Megasquirt Want to go Megasquirt, but kind of lost...
10-31-14, 02:53 PM
#1
Want to go Megasquirt, but kind of lost...
So I just finished my re-build of my 13b 6 port in my 1986 Rx7, which included a mid-large street-port, full racing beat exhaust, light flywheel, etc. And I'm eventually going to go the Turbo route later down the road, and want to go MS as well, however I'd rather begin messing with an NA motor now with no experience rather than a turbo motor when it comes to fuel management.
So, I've read there are DIY kits, and pre-made ready to install kits(I think?). Is it just merely a cost difference? Or do the DIY kits provide more features/room for growth? I'm browsing this site, MegaSquirt Complete Assembled Units including Relay Boards and Stimulators Megasquirt Kits / Assembled Engine Management Systems, Wideband o2 Sensor Systems and tuning products - DIYAutoTune.com and I'm just confused, so many options it seems, which version, pro, etc. I think I could handle a DIY kit, it would just take some extra time learning.
I know with the mods I have done currently, I can get that extra HP and a bit better fuel economy with a MS, but it's also experience for later on as well. It seems you can get kind of close to the fabled 200whp with the dreaded 2nd gen 6 port, that's what I'd like to do, as close as I can without dissecting the engine again.
So, here I am, clueless as to where to begin with this. I have no experience with this sort of thing, but I want to go ahead and try it, I also had no experience with anything automotive as well, well that changed. I hope I asked enough questions and provided enough information, if not let me know. Anyways, what would you guys recommend for me, I think this would be a 'fun' winter project for me. Thanks guys!
So, I've read there are DIY kits, and pre-made ready to install kits(I think?). Is it just merely a cost difference? Or do the DIY kits provide more features/room for growth? I'm browsing this site, MegaSquirt Complete Assembled Units including Relay Boards and Stimulators Megasquirt Kits / Assembled Engine Management Systems, Wideband o2 Sensor Systems and tuning products - DIYAutoTune.com and I'm just confused, so many options it seems, which version, pro, etc. I think I could handle a DIY kit, it would just take some extra time learning.
I know with the mods I have done currently, I can get that extra HP and a bit better fuel economy with a MS, but it's also experience for later on as well. It seems you can get kind of close to the fabled 200whp with the dreaded 2nd gen 6 port, that's what I'd like to do, as close as I can without dissecting the engine again.
So, here I am, clueless as to where to begin with this. I have no experience with this sort of thing, but I want to go ahead and try it, I also had no experience with anything automotive as well, well that changed. I hope I asked enough questions and provided enough information, if not let me know. Anyways, what would you guys recommend for me, I think this would be a 'fun' winter project for me. Thanks guys!
10-31-14, 10:44 PM
#2
The DIY kits come as a bare circuit board & little baggies of resistors, capacitors & whatnot that you need to solder all together. The instructions are pretty clear, once you know which circuits you'll need, and there are some good RX-7 specific write-ups here. I've used both MS1 & MS2, and would recommend MS2 because of the extra features, better idle control & better injector staging control.
You'll also want a wideband O2 sensor to help with tuning - I've had luck with an Innovate LC-1 but they certainly aren't the latest-and-greatest, and they can be a bit fickle sometimes.
I'd also take this as an opportunity to re-make the wiring harness since you'll need to do some work on it anyway. Its very nice to be able to work with new wires vs old, corroded, crusty ones, even if you do re-use the connectors.
You'll also want a wideband O2 sensor to help with tuning - I've had luck with an Innovate LC-1 but they certainly aren't the latest-and-greatest, and they can be a bit fickle sometimes.
I'd also take this as an opportunity to re-make the wiring harness since you'll need to do some work on it anyway. Its very nice to be able to work with new wires vs old, corroded, crusty ones, even if you do re-use the connectors.
11-01-14, 11:14 AM
#3
Engine, Not Motor
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For the most part, the DIY kits are the same as the assembled. The exception is the V3.57 board (best choice for MS3) which is only available pre-assembled as it is surface mount.
In many cases, DIY is best if you really want to build everything yourself. In general, once time is factored in, you will be more ahead buying a complete assembled system, especially if this is your first 'Squirting.
