Markus

iTrader: (1)

Hello everyone -

This is my first post here, I'm glad I found this place as it looks like an excellent resource! So I'll try not to be TOO stooopid.....

My car: '91 Miata with '95 1.8l swap, running off '91 ECU, RX7 AFM, intake/header exhaust. I plan on staying NA but would like to get some more power so I'm looking into the Megasquirt/Miatasquirt vs. Link.

My questions:
1) If I get the Megasquirt/Miatasquirt am I missing any big functionality as compared to the Link? Or will I be happy with the Miatasquirt? I have heard other people with 1.8l swaps that going to better engine management gets them +10hp fairly easily, this is what I'm looking to accomplish with the Miatasquirt.
2) Removing the AFM - does the Miatasquirt allow me to ditch the AFM? If so, do I need some sort of Throttle Position Sensor? Or is this handled by the Miatasquirt somehow?

Thanks!

- Mark

jayc72

iTrader: (14)

1) Actually it is the opposite. You'll get more features out of the MS than the Link. The MS will do everything the link will do and has the potential to do way more if you are willing to build some "simple" circuits yourself. Things like controlling WI and Launch control (2 stage rev limit).
2)The MS does indeed allow removal of the AFM, as far as I know you don't need a variable TPS, but it might help.

Before you make your decision read EVERY thread here about people's experience so far with the MS. Doing so helped me decide between the two.

Welcome to the board.

Jay

turbopezz

solomiata.com has a whole na build up.i think,6gs later and he made around 150hp.

Markus

iTrader: (1)

ARRGH - don't rub it in! Yeah I know going FI is cheaper in terms of making power, but I use my car for NASA Time Trials so I'm limited by their ruleset. Going to FI would bump me up several classes and I'm just not ready to go there yet.

Basically - I'm running in their TTE class and my car was competitive in that class last year making around 118rwhp and weighing around 2065lbs (no driver). I have enough room with points where I can add engine management and stay in TTE, so I'm targeting 130rwhp and 2025lbs for this year while also upgrading my spring rates and some other suspension stuff.

If anyone on here hasn't checked out NASA time trials, it's pretty cool. Run like a qualifying session on a race track - open passing, competition for the fastest lap time in your class.

- Mark

jayc72

iTrader: (14)

Is the Link really worth it for 10-20HP?

I'd be more inclinded to think about getting your car down in weight first. Unless of course you think you'll be going FI in the future.

Markus

iTrader: (1)

I'm having a hard time believing it is, which is why I'm really looking at the Miatasquirt. Maybe crazy but yes I'd pay the $500 for 10+ hp, also would make me feel better knowing the car is properly tuned and running correctly.

I do have weight limits to stay in my current class, I think I can get down to around 2025 and still be ok. All of this does set me up for the future though - I could jump up one class to TTD, swap in some cams and take out more weight. Or heck go FI if I want to (although not sure I want to have that much power or be going that fast, as it will just lead to a harder impact!).

- Mark

BenR

iTrader: (2)

If you are worried about impact you probably shouldn't be out there driving.

ecugrad

Spec Miata folks spend that much for 120 hp every day.

Markus where do you race? Im prepping my 91 for some TT action myself. Im doing my first NASA event in February.

Markus

iTrader: (1)

BenR - This is getting off topic, but I do feel that there are different levels of "impact". I'm very comfortable with the lap times I'm running at the tracks I frequent - I run 1:48's at MidOhio as compared to 1:46's for Spec Miata. At that lap time, I'm hitting maybe 115mph on the back straight and probably won't run out of runoff room in most areas. Most of the severe accidents I've seen involved cars running much lower lap times and hitting 140mph on the back straight. Basically I know things can happen at any time, but I'm comfortable with that speed and level of risk. Your preferences may vary.

Ecugrad - Are you over on the sandbox too, name looks familiar? I'm up in Ohio so I run with NASA OH/IN. The region has gotten much better over the last couple of years, time trials is really growing up here and is very competitive.

- Mark

ecugrad

Yup, card carrying member of the sandbox

Arkmage

iTrader: (3)

MS has an onboard MAP sensor... so yes you can ditch the AFM very quickly and easily. I'm still waiting to find out if my car is going to throw a CEL when I disconnect my MAF (running MS in parallel). If it does then I have to find a place to zip tie the MAF and leave it plugged in (emissions regulations).

ecugrad

Yes it will. I just took the bulb out.

Markus

iTrader: (1)

Hey Ecugrad -

What setup are you running? Care to help with some startup tips and stoopid questions? If so...shoot me a pm...

Thanks!

- Mark

rmcelwee

iTrader: (1)

Correct me if I am wrong, but $500 won't get you a MS. I was planning on getting one built for $550 (or whatever Kingoffleet charges now - if he ever replies to my PM) but I think you still need some other stuff (WBO2, etc). Maybe someone will jump in here and tell what the real cost is.

*** You can tell I have no idea what I am talking about. I run a Link not a MS right now ***

Arkmage

iTrader: (3)

I did save a little money building it myself instead of buying kingofl33ts setup. however, the volume of time it has taken me has FAR exceeded what I expected and the car is still not running on the MS. If I had to do it over again I would spend the extra ~$125 or so and get the plug and play.

Reverant

iTrader: (10)

Building it is a PITA. You save $140.
Doing the wiring is a hassle. You save $125.

I decided to save $125 and do the wiring mysef.

Jim

ecugrad

I built mine but if I had to do it again, I'd pay the extra money in a heartbeat. Its not hard but just tedious and time consuming.

Markus

iTrader: (1)

Hey Robert - good to see you on here! I'm a member of the lightweight miata yahoo group, it's given me some good tips and ideas.

Ecugrad - I can't reply to PM's yet, not enough posts and I don't feel like being a post wh0r3. My email is mfreemal at aol dawt com if it's ok....

- Mark

ecugrad

ecugrad97@yahoo.com

rmcelwee

iTrader: (1)

Great! I wish we had more activity on the lightweight group but it seems to always be pretty quiet over there. Still, it is nice to be able to talk to people who have the same "disease" that you have <G>.