The XEDE - Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

The EVO XEDE: An Overview

The XEDE (pronounced "ex-eed") is the only user-programmable engine control system that works with the factory ECU- not instead of, or against it. Every one of its functions has the resolution and flexibility to complement all factory ECU engine control strategies. From the factory ECU's boost-limiting safety features to its long-term learning algorithms, etc., the XEDE carries the tuning torch without inducing any compromise to performance or safety margin. A year ago, such coherence between ECU and interceptor-based tuning device would have been deemed impossible for a number of reasons:

1) No one had access to underlying fuel, timing and boost maps. This means that all piggy-back tuning attempts were subject to unknown. Variables that had influence over long-term fuel learning or knock correction. It was also impossible to determine and compensate for maximum RPM or Load limits which made extracting full performance without concessions to safety margin virtually impossible.
 

2) Limited resolution with respect to tuning control. With the factory fuel, timing, boost and knock correction maps offering up to 16x16 cell resolution with engine speed breakpoints every 400RPM, no interceptor-based tuning device of the time offered commensurate resolution. Without this resolution, it was impossible to compensate for sudden spikes or dips in underlying maps. Instead, compromise was inherent in such applications.
 

3) Poor crank angle sensor (CAS) replication. Prior interceptor-based tuning systems improperly replicated the crank angle sensor waveform, maintaining little more than signal peaks and valleys. While this was sufficient to manipulate basic timing advance, it often triggered factory diagnostic strategies, hard-starting, erratic knock correction and general rough-running characteristics.
 

4) Limited tuning software flexibility. As with virtually every aftermarket engine control systems on the market, tuning software interfaces offered resolution greatly inferior to that of the factory ECU it is attempting to influence. With the inability to place Load and RPM breakpoints wherever necessary for coherent management (and the restriction of having to use the same Load and RPM breakpoints for all tuning variables) the tuning process was shrouded in compromise.

The XEDE addresses all the above issues as following:

1) With our involvement with the ECUTEK re-flashing system, we now have full knowledge of all OEM fuel, timing advance, knock correction, etc,. maps. Knowing all underlying engine control variables, it's now possible to know exactly what one is tuning upon.

2) With the XEDE offering an ultra-high 20x20 map resolution, it is now possible to tune upon the factory maps without sacrificing granularity or having to compromise one zone for another. Additionally, XEDE users can define not only their own Load and RPM breakpoints for each map, they can also determine which Load variable to use (TPS, MAP or MAF) in order to best achieve their specific tuning goals. Simply put, no other form of engine management offers this degree of tuning flexibility.

3) Compared to the Unichip, the XEDE is capable of vastly superior CAS replication. This ability greatly improves active knock correction performance, general drivability and invisibility to the factory diagnostic system. Perfect CAS replication insures that there is absolutely no misunderstandings between the factory ECU and the XEDE.

4) Unlike the Unichip which is capable of modifying only Ignition Timing and MAF signals with fixed load (MAP) and RPM) breakpoints (every 500RPM, the XEDE is capable of modifying Ignition Timing, MAF, TPS, MAP and Knock sensor signals with respect to RPM (up to 20 user-definable breakpoints) and any one of three Load variables (MAP, TPS or MAF).

5) Unlike the S-AFC, the XEDE is capable of providing boost and spark timing control in addition to high resolution fuel management.  Used appropriately, this enhanced functionality yields a broader power band as well as a much greater resistance to detonation.

XEDE Technical Specifications

  • 1200 possible adjustments on the standard New Age WRX program

  • 0.1% accuracy on MAF and MAP adjustments

  • 0.1degree accuracy on timing adjustments

  • Accurate reproduction of reluctor type timing signals, not just of triggering edge

  • Direct plug-in adaptor (no cutting or splicing required)

  • Fully sealed, rugged, and lightweight housing

  • Support for hall and reluctor type crank and / or cam timing signals

  • Support for analog or frequency MAF and MAP / load signals

  • One additional 10-bit analog input

  • One auxiliary digital input / output

  • Internal storage space for up to 12 tuning maps

  • Built-in boost control

  • Built-in knock signal adjust feature

  • Self-configurable load axis, input and output variables, adjustment range, and math function for each map

  • 'Map Select' input to change between one of two unique tuning maps

  • Two high-current Pulse Width Modulation outputs

  • Remotely installable bi-color status LED

Introductory Pricing:

XEDE System
Includes XEDE computer, Plug-In Harness and 6' Serial cable.
$995 Order
XMAP Full-Functional Tuning Software (.zip file)
Allows user to create new, or modify existing, XEDE tuning maps. Only recommended for those who want to tune and understand the consequences of improper engine management calibration.
$FREE  

XEDE Tuning Map Database

Getting Started with the XEDE (.pdf)]

Installation Instructions (.pdf)

Click here for directions on how to Upload Maps into your XEDE (.pdf)

Note: The following calibration maps are designed for EVOs running the factory intake system (stock box, stock filter, etc,.) Replacement of any of these components may result in MAF sensor mis-readings which could potentially degrade the effectivess of the baseline maps. Those running aftermarket intake systems are encouraged to custom-tune their XEDEs maps on a dynamometer for maximum performance. Also, all calibration maps are designed for premium gasoline. Anything less will likely induce detonation which will damage the engine.

