Which Megasquirt is right for me?
 

I just purchased my first miata (stock 1990) and want to start piecing together parts to turbocharge it, starting with a Megasquirt. Problem is I can’t figure out which is the right one for me. Please be patient with me if I say something stupid; this is all brand new to me.

Necessary Features:

• Full ECU replacement
• Plug-and-play
• 4+ spare analog inputs
• Near-stock drivability (ECT/IAT compensation, tip-in enrichment?)
• 5th injector driver (for meth injection)
• Compatibility with:
  • 1.8 engine
  • Power steering
  • AC
  • Sequential injection
  • Toyota COPS
  • LS1 coils
  • Flex fuel
  • Knock control
  • msDroid app

Nice-but-not-necessary features:

• VVT control
• Per-gear boost control
• 4-channel EGT sensor input
• 4-channel WBO2 sensor input

Yes, I understand some of the above features are mutually exclusive and others are over-the-top, but I’d like to keep my options open in case my plans for this car evolve. I’m comfortable soldering, so I priced out the parts for an MS3/MS3X DIY ECU it and it came out to:

DIY MS3/MS3X cost (from diyautotune.com):

• MS330-K Kit: $378
• MS3X: $90
• Tyco 48 pin connector part# 174917-7: $5.89

Anyway, it looks like my choices come down to:

• Braineack’s MS3/MS3X: $750 shipped
• Basic MS3: $820+shipping
• Enhanced MS2: $750+shipping
• Enhanced MS3: ~$1000+ (not yet available, but might be worth waiting for)

Right now I’m leaning towards Braineack’s MS3 but I feel like I might be overlooking something, and I’d appreciate it if someone pointed it out. Thanks for your time!

Subbed.

Subbed as well.

Did you guys know there is a button to subscribe to threads without having to post?

Not sure why but the button has never worked right for me.

Who said Brain's MS3x is $590? I paid significantly more than that a couple months ago for mine...

How DIY do you want to go? You are paying a lot for those 18" harnesses just to go to a breakout box. You can buy the parts to make it yourself for significantly cheaper.

PnP saves you money having to do SOME wiring. Remember, your car might have been batch fire on both ignition and coils so there will be some dedicated wiring that has to be handled either way.

I was just faced with a similar choice with my 99. I went with a mslabs ms3 basic. Fwiw from what rev told me and what I have learned since reading the enhanced is the way to go if you plan to use a/c in a daily like capacity.

Also I have not yet received my ecu (just ordered 2 weeks ago) but it was not as cheap as what you listed.

However, by writing "subbed" it's another way for us to say "I don't know the answer to this question, but I'm interested in the answer."

That's a valuable question. OP, where are you getting your pricing? I think the $590 was back when he was building MS1 or something. Can you confirm?

Subbed :fawk:

Nobody sells new ms3+ms3x w/harness for $590. Brain would have to get sweatshop kids to solder the mainboard and harness to even get close to that price.

Also, the DIY kit includes a case.

About to drop the ms1 pnp, and have the same question. Thanks for starting the thread.

Look forward to the answers from Brain and Rev.

When I PMed Rev about the MS3x vs Enhanced in a DD w/ (AC/PS/VVT) he recommended the MS3 PnP.


Oh yeah...and Subbed

That's what I was thinking, but he doesn't specify that in his first post, and the title of his thread has "MS3/MS3X" in it.

I pm'd him a few days ago and am just waiting for a reply.

BTMiata or EErockMiata: if you could post the price you paid, that would be great, as Braineack seems to be notorious for delayed replies (based on posts in his thread). Unless, of course, that's against forum rules, in which case you can pm me.

First post has been edited to reflect updated pricing.

Doubt it's against any rules. I paid $750 shipped

This is the kind of information I'm looking for. Thank you very much. I'll do some research, but if you could elaborate or point me to some threads about these topics that would be great. Like I said I'm brand new to miatas and megasquirt, so please bare with me.

LNC and vtps or FAIL miserably.

LNC= Long Nose Crank

VTPS = Variable Throttle Position Sensor

Attempt to get back to OP topic....

I bought my MS2E from Reverant and have been quite happy with the unit and especially the support from him.

I think the latest product spec sheet is here; MS Labs ECU Comparison Sheet. And I'm sure a PM to him will get a quick price response.

Just my experience...

I'd prefer not post the price just because it will change with time... but I paid just under a grand shipped to my door. I'm not going to wax on poetically about Rev's service and support. It has been quite good and I recommend sending him a pm to discuss your projects goals. I did this just as a starting point and next thing I knew I had an ECU on order. :party:

The only issue I see with the MS3-Basic and A/C is no high RPM cut-out, only TPS. As far as idle-up it controls very well.

What issue are you referring to?

Quoting Reverant: "I consider the A/C system in the MS3 incomplete and it lacks several important features. For instance, there is no minimum or maximum RPM for the A/C operation, adjustable time delay for each fan and the A/C clutch."

DNM

Thanks for all the input. I PM'd Reverent a few questions and am just waiting for his reply. I'll relay whatever he says if I think it'll contribute to this thread (since others seem to be in a similar boat as me).

In the meanwhile, can anyone give me a reason NOT to just DIY my own MS3/MS3X combo? Is it a bad idea for a somewhat-noob? I get that A/C functionality won't be as good as stock, but as long as it's usable, that's what really matters to me. Any other points to be made here?

This depends on your soldering skill and experience with electronics. If you have none then I recommend getting an assembled megasquirt.

If you are confident with soldering then follow a ms3 build writeup such as Frank's/Brain's here: http://westfieldmx5.devocht.com/mega...ms3/90-97-ms3/

msextra ms3 build reference: http://www.msextra.com/doc/ms3/build_manual.html

Thanks for the link. Looks like there's a DIYPNP ECU connector much cheaper than the DIYBOB. Added it to the first post.

I have a pretty basic knowledge of electronics and am comfortable soldering. What I'm afraid of, if I decide to go DIY, is:

1. Not having vendor support if something goes wrong or I have a question.
2. Finding out there's a feature I need/want that is either impossible to add or cost prohibitive.

1. DIYAutotune has awesome support. Here and through email directly to them.
2. I cant help you with that so keep researching on what you need/want and compare.

mspnp 3 or 2+

Why not microsquirt?

I'm ready to do the same, I need to do something. I've talked to rev a little. Bus been sporadic. I'm watching this thread for sure. I'm sure some of my questions will be answered as well... wish there was more local support, brain is fairly local but haven't met he or anyone else if for anything but to discuss and get opinions.... can't wait for warmer sunny weather.. :)