a new ECU for the MR2

[Hopeful]

Am in need of a new ECU for my MR2 (MkII)

Have replaced the engine with another 3S-GTE, obtained an engine wiring harness (no easy task, that was a long time in the search)

Now, before it gets put back together, am needing a new ECU.

Was looking at the Apexi unit

APEXi - Power FC & Hand Controller - Nengun Performance

But would like some advice as to other possible / better options. (Previously had a Microtech, but would prefer to stay away from them)

Main other modification is the CT26 has been replaced by a T4.

Thanks in advance for any & all advice, cheers

Brad

[nuk1ear]

dont jump on the apexi band wagon, theyre well known, and lots of people know how to tune them well (those are the advantages). But thats about it. Theyre just a tunable stock ecu, you have no options. Its basically a super expensive reflash (if you could flash the stock 3sgte ecus).

I would rather go to adaptronic, hard to beat them for bang for buck IMO (check out mr2 australia forums, robk is running one on his car). Lots of features for their price. Dont rule out megasquirt, they are very good value, features that most 2k ecus have the MS3+MS3x has, for about 1/4 of the price (but much more work). Also, what you choose depends on how you are building your engine/car. But generally, most ecus now have enough AUX outputs and inputs (not the apexi), have decent sized maps (MS3+MS3x board has 16x16 but interpolates to 1rpm between map points), and allow you to use many different sensor setups and crank/cam position sensors.

My choice: MS3+MS3x board (with a wideband) because i like to go all out and build everything+tune myself lol (and im tight)
But next would be the base adaptronic (perfect for 4cyl, even has ability for flex fuel correction) plus a wideband (essential really)

[nuk1ear]

ask dilmart on the MR2 aus forums for a price on an apexi if you still want one. But for adaptronic theyre prices are great:
e420d Basic Select ECU | Adaptronic - Energize Your Engine!
basic select doesnt not have flex fuel (dont think you care since i doubt you will run E85)

[jonathan yee]

Other options are vipec for a plug and play solution.

I could be wrong but im pretty sure you cant get powerfcs for the mr2 new still.

[RT40Corona4AGTE]

+1 for adaptronic being good bang for buck ecu's!

[mullett]

+2 for adaptronic! They are teh awesome.

-RM

[Cuts]

Adaptronics are good no doubt, expecially for the money. Do they do plug and play?

Sure power fc are not old hat now, but they work, do everything you need (the power fc pro like i have has launch control and hard and soft limit cuts), plug and play is worth an extra couple of hundred for the convenience.

People also rave on about more mapping points and how power FC have not many compared to modern ECUS, but remember having lots of mapping points will not make any more power, potentially it will just improve drivability, but you can tune a power fc to be just as good as a stock ecu anyway.

A big question is the tuners in your area, what ECU's are they experienced with? Experience is everything, as a rule of thumb your better off with a cheaper ECU you tuner knows inside and out then an expensive wizz bang shiny thing that they have never used before.

[RT40Corona4AGTE]

Adaptronics do do plug and play

Adaptronic Plug-In Select ECU Range | Adaptronic - Energize Your Engine!

BUT!

Not for an MR2.

Still worth the re-wire IMO though.

[Duk]

Wolf can supply Toyota type ECU plugs if you just want to make a patch loom. I was tempted by this but decided I wanted to take advantage of the Adaptronic's sequential injection, so I used their 2 metre loom instead.

Oh, and + 3 for Adaptronic!

[JP]

I'd grab a vipec or link G4 plugin for it. The board bolts into the factory 3S ECU case, also has a header on-board if you want to convert from the single coil/ignitor to direct-fire with a set of coil on plug units. Good value for $1500ish and the datalogging/interface is a long way ahead of the Adap's Wari.

[nuk1ear]

if your gonna get a new ecu whats the point in keeping the stupid AFM anyway? You're gonna have to do some wiring no matter what if you want to make the most of it. The only PFC that works on MR2s i htink is the gen3 one, which requires you to repin the harness plug anyway and get a MAP sensor too, and remove the AFM. No matter what you do with a gen2 MR2, you need to some wiring and messing around (if you want to make the most of your 1-2k investment).

[Cuts]

There is a pfc for rev 2 sw20 but they are rare.

[Hopeful]

Thanks for the advice all, so there are some options other than the Apexi. Though there was raised the point of getting the work done.

I live in Penrith, relatively new to the area & don't know any around here that would takeon the re-wiring of the engine harness & then installation of the ECU. Is there any recommendation about someone suitable qualified in the outer West of Sydney?

[Youngy]

I would still have a look at Motec. The M4 has been re-priced recently and might not be as much as you think.

Plus one of the best Motec tuners is not very far from Penrith - so that would be a win as well!