Notes: The following XEDE maps are designed exclusively for the newest iteration of the XEDE and its associated plug-in harness. This newest iteration offers fully programmable closed and open loop boost control as well as map switching via externally mounted switch. Users of earlier generation XEDE units without these new features are encouraged to contact us for upgrading. This will either involve a hardware update or exchange-both free of charge.

XEDE Map and Download Information
These maps are designed to run on a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII. The Xede installation requires that the brass restrictor pill in the boost line just before the factory boost control solenoid be removed. Xede installation. All maps raise boost and hold it more consistently to red line. These maps also induce a more aggressive timing and fuel mapping values.
To only be used with premium unleaded fuels
Stage Mods + PSI 91 Octane 93 Octane Updated
Sub 0 Completely Stock +1 Sub0 91 Sub0 93 na
0 CAT-Back 1-2 0 91 0 93 na
0 + CAT-Back and Downpipe 1-2 0plus 91 0plus 93 91-11/03
93-3/04
1 CAT-Back, Downpipe and Cam Gears set to Vishnu Spec 1-2 1 91 1 93 93-10/03
1 + CAT-Back, Downpipe and Cam Gears set to -3,-3. HKS 264/274 Cams
XedeFlash recommended for Higher midrange boost pressures and rev limit.
2-3 1plus 91 1plus 93 2/04
Special Maps
Stage Mods + PSI Map Updated
1 CAT-Back, Downpipe and Cam Gears set to Vishnu Spec
This is a very high output map and is designed for drag strip applications. Those participating in open track days should run a less aggressive map.
2-3 Stage One 104 Octane 10/03
1 + CAT-Back, Downpipe and Cam Gears set to -3,-3. HKS 264/274 Cams
XedeFlash recommended for Higher midrange boost pressures and rev limit.
This is a very high output map and is designed for drag strip applications. Those participating in open track days should run a less aggressive map.
2-3 Stage One with HKS Camshafts 100 Octane 1/04

EVO XEDE News and Updates

April 4, 2003
The EVO XEDE is ready to go. It controls fuel delivery, spark timing and knock sensor sensitivity via 3D maps. Map resolution is outstanding, allowing 20x20 breakpoints for engine load and RPM. This is slightly greater resolution than the maps in your factory ECU. This approach is vastly superior to using simple 2D tables as provided by S-AFCs and other simple fuel-only controllers. Also offering fuel ignition control, the XEDE is in a class by itself.

June 25, 2003
We now have EVO XEDE boost control working in both absolute and intercept modes. In absolute mode, you simply input your desired wastegate duty cycles as a function of load and RPM and your factory boost control hardware does the rest.

In intercept mode, instead of inputting actual duty cycle values, you input offset to stock. For example, if you want 14.8% more boost , you simply put "14.8%" in the desired cells in your boost map.

In either mode, you have the ability to run a RPM-dependant boost profile of your choice. This is far superior to using a stand-alone boost controller, most of which are only capable of holding one boost level all the way up to redline. Also, the boost control logic in the XEDE greatly improves both low RPM and partial-throttle boost response. Your EVO will never fell the same again (that's a good thing!)
Okay, what's the downside?
Well, in absolute mode, we're triggering a wastegate control related OBD-II trouble code. It appears as if the factory ECU expects to see some sort of resistive load and current surge when driving the solenoid. With the XEDE driving the solenoid, the factory ECU isn't seeing what it expects to see and, voila, check engine light (CEL). The fix: Adding a little $3 relay coil to the wastegate control wire from the ECU. Needless to say, this isn't a perfect solution and we are working on a more transparent fix integrated into the XEDE harness.

June 27, 2003
Map switching between two maps (both stored in the XEDE) is now ready! Simply hook one of the XEDE wires up to a switch which brings it to grown when activated and the map switch occurs. During map switching, the indicator light will turn red for a couple of seconds indicating that its loading up the secondary map. When the light turns back to solid green, your second map is on-line and you're ready to rock and roll. On our test car, our second map is designed for 100 octane race gas. With it activated, it raises boost pressure, runs more ignition advance and less fueling under boost. Easy extra 30 horsepower! No joke.

June 28, 2003
Did someone mention plug-in harness? Yes, I think that was us! And yes, it is coming!! No more wiring cutting and the wastegate control circuitry (for CEL prevention) and map switching wires is built-in to the board. Simply plug it in and you're off. Of course, it's not ready yet since we're still finalizing the board design. However, we estimate that they will be ready to ship in August in limited quantities. If you want one, call us now and get on the list.

