Celica Forums General Discussion Engine and Performance Apexi Power FC for the Celica GTS - Q&A

OK, this is kinda the BUZZ product right now and since I'm making a lot of posts on it I'm makin this as the tell all power FC thread.

I have a GTS so I will only comment on the gts version.

I will post all the vids in this thread and explanations.

Keep in mind I did not create a lot of this information.

you can thank:
Illusive
smaay
boosted 2.0
Monkey Wrench Racing

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Mods can we make this a sticky?

http://www.ksbservices.com/powerfc/8600shift.wmv

15 - 100 mph shifting at 8600 except in 1st cause I didnt wanna worry about torque steer since I was holding the cam and driving.

15 - 100 in 11 seconds with Intake, no muffler, power fc

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It's $950 if you buy the power fc from groupbuy4celica

MWR's maps are like $50

if you want to do like we do and change maps you will need the data logit software and cables from MWR for around $339

to retune those mwr maps specifically to your car figure $500

MWR = www.monkeywrenchracing.com [monkeywrenchracing.com]

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we made these vids to show the differences in power between the cars and to test the new tuning we did...


run #1 -
We took the base tuning maps from mwr stuck them on my power FC and took the new map we made and ran the 2 cars with a passenger in each car bout wieghing around 215 lbs so weight was even. you can see I pull on the shifting but the red car is still able to win even with a shifting disadvantage. we end around 120 mph.

www.ksbservices.com/powerfc/smaaymapvsmwrmap.wmv [ksbservices.com]

Run #2 -

Just for fun we used the better map and ran the other celica that has I/E and a 50 shot. This race was a little more uneven and just for fun. The nitrous celica had no interior in the rear and passenger seat out. I had a 215 lb passenger + the seat and a whole hatch full of stuff we brought for the trip up there. SO I had the weight AND HP disadvantage. we hit around 110 mph.

www.ksbservices.com/powerfc/pfcvs50shot.wmv [ksbservices.com]

these vids were done at 4,000 ft elevation. all vids were taken from inside my car.

Courtesy of lost angel ...

Yep, it does alot, and does seem easy too install:
The Power FC proudly stands as A'PEX's answer to the constraints and limitations associated with most piggy-back style fuel controllers. The Power FC is a complete, stand alone, total engine management system capable of handling virtually anything thrown in its path. From multiple point fuel and ignition control to VTEC engagement (Honda applications) and boost settings, the Power FC is capable of accommodating even the most demanding Performance enthusiasts.

The Power FC replaces the factory ECU and controls all engine parameters.(Off road use only, no OBD-II) Installation is as easy as replacing the factory ECU. The factory engine harness does not need to be replaced and all critical accessories such as air conditioning continue to function. By using the optional FC COMMANDER, the user can adjust and modify a wide range of settings. By changing various parameters and data, the Power FC will adapt to any of your Performance needs. Since there is no need to upgrade ROM chips or trade in ECU's, the factory ECU can be kept by the original user.

The Power FC operates off of three Main Menus. These menus are : Monitor, Setting, and ETC.
In Monitor Mode, the Commander can display up to 10 parameters of data in real time. Monitor Mode can display:
Engine RPM
Ignition Timing
Vehicle Speed
Air Flow Voltage (Pressure Sensor Voltage)
Injector Duty Cycle
Boost
Knocking Level
Battery Voltage
Intake Air Temp
Water Temp
In addition, there are 4 display patterns allowing 1-8 parameters to be shown on screen at once. The data displays in numerical real time values with the option of a real time 10 second graph display. Peak Hold values and Display Hold functions only require the touch of a button. The Map Trace Mode allows Ghost Map Tracing of the Fuel Correction and Ignition Timing maps. This allows the user to visually see what point of the map is being used in real time. The Ghost Map Trace function leaves markers on the used portions of the map for easy reference.
Setting Mode allows full access to the 20x20 ignition timing and fuel correction maps. The user can adjust any portion of this map in 5x5 sections. Air flow correction values can be entered for vehicles upgrading air flow meters. Injector pulse correction menu is used when upgrading injectors on the engine. The Acceleration Enrichment Correction function improves response under hard and sudden acceleration. The Cranking Fuel Injection menu corrects the amount of fuel when the engine is being cranked, or when the water temperature is cold. A separate Water Temp menu allows fuel correction according to water temperature. The RPM menu allows rev limiter settings and idle RPM levels. Access menus also vary according to specialty engines. Rotary engine Power FC's accommodate leading and trailing ignition maps. Honda engines Power FC's allow for VTEC control. Complete boost control is possible by using the optional Boost Control Kit (Not necessary for vehicles that come factory Turbocharged.). Changing data is easy: just access the desired point on the map or data, and push the FC COMMANDER keys in the appropriate direction.
The Power FC also comes preprogrammed with several base maps. (Currently with Japan Domestic Market Vehicle Maps. Minor initial tuning may be required.) This makes the initial tuning process much quicker. As with all other fuel controllers, the POWER FC should be tuned on a dynomometer by a trained professional. A high grade air/ fuel ratio monitor is also recommended during tuning to ensure best results.

