[75aces]

Alternatively, if you have the budget, you can use piggy back ECU or stand alone ECU.

@RWatters, are you building up your Corolla xrs?

My plans is just to increase the torque on the 2zz rather than building the engine up. Whilst focusing on the suspension.

Hopefully my contact comes through and is able to tune my ECU locally and dyno it.

 

[RWatters]

Alternatively, if you have the budget, you can use piggy back ECU or stand alone ECU.

@RWatters, are you building up your Corolla xrs?

My plans is just to increase the torque on the 2zz rather than building the engine up. Whilst focusing on the suspension.

Hopefully my contact comes through and is able to tune my ECU locally and dyno it.

No huge plans for it outside of an intake that's arriving Saturday and lowered Lift. In the future maybe swap out the muffler to get it some more noise. Maybe suspension/wheels/tires down the road but I genuinely enjoy driving the car as-is right now so I don't know how much I really need to do. It only has 87,000 miles on it and that won't be going up much as I'm soon to be working from home if all goes according to plan. I bought the car earlier this year as a cheap fun car to have (I owned a 2004 Vibe GT and a 2005 Corolla XRS years ago) that didn't hurt the wallet too much since it won't be moving that often.

Good luck in getting the reflash done. I'd love to see the before/after dyno results. I really like the plans you have as they should benefit the car quite well.

 

[75aces]

Is yours a 05 or 06 Corolla xrs? 87k is low!

I've owned mine since 16. It took me 2 years to find and buy my 06 Corolla xrs. It had 69k at the time. Now, it's at 126k. Drive it everyday and always puts a smile on my face.

I am considering buying another Corolla xrs or matrix xrs. It'll be for my son who'll be driving it. He's just coming around to helping me out with maintenance. This will be something of a father/son project.

 

[RWatters]

Is yours a 05 or 06 Corolla xrs? 87k is low!

I've owned mine since 16. It took me 2 years to find and buy my 06 Corolla xrs. It had 69k at the time. Now, it's at 126k. Drive it everyday and always puts a smile on my face.

I am considering buying another Corolla xrs or matrix xrs. It'll be for my son who'll be driving it. He's just coming around to helping me out with maintenance. This will be something of a father/son project.

That would be awesome to have a project car with your son!

Mine is a 2006.

Finding these period is rather hard to do anymore. They were rare on a good day 10 years ago but now there's only a handful for sale in the USA period. Mine was only 4 hours away so I jumped at the opportunity to buy it. It's seen better days from a body condition standpoint but mechanically it's sound.

 

[75aces]

I see 2 in California for sale. Pretty affordable at this time. Just higher mileage than average.

What color is yours @RWatters? Mine is black sand pearl. Needs some PDR, but not in a rush.

Cosmetic isn't an issue. As long as it's mechanically sound.

 

[Grinding Gears]

I got my ECU back from R9K the other day. I took it for a few rips yesterday. I only have a TRD muffler so he tuned the intake cam changeover to 6k rather than 5,800.

What I can say is that there must have been a difference in the midrange as transitions into changeover are smoother and it makes a fair bit more noise in the middle. Maybe the exhaust cam is opening up sooner. I think it used to hit the high lobes around 5,200 or so. I'll have to take some slow runs to see if I can pinpoint it.

The big difference is obviously the lower point of full changeover. I was flogging the thing plenty hard and the powerband seems huge now compared to what it was. That 800 rpm of extra meat makes the thing drive like a whole new car. You really feel it when climbing to the top of 3rd gear cause you have so much more time running in full power.

It's like pouring an extra finger into a cocktail, the car is just that much more potent.

 

[Vangm25]

I got my ECU back from R9K the other day. I took it for a few rips yesterday. I only have a TRD muffler so he tuned the intake cam changeover to 6k rather than 5,800.

What I can say is that there must have been a difference in the midrange as transitions into changeover are smoother and it makes a fair bit more noise in the middle. Maybe the exhaust cam is opening up sooner. I think it used to hit the high lobes around 5,200 or so. I'll have to take some slow runs to see if I can pinpoint it.

The big difference is obviously the lower point of full changeover. I was flogging the thing plenty hard and the powerband seems huge now compared to what it was. That 800 rpm of extra meat makes the thing drive like a whole new car. You really feel it when climbing to the top of 3rd gear cause you have so much more time running in full power.

