New Product Announcement: The WOT Box!

[phrozen]

Hello everyone! I would like to introduce our company, N2MB racing. We make performance electronics for turbocharged cars. Our base is in the SRT-4 community and you can check us out over on SRTForums here: N2MB Racing - SRT Forums - SRT4, SRT6, SRT8, SRT10 & Dodge Forum

We have decided to branch out into new vehicle communities and bring our popular WOT Box product to the MazdaSpeed3.



The WOT Box is really two products in one. It has a WOT Shift Assist feature and a 2-Step launch controller. You can choose to buy the WOT Box with just the WOT Shift Assist feature, just the 2-step launch control, or both features. The hardware is the same, so if at any time to want to upgrade, you can.

The WOT Shift Assist feature makes WOT shifting easy by reducing your engine's power for a very short period while you WOT shift. It allows the synchros in your transmission to mesh easily, reducing the chance of missing a gear and damaging your transmission. It also allows you to hold boost through the shift, thereby significantly improving your E.T.

The major benefits are:

* Lower ETs
* Reduced chance of missing a gear
* More consistent, effortless shifts
* Reduced wear on the transmission
* Reduced chance of major transmission damage

The 2-Step Launch Control modulates the ignition by dropping power to individual ignition coils to hold the RPM you want to launch at. Since you are at WOT while doing this, the turbo will spool up. You can use this feature for a more consistent and more powerful launch in boost!


How does the WOT Box work?

The split second that you place your foot on the clutch pedal with the throttle all the way down, a signal is sent to the WOT Box that a shift has been initiated. When the module sees the signal from the clutch switch it will reduce engine power by cutting the ignition. This helps you complete the WOT shift easily, without getting locked out of the next gear or damaging your syncros. If you do it fast enough, you will hold boost through the shift. The result is drastically reduced E.T.s.

The drivers in our test cars describe using the WOT BOX as sitting in the car and going through the gearbox with the engine off!! All the drivers were amazed at how smooth the gearbox was. The transition from gear to gear is effortless and the boost gauge would barely show a blip between the shifts. We were able to test on an Evo8 with a laggy 60-1 turbo and managed to hold 30+ psi through every gear! Even on a stock turbo equipped Dodge SRT-4 we were able to knock 3 tenths off e.t. by simply hooking the box up. Our big turbo SRT-4 cars were able to drop up to 5-7 tenths off their E.T. with the WOT Box alone!

Will the WOT Box affect normal driving?

No. The WOT Box will only activate when you are WOT Shifting. Normal shifts will be ignored and continue to work just as you expect. You won't even know its there, until you make a WOT Shift!

How do I use it?
To use the WOT Shift feature, keep your foot fully on the gas and shift quickly using the clutch. Keep the gas fully depressed through the shift. The WOT Box will detect the clutch switch signal and briefly cut the ignition to enable an effortless shift.

To use the 2-Step Launch Control, fully depress the clutch. Next, fully depress the gas. The engine will rev up and hold the RPM that you have set. Quickly release the clutch while leaving the gas fully depressed to launch the car.

Do you have videos of the WOT Box on the MS3?

Here are some great videos of the WOT Box on the MS3 from Darksun280:

YouTube - Mazdaspeed 3 WOT BOX/2step controller

YouTube - Mazdaspeed 3 WOT BOX/2step controller

YouTube - N2MB WOT Box/2step controller on MS3

YouTube - N2MB WOT Box/2step controller on MS3

YouTube - Mazdaspeed 3 WOT BOX/2step controller

YouTube - Mazdaspeed 3 WOT BOX/2step controller

http://youtube.com/watch?v=YPExJ7d6Zjchttp://youtube.com/watch?v=DbGQE8t2Af0http://youtube.com/watch?v=KKmR2qW37i8http://youtube.com/watch?v=khC-vTkmxJI
N2MB WOT Box 40 roll - Video

These videos were originally posted here:
N2MB WOTBOX/2step Vids

We also have a lot more videos of the WOT Box on our website here:
NP Complete Performance - WOT Box In Action

How do I program it?
Check out the users guide here to see how easy it is to set the 2-step RPM and optional manual ignition kill time:
NP Complete Performance - WOT Box Users Guide

How hard is the WOT Box to install?
The installation only involves 6 wires, and should take only about an hour to complete. A full set of installation instructions with pictures are available here:
NP Complete Performance - Mazda Speed 3 Installation Instructions

What about the unburnt fuel that will be present in the exhaust while WOT Shifting and 2-stepping?