July 10, 2003
While we're waiting for the new plug-in boards, we decided not to leave well enough alone and make some firmware improvements to the XEDE. So we incorporated new ignition control logic that limits the rate-of-change of ignition advance changes. What does this mean? Let's say that you have a "0" in one cell in your ignition advance table and "-3" in the adjacent cell. If the cells are placed close enough, the ignition retard will ramp up too quickly and potentially trigger a CEL for misfire detection. We've only seen this happen once or twice (out of 30+ cars) so it's certainly not a chronic problem. Bur our new firmware update limits the rate-of-change for ignition advance changes so that no two successive engine events result in excessive crank angle signal changes. We've also incorporated some rather neat ignition control logic that fixes some quirks in the factory ignition advance mapping/control. The result: More immediate torque upon throttle application.

July 15, 2003
With the release of the harness, we'll also be releasing a new version of the XMAP tuning software which will have a few more parameters for transient fuel enrichments and dynamic timing control which will fix some more EPA-induced nonsense in the ECU's factory control logic. Of course, this only applies to those who are using the XMAP tuning software. Those who are just relying on our baseline maps can simply download the appropriate tuning file when it is updated with the new goods.

July 28, 2003
We've been testing the final production version of our EVO EXEDE plug-in harness for the last several days now. Everything looks tops! We still want to put another 1500 miles on our car just to make sure we don't run into any surprises. Boost control works immaculately. We even have MAP scaling enabled for altitude compensation tweaking. Not to mention provisions for an externally mounted 3 or 4 bar MAP sensor for high boost drag car applications! With the plug-in harness, total installation time drops to under 5 minutes with 100% reversibility back to stock.

August 5, 2003
We ran into a little snag with the big batch of production harness we just took delivery off. The board assembler used out-of-spec relays for the boost control circuitry. While boost control still works perfectly, the factory ECU notices that it no longer controls the factory boost control solenoid (which is more resistive than the boards relay). So, after several hundred miles of driving, it eventually throws a CEL for "wastegate circuit low". Performance and drivability is unchanged but no one likes to see a CEL in a brand new car. So now the challenge is finding an appropriate replacement relay which shares the same footprint as the out-of-spec relay. I'm calling Digikey as I type this...

August 6, 2003
We just had delivered to us what appears to the be a suitable relay and have already updated one of the harnesses. We ran the relay at a constant 12v for 5 full hours (equivalent to being at full boost for 5 full hours) to see if it fries itself. It didn't. Next, we ran the relay at 24 volts (for no reason at all... we're just sadistic) and it took 15 minutes to melt the wires on its coils. So, needless to say, it will work just fine in our 12v application under any conceivable circumstance. Now comes the question: will it keep the factory ECU happy? 50 miles of dyno time and so far so good. Going to put some more miles on the test car this weekend just to make sure we have all the bases covered.

August 7, 2003
Dyno Fun! Thanks to a couple of local EVO owners who let us have our way with thir cars, we now have new XEDE maps for Stage SubZero and Stage Zero. Our old maps were fine but they were for the older XEDE unit which didn't control boost. Now equipped with 3D-mappable boost, our Stage SubZero and Stage Zero kits have surpassed even our expectations. On 91 octane California gas (the worse in the land), we are getting a remarkable 10% gains in wheel hp on an otherwise stock EVO with nothing more than our plug-in XEDE engine computer. With Stage Zero (Cat-back and XEDE), we seeing an equally remarkable 17-19% gains in wheel horsepower. This is considerably improved upon our old pre-boost control results. In case your wondering, we didn't simply "jack-up" boost. In fact, peak boost still remains at stock levels, but with less boost roll-off at higher engine speeds. Air/Fuel ratio is still wonderfully rich, making it completely safe on 91 octane under even the most harsh driving conditions. Expect 93/94 octane maps to be even stronger.

January 19, 2004
Wow… a lot of time has passed since our last update. And we’ve certainly been busy with map generation. As it stands now, we have an XEDE map for just about any reasonable combination of modifications. We’ve also managed to enhance our XEDE maps with our XEDE Flash ECU reflash, allowing for higher boost, speed and rev limits. Also new and hot is our Stage 1 with HKS Camshafts maps. On race gas, we’re seeing over 400 flywheel horsepower! Of course, we can’t leave out the work we’ve been doing on our Stage 2 package which is currently powering the faster Lancer Evolution 8 in the US. It’s powered by an XEDE/XEDE Flash combo. Awesome power with perfect drivability.

 

Vishnu Performance Systems
3687 Old Santa Rita Road #21
Pleasanton, California 94588

Email:  sales@vishnutuning.com
Phone: (925) 924-9800
Fax : (925) 469-1208

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