mystery machine

Hey, I had a stab at guessing I.A.M. above - got two words out of three, not bad Reminds me of scene from Only Fools and Horses: Well-heeled gentleman: "We've got S.W.A.N.S." Delboy: "What? Them big white duck fings?" Rodney: "No Del, it's not a duck or a goose or anything like that - it's an acronym." Delboy: "Oh, right...... What do you feed them on?" Well-heeled gentleman: "What do we feed what on?" Delboy: "Yer nacronyms?"

You told me you were only a gearbox away from an STi! (and a steering rack, and a DCCD...) Just kidding, John - fingers crossed they're the same

OK, so if subjecting the engine to certain conditions can affect the IAM value (e.g. when forcing fast ECU learning), and the IAM value affects ignition timing advance, then doesn't it follow that driving style can affect ignition timing? Perhaps not constantly, but at least under certain conditions - e.g. after a change in fuel, or after an ECU reset... BTW - cheers for all the info, it is appreciated.

Aye, that sounds familiar. So what effect does the IAM value have on the way the engine runs? If 'IAM' stands for 'Ignition Advance M[something]' then I think I know the answer Jings, that sounds a little 'invasive'

Dipsy - I was reading a similar article on Andy Woods' website the other day - lots of general ECU info, but scant detail on the 'learning' side. I'll check out that ECUTEK link, though - cheers!

Interesting, cheers for the reply. Got to admit that it doesn't quite tie-in with my experience of the car. The more often it's revved, the stronger it seems to pull in general. There's a lot of chat on the internet about this behaviour (especially on the American Subaru sites), so it's hard to know what's for real and what's snake oil. Some supposed gurus are quite adamant about the effects of driving style on the car's general performance - even going as far as to publish means of accelerating 'fast mode' ECU learning... We really need some clever firmware whizz to reverse-engineer the Scooby ECU...

I admit to being hazy on the exact technical details - perhaps 'timing' is the incorrect term - but the senior servicing chap at Ian Grieve Subaru told me quite confidently that the ECU adjusts certain 'parameters' according to driving style which can effectively make the car feel more or less responsive over a period of time. If you have a better understanding of Subaru ECU learning, I'd be genuinely interested in hearing more. Any research I've done on the topic has turned out only the haziest of details...

I really shouldn't laugh, but the way you wrote that got me creasing up! Suicide seaguls on their way to birdie heaven..... never let it be said that extremists don't work in mysterious ways!

What happened there, Graham?

I've heard this too, and it ties up with my own experience. I also understand that if the engine is subjected to a lower-octane fuel than it's used to - and the ECU detects knock as a result of this - then the timing will be retarded pretty much instantly. Again, it'll take several miles, judicious use of revs, and maybe even a couple of tank-worths of 99 RON to advance the timing to its previous setting. The Scooby ECU is apparently very much "once bitten, a hunner times shy"

Just got to see your pic for the first time, kogii - looks like a very clean Blob STi you have there I'm not usually a fan of the gold wheels, but must admit that they work well with the black paintwork (and the silver too, to be fair).

Fair point, Cathy - can't argue with your alibi! Aye well, you never know - I've been across to Midlothian and down into the Borders on more than once occasion since picking up the Scoob. Some great roads through your way!Tam.

Interesting, cheers for the info.

Is this a known issue with Scoobies? I've noticed some movement in my bonnet at motorway speeds, particularly driving into the wind...

Hello and welcome to the forum You can wave at me if you see me in Edinburrae - I will be happy to reciprocate (yet to score a wave from an Edinburger). Curious... I have the same issue with classic drivers. In fact, just the other day I spotted this red classic wagon in Falkirk and - hold up - I think we've already covered this

So are you timed only on the way up the hill, or do they time you going back Doune again?

I'm not trying to be funny, Tam - but I'm surprised you can still look at GB270s after the luck you've had with them, mate It'd be an STi for me every time. Think of all those mechanical goodies! Here's a list that Graeme Mac was good enough to post, detailing some of the differences between the WRX (on which the GB270 is based) and the beefier STi:http://forums.sidc.co.uk/index.php?showtop...t&p=1246311 Tempted?

You're welcome. Aye, does it good to keep the revs up on a fairly regular basis. Let's face it, you didn't buy it for its fuel economy

With a bit of luck, mate. Although do be prepared to have to rag it for quite a few miles before it starts to feel as keen again.I was off work for a week recently. Every trip I made I tried to turn into a little fun run (within reason, within the law, etc). Car never felt better than it did after that week of spirited driving. For similar reasons, it always feels a bit keener on a Monday morning than it does on a Friday night - even if I don't! He's a Subaru tuning specialist:http://www.andyforrestperformance.co.uk/index2.html Never used him myself, but legend has it he's the local guru on all things Subaru ECU. Seems to have made many a happy customer around these here parts... I'd imagine he's well worth a try if your problem turns out not to be related to ECU learning.

P.S. Generally don't notice much difference in engine performance between hot and cold weather, aside from on very cold winter days - where, once the engine has warmed up, there's generally more boost on tap (the dense air, I guess).

Have you been pottering about much recently? I'm told that prolonged periods of sedate driving can cause the ECU to pull back the boost/timing a bit (part of the continuous 'ECU learning' algorithm). Certainly notice it with mine - power delivery diminishes after a week or so of going back and forward to work. Can take up to 200 miles of spirited driving to persuade it fully back into 'fun' mode (although you notice it gradually picking up as you drive those 200 miles). We're not talking drastic power reduction, but most certainly noticeable! Are you using 99 RON?

SIDC pinups! Excellent idea! (I think?)

Sounds like a memorable trip, Iain - can't beat the irresistible cocktail of empty roads and good weather! I've driven the Oban to Fort William route before (and on to Invershneck'ee) - was very nice if I remember rightly. Need to get up there again soon. Shame that so many drivers don't seem too well-informed on country road etiquette, i.e. leaving gaps in the traffic for overtakers, pulling over to let folks past... I try not to let these things annoy me, but they can sometimes spoil an otherwise enjoyable drive.

Glad we could help, Shelly Any time you need a spoiler to cry on, etc