SE/S4/S4s Memcal Chip Upgrades

[grungex]

Hi guys,

A couple of you were asking about this on another thread, I thought I'd launch a new one appropriate to the topic.

Here is a list of available upgrades for the SE/S4/S4s, as sent to me by Marcus at Moto-Concept. All claims and comments are his. If you are in the US, I can reprogram your memcal. I can also install a socket to allow easy chip switching, or install a dual chip with a switch in your ECM. For more details, and to contact me offlist, please see my web page at http://turboesprit.tripod.com/memcal2.html

Cheers,
Sanj

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These are all available chips for the 2.2 litre engine. Number 0 is the tamest and number 7 is the most aggressive:

Code 0-3 can be safely used on stock engines without any harm. Code 4-7 I recommend for engines with some (more or less) upgrades. For example big c/cooler, BOV, high flow exhaust system, cat replacement pipe ... to make the hard work of the engine easier (=reduces intake air heat, and exhaust heat and exhaust back pressure)

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0. original Lotus S4-code - will give stock 265/(285*)HP but is much more refined compared to the old SE code - this is a good choice for SE-owners who want to keep stock performance but benefit from the more refined code (* = in overboost mode)

1. original Lotus S4s-MK5-code - will give about 290HP, but still has the 3k-stumble and the well known A/C-on-off-idle-problem - is suited as a performance upgrade for all SE/S4, gives more power and a bit more torque

2. improved S4s-MK5-code with the 3k stumble reduced - will also give about 290HP and a little more torque +5% in low and midrange - gives very good driveability and is a very good and safe performance upgrade for all SE/S4

3. High-Torque-S4s-code - is based on the improved S4s-Mk5-code but with +18% torque - will also give about 290 HP top end - is a very good choice like the improved S4s but with that additional punch in low- and midrange

4. High-Performance code 310HP - is based on the improved S4s MK5 code - max. boost pressure 1.1 bar

5. High-Performance code 330HP - is based on the improved S4s Mk5 code - max. boost pressure 1.2 bar

6. Red-Race-code - special code based on the S4s-Mk5 or Sport300 - max. boost up to 1.25 bar

7. Blue race code - special code based on the S4s-Mk5 or Sport300 - more radical as the red one - max. boost up to 1.25 bar


>>> Edited by grungex on Tuesday 18th February 13:33

[benfell100]

I have an S4. It has a BOV, a K&N filter, an SS Exhaust with mini muffler and Marcus' 310hp MkV code chip. I have just had a ceramic coated manifold and a recon turbo from Turbo Technics fitted. The weather recently has been clear skies, dry roads and 1 deg celcius. Ideal Esprit weather. I can't push it in first because the wheels will spin uncontrollably. A blip in first then go for it in second and the back wheels still spin but its more controllable. The car absolutely rocks. No 3K stumble. smooth as a baby's bum.
This setup must be treated with respect in the wet because, well its obvious. I need to inherit or win some more money to pay for the S350 Mag wheel because mine are too narrow. On a track it will storm away, I'm convinced.
Lots of fun
Dom

[lotusman]

Nothing was mentioned about the chip given in MotoConcept for non-SE cars? Is there such a chip for the non-SE cars? I have an '89 non-SE.

[grungex]

lotusman said: Nothing was mentioned about the chip given in MotoConcept for non-SE cars? Is there such a chip for the non-SE cars? I have an '89 non-SE.

Actually there is, it is designed to be used in conjunction with a bleed valve, which is supplied with the upgrade. I have not supplied this to anyone, so I cannot vouch for its performance. Keep in mind there is a limit to what you can add in the way of boost before charge air temperature causes diminishing returns.

Here is a link to the webpage on Moto-Concept's site describing the chip:
www.moto-concept.de/en/autos/lotus/esprit/artikel_esprit_detail.php?item_id=15305

Cheers,
Sanj

>> Edited by grungex on Thursday 20th February 23:54

[little66085]

Sanji,
What would reccommend for us who have a '95 S4 with stock motor and only a stembro dual exhaust? Can We go to a 4 or 5 without damage? Also what is this addl socket for? Thanks, Rob.

[greezmunky]

Can I pick up a blank memcal somewhere maybe a used one from another gm vehicle?

[grungex]

little66085 said: Sanji,
What would reccommend for us who have a '95 S4 with stock motor and only a stembro dual exhaust? Can We go to a 4 or 5 without damage? Also what is this addl socket for? Thanks, Rob.

Hi Rob,

A few people are running the #5 with otherwise stock vehicles (S4, S4s), and no reported issues. If you are being conservative either the High-Torque (#3) or the #4 are probably the way to go. The socket allows you to switch back to your old chip, or change to a different upgrade later without having to send your memcal in for reprogramming. I include the socket and either a copy of your original chip or the S4s Mk V chip (#1) with any upgrade to #'s 3, 4, or 5.

Cheers,
Sanj

[grungex]

greezmunky said: Can I pick up a blank memcal somewhere maybe a used one from another gm vehicle?

Unfortunately, memcals are usually specific to the vehicle and engine for which they were originally intended, even when they use the same ECM. Aside from the 'chip', which *can* be reprogrammed, they also have unalterable hardware circuitry for functions such as knock sensing, spark control, and limp-home mode built in. Therefore, a memcal for a Grand Am, for example, will probably work poorly, if at all, in an Esprit. To make matters worse, Lotus does not sell the memcal separately from the ECM.

Cheers,
Sanj

[bojangles]

Sanj, clearly you supported this guy in the past. What happened? ( for others read the topic about SHARE MY EXCITEMENT )

Bruce

[Dr.Hess]

I think John sells memcals:
www.wcengineering.com/esprit/memcal.html

Dr.Hess

[sanj]

bojangles said:

Sanj, clearly you supported this guy in the past. What happened? ( for others read the topic about SHARE MY EXCITEMENT ) Bruce

Hi Bruce,

If you are talking about shokwaverider/Ian/impconcepts, I have never supported him in any way whatsoever. Any chips he is selling are, to the best of my knowledge, illegal clones, some of which may actually be defective. I do not for a minute believe his story that he gets these chips from used cars. In the past month alone he has sold or listed 10-12 chips on ebay.

The only authorized sellers of Marcus' chips in the USA are myself and possibly JAE.

[jk1]

Bruce,

Impconcepts (shockwaverider) and motoconcepts are two totally different people/companies.

Also back in 2003 when Sanj originally made this post, Marcus was working with Motoconcepts in Germany. He has since left them and started his own business which is PUK.

Hopefully that will clear up the confusion.

Jim