Megasquirt on a stock NA
 

I was wondering if i shoud start this now or buy a greddy turbo first. Would it have any effects on power or effiency? Would it be worth the time and effort?

Learning is always worth the time and effort.

Changing a VE table and a spark table is easy.

Do it now! Get the MS in and wired up and then turbo it.

As an added benefit, you can learn to use the software without as much fear of breaking expensive things and pick up some power from removing the AFM. :)

Plus if you get the MegaSquirt in, you can fix any little issues that crop up due to it. If you did everything (turbo and ECU) at the same time it might be a bit overwhelming.

Do the MS now and then you'll be so proud of your DIY skills you'll do a DIY kit instead of a Greddy.

I'm in the process of MS'ing and turbo'ing my miata. I'm going to get the car running and tuned on the MS before I do any turbo stuff.

same here. I'm hoping to pick up about 10 HP and some hwy mpg with the MS.

Its nice to start with engine management first. Its kills a few variable making the process easier and faster. Its wise to tune na, then alter the maps and tables later. I'm going this route soon.

Should i use it as piggy-back or full standalone? or should i start as a piggy-bach and then keep getting in deeper and deeper?

MS isn't a piggy back. It is a standalone. You can wire it in as a replacement or to only control fuel and spark and leave other stuff to the stock ecu. The latter is a much better idea.

so i should start by controlling fuel and spark? then use it as a full standalone

start by tapping into all the sensors first, datalog and make sure everything is working properly, then hook up fuel, get that tuned well, then hook up spark.

whats left after that?

well... if you want to go full stand alone that's next... but really there is no need to go full stand-alone once MSnS is controlling fuel and spark.

Can you MS a 1.8?

*sigh*

Yes.

You can MS your V8 powered vibrator for heck's sake. There is pretty much nothing that is doesn't work on.

hahah sorry :D is there a write up how to install it on a 1.8?

Yes, there are a few in fact.

Search is your friend.

And if I may make a little suggestion. If you can't do the very basic research to find out if a Megasquirt is the right option for you, then I would strongly suggest that you don't go down the Megasquirt route as the rest of the DIY ECU challenge may be a bit too difficult for you.

diyautotune.com > install articles > miata

pretty helpfull to read this thread as i just got my MS today and i have my turbo set up almost complete... i'll assemble the MS and install it first and play with it, once i'm comfortable i'm gunna start the mad turbo process!!!

seconded, completely.

I did a *lot* of research before I decided to go with MS. I read the manuals cover to cover dozens of times before purchasing, read MSefi.com lots. everything MX5 specific i wrote down in my megasquirt notebook, and at times I've *still* struggled. I'm indebted to this board for getting my MS to work, and I feel that I researched and learnt as much as I could before I took up the challenge. It's definitely not as easy as you think or for the feint of heart.

Definitely true, but if you've got more time than money, its definitely worth it in the end. Not only for the money saved, but the sheer pride that you got A $200-300 ecu to do what other people pay over $1500 for.

hmmm, thats a sweet idea, a megasquirt notebook...
I've been meaning to buy those clear plastic sleeves and a
binder, then anything related to my car i can print and save
my own notes....

I have a three ring binder for the Miata. Everything I buy for it i keep the invoices and manuals anything like that just so i always have it. MS will definitely need it's own though, there is no much information i don't think i can afford the ink. Good thing i can print for free at the library. :)

i print for free at work, :P

That works too, use em when you can.