Every after market part comes with some extra risk of damage or some additional wear and tear on your car. It has to be that way. If there was a way to get free extra performance out of your car, the engineers would have done it already. They are pretty smart.

However, the techniques in our WOT Box are well known and well utilized, on many vehicles safely. For example, nearly all modern after market ECUs come with some form of WOT shifting, or as is sometimes called, "no lift to shift". What we have done is brought these features to market in a small, inexpensive add-on box for those individuals who may not want to spend thousands of dollars on a full stand-alone.

An even better example of the relative safety of this mod is that some cars are even shipping now with it as a stock feature! For example, the EVO9 has a 2-step launch control and the Chevy HHR has a 2-step launch control and no lift to shift! So, if Chevy is willing to send their cars out of the factory with it stock, they must be convinced it is a reasonable thing to do.

This is not to be confused with anti-lag, which is a system that actually forces fresh air into the exhaust to cause ignition before the turbo to keep the turbo spooled. While this does an excellent job of keeping the turbo spooled (better than no lift to shift), it causes much more wear and tear on the turbo. Here is more reading on anti-lag:
Anti-Lag System - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

To play devil's advocate, let's break down the risks involved in using the WOT Box. To start, the WOT Shift feature. I believe it causes very little additional wear and tear on the car, mainly because the amount of time that the ignition is cut is very short. It may be as low as 100 ms, which is only a few rotations of the engine at the RPMs we are shifting at. Plus, the ignition comes back on quickly and evacuates the unburnt fuel from the exhaust. Sometimes there may be a small audible pop as the unburnt fuel ignites in the exhaust. If done enough times back to back, this potentially could heat up a stock cat and cause it to fail, but it would be hard to imagine a situation where you could WOT shift that many times.

On the other hand, the 2-step carries a slightly higher risk of damage to your engine, mainly to the catalytic converter. This time you are forcing less unburnt fuel into the exhaust (because the engine is still firing some of the cylinders), but you are typically doing it for a longer time. The key here is not to use the 2-step for too long and not too often. It is not a toy to make noise in the parking lot. It is meant to be used briefly before a launch at the track and then given the appropriate time after your run to allow the cat to cool. If you were to get on the 2-step and hold it for several minutes, you would probably overheat your cat and destroy it. During the development of the 2-step on the SRT-4, we did actually destroy Jay's catalytic converter. However, that was after HOURS of repeated back-to-back 2-step testing.

In conclusion, when used judiciously, these features should increase performance with minimal additional wear and tear on your engine and catalytic converter. Used inappropriately, they can cause damage. However, this is the case with all mods and drag racing in general.

So, be educated about your decisions and the level of risk you are willing to take with your car.

Ideally, you would use this product without a catalytic converter on the drag strip only. That being said, my personal car has a catalytic converter and has gone through tons of repeated testing of the 2-step and come out OK. Your mileage may vary.

Can the dealer see that this has been installed through an ECU scan?
The dealer won't see the WOT Box through an ECU scan, but they may see the wiring for the box under the hood. They may void your warranty if they find it. We can't be responsible if they do, so install at your own risk.

Can I really use the 2-step launch control in a FWD car? Will there be enough traction?
Yes, you can make use of the 2-step to launch effectively in a FWD car. Jay's shop SRT-4 launches using the WOT Box 2-STEP at 21 PSI! However, you will need slicks to be able to do that. Street tires will be very limited with the 2-step launch, but you can dial down the 2-step launch RPM to make your street tire launches more consistent.

How long is the warranty on the WOT Box?
Our standard warranty is 3 years. More information is available on our website:
NP Complete Performance - Disclaimer

What if I decide to return the WOT Box?
If you decide you do not want the WOT Box, you can return it within thirty (30) days for a full refund. All original packaging must be included and the product must be in like-new condition.


Can this be purchased now or is this a beta test?

The WOT Box has been out for over a year on the SRT-4, and it was in R&D for another year before that on a half a dozen cars. It has been extensively track tested and our results are listed above and in numerous posts on SRT Forums, Youtube and our website at NP Complete Performance

I worked with Darksun280 to modify our software to work on the MS3. The WOT Shift feature didn't require any changes, I only had to make changes to the crank wheel decoder for the 2-step, since the MS3 has a different crank wheel than the SRT. So, with those changes ready, we are going to kick off a group buy here.

