http://www.urbanracer.com/headline/venom400.html


am ordering mine today lets see how it works with the SC

 

looks very promising!

A couple of questions though:

1. Is it configurable? (i.e. like the V-AFC)
2. Still a bit confused about the install...does it intercept signals going to the ECU? If so, does it require a splice?

Anyways, how much did you buy it for and from whom? Let us know of the results when you get it!

 

Let us know how it goes, very skeptical. Mainly because it doesn't say much about what it actually does...only benefits of having it.

 

I spoke with the folks a python..sound like an interesting concept-- basically just giving us more fuel at less than WOT...that this means? I 'think' basically we become a non ULEV vehicle with the unit enabled. I don't "think" anything happens with this unit at WOT...but the mid-throttle positions 'should' yield better performance because basically (from what I gather), they are dumping more fuel in (a different fuel map in the 1k-5k range). Thus, "better" throttle response (or more power) in that range when NOT under WOT. An interesting concept, and one has to wonder what the effects (if any) are at WOT versus not in this range. The unit is $299 from that website, or u can call 888-974-2133, ask for Grif, and you can have one for that price in 1 day (shipping cost is free!). Now, does it really work? Dunno. I'm going to play with one and let you know my results.

Ohh-- no its not 'configurable'... it does NOT change VTEC engagement, or anything like that. Its simply a fuel-map change. Either ON or OFF, period.

Anyother interesting thing... about running rich versus lean(er). I am a sponsored RC helicopter pilot, and fuel mixture is always an issue. Running too rich always meant less power, but cooler and safer operation (because its 2-cycle, more oil, less risk of heat damage). On a 4-cylinder.. I have no experience, but I know our cars run RIICH (you can see this from the black smoke at wot) when we are WOT. Obviously, this isn't the case mid-throttle. So-- the question is (I suppose), does adding fuel in the mid-range give you more power, and does it (if possible-- ECU might just ignore its reading at wot) lean out the top end a bit? Dunno the answers to these.

-- Aaron


From www.boroperformance.com:

Q. Okay, How Does It Work??

A. The Venom 400 activates at about 25-30% Throttle Angle. When it does it modifies the input signals going into your computer, in particular the Manifold Absolute Pressure and Throttle Position Sensor Signals.

Q. How Do I Get More Power From That?

A. Well, when the computer sees these "modified" signals it will provide a different set of fuel and ignition maps than it would normally provide. These maps tell the computer what the spark timing and fuel injection pulse (fuel) should be for any given engine operating condition, like under load, part throttle or deceleration. The Venom makes the computer use different maps that are more aggressive and provide better performance.

Q. What Do You Mean By Better?

A. Well, the factory ECUs are not always tuned for the best performance, they are tuned for the best fuel economy and emissions. That's particularly true of sport compact cars that are designed to get good fuel economy.

Q. So Emissions will Go Up? and Fuel Economy Will Go Down?

A. Actual tail pipe emissions will probably remain well within specifications. This is a result of the efficient (but restrictive) catalytic converters found on modern vehicles. Fuel economy will usually decrease slightly. It is difficult to make more horsepower without burning more fuel, that's just a fact of life. If anyone tells you that they can increase horsepower without burning more fuel on a late model (95 and up) vehicle I would be suspicious. The fact is, the manufacturers do an great job at getting the most horsepower at the "lowest emission level" possible. But they are concerned more with emissions and fuel economy so they will detune the engine by 10 or so horsepower if it can mean a ULEV certification or extra 1 mile per gallon. (Ultra Low Emissions)


Q. So Is This Like a PROM or Computer Chip?

A. Kind of, but different and better. PROM chips really steamed from GM products. Tuners would reprogram and tweak the PROMS to get more performance.

When we started developing the Venom we thought of doing that but ruled it out quickly. First, the industry is going to Flash PROMS, which are non removable. That means you have to take your whole computer out, send it to someone to have it reprogrammed, which can take days, that is a pain. In addition once programmed its in there and in order to "turn it off", lets say for "on-road" use or emissions certification, you would have to reprogram it again. We really didn't see that as a viable option for the customer. We wanted to be able to switch it on or off (i.e. for on road, off road). The problem with PROMS is that most states will have some type of emissions program. Two things can happen. The PROM programmer gets too aggressive and the vehicle won't make it through a test. Or, they are too conservative and you don't get the performance gains. Because you can switch ours off, you don't have to worry about that.


Q. What's Deal With The Little Red LED?

A. The LED is mounted in the dash and will tell you when the Venom is active. Another benefit over PROMS or CPU upgrades.

 

Hmm, sounds quite a lot like V-AFC, but V-AFC can do non-WOT and WOT, along with VTEC Controlling (not that big of a deal).

I just don't know why I would want my car to perform better at non-WOT in the 1,000 RPM to 5,000 RPM range. It's the exact opposite of how I drive my car when I want power (WOT and above 6K).

 

This may be a great performance mod. The only complaint I ever hear is that there isn't ebough power in the low revs. If this does a decent job of fixing it and can be turned off, then why not get it.

If anyone gets it on a non SC S2000, let us know.

 

My concern is that with a V-AFC, you're essentially doing this mod PLUS more -- ? I mean, V-AFC can also regulate partial throttle and WOT....what do you guys think?

 

Definitely let us know, but it sure sounds like smoke 'n mirrors to me. Look at it this way --

I don't know about you but when I want to really move I go WOT. I don't really need better 'partial' throttle response. When I'm feathering it is because something bad will happen if I go WOT, so I'm not in need of more grunt at that instant.

 

Another HP enhancer....I'm for that!!!

I'll be reading this thread for users results. Sounds like relatively small bucks for mid-range gains - where we really need them.

My hopes are up.

 

I may be way off base here but do remember researching the Mugen ECU and seem to remember it netted its improvements in response and performance by leaning out the mixture, not making it richer. The Mugen ECU also improved gas mileage. Apparently our cars run pretty rich from the factory, to protect the high compression engine from detonation with less than ideal fuel.

In any case it does seem there are gains to be had in tuning A/F in our cars as evidenced by the V-AFC. But if I'm right, this company argues in the wrong direction for adjustment, and this device doesn't seem to offer the tunability necessary to adjust to the unique characteristics each individual's car.

My hopes aren't up but if/when somebody gets one I'd like to know how it works out!

Jason