It's like pouring an extra finger into a cocktail, the car is just that much more potent.

That sounds about right as my per my dyno results for my Camry while it didn't see much increase in power the mid-range did change (keep in mind the graph only shows 3000 rpm +)

 

[Gerxiong89]

Had r9k tune on my xrs when I was full ppe bolt on(ppe headers, ppe mid pipe, ppe intake) and 75 shot nitrous. It was great. Afr was on point. Car felt great and ran great. Hurted a lot of feelings. Now I'm boosted and hurting more feelings

 

[XtRaSlo]

I see 2 in California for sale. Pretty affordable at this time. Just higher mileage than average.

What color is yours @RWatters? Mine is black sand pearl. Needs some PDR, but not in a rush.

Cosmetic isn't an issue. As long as it's mechanically sound.

I saw the one you posted on another thread, my parents neighbor bought it, high mileage but pretty clean

 

[outkastsk8er20]

I'm currently running the MWR reflashed ECU. I e-mailed MWR and asked them a few questions about the reflash. Here's some of the features....

1. Fuel cut increased to 170 mph. Stock is around 115-120mph.
2. All CEL codes remain the same, unlike r9k where they can remove certain codes. So if you decide to go straight pipe on your cat converters, you'd still need a de-fouler setup or resistor setup i suppose.
3. You can send in your compatible ECU for reprogramming and receive the same one back if you'd like.
4. There is no launch control, unlike r9k. The stock trans and axles really aren't built for hard launches, so it's up to you if you want to risk your trans' lifespan.
5. Tune is designed around stock 91 octane.
6. Fuel and ignition maps are adjusted.
7. Cam phasing adjustments made.
8. Works with N/A mods. Intake, Exhaust, Headers as long as oem sensors are maintained.
9. Pretty much plug and play, but you may need to reset your immobilizer if you can't start engine. (I had to reset the immobilizer)
10. Lift engagement (VVL) set to 5800rpm. Stock is around 6600-6800 rpm.
11. Rev limiter increased to 8600rpm. Stock is around 7800-8200rpm.
12. OBD2 port works as normal.

Notes: It's not really noted on either r9k or MWR's websites, but I'd recommend upgrading your valve springs and retainers. Since you'll be revving higher, valve float may occur and reduce your power.

I'm running a stock setup with the exception of a ACT HDSS Clutch, MWR Stainless valves, valve springs, and retainers. My tests will be interesting since most who've done this mod are running intakes, 2.5" exhausts, and ppe headers. R9K lists different reflash tunes depending on your N/A mods. When I received my MWR reflashed ECU, it states, for CAI, stock headers, and simple bolt ons.

1.16.2021 Update: Engine response does feel a lot more peppy from 1st to second even for normal driving. I can stay in lift through all gears now and hit 120mph a little better now. The midrange dip in 3rd and 4th from cruising to full wide open throttle is a little less now, but still somewhat there.

From here I'm debating on upgrading the exhaust and intake for possible gain cuz I don't want the cops to hear me coming.

2.26.2021 Update: Injen CAI installed. Exhaust is still stock. With the MWR tune, engine power feels a little less than the stock airbox from low-mid range. The power increase only starts to pickup and pass the stock airbox at high range around 100-115 mph.

4.07.2021 Update: Just tried launch control to see if the MWR flash has it and they do add it, however it's not advertised on their site. Just put the gas pedal to the metal while stopped in neutral and it'll keep revs at 6000 rpm.

4.08.2021 Update: E-mailed and confirmed with MWR that they do not use the R9K Tune. They have their own profiles.

MWR updated their description of their reflash features, so now lift engages at 5750 rpm and revs are limited to 8400 vs 5800 rpm and 8600 rpm. Not sure why the change, but I may have a theory as I have to re-review the MWR reflash.

