How to set RPM/speed limit?

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scoot
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How to set RPM/speed limit?

Post by scoot »

I have a 2003 Vibe with automatic transmission. I'm in a situation where I would like to set a speed/RPM limiter on my Vibe - I have to share the car with my brother who seems to drive it a bit abusively. (of course it would make sure that I don't go crazy too...)Is there a way to set a speed and/or RPM limiter on my Vibe's ECU? I would probably want to set the speed limiter around 80 mph and the RPM limiter at about 3500 or so.Any advice appreciated - thanks!
keithvibe
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Re: How to set RPM/speed limit? (scoot)

Post by keithvibe »

i am not sure that can be acomplished... but if it can I would set the rpm limiter higher than 3500... 4800 would be better... you can easily hit 3500rpm on a highway...
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Raven
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Re: How to set RPM/speed limit? (scoot)

Post by Raven »

It can't be done. Not 100% positive but 99.9% for sure.
tcam
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Re: How to set RPM/speed limit? (Sunny)

Post by tcam »

lol, it seems like it'd be kinda dangerous to have the rpm set so low. what if u need to accelerate quickly for some reason? but yeah, I'm pretty sure you'd need to spend some big$$ on a standalone ECU or something to adjust the rev limiter or governor. not worth it
BlueCrush
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Re: How to set RPM/speed limit? (scoot)

Post by BlueCrush »

Nope, Can't be done. 100% positive.
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kevera
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Re: How to set RPM/speed limit? (scoot)

Post by kevera »

Unfortunately the easiest thing to do,would be to tell your brother to get his own car,or slow down.
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tcam
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Re: How to set RPM/speed limit? (13Vibe03)

Post by tcam »

Quote, originally posted by 13Vibe03 »Wrong. It may be possible...I know the Vibe uses a coil on plug system that is more complex than the distributor in my Escort GT...I'll have to ponder the wiring diagrams and manuals.After I installed a turbocharger on my 1995 Escort GT, I had to retard timing under boost. I first tried a Jacob's Electronics box that had two timing knobs, and a rev limiter. It worked pretty well as I could advance the base timing (turn the distributor but not sure how easy it is on the Vibe) and use the first knob to adjust base timing. The second timing knob set the total amount of retard during boost. It was triggered by an adjustable, boost sensing relay.The best part was the spark dropping rev limiter. It was much smoother than the OEM fuel cut! I could set the rev knob so the engine would barely go above idle and of course, I tested it a few times. So, if you figure out how to install one of the spark dropping ignition units onto our coil on plug setup, you can adjust the rev limit down.I later ditched the Jacob's when I installed my custom built, electric boost switch. I wanted to run both low and high boost settings for when my mother borrowed the car or in case of bad weather.Small, fast spooling turbo + wet roads could easily result in a spin during a turn! I now run a generic MSD box (works with OEM timing controls) that pulls 0-3 degrees of timing and up to 20 total degrees. The engine runs much better with progressive timing retard and is closer to optimal timing no matter if the switch is set to low or high boost.The Jacob's unit intercepts the timing signal from the ECU (spout = spark output) before it gets to the coil (only one coil on my Escort). The timing box is then able to delay that signal or cut spark totally depending on where you set the rev limit on the Jacob's timing box. *EDIT* check into the Jacob's Nitrous retard units. I didn't pay more than $175 for the boost sensing unit. whaaaaa??? lol. I hardly understood any of that. I'm not too educated about turbo's
keithvibe
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Re: How to set RPM/speed limit? (tcam)

Post by keithvibe »

we need Turbo&auto to chim in from MO... LOL
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BlueCrush
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Re: How to set RPM/speed limit? (keithvibe)

Post by BlueCrush »

I know you can remove the speed limiter. Turbo&Auto has already done that. You won't be able to lower your rpm limiter to 3500rpm and your speed limiter to 80mph with your stock ECU. I can guarantee that 100%.It may be possible to do one or the other it if you replaced your ECU with a HydraEMS ($1500) and custom tuning for everything on your car ($1500+). But doing this for what you want would be the dumbest idea EVAR!
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binary
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Re: How to set RPM/speed limit? (scoot)

Post by binary »

It's unfortunate that you have to share your car with an irresponsible driver.Limiting speed to 80mph is a great idea, but not available without heavy modification of the ECU programing. I'm not even sure where to start, probably with an aftermarket chip and having it programed for your specific needs.If you just need proof of his disrespect of your vehicle:GPS Tracking http://www.brickhousesecurity.....htmlECU Logging: http://www.davisnet.com/drive/...s.aspOr just a good beating for disrespect of your car would probably suffice.
scoot
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Post by scoot »

Thanks for the replies!For those saying "tell him to get his own car" - I'm in a tough situation - the Vibe is owned by my parents but they're giving me the car after this year. I'm a senior in high school and the rest of my family is moving after this year (while I'm going to school relatively close to here.) Not bashing on the Vibe or anything but he gets a much nicer car with probably ~30K fewer miles (2006 Mazda3 S). And he got his drivers license earlier than I did - he's a sophomore in HS right now while I didn't have a driver's license until the end of my sophomore year. I am nearly powerless - I would have revoked his privileges to drive my car long ago if I had any power at all.He wouldn't listen to a word I say. And if I tell my parents then he'll probably rat me out too. I've accelerated fast a number of times but I don't do it nearly as much as I used to. I don't treat it the way he does - i.e. he'(removed) the 118 mph speed limiter on a public road but I haven't been even near that speed. That's pretty much the reason that I was looking at setting the limiters; if I would have been able to set it at 80 mph and maybe 4500-5000 rpm he would have pretty much no legit reason to complain.I was already looking at getting a CarChip so I can see exactly how poorly he treats the car and so I can have something to use against him should I feel that I need to talk to my parents about it.
tcam
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Re: (scoot)

Post by tcam »

haha, that situation sucks dude. Mine is very similar to that. I'm a junior in HS and absolutely obsess over my VibeGT. I spend all of my money modding it and keeping it in absolute perfect condition. I'm consistently performaing maintance on it. Unfortunately like u, my parents bought me the car and so technically I can't prevent them from driving it or anything. And my Mom burns the clutch like crazy, and same with my Grandma and Grandpa. I can't stand watching them tear apart my drivetrain. My Grandpa damn nearly redlines it when trying to grip the clutch. lol. I hate it. And my Dad said it would be inpolite to try and teach him. So every time I tell my Mom to please just get a rental car for our family members when they visit, she pulls the "I'm paying for it, and I own it". It's the most frustrating situation ever. She has no idea has much I care for the car and how I can't stand seeing people ruin it. So we are kinda in the same boat. lol. and it sucks
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