Available Immediately!!!!!!

And heres MWR's Map for the chip:

here are actual graphs taken same day on my car and illusives car...

he was running way rich due to the str8 pipe so I dynoed higher.



Here is my car alone...



Run #1 was 4th gear stock ECU
Run #2 was Power fc (no fan) 3rd gear
run 3 was power FC (fan) 4th gear

^^^ the maps we used were the base MWR maps.

the vids I posted on top is using our new homade maps (made by smaay) he took the base MWR map and modified it to be more aggressive.

Can anyone attest to what this will put out on a GT? Also , what are the main differences between the ApexI FC and the Greddy controller that MWR sells? Are there any disadvantages to the power FC ? and do you need the little controller box with the screen ?

The power FC CAN work with the GT but I have no info on that.

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I will have track time results after saturday of what the power fc and our map can do in the 1/4 mile.


so now if you have questions ask here so we can avoid the 50 million power FC threads. Thanx!

thats the power FC commander. if you plan on using the base map only then no you do not need the commander or the datalogit.

I do not have info on the greddy but I can tell you I bought the power FC with no regrets.

groupbuy4celica has the power FC cheaper then MWR

question...


are you able to change timing with the PFC?

yes

there is full controll over timing, dwell, fuel, injectors, part throttle, idle, vvt, vvtl, (even boost),hot/cold correction, dummy lights(check engine,knock,max inj duty..ect)

it is expensive though. i mean 950 for the tool, 500 to repreogram. 50$ to buy a map. so if you have Intake, and if you have Intake exhaust and header, it is better to use a map that is set up for that to give you more gains? and does MWR have good maps or can best ones be done by someone?

the numbers lucky put up are like worst case senario for tuning.

If someone knows what they are doing it shouldn't take more than an hour to get the a/f ratio / timing changed to make more power from the base MWR maps.

I'll end up paying about 50-65hr for dyno time, and I'm planning on doing 2 hours, so i can play with the vvt and try to make power with that also.

total cost for me will be just over 1K for nearly 10peak hp, and 15-20whp in the midrange + 8600 limiter.

in all honestly its the next best mod after a cai, for the gts, imho

the gains sound nice, and yea sounds like the best mod to me. but you really need to dyno it everytime you wana edit the mapping? and lets say you edited ur own map for AEM CAI, DC headers, TRD exhaust. can someone get a full benefit from the same mapping you have if they have the same mods or does it differ from each car? and you said that you need to buy something to edit ur mapping? doesnt that come with the ecu already or you have to buy it separately? sorry not familiar with anything like this and dont know shit about dynos and much about cars specs, but i do know how to read a dyno

well look at what we did. we took the base map from MWR which IMO is VERY good for what it is a "base" map. meaning something to start from. we made a new map and swapped that map in and out of other cars with similar butt dyno results. However every car is different so if you are ok with the bare minimum then yeah you just trade maps and be done with it.

If you want to do it right youshould take the best map, dyno it with your car and then tune it as it needs for your specific car.

and yeah like I said those dynos I posted were the base maps with no extra tuning done. and as you can see on the comparsion 2 similarly modded cars dynoed very different. also we dynoed diff then the mwr car cause they had the injen CAI. we use AEM.

Thanks for the props!

I'm really happy that you are sharing all information you have personally got from using the PFC. It makes it a lot easier for people too think 'wow, theres actually someone we know that has it.' You post great videos, along with detailed information on what your going through.

still no sticky??? I gets no kinda lovin round here. lol

This info is GREAT!!! I am weak in the computer part of this stuff, but am really interested in getting a grip on it.

i think the best thing about it is the increase in torque in low rpms.

also, for 10 extra whp total, $1000 is about on average with most bolt-ons...so the hp-to-$ ratio isn't really that bad.

okaaaaaaaaaaay. Let's see if anyone can help me...
My friend had a WRX that was totalled. He had a apexi fc that is laying around his room.
I dunno if it is the same, but he told me he thinks it goes for about 250$ (he bought the wrx used, and it came on it).
Is he extremely mistaken with the price? could it be a diff thing? Could that one be modified to fit my gts ( is it universal?) ?

