DSource

Hi, I'm recently a new member to miataturbo forums.
After searching the forums for a considerable amount of time, I'm seeking some advice on a long term goal of turbocharging on my 94' Miata (1.8L). Over the weekend I acquired an used Flying Miata Link Gen 1 ECU with a bunch of goodies for pennies on the dollar, came with almost everything minus the keypad, but does include the serial interface box for tuning. As for the keypad I plan on making a replacement per a guide posted on the Link ECU sub-forum, and 3D printing an enclosure. Down the road I want flexibility in being able to tune the ECU, and not have the ECU be the limiting factor of this projects success. Since I got my Miata, i've had my eyes on buying an DIY megasquirt (cost + online resources), as something of a learning experience on how to tune a vehicle. In your opinion should I sell the Link ECU to help pay for a Megasquirt or does the Link ECU provide an adequate solution for tuning capabilities?
Thanks in advance!

Bronson M

iTrader: (1)

I'm not saying messing around with the link is a waste of time........But it's a waste of time. I personally don't have experience tuning one but 5 min with the manual is enough to make me want to put a carb on the car. Looking past the interface quirks you might be able to compare a MS1 to the link in functionality but even then the MS1 has way more features and the user interface is Miles better.

Comparing a MS3x to the link is kinda like comparing a TI86 calculator to a Mac book.

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

look at the AIT required for the LINK.


/thread

18psi

iTrader: (76)

The link has been dead for over 20 years.

DSource

As for the AIT, the original flying Miata one was included within the kit, pic attached.

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

good luck!

18psi

iTrader: (76)

oh man...that's uhhh.......interesting

DSource

You're telling me, even with electronics experience, this should be quite a challenge to get it up and running if I go the Link route

DNMakinson

iTrader: (3)

Sometimes hearing what was said is difficult when it is not what we want to hear. People can repeat, but it will still be the same advice.

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

not exactly what we are saying. if you have, use it.

18psi

iTrader: (76)

part of your question was whether the Link was going to limit you.
yes, it will. severely

x_25

Good: The link has basemaps that will make your car start like factory. (Seriously, my friends car is a bastard of parts and that damn Link, even with the improper injector offset, just makes it start like factory). EBC, once tuned, is supposed to be very good. Autotune works....ish. Knock sensor. Fits in stock ecu case.

Bad: no idle bumping for power steering, no AC idle up, max of 18psi, have to cut into wiring in a few spots, moving pins in stock ecu connector sucks, tuning/naving the menu is so confusing, no data logging, getting the serial link to work is hard (we have not managed it yet), very low res maps, ribbon cables are a wear item, finding tuning info is hard, has some odd quirks (if the sensor ground comes loose it decides you want 100% duty cycle on the injectors, for instance).

Overall, will it work? Yes. Should you buy an MS3x if you can afford it for ease of tuning, support, and datalogging? Very yes.

We have a link running my friends car (same thing, we got it cheap when he had no job, and we funded it by selling the piggy backs the car came with when he bought it). It works fine overall, but lacks a lot of features that make life tons easier and is hard to work.

DSource

Sorry, I didn't mean for that to sound condescending, I was in 110% autopilot mode from classes today.

DNMakinson

iTrader: (3)

I'll tell you truthfully, Link may serve your needs (I have no idea), but support from this forum will come more easily for MS2 or MS3.