Aftermarket ECU's: Which one?

[wagonist]

I'm on the hunt for an ECU to run an older EFI turbo engine, but I'm lost with the research I've done for what to use.

The engine isn't very high tech (80s)
single cam, 2 valves/cylinder
multipoint EFI
single coil with distributer (advance is electronic & I think is controlled by the ECU)
turbo with no intercooler (though I'm installing one)

sensors:
Cam/crank sensor is hall effect in the distributor
hotwire airflow (with air intake temp sensor)
knock sensor
single wire O2 sensor
potentiometer type throttle position
idle motor is a single wire (ie open or not)
water temp

I've got the complete factory wiring loom. Even though it's for the NA engine, I've got the extra vacuum sensor for the turbo boost plus some wiring.

It's not really a performance engine, (and I can't get the factory ECU anymore), but I'd like it to run better than the batch fire, overly rich setup that it left the factory with.
And as it's not really for all out performance, the cost of the higher end ECU's are not worth it.

Opinions/thoughts/suggestions/questions?

Thanks

[oldcorollas]

megasquirt
either cheap MS1 with MSnSextra, or MS2
has onboard MAP, can use original temp sensors

you could get an MS1 for $200ish, probably assembled (because i probably have one )

[Duk]

It's not really a performance engine, (and I can't get the factory ECU anymore), but I'd like it to run better than the batch fire, overly rich setup that it left the factory with.
And as it's not really for all out performance, the cost of the higher end ECU's are not worth it.

There probably won't be much if any advantage in going sequential injection unless you are looking at substantially larger injectors. You would also need a 'home' input as well as as your distributor trigger so the ECU knows where the engine is.

Any ways, have you looked at Megasuirt? The new MS3 looks very capable and can be had for respectable dollars.

[Casey-G]

Haltech Platinum sprint500 has on board 22psi map sensor, 2.5m flying loom, link cable and software to tune with and can be had for pretty much smack on $1k

[oldcorollas]

MS1 will do two batches (ie, like waste spark, but for fuel) but this tends to run better anyway.

everything else should be easy. hall effect is perfect. don't need knock sensor.
would be good to have intake air temp ($20 from holden)

[foamy]

Whatever you do, avoid a Microtech (Unless it's a track car).

[wagonist]

As said, Haltech, etc for >$1k is not worth it for this car.

As an aside, could I use a piggyback on the factory NA ecu (which I have) for the turbo engine (same engine, but lower compression)?

So sequential injection is not really worth it? Though if the ECU is capable of doing it, why not.

And why not the Microtech? I know someone with an MT-8 for this engine.

[foamy]

As cheap and as simple as they are, for piston motors they aren't exactly friendly for everyday use (then again, it would depend on the model). Mine struggles to run when cold, and loading the motor with A/C or the heater results in the revs dying. It would be fine for a track car, but for everyday use (and for the money...) there are better options out there.

[Duk]

So sequential injection is not really worth it? Though if the ECU is capable of doing it, why not.

If it has the capacity to do it, go for it. But I wouldn't personally make it a prerequisite.

And why not the Microtech? I know someone with an MT-8 for this engine.

If buying new, an Adaptronic E420c is a much better value for money choice for only a few dollars more.

[MWP]

Avoid Microtech at all costs.
As said, they are ok for a race car (if you dont mind the lack of tuning resolution), but suck big time for a street driven car.

[oldcorollas]

actually.. if you are going to get someone else to tune it, go with whatever they are happy to tune.
a shitty tuner/tune will cost more than the ECU cost anyway, unless you tune yourself.

[Flex]

Steve, May I ask what motor you are using?

[Shifty]

Depends on whbat you're trying to achieve, but there's NOTHING wrong with a microtech as a budget solution. Any issues are down to tuner, not ECU. I've driven a 13BT RX3 with a GT42R and two 1600cc injectors per rotor and it was great. Similarly I had a mate with a Motec-controlled 4AGE and politely, it sucked....

If you were a little (lot) less vague about vehicle/engine/intent, people might be able to make better suggestions and/or even point you in the right direction for things they see up for sale elsewhere....

PS: I can't be 200% sure but the PS500 has a 1.5 bar map sensor which GENERALLY would mean that it can read ~7.5psi boost NOT ~22.5psi.

Looking at your signature, I assume it might possibly be for an EA82T? If so you might find that an EJ20T ecu setup could be adapted relatively easily.

[Casey-G]

PS: I can't be 200% sure but the PS500 has a 1.5 bar map sensor which GENERALLY would mean that it can read ~7.5psi boost NOT ~22.5psi.

haltech count in a funny way.. it can read 22.5psi.( like all the platinum range ECU's)



I have one and i reccomend one to any who are looking for an entry level ECU with datalogging ect..

[RT40Corona4AGTE]

Adaptronic E420C or the new Adaptronic SELECT has by vote at present!

But for what you want, I think a megasquirt will suffice.

Also +1 for Microtech (Micro-leb) sucking balls for resolution and streetability. They are good, but nowadays, better value can be had for same monies in my opinion!

I also think you should stick with whatever the tuner feels most confident/comfortable with.