Thank you. I'm rick james, bitch.

^^ no it wont work they make them to fit in the stock ecu harness so no ou cant even modify it. besides the fact that its programmed different.
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also saying it only got 10 whp is not doing it justice. raised limiter, fully retunable, 20 - 30 whp in the midrange, 15 - 20 wheel torque in the midrange, launching in lift...

that was withthe base maps. lol I bet we gained quite a bit over that.



also FYI I ran a 13.740 @ 101.13 with a bad 60' so yes I'd say its a worth while mod.

i hope you didnt take what i said as 'only' 10 whp. i think it's an awesome addition and thats how i meant to portray it.

and congrats on the 13.7...THAT is one heck of a feat.

I was told by a friend of mine that the original ECU is able to calibrate automatically for Barometric pressure differences, changes in humidity, and all other sort of variables that one may encounter during everyday driving.

Does the Power FC have this capability as well?

the power fc can adjust to temperature.

great info, i have seen most of it though, tks for gathering it all up...

Anyone????

lucky has already answered your question. scroll up a bit

oh... ...yeah i knew he had... (BS):P
thanks!
Soooooo I can... Then I have to get it retuned...
NEXT QUESTION
Do I have to send it somewhere to get it retuned?
ThANK U ALREADY

^^ NO, you can't.

you can have MWR tune it with base maps and then you'll have to look around your area for an apexi tuning shop. you can fina a list on their website.

or you can wait and buy a pretuned one and not bother retuning it.

Whoa...13.7 dam!!! okay im very lost on information on the power fc...I have a 2002 celica and my redline is 7800...whats the redline for the other celica's? also they say that the 2002 celica model has a redline so it cant pass 7800...with the power fc can it still be made to redline at 7600? So if I wanted to purchase the power FC will I have to set it up myself or do I just call monkeywrench racing and will they do it for me?? if both ways...which way is better...letting them do it or doing it myself? whats the price?

if you want to hold off a bit, we are concidering selling our maps preloaded on the pfc through groupbuy4celica (karnage motorsports)

and they work with the 02 celicas, no need to swap the knock sensor, just drop the pfc right in and your good to go with 8600 rpm redline

I've got MWR's I/E PFC installed on my 2k2 GTS. So I can provide some insight as well. Right now I wanna know if anyone has the commander and what they use it for? I would like something that I can use to moniter stats.

^^ you'll want the datalogit then. way more functional then the commander.

also if you only have the mwr map and havent had it retuned yet then you are missing out on all the fun. lol in lift you'll still have stock power. and for some reason be a little slow in 4th gear.

So when will it be available? how much will it be? So the PFC will be tuned for my car? or do I need to tell you what I have installed on my car? also why would i want the datalogit? what the difference with that and the commander?? so why do have to bring it back to mwr? why does it not have power on lift and 4th gear? is it only for 02 celica?

^^ whoa. lol

We are putting generic tuning on them that will work on all of the celicas. it's always best to have a shop fine tune it to your car since all cars are not the same.

the datalogit allows you to store different maps for different things like if you want a track map and a street map. you cant do that with the commander.

What kind of affect does this have on the engine components?


Raising the redline from 7800 to 8600 is quite a raise. Will this decrease the life of my celi?

i was woundring that to

anytime you add Performance parts to your car you risk the longevity of your motor. if you are worried about that then dont do it I like mine at 8600 so thats where I put it. If you feel safer with 7800 then by all means leave it.

also keep in mind its not a difference in strength of the motor that makes the 2002 different from a 2000 stock on an 00 is 8400 I don't think the extra 200 is gonna put that much additional strain. but you should stick with what ever makes you feel safe.

So, my redline is 8400? Or thats my cutoff?

fuel cut in 2000 - 2001 & 2003 models is 8400.

I would so buy a power FC but i have an extended warranty that runs for 24000 more miles and that would void it...i see the power gains, any other reccomendations for me part wise (there's 7 or 8 cellys at my college and im tryin to sleep them all with the best of the best parts)

i was thinking a fidanza flywheel
i don't know about the exhaust yet i need help
a new msi ignition coil

plus im runnin 50k miles i need a tune up... if you have anything you could tell me to get me to not buy the wrong parts then it would be much appreciated...


vvtL-i till i die

you do realize it takes less than 2 min to change the power fc to normal ecu, and its undetectable that you removed/installed your stock one for the power fc for any warranty work right??

does it work on auto?
i don't see why not if you have mapping for autos...

stock ecu controlls the automatic, power fc does not have that functionality, it wasn't built for an auto.

I'll probably wait till I pay my car off.

Or untill I get Intake/headers/exhaust so i get get it premapped with those settings.

