Bigpower

Im really interested in where i go next with the car long term. current spec:-

2.5 STi engine
Heads machined to suit EJ25
ARP Group N studs
New RCM up rated Oil Pump
Mocom Racing 740 phase 2 injectors
Fuelab adjustable fuel pressure regulator (FPR)
Goodridge braided fuel lines
Mocal 19 row oil cooler with custom mount fittings installed by TSL Motorsport
HKS Equal Length Headers

What do you want to achieve?

The spec you have there is very nice and no need to touch the internals yet IMO. 05/20g is great on that spec and if you're happy with it as is, just improve yourself with some driver training.

Why are you thinking of switching to a Simtek? The PFC is a very nice ecu and coupled with an Apexi AVC-R is all you really need at present. If you don't have the AVC-R, this will give you better boost control with in gear boost capability. Hand commander and AVC-R give loads of useful info too

If you go with a Simtek you're limited to who can map it to get the best from it. All IMO.

What year is the car?

Looks like a well specced car

AVC-R - will enable more boost in each gear, as currently mapped for 6th gear, and therefore reduces in the other gears - (sorry can't remember the techy reason).

Also would depend upon why you want to do more.

To give more acceration? or to get around a circuit or even A-B quicker?
If the latter, then without question the best return per

presumably the bottom end is a std EJ257??
if so then the crank and roda re pretty good towards 450, however the pistons personally would be the limit at 400ish (and sometimes less) to be on the safe side

Theres a few reasons on the simtek side of things its so we can have a day to day map and also a track map based on 20% e85 again to control heat and for a bit more flexibility day to dya. Simtek will also allow control of charge temp. Also it'll mean no MAF which on a MY99 is a big point and we have had a few nightmares with intermittent running issues which we are 95% certain are maf related.

I also want to ensure that the car doesnt go bang at high rpm on track etc. Im not worried about a massive increase in power etc from where the car is now its more about long term reliability and drivabilty.

Control of heat whilst on track is a major issue for me as the car does suffer from heat even with the oil cooler.

Zak's suggested some changes which are non engine related.

I really wanted peoples opinions on the car/spec as well hence the post.

Final point is if i dont need to forge it should i consider a better crank,sump swirl pot instead to improve track reliability? So many decisions basically I want the car as bullet proof and competetive as i can whilst not bankrupting myself. I considered swapping the koni's for teins but not sure there would be much benefit.

As for driver training Id agree and will be investing in some. Had some instruction already.

On a seperate note how many of you have cages on their cars that are daily drivers? whats the consensus? Good/bad, safe day to day or unsafe ( risk of head injury etc)

How does the Simtek 'control' temps? AFAIK It responds to temps by altering timing. No MAF has a different set of concerns to the less reliable MY99/00 MAF which, if replaced on a regular basis (12 month) at

PS

you can get the Datalogit software for the Apexi and have as many maps as you want.

I wouldnt go Simtek full stop.

Gerry thanks this is exactly why I posted etc to get a true picture of what to actually do with the car. My one big concern is the car's oil temp gets hot very quickly when on track which is a pain on sessioned events as only get to do 3-4 laps before having to come in.

Currently weve got the standard interior in so if we cage it then looks like the leather will be coming out too.

Weve oil temp,boost pressure but thats it. is it worth investiging in a defi unit?

Zaks suggested replacing the hks fmic with a hybrid, swapping the simota for a k&n and fitting it into the front wing and replacing the simota oil breather with better oil breather.

Gerry the datalogic info is very interesting as really could do with being able to switch maps.

What temps are you seeing?

How accurate is your guage?

You're getting high oil temp because that's the only temp guage you have. How's the egt and water? I had high egt problems so fitted water injection which improved it no end. Then high oil temp. and the oil cooler fixed that.

Post a pic of your engine bay.

Defis are OK. Mine have played up on occasion. I've considered swapping mine for decent mechanical ones. They're very expensive though. The dual reading guages are possibly better for more info in fewer housings.

On the ecu question. What are you hoping to gain by swapping from the Apexi? The Simtek is very good, as is the Solaris, as is the Apexi.

BTW Mike B and Logan both have Apexi PFCs and they're not slouches.