Engine Management Forum Use this area for discussing Haltech, Wolf 3D, Power FC, AEM and any other aftermarket ECU upgrades. Help/Questions/Tuning

Which ECU what be best?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-31-08, 10:37 AM
  #1  
no crust
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
Therealmogwai's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: toronto
Posts: 124
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Which ECU what be best?

First off ...this is the first thread i have initiated...cheers to me.
anyways...
i have a '87 tII with quite a few mods and im trying to decide if i should go with a HALTECH e6k ECU, which i already purchased at a low price, or Power FC.

Car:
87 tII with street port
racing beat full exhaust
air intake
koyo rad
tokico illuminas with eibach springs

The goal for this car is to have a "weekend" car, maybe some track. i already have a daily driver but i would like to maintain a certain level of reliability.

Lmk what you guys think! cheers
Old 12-31-08, 10:41 AM
  #2  
no crust
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
Therealmogwai's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: toronto
Posts: 124
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
excuse the title...distracted at work. it should read "Which ECu would be best?"
Old 12-31-08, 11:10 AM
  #3  
Rotary Enthusiast

iTrader: (9)
 
need-a-t2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: binghamton, ny
Posts: 1,447
Received 265 Likes on 140 Posts
I think as long as your not running over 10psi, and your streetport is mild, i'd say a standalone might be a bit much for your needs. an Rtek 1.7 or 1.8 would probably do you fine. or if you really want the ablility to tune, the Rtek 2.1 would be something to look into.

that said, if you already have a Haltech why not just use that?
Old 12-31-08, 12:05 PM
  #4  
no crust
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
Therealmogwai's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: toronto
Posts: 124
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
the reason for this debate is that i have heard i must rewire the entire car with the Haltech whereas the power FC would just require a harness to work with the existing ecu....

any thoughts?
Old 12-31-08, 12:05 PM
  #5  
1308ccs of awesome

iTrader: (9)
 
eage8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Woodbine, MD
Posts: 6,189
Received 17 Likes on 15 Posts
yeah, I'm not really a big fan of power FCs, I would choose the haltech over that...

that being said, I'm partial to megasquirts
Old 12-31-08, 12:16 PM
  #6  
suck me beautiful

iTrader: (8)
 
mike_merryguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Clemente
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
the power fc is not a straight plug in... you will need to do some wiring, the power fc is designed for the FD and there are mods you will need to do to wire it up to your S4, you can check out Banzi Racing's website they have all the info you will need, but what I know is that you will need another trailing ignitor, map sensor and AIT sensor, which the kit from Banzi comes with all but the ignitor
not to say that you should go one way or the other but the PFC is not as plug and play as you think. I do agree that the Rtek may be good for you, but since you have the Haltech already why not use that, the majority of the wiring shouldn't be that hard to do. Then you just pay for a tune, which you have to do no matter what...
Old 12-31-08, 01:22 PM
  #7  
Rotary Enthusiast

iTrader: (9)
 
need-a-t2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: binghamton, ny
Posts: 1,447
Received 265 Likes on 140 Posts
the wiring is actually failry simple for a haltech. i personally think mounting the GM TPS was the hardest part, and that wasn't that bad either.

one thing the PFC does have over the haltech is that haltechs are known for having ignition issues on rotaries. the PFC does not. niether does the microtech ECUs.

unless your planning on adding more mods, I really think a standalone might be more trouble than it's really worth for you.
Old 12-31-08, 03:00 PM
  #8  
Wiring Nightmare

iTrader: (12)
 
ITSWILL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Ortonville, MI
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
rewiring a 22 year old car is really not a bad idea.

It really isn't very difficult either.
Old 12-31-08, 03:06 PM
  #9  
Senior Member

iTrader: (3)
 
TwilightRotary's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Posts: 569
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
i'd say go for the haltech
Old 12-31-08, 04:03 PM
  #10  
no crust
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
Therealmogwai's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: toronto
Posts: 124
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
thnx for your comments..
certainly some food for thought!

