I do not want to start a debate on which ECU is better than another... Just want some suggestions.

I am about to drop a ported S5 TurboII into my 96 miata. I am looking for somewhere in the 400 hp range (flywheel). Because of the limitations of the Miata drivetrain, I will probably never try to exceed this. I'll save the 650hp application for the FD I want to get next year ('05). I am fairly new to rotaries and although I have access to a damn nice Dyno, I don't wnat to be tinkering with controls all the time just to get the car to run.

So... I'd like some suggestions on a VERY user friendly standalone ECU. I have a laptop that I can donate to this cause, but I think I'd like a "keypad" type interface. I'll shut up now and read you're ideas!!

Thanks!!

 

Whatever you can get the best (local tech) support for...

-Ted

 

No way! You should get the Evil B06U5 EMS because that's what I use, and I also sell it. OK, we now have the stupid self-serving arguement out of the way, so we can get on with this thread.

Local tech support is very important because a standalone EMS is much more complicated than people think. In my experience, Australian support is about as useful and friendly as a blind paraplegic pit bull on a bad steroid trip. Besides, troubleshooting via email or the telephone isn't usually very effective.

Horsepower is no factor in choosing an EMS. You may have just as well listed the color of your interior.

In that case, just find a good local tuner to do the work for you.

IMO the modern Widows-based software is easier to use than the older DOS products, but there are so many added features and map points now that it gets overwhelming sometimes. Choose your poison. Basically, a standalone EMS is not user friendly. There are some plug & play (technically more like plug & tune) EMS products available for the 3Gen RX-7, but this does you little good with the S5 engine.

You can use the laptop for other things besides tuning. Also, you can use a PC for tuning on the dyno if you like.

I like hand controllers, but they are really more for coarse spot corrections nowadays rather than a laptop replacement like they were back in the day. There are just too many map points and transient settings for practical tuning solely with the hand controller. The good thing about the hand controller is that you don't have to lug the laptop around with you on tuning sessions. However, once the engine is properly tuned, you will have no need for a laptop or hand controller.

 

Wow, that was a very informative response...Thanks a lot EvilAviator!

Unfortunately, there are NO rotary tuners near me that I know or trust. I wouldn't care to drive to where a good tuner was...but where are they? They don't seem to advertise.

I appreciate the responses...I will be taking your advice and finding a tuner and asking him what he likes to tune.

You guys are great!

 

You might want to contact Pettit Racing. They are located in Florida, which no doubt would be a long trip but they have done a number of projects like this in the past.