The MWR flash runs fine, but after comparing it to my stock ECU there is one noticeable issue. The powerband seems to fall off around 7600-7800 rpm in 3rd and 4th gear. Trying to rev to the advertised 8600 rpm limiter is pointless because it's as if the revs are going nowhere around 7600-7800 rpm. Because of this, I've been upshifting sooner because going to the limiter is almost unobtainable. The downside of this is that the MWR flash will be noticeable slower than the stock ECU. Hitting lift with the stock ECU is actually stronger than the MWR lift engagement. I have no problems hitting the rev limiter in 3rd and 4th gear with the stock ECU. After installing my Injen CAI, the MWR flash was also noticeably slower than the stock ECU until I hit 100-115 mph. Only at 100-115 mph is where the MWR flash pulls ahead of the stock ECU, but by then there is speed gap.

Now I can't hate on the MWR tune because at the end of the day the tunes for each engine will be different no matter if everyone has the same setups. Elevation, octane ratings, temps, engine health etc. will have an affect on the tune which is why one should just get a standalone ECU. For now I can't afford one nor afford a tuner, so I've sent my MWR flashed ECU out to R9K in hopes they have a profile that suits my 2zzge.

5.13.2021 Update: So the loss in power I've been experiencing may be caused by faulty fuel injectors and is not due to MWR's tune. I pulled the fuel rail and noticed the injector internals are deteriorating. I've never seen injectors just crumble internally like this before. Of all the days for the injectors to go is when I get my ECU reflashed sigh. I had to order new injectors online as no local auto parts store seems to carry 2zzge specific injectors. I'm going with the Standard Motor Products FJ782 injectors as there is no way I'm overpaying for OEM ones. Napa also carries the same part under Echlin brand for $30 more (part #CRB 218194, 23209-22130). If anyone needs the oem injector part number, it's Denso 23250-22070 and it's a gray color. Will see if new injectors fixes my prob.

 

[75aces]

MWR sells the r9k flash. You should not give your core to them. If it's 06, the vin needs to be added. As I've discovered, the emission test I have to do verified the vin in the ecu.

Edit : I'm using ronietune.

 

[outkastsk8er20]

MWR sells the r9k flash. You should not give your core to them. If it's 06, the vin needs to be added. As I've discovered, the emission test I have to do verified the vin in the ecu.

Edit : I'm using ronietune.

Interesting, if they use the r9k flash don't they have multiple tunes for different N/A mods? I'm lucky enough to not have emissions check, but I am keeping my ECU just in case I run into problems.

 

[75aces]

Interesting, if they use the r9k flash don't they have multiple tunes for different N/A mods? I'm lucky enough to not have emissions check, but I am keeping my ECU just in case I run into problems.

To my knowledge, I don't know what profiles they offer. I just know they are working with r9k.

Lift - 6k
No cat codes
No air injection codes

Go any lower, you're replacing the oil pump.

No other changes.

 

[outkastsk8er20]

MWR sells the r9k flash. You should not give your core to them. If it's 06, the vin needs to be added. As I've discovered, the emission test I have to do verified the vin in the ecu.

Edit : I'm using ronietune.

You got me thinking now because I updated my review on the MWR flash and there is an issue I've noticed. With the MWR flash, while in 3rd or 4th gear, it is near impossible to rev past 7800 rpm. My foot is to the floor trying to get to the advertised 8600 rpm, but there is a point at 7600-7800 rpm where the powerband just falls off forcing you to upshift earlier. You mentioned they used the same tune so I tried launch control today on the MWR flash and it worked although they don't advertise it. What is misleading though is MWR's reflash description has changed. Now lift is at 5750 rpm and the rev limit is at 8400 rpm vs 5800 and 8600 rpm. At this point my tests point that the Stock ECU is superior. The guys at Toyota or Yamaha made lift kick in at 6800 rpm for a reason. I want to send my ECU to R9K for a tune, but not if it's the same as MWR's. I'd be wasting money.

 

[75aces]

You got me thinking now because I updated my review on the MWR flash and there is an issue I've noticed. With the MWR flash, while in 3rd or 4th gear, it is near impossible to rev past 7800 rpm. My foot is to the floor trying to get to the advertised 8600 rpm, but there is a point at 7600-7800 rpm where the powerband just falls off forcing you to upshift earlier. You mentioned they used the same tune so I tried launch control today on the MWR flash and it worked although they don't advertise it. What is misleading though is MWR's reflash description has changed. Now lift is at 5750 rpm and the rev limit is at 8400 rpm vs 5800 and 8600 rpm. At this point my tests point that the Stock ECU is superior. The guys at Toyota or Yamaha made lift kick in at 6800 rpm for a reason. I want to send my ECU to R9K for a tune, but not if it's the same as MWR's. I'd be wasting money.

