ChaseN

Simple question: has anyone successfully run a 964 using Megasquirt?

I'm considering a rebuild this winter (cams, stronger rods, maybe a few other things here and there but staying with a 3.6) and was thinking about using MS in the build. I built a '90 325 convertible using it and got it running and driving with very good success, now thinking about it as an alternative to the stock Motronic (which I obviously can't tune myself) and MoTec (which I can't afford or tune). The BMW community uses it with great success, and I can't see a reason not to use it on a 964 (other than the cost of a blown flat six vs. that of your typical BMW motor you can pick up down at the junkyard...).

The only negative I can see to it is the lack of knock control. But then again, I don't think most MoTec applications have it either (I could be wrong here?) and from what I have heard, even the best knock control systems can become pretty much useless if/when the properties of the motor changes its "sound" (i.e. interference from bigger cams, etc.) without re-programing.

Anyone? What say the experienced tuners on the board? If I can run a Bimmer straight-six on it, what are my hurdles in running a P-Car flat-six?

Thanks!

PNine64

I used to have a Miata. I had considered getting a Turbo and Megasquirt because it was well supported in that "crowd"...then I decided I'd just get a Porsche instead. With a Miata, custom chips were not available so you sort of had to figure out a different way. Can a Steve Wong chip not get you to where you want to go?

That said, I have fully exhausted all my tuner knowledge. If you are doing it for the challenge I suspect others might be interested in your findings (expecially if you build from scratch). Good Luck!!

hawk911

got to be honest, the title sounded like a porno movie; that exhausts my knowledge of anything remotely related

elbeee964

and for some reason I thought Jim was gonna be popping in with something to say on this, as well.

Indycam

http://www.megamanual.com/ms2/knock.htm

http://bigstuff3.com/

I was just looking around at whats new with megasquirt .
The new megasquirt 3 looks real good .
http://www.ms3efi.com/product.html

hawk911

I recognized Chase's screen name, so I knew it wasn't spam, but had to read it to see for sure what he was talking about. That's got to be one of the best thread titles EVER!

ChaseN

Yeah, its interesting how common it is in some 'circles', and uncommon in others.

Re: Steve Wong Chip - I've got one currently, and color me fairly underwhelmed with its performance. If Steve could dyno MY SPECIFIC car and burn a chip that way, I'm sure it would be different. But, that's not really feasible. I'm confident I can make more power, safer, with a tune specific to my car (i.e. MS).

If I decided to do this, I will certainly share. IDK about building the ecu hardware from scratch or not...I did that with my BMW, and to be honest, its just a giant pain in the *** I'd probably pay someone else to do. Who knows though, I am a bit of a sadist when it comes to working on my own cars....

Indy - had not seen the experimental knock sensors...that could be a game changer. I can't imagine what a pain it has to be to tune those though! Especially as even the silliest of unrelated mods can change the frequency the engine knocks at...but, I may just try my hand w/ it. If I go through w/ this, it will definitely be using MS3. A good buddy of mine is using it on his '87 325e with a turbo'd '98 M3 motor, says the capabilities it has to run various aux functions, along with user interface, has jumped lightyears.

Indycam

On the upside , you have a set of knock sensors mounted on the motor that are known to work .

http://home.netcom.com/~bsundahl/kno...nockSounds.htm

Gus

I am working with MEGA Squirt and have ECU ready to drop into the 964 if you are interested - just pull the stock ECU out and plug the new one in ( uses same pin set up) - you will need to add a few new sensors, run a vacuum line and install a wide band - but it offers a full tune capability and you can do away with the stock air flow sensor for a restriction free intake. Uses all the stock sensors . You would need to set up your own VE table for your car to fine tune for your settings - but the approach is relatively easy. You can add coil packs to replace the dizzies and and add a EGT sensor to assist in setting the best timing.
Has to be built from scratch so if interested let me know -

Indycam

Wow !

ChaseN

Gus -

Yes, I am VERY interested. If I understand you right, you are integrating a 964 DME side plug into the MS box...is this correct?

Would love to hear details, and have no problem building from scratch for a solution like that. You can PM w/ details if you prefer.

ChaseN

Gus -

Yes, I am VERY interested. If I understand you right, you are integrating a 964 DME side plug into the MS box...is this correct?

Would love to hear details, and have no problem building from scratch for a solution like that. You can PM w/ details if you prefer.

Mike Hall

Any updates on this? I am thinking about doing a custom ITB setup for my 964 while using a MS for controlling everything.

rollingjack

Yes, Megascuirt is cheaper, but if you are interested in future go back to original setup, is VEMS better choice,
because it has plug for 55pin original ECU.
You can use original 55 pin plug to connect VEMS ECU and add for wideband, coils etc some more wires.
Instead distibutors can you use coils. Less weight as original.
No more stupid small door in intake. Only free 3" tube from air cleaner to throttle body.

More power, more torque, less weight.

Gus

I have a VEMS unit but it is running MegaSquirt software "MegaTune" - VEMS has come out with there own software now which makes programming / engine management a little easier. Here is a pic of my set up - the VEMS unit behind drivers seat - use the USB to link to the computer for tuning. Then a left side, middle and right side pic of the engine compartment. On the left side you can see the coil packs that I mounted on an old distributor drive mount- utilize the distributor base and mounting slot. Also you can see the vacuum gauge in the back that I use to verify vacuum pressure to operate the varioram solenoids. Center is just a pic of the varioram and what a tight fit it is in the 964. Think I need to lower the engine about a half inch. Then the right side with the air intake and the 3. 5 inch intake pipe that marries into the large varioram intake.
Ref the VEMS - yes it has the 55 pin and it was a direct mate to the stock pin set up. But. I had to add several sensors and modify the injector wiring. The VEMS had to be programmed to handle the varioram solenoids. Still playing with the set up and hope to squeeze out a few more ponies. Todate I have a 42 HP increase and have gained a lot of low end torque with the varioram. Please with the changes with no internal engine mods.