bowserfc

I'm new to MS and I just ordered mine and been doing a little research before It gets here but was wondering if I would be able to use the stock circuit opening relay with the Megasquirt? And if so, how would I go about making it work with the Megasquirt?

AGreen

iTrader: (11)

Yeah, you can. But the real question is... just WHY?

And to answer your question, the MS has a multitude of output ports you can use to control auxiliary functions, such as relays for fans, nitrous, or flashy lights if you so desire.

bowserfc

I wanted to use it because it would be easier for me right now considering I'm real short on money
Also just to clarify my question i was under my dash checking out the wiring for it and noticed there are 5 wires coming from it....Do i just cut or remove one of the wires and just put it on the MS harness??
And my harness should be arriving today going to start once it gets here

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

A relay is $10 at the local auto part store. I hate to say it, but if you can't afford that, you can't afford the project or to drive the car.

Why deal with old OEM wiring that is in dubious condition? One of the advantages of a standalone is to replace all that old stuff with far more modern and simple wiring.

bowserfc

That is cheap for a relay but don't i also have to get sheet metal, other fuses and relays, fuse panel, and circuit breakers....it does add up, I was just curious about using stock relay and which wires i could wire in that's all but depending how everything goes I may or may not use the COR but I don't know yet

AGreen

iTrader: (11)

Go to a pick-a-part junkyard. Find a Ford truck. Grab every 4 or 5 pin relay you can. Total cost: $2 for entrance fee.

You don't need a sheet metal panel like Aaron made. His writeup is just an example. So is the DIY autotune writeup:

How to MegaSquirt your FC RX-7

You can mount the MS anywhere you want. You could put it in the glove box, mount it to the hood, whatever you want.

All that's left from purchasing the MS is (but definitely not limited to):
solder
various lengths and gauges of wire
a 4-conductor shielded cable
crimp terminals
heat shrink
random fuses

And those are the expendable items. Tools you'll need include:
soldering iron
tiny pliers for bending leads
a wet sponge
crimpers
screwdrivers
necessary tools for removing and reinstalling the UIM
9/16" drill bit
3/8" tap

Aside from that, you'll need:
A new intake (no more AFM)
A wideband O2 sensor
Boost gauge (if your vehicle is forced induction)


Aaron's not trying to come off as a dick, but he has a point. The Megasquirt ECU is definitely a budget EMS. It's about a third of the cost of most standalones, and all the software for tuning it is free. It's as cheap as you can get. It can be put together on some seriously tight budgets, but it's still not by any means going to be inexpensive. In other words, it's cheap, but "relatively" cheap when compared to the alternative.

88jdmfc

yep its pretty simple and cheap i got alot of things from the pick n pull too i also found a boost gauge in there that i got at a discount (pocket part)

88jdmfc

yep

bowserfc

oh ok I'll have to go up there this weekend but how about the fuse panel? is there any place i could get that cheap if i need that too?

AGreen

iTrader: (11)

$10 for one of those.

Buy Bussmann Fuse Panel for ATC Fuses - 30 Amps BP/15600-06-20 at Advance Auto Parts

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

How are you going to wire the ECU safely without fuse panels, fuses and circuit breakers?

Sheet metal is basically free to a few dollars, the fuse panels are about $10 at an auto parts store, a breaker is another $8, and the relays with sockets are $5 - $10 each. We're not talking a lot of money here but a minimal investment where it counts will make the whole install far better from the start.

Trust me, I've wired standalones using almost 100% stock wiring on request from people wanting to "save money" and it's a false economy. Figuring out the stock pinouts for everything takes far more time than just using a new relay/fuse panel, and dealing with old wiring that has been baked in an engine bay for 20+ years is no fun. Spending $50 more on wiring accessories is money well spent. Consider other things in life that you may spend a few dollars on every day ($3 a day for coffee?) and just don't spend that money for a week or so.