...well ever except for twilight that is!
Old 12-31-08, 06:35 PM
  #11  
Full Member

 
sim_rx3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
note you can get a haltech e8 now days with a patch loom for the series 4 and 5 rx7 (it will also function the Electronic oil meter pump in the series 5).

this patch loom plugs straight into the ecu harness plugs once the original ecu is removed.

then the haltech plugs into the patch loom.

it runs on all factory sensors if you plan to keep ya boost level below 14psi

it is closed loop 02 controlled
for an extra $100 for the solenoid you then have closed loop boost control as well.

much better system IMO as its plug and play

plus were seen on a standard series 5 rx7 with just the ecu mod get 750km to a tank of fuel on the highway (thats 466.0284 miles on the other scale).
Old 12-31-08, 09:18 PM
  #12  
Rotor or no motor

iTrader: (24)
 
R-R-Rx7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Limassol, CYPRUS
Posts: 3,338
Received 369 Likes on 223 Posts
power fc and banzai plug and play harness. the easiest, the cheapest, the quickest sollution you can have. and anyone can tune a power fc (at least the big percentage of motosports shops.. not too many tune the haltech. Not underestimating Haltech or any other EMS on the market but as for plug and play power fc is the way to go

As far as im concerned, you cant keep the OMP with the Haltech.. Dont take my word for it but i think thats the case
Old 01-01-09, 02:24 PM
  #13  
Full Member
 
raceneked's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Palmdale, CA
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
How about :

WHICH FACTORY ECU'S ARE THE BEST FOR N/A & TURBO CARS?

I was thinking this very same question for my '91 n/a: which factory ecu should I use for best performance?

this question then seemingly leads to another:

WHICH ePROM CHIP IS THE BEST?
Old 01-01-09, 02:34 PM
  #14  
Wiring Nightmare

iTrader: (12)
 
ITSWILL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Ortonville, MI
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
The other simple answer to this question which I'm surprised no one has mentioned is that the best standalone is the one that your tuner is familiar with.
Old 01-01-09, 02:52 PM
  #15  
suck me beautiful

iTrader: (8)
 
mike_merryguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Clemente
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
well first thing is first you need to find a tuner, cause if you don't have an ecu allready then you probably don't have a tuner...
Old 01-02-09, 05:00 AM
  #16  
Full Member

 
sim_rx3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by R-R-Rx7

As far as im concerned, you cant keep the OMP with the Haltech.. Dont take my word for it but i think thats the case

the haltech e8 and e11 does work the EOMP

we do it here in australia all the time..
Old 01-02-09, 08:30 AM
  #17  
Rotor or no motor

iTrader: (24)
 
R-R-Rx7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Limassol, CYPRUS
Posts: 3,338
Received 369 Likes on 223 Posts
Originally Posted by sim_rx3
the haltech e8 and e11 does work the EOMP

we do it here in australia all the time..
Thanks for the info. It wouldnt work with my e6k
Old 01-03-09, 05:16 AM
  #18  
Rotary Specialists
RX7Club Vendor
iTrader: (11)
 
Banzai-Racing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4,824
Received 307 Likes on 179 Posts
The Power FC can be installed in about an hour and be up and running very quickly, it can also be returned back to the stock ECU in a the same amount of time. The Haltech will require that you spend at least a day (8-10hours) running wires, soldering on connectors, mounting fuse boxes etc. If you do not have a thorough understanding of vehicle electrical systems, you probably should not attempt an install. We have improperly installed Haltech and Microtech cars trailered to us all the time, I have 3 in the shop right now. The bad wiring jobs are also responsible for the 3 blown engines that are in those cars. Additionally returnung the car to the stock ECU is almost out of the question, certainly not without purchasing new parts, since you will need to cut up your engine harness.

When properly installed there is no "best" ecu, they all have their pros and cons. The best ECU for your application is the one that you can get support and tuning for.