I've never got the r9k tune, so I don't know why your car fails to reach redline in 3rd or 4th gear. With my ronietune, my lift is at 6k and redline was not changed. I never sold my original ecu as I will need it at some point.

Hopefully you'll be able to get the issue corrected by r9k. As they are the only place doing the tune. Every tuner I spoke to in the past has told me they can't tune a denso ecu.

 

[outkastsk8er20]

I've never got the r9k tune, so I don't know why your car fails to reach redline in 3rd or 4th gear. With my ronietune, my lift is at 6k and redline was not changed. I never sold my original ecu as I will need it at some point.

Hopefully you'll be able to get the issue corrected by r9k. As they are the only place doing the tune. Every tuner I spoke to in the past has told me they can't tune a denso ecu.

I asked MWR if they use R9K's tune and they don't. They have their own profiles, so I sent my ECU out to R9K for a re-tune. Will have a comparison vid up after testing.

 

[FCO_Rivers]

We know about Toyotas and 13Bs in Puerto Rico and if you mix them up, ie; rotary powered Starlets, you're in for a ton of fast tiny cars, I mean, we know about everything else but that's our specialty [emoji23]

Every car that looks like a $500 car in PR runs like 12s or lower hahahahahaha

I had a friend with a Datsun 210 fastback with a 1.8 3T engine, webbers, straight exit exhaust, ford 9" rear end shortened and speed/rust holes, that thing was fast.

I'm surprised to find out about R9K here after I moved to FL because I never heard of them in PR, but I also didn't own a Corolla in PR. It's not like it matters a lot to me because I own not one but two 1zz Corollas, never been into Corollas for speed, I just need good reliable cars. But I'm always lurking in the shadows reading what you guys do for speed and I live vicariously through you.

Keep it going guys, let's see how fast and far you can get.

Sent from my SM-N976U using Tapatalk

 

[75aces]

As of late, the 2zz swap is gaining popularity. The engine is less torque though. That's the advantage the 1zz has over the 2zz.

Out of the box, the 1zz has greater torque and will play nice with turbos. The unfortunate part is that there's only a few places that supports both the 1zz and 2zz. MWR does offer a k20 swap though.

 

[greentrees2]

I asked MWR if they use R9K's tune and they don't. They have their own profiles, so I sent my ECU out to R9K for a re-tune. Will have a comparison vid up after testing.

Reviving an old thread with some questions.

First thanks for providing such detailed info. I've been watching a few YT videos from user Will Chang who seems to be on the same path as you with the XRS ecu mod; maybe you are the same person.

Please update us on what you've discovered regarding your previous difficulties. The YT reviews of the MWR reflash are similar to yours above - it almost seems like the engine is more docile with the reflash even though lift point was lowered and redline was raised. If this is true, is the reflash for a mostly stock car even worth it? Maybe Toyota knew what they were doing with the 6,800rpm lift point. In stock form the car feels better than a gen 8 Civic Si because VVTi kicks in later and harder than VTEC. Seems like the reflash simply makes it more like VTEC which is more subtle and honestly much more boring. After test driving a decent example of both ('05 XRS vs. '08 Civic Si) the XRS feels way more special in stock form. Don't want to lose that by reflashing.

That said, I'm considering the reflash on my car...though after reading your post above I might just keep it stock...would very much appreciate any updates. Thanks in advance.

 

[dbzhero83]

Yes. Unless you remove the air injection, the 03 xrs will not turn on the cel. But it is possible to turn on at some point.

I have a repinned 03 ECU, but stopped using it because I don't know if it would do more harm than good.

I still plan to reflash my 05 xrs ECU, but still on the fence with the air injection pump. Trying to figure out if it truly is only on for cold start up or used for warm start up too.

I am likely going to use ronie for the fact that shipping is going to be cheaper than PR.

Before I deleted the air injection on my 05 matrix xrs you could clearly hear the pump turn on with cold starts and not when it was warm it is only there to add clean air to catalyst chamber to fully burn cold start leftover fuel I deleted the air injection pump and it idles better at cold start no issues or cel next step is the mwr ecu!