MS2PNP VS MS3X
 

Hey Guys, so I am looking to buy an ECU to learn some basic tuning and eventually I'd like to go turbo with it. Money is obviously an issue so I'm trying to save, but I want to make sure I spend money in the right places. So I have found 2 used Megasquirts that I am looking at. One of them is the MS2PNP and the other is an MS3X. Now the guy selling the MS3X has a wiring Harness for a 1.6 for it, but after that, I'm sort of stumped. I've done some poking around on here and I found plenty of people having issues and tuning both ECUs, but I can't find much about which one would be the better buy. Some advice from some experienced people would be greatly appreciated, and feel free to link me to something I haven't been able to find that might answer my question.
Thanks,
Ben

The only issue with buying a used MS3x is that it was assembled by someone else, so you're at the mercy of their electrical/soldering skills. However, MS3x is a huge upgrade over MS2, so if you trust the seller I'd go MS3x all the way.

I bought an MS2 PnP 3 years ago...thinking that's all I'll ever need. yes money was tight at the time.
but then I eventually found out that table switching for E85 wasn't possible. I then ran separate map for Petrol & E85. yes I know about fuel flex. But the MS3 does this much better.

then I upgraded my 1.6 to a BP-4W.....sweet... but I always wanted VVT.....but the MS2PnP doesn't drive VVT..... yea you can get a box to drive it but it didn't matter cause I didn't have VVT.


I then bent some valves & the head spat out parts of the the valve guides. ( yes i had intended interference) so that head is now toast for now....until it gets repaired.

But now I have a VVT sitting here on my balcony waiting to go into my NA6....how about that. I'm now adding boost ....I really wish Id gone for the MS3 originally

yes I can go for the VVT box fro DIY Auto Tune but it also has limitations with the 36-2 trigger wheel. They are incompatible;e....the 36-2 wheel is great for sequential injection.....
so you see....assembly of the unit aside.....just get the fucken MS3.

Also remember that the MS3X is also available from DIYautotune as a pre-assembled unit.
Mine is one of the ready-made ones (granted I havent used it yet, waiting to get the plugs etc so I can make up a patch loom to fit the car)

So check the serial number with them (DIY-AT) directly to see if it's one they made (presumably tested with warranty etc) or if it's one the current owner soldered together.