Does something happen at 4500km?

[atledreier]

I was out driving my car this weekend, did a long trip, about 1700km total.

After cruising for a while I started driving it a bit harder since the roads became more fun. Did this a few times in the run of about 5 hours, and in the middle of one of the 'harder' runs (harder meaning that I was no longer driving mindlessly along a straight highway) I noticed a marked increase in 'pull' of the engine, and it felt significantly more willing and eager.

So, I enjoyed it for the rest of the trip, thinking it was maybe the ambient temperature that put the ECU in a different 'mode' or whatever, expecting the car to go back to normal after a rest in the garage. But even today the car felt the same. I'm very happy, the car feels great and responsive, but I was wondering what could have caused it? It was like throwing a switch. Not like getting rocket power of course, but there was a significant change.

Only thing I can think of is mileage. I passed 4500km on the odometer (about 2800miles) just when the change happened. Maybe the ECU went out of 'run in mode' or some strange thing?
I remember driving the democar my dealer got in last summer. i got the first drive and liked the car. tried it again later when the car had 7000km on the clock and it again felt alot friskier. I thought it was just the engine 'loosening up' as it was run in, but with my car the change was instant and significant, and at more or less exactly 4500km....

Then I thought about the Idle issue and some people that had their ECU swapped complained their car felt 'down on power'. Maybe they had already crossed this threshold and with the new ECU got back into 'run in mode'?

I have no explanation, but all I know is my car feels GREAT, even better than before!

[Hawk77FT]

Originally Posted by atledreier

I was out driving my car this weekend, did a long trip, about 1700km total.

After cruising for a while I started driving it a bit harder since the roads became more fun. Did this a few times in the run of about 5 hours, and in the middle of one of the 'harder' runs (harder meaning that I was no longer driving mindlessly along a straight highway) I noticed a marked increase in 'pull' of the engine, and it felt significantly more willing and eager.

So, I enjoyed it for the rest of the trip, thinking it was maybe the ambient temperature that put the ECU in a different 'mode' or whatever, expecting the car to go back to normal after a rest in the garage. But even today the car felt the same. I'm very happy, the car feels great and responsive, but I was wondering what could have caused it? It was like throwing a switch. Not like getting rocket power of course, but there was a significant change.

Only thing I can think of is mileage. I passed 4500km on the odometer (about 2800miles) just when the change happened. Maybe the ECU went out of 'run in mode' or some strange thing?
I remember driving the democar my dealer got in last summer. i got the first drive and liked the car. tried it again later when the car had 7000km on the clock and it again felt alot friskier. I thought it was just the engine 'loosening up' as it was run in, but with my car the change was instant and significant, and at more or less exactly 4500km....

Then I thought about the Idle issue and some people that had their ECU swapped complained their car felt 'down on power'. Maybe they had already crossed this threshold and with the new ECU got back into 'run in mode'?

I have no explanation, but all I know is my car feels GREAT, even better than before!

Hmmm, interesting! maybe that is the true break in, maybe you have driven the car like a nanna and now the PCM unlocks the vvti system to make it fully operational? On some other cars that is true, not sure about our cars. I know in some cars, you can adjust the mileage straight from the dealer using their tools. It might be true, or it might be purely psychological placebo!

[atledreier]

I have NOT been nannying this car, that's for sure. Also, it felt like flipping a switch. I was driving along and suddenly it was like "Oh, hang on, what happened then?!". It was strange.

Not complaining!

[mwemy]

lol.. id just say that maybe the rubber on the tyres are a bit more grippy?
i HIGHLY doubt the ecu has made any changes apart from the fuel trims, did u ever consider that maybe there was a problem before? sticky throttle etc?

[atledreier]

The fuel trims are adjusted continuosly, this was a marked step in performance. Mind you, I'm not talking 50 extra horsepower, but the car feels happier.

I don't mind it either way, I'm just enjoying the f**k out of the car! :-)

[infinite012]

Maybe the ECU has relearned your throttle response to adjust for your driving style. Kinda like how the Legacy and STI had the SI drive knob to adjust throttle response with I, S, and S# modes. Doesn't make the car any faster, just quickens/retards the throttle response.

[atledreier]

I have no idea. I just know I like it. :-)