MS Newbie questions.
 

Hi,

I've read a LOT of threads here and still require some guidance.

I've got a 93 Greddy Turbo with no A/C. I'd like the MS to controll as much (all?) the functions the OE ECU does now. Ultimately I'd like remove the OE ECU and run only the MS. I'd also like to remove the AFM. Pros and Cons?

Is DIYAutotune the best place to buy from? How about Protocar? At this point I intend to buy an assembled unit. DIY is $330 and Protocar is $275. What is the difference?

Let's assume I buy everything from DIYAutotune. This is my shopping list so far:
MegaSquirt-I Programmable EFI System PCB3.0 - Assembled Unit
GM Open Element IAT Sensor with Connector
MegaSquirt wiring harness

I beleive I will also need a relay to control the FP.

Are there any "mod kits" I will need to buy?
PCBv3 -- PWM IAC Valve Control (TIP120) 'Mod-Kit'
PCBv3 and v2.2 -- Relay Control 'ModKit' (VTEC, TVIS, Fans) (To run radiator fan)

Can I run more than on Relay Control modkit?

Is there any value in the MegaStim if I buy an assembled Megasquirt?


Jay

Hey there..

I just bought a setup from DIY Autotune... and I didn't have to have the Relay Control Board.

Now I haven't even started to construct the MS yet, but I found out my shopping list from emailing back and forth with Matt before I drove over and picked everything up. (I live about 10 minutes from there)

my list ended up being...

Megasquirt- I kit with V3.0 PCB MS130-K - unassembled
PWM Idle control mod-kit MK-PWMIAC
Assembled Stimulator MSStm21-C

18" pigtail harness MSPiggy
IAT sensor IATwPiggy
Bung for IAT sensor installation 38NPT-Bung_S

You don't need a stim if you buy one assembled. Emerilnuts list is good, but I'd add an LC-1 if you dont already have a wideband.

DIY is where i got my stuff, very pleased with them. Also he posts here sometimes and is generally more involved than protocar. i guess that sounds kinda miata.net, but whatever.

Thanks guys. I've got the LC-1 already installed in the car.

I'm on the fence as whether or not to build the MS myself.

Assembled $330

Unassembled $189
Stim $69

I''m just not sure the time and agrivation is worth saving $75 :)

Thanks for the confirmation guys, as soon as I sell my EMB I'll be buying my MS.

Jay

I'm experienced with soldering and electronics, but ultimately I had mine built. Most of the stuff is outright boring, however you do get to familiarize yourself with the board and the components.

Jim

Thanks for the information. I still don't know for sure if I'll build or buy preassembled.

I really like the idea of going full stanalone and removing the factory ECU all together. Is this wise?

Well from personal experience, i would recommend going with a boomslang harness. I saw your post on Kags install sticky and I also do not know where to buy it. In fact, I think I will be buying one asap, crimp/solder/ whatever the spare ecu harness that I got from a pick n pull, and rewire the megasquirt to the boomslang for easy reinstallation of the oem ecu.

I got a OE ECU from ebay yesterday, I'm going to take it apart and see if I can't use it for the connector.

I'd still rather use the boomslang connector.

ok ... i dont know if anyone noticed that I wanted to know where to get the $20 boomslang harness, but here goes:

WHERE CAN I FIND THE $20 BOOMSLANG HARNESS? a link would be helpful.

- thanks.

I think that $20 is just for the connectors. Mail the people at www.boomslang.us for more info.

Personally, I think it is better to leave the OEM ECU in. It controls the idle perfectly with the MS running, and controls the fans. You can run that stuff with the MS, but why make more work for yourself?

Oh yeah. :) I didn't list the LC-1 because I ended up buying one from eBay.

I also second leaving the OEM ECU in just in case. Ask ECUGrad what he thinks :)

Its just SOOOOOO much easier to keep the stock ECU in the the car. My car idles GREAT with the stock ECU. I dont have a regret keeping it.

Ok i just called boomslang and they have female ecu connectors for $30 shipped. You will need to solder/crimp your wires onto the connector because it does not come with wires attached. Sure beats $100 for the extension. Oh and they dont list it on their website, but i talked to the guy for a minute and he said he gets quite a few calls for this connector on the miata ... go figure.