I just added resonated test pipes to my header/true dual system along with the TS reflash. Now I notice the tips turning a significant gold/brown color with the insides being overly black. Should I be concerned about how my A/F has been set? The ECU has to go back to TS anyways since my idle went form the stock 600rpms to 200 rpms and idles like a truck. I hadn't mentioned the discoloration to the tech at TS, I'm not sure he could diagnose it over the phone.
Potential nightmare - rear bumper turns the same ugly brown we've all seen on the civics with the coffee can exhaust.

Any thoughts?

 

I think you're running too rich, it's not a bad thing (better then running too lean) but I would still have it looked at. Goodluck!!

 

Agreed, Gig. I'm sure TS has my A/F set properly.

Does anyone else with essentially the same setup (headers, tests and exhaust) have the same thing happening ?

 

TS is basically GUESSING when they play with your ECU. There have been 100's of posts on my 350z about people sending the ECU in 2, 4, 6 times and never having TS get the flash correct.

Doug at Crawfordzcar, sent his ECU in EIGHT times to get the "Crawford flash" the way he wanted it.

For this reason I'm going with the Apexi SAFC-II in the next few weeks (along with some tuning time on the dyno)... right after the Crawford Headers go on.

 

With the cats deleted wouldn't you expect to see more deposits since there are no cats to burn off some of the more funky exhaust compounds?

 

To Neffster: what does it mean by getting the flash correct? Running too rich or too lean? Or problem with idle and shifting timing? i dont get it....
I was about the send them my ECU, but if they cant get it right the first time! then might as well save myslef some time and money. It is a pain to get that thing out and send it as you know...

 

My next step may be the same. Finish the fine tuning at a shop with the Apexi unit and maximize the initial flash. At least I'll be able to see the changes and tweek it myself.
If the Apexi unit fits I've got a sweet little spot in the above glove box compartment mounted up next to the Escort g-timer.

 

TS has been notorious for not getting the A/F ratio correct over the entire RPM range. Some people get real lean over 5000 rpms, others get too rich (like low 11's) and stay there. There have been a number of people on my350z.com (in the performance section) who have had too many problems with the reflash for me to rehash. One of the more recent posts was a "screaminz" from Pensacola, FL. He sent his ECU in once, got it back and it was screwy (he had to pay for dyno time and had vehcile down time too) . He sent it in a second time and here's the dyno chart (see below). Again, he had to pay for dyno time and had vehicle down time . He is going to have to send it in a third time to get more fuel added... Just do a search on my350z.com and unless you live within driving distance from Techno Square, I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS REFLASH!

 

Sorry, I should have read further into the post...

BTW, there are plenty of posts where the pre-2004 ECU's have had the SAME problems. You could probably find posts here on g35driver.com, but you'll find many more on my350z.com that have had MAJOR PROBLEMS due to this "ECU tuning technique".

 

tip discoloration? I'd have that checked bro. Damn hussies! =)

 

Anybody know if there's any truth to the SAFC units adjustments being negated by the ECU's learning ability? Doesn't seem possible given the unit overrides the A/F % values determined by the ECU.