No one around here does tuning that I know of, and I sure as hell dont have the skills.

but doesn't the blitz s/c kit comes with apexi power fc?
and they both have auto and manual

okay here is a question i thought of that i don't think wasa asked.

with teh pfc when teh rev limtier kicks in is it a fuel cut like wiht the stock ecu or is it a spark cut.

i know the stock rev limit was set by the ecu so i assume that with the pfc you shoudl eb able to change it.

i would really like to know because i would feel safer knowign it was a spark cut and not fuel cut.

As for an exhaust, I would recommend either the TRD or the Veilside exhaust. Both have the most fluid torque reading throughout the rpm's. And as for peak hp, take it as you may, they are both at the top. Veilside is significantly lighter in weight. I don't know how the Veilside sounds though, I do know that the TRD has a low, controlled sound. The TRD does NOT sound ricey at all.

limiter is a fuel cut

no muffler has the same gains as the trd exhaust and weighs less then ANY exhaust system lol

is there away you can change it from fuel cut to spark cut?

i mean it is a new ecu adn you are supposed to bea ble to change the parameters was just curious cause i hat ehavign a fuel cut makes it go lean.

if i read the manual correctly theres no way to adjust that.

isnt stock a fuel cut also?

yes stock is a fuel cut but i thought it was in teh ecu. and since you replaced it you could use a safer spark cut for the rev limiter.

apparently i was misstaken

wbere can i buy the APEXI power FC

pm groupbuy4celica

he has a group buy going on for a pretuned power fc. it's on the other site but he has 1 spot open for the group buy still. thats gonna be your best bet.

Um, what about Celi's with 75,000+ miles? I want to bump up the power, but don't know if this lil Yamaha motor can take it at this age. Thoughts?

hasnt been asked yet, so does it work on the 2004 DBW?

the pretoned power fc, everything is set up and just plug in?

And is there any other tune up to be all motor?




02 celica gts hawaii
15.2 @ 90 mph
only injen Intake,wings west kit

<-----bought my car last june, 30,000 miles on it

here it is may 4 and I have 71,000 miles on it.

I'd have to say the engine can take ore abuse then people think I would know. lol but I do take good care of my car maintenance wise.

to my knowledge it doesnt work on an 04.

It's advertised as fitting the 00-02 Celica GTS. Does any know if it works with the 2004 model?

please read the thread before posting questions like this, it has been answered many times, for instance scroll up 4 posts

^^ He got

Oops! Sorry, my bad!

I'm from europe and since we guys in europe work with this very handy KM/H system I was wondering if the Apexi also could display Km/H insted of M/H .. Then I'm definately interested (and sure the gains are the same but just wondering bout the displaying )

from your post I can tell you dont have much of an idea what the power fc is.

this replaces your stock ECU. meaning once it's in you never see it.

Well Thats what I knew but isn't it a different one used in US as in Europe ?

I dunno never seen a UK model. lol it will only not fit if the UK version uses a differnt wiring harness to the ecu. kph vs mph doesnt matter.

K that's just what I wanted to kno thx thinking bout getting one

^^ can you post a pic of your engine / the harness?

Sure will do

****waiting****

HAH! I'M GETTIN ONE!!!!!

where is hollister???

sweet et's at the track, way to represent.

My best 1/8 mile is 9.45 @ 76.9 mph w/ a pretty bad... 2.28 60ft time. (street tires, full interior)

That mod is exactly what I need.

I have an 02 GTS w/ the 8400rpm mod. You guys know by now 00 computer and knock sensor.

PM groupbuy4celica or check the group buy forum cause he's got the best price/tuning package available! thats where I got mine.

can the power fc control wen lift hits?

yes but theres no benefit to moving it lower then 6K you wil lose too much power

i have a 2000 gts w/ an injen Intake, dc headers and a tanabe racing medalion exhaust system w/ random tech. high flow cat. would the best way to go be to buy the mwr pre-tuned and take to be re-tuned or should i wait until you put out your pre-tuned pfc. and how would a pfc work with a custom Turbo if i decided to install one.

how could you have the dc header if it isnt made yet???

As far as SF CA, the DC header for GT and GTS is availible w/ next day shipping

you sure about that

Does DC have future plans on making a ss header for our cars like they did with the rsx?

cant, our cat doesnt unbolt like the rsx does

Lucky, all you got is the CAI and power FC and you run 13.74? btw how much does the power FC run? like $900?

can you tune the fc so that you can run on low octane regular fuel with your gts...

and is there anything that would help to make speed readings proper on cars with larger then spec rims and rubber

^^ yes, but it wouldnt be good for your car.