MS2 or DIYPNP
 

I've looked at several comparisons of the MS2 and the DIYPNP and I can't seem to find why I could justify spending the extra money on a DIYPNP.
I say this because the MS2 and the DIYPNP seem to both be very similar in terms of performance, and with a BOB kit, the MS2 would gain the whole "PNP" function of the DIYPNP.
Other than having the connector in the housing, are there any benefits to running a DIYPNP as compared to a MS2?

I don't know a whole lot about MS2, so I'm not sure functionally. Packaging wise, it is more than the fact that both can be made PNP. The DIYPNP is a direct replacement without needing an adapter harness or anything. If you have an NB, space is very limited where the ECU is located. It's assembly is a lot more straight forward, rather than having to figure out what circuits need built and whatnot. DB37's also suck balls.

Skip the MS2 and go straight to the MS3. It is worth every penny. I say this even if saving up for the MS3 will set back your turbo build 6 months, it is worth it.

I'd figure that on both boards I would need to figure out what circuits need to be built. Both ECUs are universal and need to be build for their application (i.e both would need the NB alternator charging circuit).

The DIYPNP just has the connector board attached if I understand it correctly.
As far as packaging, I don't have mind having to move some things around. The BOB board should allow me to position things a bit further apart from one another.

I'm fairly close to buying the MS2, but if I can find a justification for the DIYPNP (like if I'm missing something about assembly, or a major piece of functionality) I would spring right on it.

Stop.

Follow what I said one post above you. It costs less then $600 to DIY a MS3X and is worth every penny.

good luck. it's much more than your assumption.

It's always easier to spend other people's money than your own. I'm really not looking to spend anywhere near that much on an ECU considering the car will maybe make 170whp, and I drive it maybe a few times a month. I just want the functionality of a tuneable ECU, otherwise I would have gone for an FMU a while ago.

I appreciate the advice, and maybe sometime in the future I will upgrade, but right now the MS2 is all I'm looking for.

Then please correct me on my assumptions.

the cost difference between the two is about $30 when you add in wire and the DIYBOB ($401 vs. $430). But the advance goes to the MS2 kit being you can upgrade the CPU to ms3 down the road.

the DIYPNP is running the MS2 CPU, so unsure where you see that a MS2 and MS2 don't compare.

The DIYPNP is easier to assemble, and easier to set and forget. The MS2 requires more upfront work to put it together, modify it to work with a miata, build supporting circuits required to run your miata, and then build a harness.

For example, lets say you want the MS to control you a/c so you can utilize the A/C idle up code. Not only do you have to build an input circuit to bring in the switch, you also have to build an output circuit to activate the compressor relay and a/c fan relay. These parts aren't included with the kit, and require a bit of knowledge and research to know how to build them properly. The DIYPNP has all the additional circuits you need to run everything essential on a miata built onto the mainboard.

Want boost control on your kit MS2? well, then you'll have to source extra parts (FET, a few resistors and a diode), and then build that circuit -- for a DIYPNP it's as simple as adding a few jumpers. that means, that $401 price tag increases, and the frustration level also escalates.

I personally, would never ever build a MS2 kit ever again. If I was going to run MS2, it would be a DIYPNP.

My car makes 145whp and is driven a couple times a month also. It has MS3. I originally bought a DIYPNP. And then feature creep made the DIYPNP not meet my requirements anymore.

First was the VVT engine swap so now I spent $200 on a VVTuner. Then came sequential injection. Another $40 and taking up two outputs. Then came sequential ignition with dumb coils. Another $40 and two more outputs being used. Then came proactive real AC control. Well if I did that then I couldn't do FLEX fuel since I ran out of I/O's for both. And if I ever wanted to turbo......

So I bought a MS3 Pro module. I spent more than $700 on the DIYPNP and it couldn't do what I wanted. But if I had to choose between building a MS2 or building a DIYPNP I would do the DIYPNP every time.

I found that to be extremely helpful. Thank you!