We sell the WOT Box in 3 versions:

WOT Shift ONLY
2-STEP ONLY
WOT Shift AND 2-STEP

If you buy one of the single feature boxes, you can upgrade later if you decide to. Our single feature WOT Boxes normally retail for $159 and the Dual feature WOT Box normally retails for $299. However, to help get the word out in the Mazda Speed 3 community, we're going to do a group buy on this forum for the first 40 customers to order. The pricing is listed below.

Click on your flag to checkout! The link will take you to a Paypal page, but you do not need to have a paypal account. You can pay using a credit card without a paypal account if you click on the link, "Don't have a PayPal account? Use your credit card or bank account (where available). Continue"

WOT Box with WOT Shift ONLY - MazdaSpeed3 $129
WOT Box with 2-Step ONLY - MazdaSpeed3 $129
WOT Box with WOT Shift AND 2-Step - MazdaSpeed3 $189

Shipping will be flat rate at $9.99 for the US, $19.99 for Mexico and Canada, and $24.99 for Australia. All orders are shipped USPS Priority Mail with delivery confirmation. You will receive a tracking number at the email address used during checkout once your order ships. Email sales@n2mb.com to get a shipping quote for other countries.

If I buy a single feature WOT Box now, how can I upgrade later?

If you want to upgrade in the future there will be two options:

1. Pay the extra fee to upgrade. It will be the retail price of the single feature WOT Box ($149), and mail your box in. We will flash it and mail it back to you.

Or

2. Pay the retail price of the dual feature WOT box ($285) and we will advance ship you an extra WOT Box so that you don't have any down time. Once you have returned the single feature WOT Box we will refund the difference ($136).

If I buy a single feature WOT Box, can I try out the other feature?

Yes. Email us at support@n2mb.com and we can send you a special software load that will switch your box from one single feature to the other. If you decide you like it, we can upgrade your WOT Box to a dual feature version using the above instructions.

Can the software be upgraded in the field?

Yes. There is a serial port on the side of the WOT Box. That serial port allows you to upgrade your software as new features are released and the software is improved. We will have software upgrades posted on our site as they come out so that you can keep your WOT Box up to date with the current software.

What do I need to update the software on my WOT Box?

If you have a laptop with a serial port:


Then you don't need anything. Your WOT Box will ship with the serial cable you need.

If you don't have a serial port on your laptop (many newer ones do not), you'll need a USB to Serial converter. You may have one of these already. If it has a prolific chipset, it will likely work with the WOT Box. Other chipsets may or may not work. We've found a few bad USB to Serial boxes that give us a lot of trouble.

I recommend this particular USB-to-Serial because it has the known prolific chipset and it is the same USB-to-Serial adapter that I have done all my development on.
For only $6.49 each when QTY 50+ purchased - USB to Serial Convert Cable(DB9M/USB B female converter and USB A/B cable)[SYB] | USB to Serial/Parallel Converter

Also, it is pretty inexpensive.

Now, if you don't have access to a laptop, we're starting to make wall-plug adapters so that you can power your WOT Box inside your house and load software onto it from your desktop. The same conditions as above apply. If you have a serial port, you won't need anything other than the power cord. If you do not have a serial port, you'll also need a USB-to-Serial adapter. Contact support@n2mb.com to find out how you can order one of these adapters.

Software upgrades will be available on this page:
NP Complete Performance - WOT Box Software

What else does the serial port do?

The serial port will also be where the remote LED and button will plug into. And lastly, there is a rumor that someday I will write some windows software that will allow you to retrieve logs from the WOT Box and adjust parameters with fine precision. We will probably log things like your shift times, so you can see how fast you shift.

One last spoiler... We're currently working on adding one more feature that we will toss in for FREE if it works. That feature will be a remote RPM-based shift LED. It will be an LED that you can mount somewhere on your dash or A-pillar and it will blink or come on when you reach your desired shift point.

Let me know if you have any more questions!

Update - 7/21/08
Due to record breaking summer sales and supply shortages on key components, we have run out of stock on the WOT Box. However, we have a huge build running right now at our ISO 9001 certified, US factory. We are expecting to receive delivery of 250 WOT Boxes in about 2 weeks. So, we are going to extend the introductory pricing listed here until the end of August. We apologize for the delay. If anyone has a pending order with us and would like to cancel it, please email us at sales@n2mb.com and we will help you out. Otherwise, you do not need to do anything. Your order will ship as scheduled as soon as we receive the new shipment.

