I've got a project that's getting a turbo MR2 motor swapped into it and need to control fuel and spark. My reading on megasquirt leads me to believe that MS-II is my best option, am I on the right track?
Two months until the challenge...perfect time to be asking these type of questions, lol.
Regular MS2 limits your options on what kinds of ignition systems you can control...you need MS2-extra to run coil-on-plugs, I remember that.
MS3x will have you covered for sure but I don't think you'd have room for it in a Challenge budget.
I went through a similar decision process recently for my SRT4 powered Locost and settled on MS2. This may help: http://www.ms3efi.com/feature-xref.html
In my case I am running the stock wasted spark coil and will only ever need 4 channels of fuel (currently only using 2). I also was able to find more MS2 base tunes for my engine on line. I also liked the lower cost and smaller case with the MS2.
If all you want to do is run a basic 4-stroke engine with a standard fuel/ignition system, then MS1 will do that for less $$. MS2 and 3 have more features and will control more exotic fuel/ignition systems, but isn't needed for most builds.
For what you're doing, I'd just get an MS1 and Ford EDIS ignition module/coil pack. It will be the cheapest option and will be just as good from a performance perspective for a challenge car.
Keep in mind that table shows "maximum features" so the features for the MS2 are for MS2-Extra and the features for the MS3 are for MS3x.
JohnyHachi6 wrote: If all you want to do is run a basic 4-stroke engine with a standard fuel/ignition system, then MS1 will do that for less $$. MS2 and 3 have more features and will control more exotic fuel/ignition systems, but isn't needed for most builds. For what you're doing, I'd just get an MS1 and Ford EDIS ignition module/coil pack. It will be the cheapest option and will be just as good from a performance perspective for a challenge car.
The idea is to turn up the boost eventually, having the spark advance in the MS2 would let me retard timing based on boost, which I like the idea of but I'm not sure is necessary.
I also have about half a dozen MSD-6AL boxes sitting on a shelf which I should try to find a use for. The plan right now is to use the ignition triggers from the MS2 (with advance curves) to drive the MSD-6AL ignition. Would the Ford EDIS work just as well for ignition duties paired with the MSD?
for a more challenge friendly version try look at the microsquirt.
icaneat50eggs wrote: for a more challenge friendly version try look at the microsquirt.
Is there a good reason not to use microsquirt? Is it missing some features I need?
Given the time frame you're working with, I would look at what others are running for that particular engine and base your MegaSquirt choice around that since you'll want to start with a decent base fuel and ignition map and many are likely to be found using MS2-based hardware.
Either way, I would strongly recommend using the MSExtra code for either MS1 or MS2. Check out the documentation, especially the ignition portion to see what options you have available to you:
http://msextra.com/
If you're comfortable rolling your own, then an MS1 kit with the proper parts added to control the ignition system you're going to run will be enough. The tuning is the fun part and will take quite a bit more time than you think it will.
I've not heard anything negative about Microsquirt, I suspect the fact that it is based around surface mount technology, it isn't anywhere as easy to mod and you have the same types of choices to make so far as which processor type you'd like to run:
http://msextra.com/doc/general/whatmegasquirt.html
I'm far from an expert, but it runs my turbo subaru just fine. I have coil on plugs, and run wasted spark. I can't think of any reason it wouldn't work for you
psychic_mechanic wrote: The idea is to turn up the boost eventually, having the spark advance in the MS2 would let me retard timing based on boost, which I like the idea of but I'm not sure is necessary.
All megasquirt systems (IIRC) have ignition tables based on MAP (manifold pressure, ie boost pressure) and engine RPM. When tuning, you will set up the ignition table to reduce timing as manifold pressure increases. Essentially, ignition retardation based on boost pressure will be built in to your tune.
If you run MS1, 2 or 3 and and EDIS ignition module you can program the MS to use whatever ignition timing you want, no need for any aftermarket ignition system like an MSD-6AL.
yeah, you'll have to add a MAP sensor, but I think I got mine for $14 so hopefully that won't bust your budget.
MS2 V3 running extra is what I think is the best bang for the $$$$. There is also tremendous support out there for it. And I strongly recommend that you purchase it from DIYAutotune (kit or assembled). Yes they are a advertiser in GRM but that aside there support after the sale is nothing short of spectacular.
One other thing I can not stress this enough. Get a Jimstim. I don't think it will go against your budget (let the experts here comment on that) and it makes working with your MS on a bench MUCH easier. It maks testing / diagnosing a snap. If you are going to assemble the MS the jimstim is a great starting point to get warmed up for the MS build.
In reply to icaneat50eggs:
Um, the MAP is built into the MegaSquirt, just use that and done with it.
Sorry I meant for the microsquirt. I wasn't very clear
X2 on buying from DIYautotune. Their customer service is top notch.
If this is a 3SGTE, the MS2 (with MS2/Extra code and a couple mods - see the Nippondenso CAS section of the manual) can run the stock ignition pretty well; so can the MicroSquirt (or the MS3, although it is a bit more expensive). MS1 has a bit of trouble unless you go crank triggered or modify the trigger wheel. EDIS works great, but is a bit more fabrication and more things to buy; it's not necessary when using MegaSquirt on these motors anymore.
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