We developed the installation harnesses for the Power FC because it is a very capable ECU that was designed for the rotary, and there is a huge amount of support. Nearly every rotary tuner is familiar with the PFC.
Old 01-05-09, 07:36 PM
  #19  
CPS Motorsport

iTrader: (5)
 
tigermack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Fremont, CA
Posts: 1,115
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Banzai-Racing
The Power FC can be installed in about an hour and be up and running very quickly, it can also be returned back to the stock ECU in a the same amount of time. The Haltech will require that you spend at least a day (8-10hours) running wires, soldering on connectors, mounting fuse boxes etc. If you do not have a thorough understanding of vehicle electrical systems, you probably should not attempt an install. We have improperly installed Haltech and Microtech cars trailered to us all the time, I have 3 in the shop right now. The bad wiring jobs are also responsible for the 3 blown engines that are in those cars. Additionally returnung the car to the stock ECU is almost out of the question, certainly not without purchasing new parts, since you will need to cut up your engine harness.

When properly installed there is no "best" ecu, they all have their pros and cons. The best ECU for your application is the one that you can get support and tuning for.

We developed the installation harnesses for the Power FC because it is a very capable ECU that was designed for the rotary, and there is a huge amount of support. Nearly every rotary tuner is familiar with the PFC.
Good post. Thanks!
Old 01-05-09, 11:09 PM
  #20  
Full Member

 
sim_rx3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by R-R-Rx7
Thanks for the info. It wouldnt work with my e6k
nah e6 doesnt have enough input outputs..
Old 01-05-09, 11:14 PM
  #21  
Full Member

 
sim_rx3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Banzai-Racing
The Power FC can be installed in about an hour and be up and running very quickly, it can also be returned back to the stock ECU in a the same amount of time. The Haltech will require that you spend at least a day (8-10hours) running wires, soldering on connectors, mounting fuse boxes etc. If you do not have a thorough understanding of vehicle electrical systems, you probably should not attempt an install. We have improperly installed Haltech and Microtech cars trailered to us all the time, I have 3 in the shop right now. The bad wiring jobs are also responsible for the 3 blown engines that are in those cars. Additionally returnung the car to the stock ECU is almost out of the question, certainly not without purchasing new parts, since you will need to cut up your engine harness.

When properly installed there is no "best" ecu, they all have their pros and cons. The best ECU for your application is the one that you can get support and tuning for.

We developed the installation harnesses for the Power FC because it is a very capable ECU that was designed for the rotary, and there is a huge amount of support. Nearly every rotary tuner is familiar with the PFC.


with all due respect. i am a qualified auto elec

please read my posts again..

Haltech for a while now supply model specific PATCH LOOMS for the e8 and e11 for rx7's (plus other manufacturer/model cars) for 2nd and 3rd generation rx7 cars. ie plug into factory ecu plug once original ecu is removed.

although the FD is not listed it is covered as well. how do i know? read below

http://www.haltech.com/index.php?opt...d=40&Itemid=35

also im mates with the manager of r&d of haltech in sydney. if its not listed ask and they will manufacture one (patch loom) to make the haltech ecu of your choice "plug and play" for you..

thank you


ps im pretty sure haltech is widely supported in america no?

Last edited by sim_rx3; 01-05-09 at 11:24 PM. Reason: additional info
Old 01-05-09, 11:56 PM
  #22  
Full Member

 
sim_rx3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
pps plus i have no finantual gain from this info..

if someone has the option and a tuner nearby that like the haltech, why should they be forced to use an ecu they dont want to use?
Old 01-06-09, 05:47 AM
  #23  
Rotary Specialists
RX7Club Vendor
iTrader: (11)
 
Banzai-Racing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4,824
Received 307 Likes on 179 Posts
^^ That's all fine and good, but the original poster has an E6K, not an E8 or E11, so there is not avoiding rewiring the car.
Old 01-07-09, 05:15 PM
  #24  
Full Member

 
sim_rx3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
from my previous post

if its not listed ask and they will manufacture one (patch loom) to make the haltech ecu of your choice "plug and play" for you..
the only thing is with the e6 it wont function all the emmisions gear as it doesnt have enough inputs/outputs.


thank you
Old 01-07-09, 05:20 PM
  #25  
Full Member

 
sim_rx3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
please note too Banzai-Racing, i actually love the PowerFC as well..

we use them alot on FD's over here

i'm just giving people options


Quick Reply: Which ECU what be best?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:19 PM.