JLS 89 T2

is there anything like the old rtek chip upgrades left or are full stand alone systems the only ecu options I have left for an 89 T2? I'd love to go stand alone at some point, but it's pretty pricey for the start of my build.

DC5Daniel

iTrader: (10)

To answer your question, you could do a piggyback, used “JDM” tuned ECU, or used RTEK.

A word of advice though, because most of us have already been through the same dilemma: MOST likely you will ditch the RTEK and get a real ECU. You will spend more money in the long run by going halfway with the RTEK.

Standalones are cheaper now than ever before, we’re talking less than $1000 for some wire in models and ~$1400 for many of the PnP. Honestly, if that’s a lot of money, you’re in for a rude awakening owning a 30 year old turbo rotary...

freedomgli

It's not your only option but like DC5Daniel said, it's probably your best option. The only way I'd do a S-AFCII today was if I was building a purist 1990s style period correct type car, which is never gonna happen. Standalone ECUs are a big step up in complexity, so definitely take your time and do lots of research before you buy or install. When I first went standalone on my Miata I probably spent 2-3 hours a day reading the instruction manuals and support forums every day for about 4 months just to get up to speed and I'm still a rookie. I also felt like I'm leaning heavily on decades of life experience with all kinds of motor vehicles, computers and my engineering background. Even then, it's a heavy lift and I don't know how less experienced people pull it off. So be sure what you really want is a modded RX-7 before you go down this path!

JLS 89 T2

I see your points. My issue is the car is already somewhat modded(yes I want more!). After reading and researching build paths I'm paranoid about the current boost levels. It's not hitting fuel cut, but is uncorked with an arc intercooler, which I plan to smooth the piping from. It's got to be close to fuel cut, but the idea of a fuel cut defender/ser seems crazy to me.
I realize I will probably spend 5k or more to get where I want, not including paint and such, but hope to spread it out over a couple of years. As to the stand alone, which I know it will get(looking like sooner rather than later), looking at one with an entire harness(probably haltech). Clinical engineer myself, so fairly certain I will do ok with the install, and get help with the first tune and learning to tune.

justinrx7t2rew

Best money I've ever spent on the car is a standalone dont waste your money on that rtek garbage, stock harness sucks, go with a full standalone with a custom loom harness u could get rid of a lot of unnecessary stuff that the stock ecu needs to run the car. Plus if you start data logging and something goes wrong with the car u go on the program and you will be able to see what went wrong and it will point u in the direction of what needs to be fixed. right now i have a haltech ps1000 but there is a haltech elite for a better price than the ps1000

garthechiro

solid. I was on the fence with going with the rtek because of the appealing price but it makes sense to use the best, if you're trying to build the best. Could you point me in the right direction as far as manuals and what support forums you used?