Standalone ECUs?

So after idaho rally, the miata engine will be going in. For whatever reason, people think Miata parts are freaking gold, as opposed to spending money on stock, likely frail, wiring harnesses and an ECU, I have considered a standalone ecu.

Now, the poor person in me says "Go megasquirt" The new version is out and its almost half the cost of a more "reputable" option.

The Miata does have a turbo, so i would like to have more control than the factory ecu provides. On top of limiting the use of 20 year old parts.

Another advantage would be getting rid of the Cam sensor which is a space issue with the firewall. I could opt for a trigger wheel and block off the protrusion.

Another option would be using the AEM that plug and plays to the miata harness.

so anyone with experiences rallying with standalones?

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First Rally: 2010 First RallyX: 2004 (a bunch)
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Last Updated, Apr 9, 2023



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/23/2012 11:54PM by Gravity Fed.

Co drove in Adams Megasquirted Corolla, and it runs pretty damn good for something ziptied together..... Love ya Adam!

well the Megasquirt 3 is about 690, whereas the AEM EMS-4 is 760. I am rather tempted to go with the more reputable brand. Ill have to see what the used market has as well.

I would like to have the open to control a solenoid or stepper motor for antilag as well.

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First Rally: 2010 First RallyX: 2004 (a bunch)
Driver (0), Co-Driver (7)
Organizer (3), Volunteer (3)
Cars Built (2.5), Engines Blown (2) Cages Built (0) # of rotations (3.5)
Last Updated, Apr 9, 2023

Check out miataturbo.net That's a pretty good forum... they love MS. The big bottom line is that you don't want to go with the stock ECU if it's turbo. There are some bandaid options like rising rate fuel pressure regulators etc, but you're leaving a bunch on the table. I run a Link on mine... it was top o' the line a few years ago, but now they say MS2 is way better, and the new version even better. There are people on miataturbo that put those together to be plugnplay also.

after reading the Megasquirt is still more adaptable and capable for the price than the lower AEM products. Especially since i want to try and develop an anti lag down the road. Plus the input sensor options are more varied so i can get rid of the Cam sensor in favor of a trigger wheel.

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First Rally: 2010 First RallyX: 2004 (a bunch)
Driver (0), Co-Driver (7)
Organizer (3), Volunteer (3)
Cars Built (2.5), Engines Blown (2) Cages Built (0) # of rotations (3.5)
Last Updated, Apr 9, 2023

I've got a MS built for the subie that I have played with but never really had the time to tune and work the kinks out of. It worked ok. MS for miata seems to be pretty figured out so you wouldn't have to spend a huge amount of time on a custom setup.

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-KTurner
Stomp down on the exhilarator and hold on to the wheel.

We're rebuilding the Golf and will be going with a ViPec. I'm anxious to see how it works out.

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Runamuck Rally

Quote
KTurner
I've got a MS built for the subie that I have played with but never really had the time to tune and work the kinks out of. It worked ok. MS for miata seems to be pretty figured out so you wouldn't have to spend a huge amount of time on a custom setup.

which MS?

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First Rally: 2010 First RallyX: 2004 (a bunch)
Driver (0), Co-Driver (7)
Organizer (3), Volunteer (3)
Cars Built (2.5), Engines Blown (2) Cages Built (0) # of rotations (3.5)
Last Updated, Apr 9, 2023

I've been running MS in the Golf for several years now - very few issues - and more importantly: every time I've need help figuring something out when I wanted to try something new out, there's always been plenty of help and support available. Somebody out there has almost always tried what you want to try before you AND shared it on the interwebz...

Plus as far as I know, for Miata specifically, there's tons of advice - much like with the Golf's.
Actually I think I've seen a plug'n'play solution for MegaSquirt on a Miate - though I'm not sure.

Do make sure that you do an apples to apples comparison though - the price of the ECU is one thing... but what does it come with in terms of sensors, wires etc. - can it be made to work with existing sensors (if you want to), idle control valves, trigger wheel setup, etc. etc. If not - are the price of the additional sensors included, etc.?

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Brgrds
Brian

my previous experience was Megasquirt II, so its more familiar to me. While im not a circuitry genius, there is plenty of information out as you stated. Apparently then, MS does fine on vibrations. I know pete had very few problems as well.

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First Rally: 2010 First RallyX: 2004 (a bunch)
Driver (0), Co-Driver (7)
Organizer (3), Volunteer (3)
Cars Built (2.5), Engines Blown (2) Cages Built (0) # of rotations (3.5)
Last Updated, Apr 9, 2023

I don't know much about it, but the turbo volvo people who are into megasquirt (there are a bunch) went through a bunch of trouble to make CAM sensor adaptors, so they could ditch the sensor wheel. The sensor wheel seems to be a hot spot for problems, and there were many posts of "I got the CAM sensor in there and now it finally runs well!"

ill look into that issue more.

i think ive heard of people using the flywheel ring gear as well by removing like two or three teeth then having the sensor read that. might have been a theoretical discussion more than a "look what i did and it works wonderfully!"

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First Rally: 2010 First RallyX: 2004 (a bunch)
Driver (0), Co-Driver (7)
Organizer (3), Volunteer (3)
Cars Built (2.5), Engines Blown (2) Cages Built (0) # of rotations (3.5)
Last Updated, Apr 9, 2023

I have ms3 in my daily driver doing fuel only duty. The tuner studio has an auto tune function that is pretty darn sweet. Set your target AFR's and go drive. I have an older haltech (essentially ms2 if the internet is to be believed) sitting on the shelf along with MSD for ignition. I've never hooked it up, but I've heard that while limited it's pretty bulletproof.

The audi guys are pretty excited about VEMS as far as having great capabilities for low cost, $700 IIRC...

Here it is http://www.vems.us/

Who's going to tune it?

This is the single most important question.

What i've found, is your tuner needs to be comfortable and familiar with whatever system you choose. When they are familiar with a system, and know all the ins and outs, it runs like a top. They will be able to apply their knowledge to whatever system you choose, but you won't get the same results.

If you are planning on tuning yourself, great!

I have a couple of friends who have worked out the bugs of MS, and learning to tune themselves. They have been through some motors, but have learned alot and got it to work.



IMHO, if you are ok with experimenting, learning, and blowing some stuff up, the MS is a good way to go, it's cheap and works.

If you want a great ECU package, which will start every time, and get you good durability out of your motor, then find a good Tuner, ask then ask them questions, and take notes. Shell out the $$$ for whatever system they recommend, and pay them to tune it, you will not be sorry!


FWIW, running and tuning a turbo car for the street, is a whole different kettle of fish from running and tuning a turbo car for Rallying and racing. A guy on the street might really only spool the thing up and run it "hard" 5% of the cars life. A race/rally car gets beat on 100% of it's life, and even running just a little bit lean will give you big problems in a short period of time in a race, while it might run for years on the road.

The knowledge of a good tuner is worth it's weight in gold!

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Chris

i tuned my Rx7, which was naturally aspirated, on the MS2. I learned a fair amount from that experience. I know enough people who, while not proficient with MS per say, they can assist me "knowing what needs done"

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First Rally: 2010 First RallyX: 2004 (a bunch)
Driver (0), Co-Driver (7)
Organizer (3), Volunteer (3)
Cars Built (2.5), Engines Blown (2) Cages Built (0) # of rotations (3.5)
Last Updated, Apr 9, 2023