You don't need a relay board if you are starting with a 2nd gen. The relay board is typically for a vehicle that started without fuel injection. Same with the Stim. If you aren't building yourself, then it isn't strictly necessary.
One word of advice is to follow ONLY ONE writeup. Mine (plug!) is very detailed and in the sticky at the top of this forum. Covers every MS version but I would suggest starting with MS3X because it is the most feature rich, the least DIY, and the newest version.
In many cases, DIY is best if you really want to build everything yourself. In general, once time is factored in, you will be more ahead buying a complete assembled system, especially if this is your first 'Squirting.
You don't need a relay board if you are starting with a 2nd gen. The relay board is typically for a vehicle that started without fuel injection. Same with the Stim. If you aren't building yourself, then it isn't strictly necessary.
One word of advice is to follow ONLY ONE writeup. Mine (plug!) is very detailed and in the sticky at the top of this forum. Covers every MS version but I would suggest starting with MS3X because it is the most feature rich, the least DIY, and the newest version.
11-05-14, 06:48 PM
#4
The DIY kits come as a bare circuit board & little baggies of resistors, capacitors & whatnot that you need to solder all together. The instructions are pretty clear, once you know which circuits you'll need, and there are some good RX-7 specific write-ups here. I've used both MS1 & MS2, and would recommend MS2 because of the extra features, better idle control & better injector staging control.
You'll also want a wideband O2 sensor to help with tuning - I've had luck with an Innovate LC-1 but they certainly aren't the latest-and-greatest, and they can be a bit fickle sometimes.
I'd also take this as an opportunity to re-make the wiring harness since you'll need to do some work on it anyway. Its very nice to be able to work with new wires vs old, corroded, crusty ones, even if you do re-use the connectors.
You'll also want a wideband O2 sensor to help with tuning - I've had luck with an Innovate LC-1 but they certainly aren't the latest-and-greatest, and they can be a bit fickle sometimes.
I'd also take this as an opportunity to re-make the wiring harness since you'll need to do some work on it anyway. Its very nice to be able to work with new wires vs old, corroded, crusty ones, even if you do re-use the connectors.
Wideband O2 sensors... which would you recommend then? This means I'll have to drill a hole into my headers, or will it make the current O2 sensor obsolete and thus being able to use that outlet? Jeez... now I'm wondering how much simpler I will be able to make everything.
Topless, just curious, I know your setup is turbo rather than na, but what things were you able to simplify with MS?
For the most part, the DIY kits are the same as the assembled. The exception is the V3.57 board (best choice for MS3) which is only available pre-assembled as it is surface mount.
In many cases, DIY is best if you really want to build everything yourself. In general, once time is factored in, you will be more ahead buying a complete assembled system, especially if this is your first 'Squirting.
You don't need a relay board if you are starting with a 2nd gen. The relay board is typically for a vehicle that started without fuel injection. Same with the Stim. If you aren't building yourself, then it isn't strictly necessary.
One word of advice is to follow ONLY ONE writeup. Mine (plug!) is very detailed and in the sticky at the top of this forum. Covers every MS version but I would suggest starting with MS3X because it is the most feature rich, the least DIY, and the newest version.
What sort of main features does MS3 have over MS2? I'm liking the fact that it's least DIY, even though I'm fine with DIY... it will just save time though.
Okay, another noob question... on the website I mentioned previously, I'm lost at which kit to go with, obviously the assembled MS3 kit, I'm just not sure which one it is exactly.
Anyways, I'm more excited to do this now, thanks guys!
11-08-14, 10:03 AM
#5
Engine, Not Motor
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If this is the first time you've heard of MS3, then it might be best to start with the basic summary here:
Megasquirt Product Comparison
I also have a fairly decent summary about the major differences with respect to the rotary here:
How To Megasquirt Your 2nd Gen RX-7
Further down in the writeup, under the parts section, there is a fairly detailed list of exactly what must be purchased for each Megasquirt version.
Megasquirt Product Comparison
I also have a fairly decent summary about the major differences with respect to the rotary here:
How To Megasquirt Your 2nd Gen RX-7
Further down in the writeup, under the parts section, there is a fairly detailed list of exactly what must be purchased for each Megasquirt version.
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