Again, we apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience.

[kingpin748]

Please add me to the list. I'd like the WOT shift and 2-Step.

Paid.

[Haltech]

Jon, so we 20 persons to kick this off for the pricing? Add me to the list for the 2 step and wot combo.. Maybe you should just call it basic, premium and platinum

[phrozen]

Originally Posted by Haltech Jon, so we 20 persons to kick this off for the pricing? Add me to the list.

The pricing is an introductory special for the first 20 people. It is available at that price now.

[JimmyMac]

Add me to WOT and 2 step!

[JimmyMac]

One question, is the WOT rpm and 2 step rpm 2 different rpm settings?

[PRBLU3MZR]

^^^ Add me to those TITS in your Avatar LOL

[stars.eg6]

Is there a max number of a batch of these that are going to be made or all made to order?

[IDRVSLO]

Add me to the list. When will these be available?

[kingpin748]

OP

Originally Posted by phrozen We are expecting to start shipping orders by July 1st.

[Erich]

I could be reading incorrectly, but I think he just wants you to click the link and pay (the flags next to the prices.)

[JimmyMac]

Sweet, I just paid. Forgot to leave my screen name though... Hey Jon, it's me Michael J. McIntyre, aka KilRuf. Just in case you needed my screen name for the purchase.

[Erich]

Paid (box with 2 Step and WOT)

[silversurfer3]

add me to the list

[oskinosmee]

paid
Stephen Richardson
wot box with 2 step

[Daytripper79]

Paid
WOT/2-Step
Thanks!

[LaDouche]

add me to the list, paid
wot/2step

[whoosh]

PM sent

RE: MS6

[phrozen]

Originally Posted by JimmyMac One question, is the WOT rpm and 2 step rpm 2 different rpm settings?

There WOT shift is not RPM activated. It is activated when you are in WOT and you hit the clutch. Then it cuts the ignition until you complete the shift and take your foot off the clutch. That is the "Auto" mode. Some people may want to just set the ignition cut for the WOT Shift to a fixed value, so there is also a manual mode where you can program the cut time.

Here is a link to the user's guide:
NP Complete Performance - WOT Box Users Guide

[phrozen]

Originally Posted by stars.eg6 Is there a max number of a batch of these that are going to be made or all made to order?

We have over 100 of these in stock. My partner Jay, N2MB, is the one that does the final assembly and shipping, but unfortunately, he is moving today from NJ to Florida. So he's going to need a few days to get unpacked down there and start shipping orders again. That's why I wrote in the post that we expect to start shipping by July 1. I would have loved to start shipping today, but the timing just didn't work out.

Plus, that will give me some time to finish writing the installation instructions.

[Darksun280]

Originally Posted by whoosh PM sent RE: MS6

I have a blast launching at a steady 3400 rpms I can only imagine this for you MS6 guys. I hope you and Phrozen can figure somehting out.

[JimmyMac]

Originally Posted by phrozen There WOT shift is not RPM activated. It is activated when you are in WOT and you hit the clutch. Then it cuts the ignition until you complete the shift and take your foot off the clutch. That is the "Auto" mode. Some people may want to just set the ignition cut for the WOT Shift to a fixed value, so there is also a manual mode where you can program the cut time. Here is a link to the user's guide: NP Complete Performance - WOT Box Users Guide

I understand that. But it cuts out and drops to a certain rpm and holds it there right? So my question is are they 2 separate settings? Or do they both drop to one preset rpm? Not sure if I quite understand it. Or does it cut ignition for preset time during WOT. And for 2 step, it holds rpm till you launch?

[JimmyMac]

I think I got it now. I was just miss reading some reviews and things on the website. I think I get it now. Thanks.

[Shanems3]

Please add me to the list. I'd like the WOT shift and 2-Step.

[phrozen]

Originally Posted by JimmyMac I understand that. But it cuts out and drops to a certain rpm and holds it there right? So my question is are they 2 separate settings? Or do they both drop to one preset rpm? Not sure if I quite understand it. Or does it cut ignition for preset time during WOT. And for 2 step, it holds rpm till you launch?

No problem. I could have set it to cut off the ignition on the shift and hold a certain RPM, but it happens so fast that there isn't enough time to make that worthwhile.

