Need help deciding on a MS kit
 

I am in the process of piecing and pricing out parts for a turbo build for my 90 1.6 miata. The first thing I want to get is Megasquirt so I can put it together and get a hang of tuning the car NA before I get boost. I just can't decided which megasquirt I need. I had all the parts picked out for MS2 but I did some more reading and it seems some say I should go with MS3 instead. I just need someone to tell me which parts to buy lol. I plan on building it myself to save money. I still don't know if I should be fine with MS2, or blow the extra money that I would rather not on the MS3 if I don't need it:crx:. It will be used on a stock 1.6 for now. Then boost, then possibly a 1.8 swap in the future. I can get the ms2 with the parts I need, plus boost control solenoid,harness, tuning cable, IAT Sensor Kit, and mod kits for right around $400-$450, but the ms3 board itself is almost $400 without extras. So I am kinda stuck, it would be nice if diyautotune had a coupon code soon :cool:

I have read a ton on MS2, and Brain's " how to build and install megasquirt" though it seems a bit dated, but otherwise an awesome write-up. I can't really find everything I need to know on MS3 and what is needed for it. Someone needs to point me in the right direction so I can get started!

Thanks!

There is quite a bit of literature on running the ms3: sparknotes version: you don't really need anything. It's very plug and play.

So forget about all the mod kits and what not, if you go ms3 with ms3x it's all just wire and go. Just take a breath and think about it: you'll need the ms3 kit, you'll want (not a need) the ms3x card, you'll need to figure out a way to wire it up (many options here, stock, relay box, DIYBOB, etc), you'll need to think about each sensor and account for that. Probably the only one you'll have to do any work to fit is the IAT.

All the circuits and mod kits and crap are already accounted for either in the stock ms3 or definitely in the ms3x kit. Make yourself a list of everything you think you'll need, and if you have any more questions, email DIYautotune. They're REALLY helpful guys, I've even gotten tech support from them like you would expect to get on this site.

MS3 is a bit more money but unless you go with a custom ms2 from someone like revenant, the MS3 outclasses the prior boxes in every way and makes things a lot easier because the setup is more slick.

So I should go with MS3, no questions asked? I emailed diy almost a week ago but have not gotten a response yet.

get ms3 now, so that later you won't be thinking of upgrading.... as soon :P

I'm on a diypnp, similar to ms2, and I'm already thinking of upgrading to an ms3 for more settings. Might as well spend the money the first time

would i need the ms3x to run the boost controller solenoid? http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/e...kit-p-285.html

only if you want the MS to control the boost, this is the same with MS1 and MS2.

Would you recommend using ms to control boost or a separate controller? What is another good boost control setup?

Why would you drop the money on a stand alone and then buy a separate boost controller? That's why you dish out for a well featured computer.

The cheaper MS's have crap EBC, and you're better off using a cheap MBC. That's how I understand it at least. If you need EBC for whatever reason, it probably is cheaper to go with a MSII/III unit with a decent EBC setup rather than using MSI and a separate controller, not sure which the OP was suggesting.

Hasn't EBC been pretty sound since MS2? Does anybody actually use MS1 still? (That was only half serious. don't take that question too seriously, seems lots of people have been taking me too seriously lately).

Yes on both counts. But ms1 is still largely popular.

Yeah a well featured ecu, ms1 and ms2 are really not there and ms3 is getting there. I suggest only going with the ms3\x if you plan to go with a megasquirt at all.

MSII/MSIII boost control is solid. MSIII can do geared/speed based boost control, if you bring in your VSS.

Tech, are you suggesting that the MSI, MSII, and MSIII are not well featured?!

So will this list set me up for success? Anything i am missing or don't need?

http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/m...kit-p-397.html
http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/1...ess-p-114.html
http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/u...iii-p-450.html
http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/j...mbl-p-174.html
http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/m...ung-p-155.html
http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/e...kit-p-285.html
http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/p...kit-p-160.html

Yes, but I'd be more inclined to skip the 18" pigtail and boost solenoid. Then buy the loose wire and build your own db37 pigtail, and spring for the MS3x card, building another db37 pigtail for that.

you'll still have to handle wiring it into the car...

If you have a aluminum intercooler like most of us do, just drill and tap the cold side end tank for the AIT, that'll save you $5
http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/g...tail-p-62.html

And then since you're already soldering everything together, might as well get this wiring kit and save $35. I think the MSIII kit comes with the DB-37 case.
http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/m...ong-p-102.html

And I might suggest a WTB thread for a jimstim before paying full retail.

Sorry I'm still all new to this, trying to read up as much as possible. Haven't finished my EFI management books yet.

I am still confused on how the ms3 with ms3x wires up together. is it supposed to look like this?
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1325798606

Will I just need 1 23'' wiring bundle with one of these http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/m...ets-p-127.html ? or will i need 2 of those? Or one of these http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/d...s3x-p-437.html or 1 of each?

And what should I use for boost control if I don't get the solenoid?

the v3.0 kit comes with a db37 and hood; you'll need that ms3x cup.

then the 23" wire loom for the mainboard db37
http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/m...ong-p-102.html

and the separate 23" wire loom for the ms3x wires.
http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/m...ong-p-453.html



get the car running on MS, then deal with EBC. the circuit is built in the ms3x, so all you need to do is run one wire out of it to the engine bay and connect to the solenoid.

OK that helps a lot. Thank you sir.

if I do option 2 from this thread https://www.miataturbo.net/showpost....18&postcount=3

where do I acquire the yellow 64 pin connector?