ostrich emulator (and xenocron) FTW - read if you need a cal
picked up an ostrich 2.0 a couple weeks back. I have been having FAR too much fun playing with it since. before more time passes, I wanted to tell you all about the great experience I recently had buying it at xenocron - that is moates' primary distributor, and they are close enough for me to call them local. if you look at their site xenocron.com, you might notice they focus on hondas...true, but doesn't keep the owner chris from wanting to work on our cars. he digs on the grassroots scene, and told me he is up for simple services some of us need, like only burning a chip or socketing a board.
wish I'd have found him last year; he is quick to handle his business professionally, and when I told him about guys previously waiting 2-3 months for custom calibrated ECU's - he asked why, like anyone normal (meaning outside of TM circles). he was more than helpful in getting me up and running as soon as I asked for help. BIG thanks to him for getting me up to speed quickly. drop him an email or call if you guys need anything along those lines, you won't be disappointed.
on to the ostrich itself. what a sick tuning tool, on any level. my relevant setup info:
first gen g-body
2.5 common block
+20 injectors
LC1 wideband
stock T2 with big hot side (.63 turbine, 3" TU swingvalve)
3" turbo back, muffler only
GLHS MP II LM (previously)
I have a fair amount to say about this combination (pre-ostrich). firstly, this is a relatively fresh shortblock I put together last year. I had previously been running the MP GLHS LM with a 2.2 for I don't remember how many years, with great satisfaction. when I put the 2.5 in, I have to be honest - even after playing with both base timing, and a little cam timing, I wasn't as satisfied as I was with the 2.2 and this LM. I read probably every thread about the combination, and gotta say I think most of the posts I found neglected to mention the change in street manners. the performance out of boost was less than optimal, and with the need to back base timing down so much because of the mismatched timing tables, mpg definitely suffered, as did idle quality and throttle response (to a small, but noticeable extent). in-boost performance was great of course, but honestly - since I put this setup together, I spend MUCH less time in boost than before because it really isn't necessary for better than average acceleration.
then came the ostrich. for a long time I had been playing with what calibration I'd start off with, had everything relevant from the code repository, but honestly still like the MP II calibration as a starting point because I'm familiar with its behavior, and with the correct timing tables I figured it would be a relatively strong combination.
I've really only had to make a few changes to find the sweet spot - the timing tables of course, but fuel was actually (still) spot on, and is still showing rich up around 17 psi. it won't be long before I go 3-bar MAP at this point, it will be so simple to step up.
that is where the ostrich fits in best - I've been slowly accumulating parts as I go along, trying to focus now on the technical items now to squeeze power and efficiency out with each step. although I just grabbed the ostrich, it would have perfectly fit in earlier with my agenda of constant upgrades, however occasional. it will also work great for popping in to my second gen project, when I take the first gen off the road for paint and want similar benefits. for anyone doing semi-serious mods, the ostrich is money very well spent. not that I ever did, but I cannot imagine having to suffer thru a single day of waiting for someone to tweak my calibration for me. the ostrich fills that gap perfect.
final word on the overall combination, as it is set up now, is absolutely awesome. I'm an old-timer, have been around since before the boards - I knew what to expect. objectively as possible - with just slightly beyond a stock setup, from a dead stop I am definitely past the limits of traction under acceleration, and at relatively low boost levels (not full throttle). the scalded dog description fits again, but freakin SERIOUSLY now. full boost is something I've needed rarely, with the corrected timing tables now I'm sure it is even less necessary. the tires I'm on gotta last thru the winter! snap off the line is HUGELY improved with the timing tables corrected, this is definitely where the combination with the previous cal suffered. the setup clearly exploits the better torque curve of the 2.5 down low. there is absolutely no question as it sits if I wanted I could easily tap low 13's. I'm sure pending the 3-bar MAP and a good set of tires, and a couple of mouse clicks - this setup will be good for well beyond that. I don't know if I'll take this project that far, but I am ecstatic knowing whatever I do to it, correcting the tune is now only a few minutes from being done!
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12.57@104 :O) 
your posts were a good portion of it!
Originally Posted by wowzer
Re: ostrich emulator (and xenocron) FTW - read if you need a cal
I'm totally down for helping with that one. Moates actually has a whole section devoted to developers including support for their hardware. I'd check out their help site and see what you can find. It's probably pretty straightforward.
