Car is an unmodified 91 944S2, it runs well at the moment. My stock ECU suffered some water damage in the past, and for peace of mind against sudden failure (and getting stuck someplace) I'd like to replace it. But I've got some questions about aftermarket replacements:

1-The DIYAutoTune MegaSquirt 2 units found for sale on several websites for around $800.00 USD all claim to be "plug and play" and that the unit can be installed in under one-hour. Is it really that easy and straightforward? I have basic mechanical skills. No tuning experience.
2-What are the differences between the MegaSquirt 2 and VEMS?
3-Are there performance gains with these aftermarket ECUs?
4-I have a brand-new still in the box Vitasse MAF that I have not gotten around to installing. Is this a good idea with the DIY MegaSquirt and/or VEMS?

 

There is a very detailed thread on here about MegaSquirt by Michael O'donnell - suggest you try the search function and read thru the details.

 

Here’s my input, take it with a grain of salt.

1) Yes they are plug and play. Easy install but you are given a base map for start up. Some fine tuning will be required. Having the base map gives you a very good start and shouldn’t have to worry about screwing up your engine. Get a wide band it will help with tuning.

2) There is gains for ECU swap especially if the AFM is replaced with a MAF/Map. Vems S2 motors have seen around 20 percent increase making roughly 208-210whp with just this mod. 16v motors have excellent potential.

3) I’m not sure on this one, generally with any standalone you can change to any maf but adjusting is required in the tune and minor wiring. I have no idea about the ramifications using someone elses product so I’ll stay out if that one.

 

I second this as well

 

I assume you are aware of the brand new improved ECUs by FTECH9 http://www.ftech9.com/new-products ?

I only bring this up as you don't indicate that you're unhappy with your current performance but are looking more for reliability. A new stock-type ECU would fit that bill nicely I think

 

Thanks Dan - The FTECH9 looks very well made. I'm using their DME relay already (great !! ) However their ECUs seem to be made for all 944 models except the S2, someone please correct me if I'm wrong: ( from the website ) FITMENT:
All Porsche 944 Turbo (Including Turbo S)
1985.5-1988 Porsche 944 (Non-Turbo) equipped with 8-Valve engines.
** 1982 to 1985 Porsche 944 (Late Model AFM or MAF upgrade required, Late model 8-Valve DME core required)

 

Oh.. right. That would make it a little difficult lol

 

Thanks Jay. Found the thread (begins on page 2 of a longer string). Interesting read, great info!

By the way, I see you are in the Atlanta area (me too) and that you've got a lot of experience with these cars. I'm looking to refurbish and upgrade my suspension, do you have any shop recommendations for that?
For that matter, I'm not unhappy with my current shop but he's a bit slow and more of a 911 guy, do you have any general shop recommendations? My current list includes a new clutch, power steering rack (leaks, of course!) or manual conversion, and getting the AC working again.

 

I'm a fan of VEMS (have had for 5 years).
MegaSquirt is similar in capability but, from what I can tell, a little more hands-on in the setup (you can build the ECU and harness yourself, or buy the plug-n-play kit but might still need some stuff).

VEMS comes as a ready to run kit but costs more. I bought VEMS because it had the auto-tune feature which at the time, MS did not offer (but I think does now).

MegaSquirt has more widespread support/users, VEMS tends to be popular on older European stuff so a lot of your information will be found on Warsaw-Pact websites.
The guy who assembles VEMS for 944 applications is very friendly, knowledgeable, and quick to respond so support is great. But you probably won't have much luck finding a local tuner shop who knows VEMS.

Either way, you don't need that MAF kit.

 

megasquirt doesnt offer a pnp version for 16v cars anymore.

 

https://www.diyautotune.com/product/...sche-944-s-s2/

Still listed here.

 

weird they werent available a few mnths ago.

thanks for the info

 

shun the non-believer!!! 😱 jk 😬

 

Is 225-250 RWHP attainable for 16v engines with a management (VEMS/MegaSquirt/Electromotive/etc.) upgrade alone?

 

with just the ecu, more likely 215-220 rwhp. but ofc u can get sport cams etc that cost 1k, that will help to get it more into 240-50 rwhp range i guess