ECU tuning for the Mazda MX-5 NC can be performed using various tools. Among the most popular are EcuTek and RomDrop. Below, I compare these two solutions to help you decide which system suits your needs.

1. Costs and Availability

• EcuTek
  A paid software platform that requires purchasing a license tied to a specific ECU. One significant limitation is that changing the ECU login locks access to the software.
• RomDrop
  RomDrop is a free solution developed by Speeps (a user from the Miata.net forum). It requires no additional fees or licenses and imposes no locks on the ECU.

2. Versatility

• EcuTek
  Supports multiple car models, making it a universal tuning tool.
• RomDrop
  Dedicated exclusively to the Mazda MX-5 NC. It builds on Mazda's original software, preserving many factory protocols. However, due to the greater number of maps in the factory ECU compared to EcuTek, tuning with RomDrop can be slightly more challenging for beginners.

3. Opcje dla użytkownika

• EcuTek
  Offers four banks of settngs, providing ample customization options for different driving conditions (road, racing, show, service)
• RomDrop
  offers 2 sets of maps (ignition, fuel, and variable valve timing), switchable across a 0% to 100% range in customizable increments (as little as 1% or as much as 100%). Example use cases: Two maps for different fuel types (0% for 95-octane fuel, 100% for 98-octane fuel). Two maps with a middle-ground option: 0% for 95-octane daily driving, 100% for aggressive 98/100-octane tuning, and 50% for a safer 98/100-octane setup suited for sustained load, e.g., track driving.

in both cases features are controlled by cruise buttons. Original cruse control function is still preserved

4. FlexFuel support/E85

• EcuTek
  FlexFuel support via EcuTek is pending confirmation (as of November 2024).
• RomDrop
  Supports FlexFuel/E85 using a Zeitronix sensor, enabling automatic adjustment of fuelng and spark advance based on ethanol content.

5. Boost control

• EcuTek
  Allows boost control using the EVAP valve output, a convenient feature for boosted setups.
• RomDrop
  Does not include boost control. An external controller e.g. LDPerformance, DET3is required. However tuning for boosted engines (fuel, ignition, etc.). is fully supported by RomDrop

6. Additonal Features

• EcuTek
  As part of its RaceRom package, includes revmatch/auto blipenhancing the driving experience for sports-oriented users.
• RomDrop
  Currently (as of November 2024), it does not support revmatch or auto-blip functionality.

both EcuTek and RomDrop have launch-control and flat-shift options

In Summary

And finally... remember that the tool you use is just a tool. What truly matters is how you use it. A topic for another article. :)