The engine is spinning so much faster than you need it to be for the next gear, so the best strategy is to just completely shut it off to give it the maximum amount of deceleration you can get. Even then, when you shift fast it slows down a lot, but I still think it has a bit more to go by the time I'm ready to get into the next gear. But, it is certainly better than having the engine accelerate up if you tried to WOT Shift without the WOT Box!

[phrozen]

Originally Posted by Shanems3 Please add me to the list. I'd like the WOT shift and 2-Step.

The checkout links are in the first post. Just click on your country's flag and Paypal will take care of the rest. You don't even need to have a paypal account. You will see on the next page a way to checkout using a credit card without having to log into paypal.

Also, there should be a field where it asks you to provide your screen name (it might say something like SRTForums Screen Name). Can you guys let me know if that isn't there when you checkout? It would be useful for me if you could make sure to fill out that field so I can easily match up orders with screen names. Thanks!

[jhershorin]

Phrozen. I have a heavily modified 3. Do you think you could sell me one of these with what wires it needs to get signals from so I could pin it out and run this? I have a gt35r on the car and this would help me ALOT heh.

[phrozen]

Originally Posted by jhershorin Phrozen. I have a heavily modified 3. Do you think you could sell me one of these with what wires it needs to get signals from so I could pin it out and run this? I have a gt35r on the car and this would help me ALOT heh.

Yes, the WOT Box ships with 6 bare wires and you need to make the connections yourself. It's not exactly plug and play, but it is pretty easy. Even easier on the MS3 than it is on the SRT-4.

You need to tap into these signals for the WOT Box:
- Clutch up switch
- Accelerator Position Sensor
- Crankshaft Position Sensor
- Ground

The top three are done at the ECU and the ground is connected at a chassis ground point near the glove box. The last two are a splice into the ignition coil power wire.

I'll post the pictures as soon as I get to work and it should make a lot more sense.

[JimmyMac]

Originally Posted by phrozen The checkout links are in the first post. Just click on your country's flag and Paypal will take care of the rest. You don't even need to have a paypal account. You will see on the next page a way to checkout using a credit card without having to log into paypal. Also, there should be a field where it asks you to provide your screen name (it might say something like SRTForums Screen Name). Can you guys let me know if that isn't there when you checkout? It would be useful for me if you could make sure to fill out that field so I can easily match up orders with screen names. Thanks!

There was a field that said SRTForums Screen Name. (I skipped it because it said SRT.) But I was expecting to be able to leave a comment on the next page to give you my screen name. Well, it didn't let me leave a comment. Just said the sale was complete. So that's why I left my name above.

[phrozen]

Originally Posted by JimmyMac There was a field that said SRTForums Screen Name. (I skipped it because it said SRT.) But I was expecting to be able to leave a comment on the next page to give you my screen name. Well, it didn't let me leave a comment. Just said the sale was complete. So that's why I left my name above.

Ok. Cool. I'll see if I can change that to say Mazdaspeed Forums SN.

Thanks

[Cosmic3MPS]

Alas, no Aussie flag again We do have visa cards and we are willing to pay extra for postage . . .

[phrozen]

Originally Posted by Cosmic3MPS Alas, no Aussie flag again We do have visa cards and we are willing to pay extra for postage . . .

Hey sorry about that. I only posted US , Mexico and Canada because that's what I know from the SRT-4. They were only sold in North America.

PM me your address and I'll calculate postage for you. Any advice on how to best ship to Australia? I've never done it. We usually ship US Postal Priority mail. It is under 1 lb. I could quote USPS Priority Mail international and maybe UPS and Fedex. Let me know what works best for you.

[Cosmic3MPS]

Thanks Phrozen. PM sent

Cheers

[jhershorin]

Originally Posted by phrozen Yes, the WOT Box ships with 6 bare wires and you need to make the connections yourself. It's not exactly plug and play, but it is pretty easy. Even easier on the MS3 than it is on the SRT-4. You need to tap into these signals for the WOT Box: - Clutch up switch - Accelerator Position Sensor - Crankshaft Position Sensor - Ground The top three are done at the ECU and the ground is connected at a chassis ground point near the glove box. The last two are a splice into the ignition coil power wire. I'll post the pictures as soon as I get to work and it should make a lot more sense.

It makes plenty of sense. I wired my full standalone ecu and had to do the pinout myself since no one has done it for this car before. This should be easy for me. I am going to try to run the 2 step off my haltech but if it doesnt work (trying sunday the 29th) I will purchase this.