiencing:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...5&postcount=39

and this:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...5&postcount=28


...but it sounds like something that isn't an issue for everyone?

[robwbright]

Originally Posted by troek

i use to have drivability issues trying to go above 190kph, but now with OFT i have no issues!(infomercial voice) I did 2 full tanks on long distance highway trips and got same gas mileage before, 35-36mpg. and the whole power band seems smoother and dosnt bog down as much down below 2000 rpms. well worth the 500 bucks, easy.

What speeds are you driving to get 35-36 mpg? I rarely see above 30.5.