Thread: Megasquirt

I was looking into the MS about 8 years ago but sold my RRC add bought a diesel, would still like to play with 1 one day maybe for my FC holden or the 4.4 i have awaiting a project.

Originally Posted by loanrangie

1 one day maybe for my FC holden .

Hey! I'm having the same thoughts for my EK. Have to keep in touch if/when either of us gets onto that project.

I am thinking about using MS to run a Thor 4.6 but it is confusing to work out what version to get. Also, is it hard to build the ECU?

Garry

Megasquirt 2 or MS2 or MSII is the version I have and I think would be suitable for a Thor. They are certainly using this version for a lot more modern stuff than my car. 1993 Classic.

Building the ECU itself is entirely dependent on your ability/confidence at soldering small components onto a circuit board. Personally I had never done it before except once in high school back in the 80s. But if you can get some practice in first then it's not too hard. I did 95% of all the soldering over a weekend...maybe 8-10 hrs. Lots of that time spent looking through the packets of resistors making sure the right ones were going in the right spot.
I'm kind of glad that life made me take so long to get the rest of it all going as it meant I've had loads of time to ponder each step along the way.

Tell you what, I can't stop grinning today! I even offered to drive down and pick up pizza tonight to celebrate-just so I could start the car and go for a drive. It is SO nice to drive, even in an 'untuned' mode. Miles better than how it behaved on the 14cux computer. And it should only get better from here

Originally Posted by garrycol

I am thinking about using MS to run a Thor 4.6 but it is confusing to work out what version to get. Also, is it hard to build the ECU?

Garry

We have previously discussed this, Thor or not does not matter, it is an IC engine controllable by a Computer. Megasquirt is one of the best ways to get into computer controlled engines, there is a lot of info out there with lots of forums to help.

Go ahead you know you want to.

Originally Posted by slug_burner

We have previously discussed this, there is a lot of info out there with lots of forums to help.

Go ahead you know you want to.

Yes -too much information with lots of vested interests from the main suppliers to go one way or the other. Some say MS1 others say MS3.

I find it all too confusing and am leaning towards a proprietary system like the self learning Holly system on an edlebrock manifold.

Garry

MS 1 does not do sequential injection and I think was also limited to how it controls spark due to limited output circuits. I'd have to go and have a closer look, the MS 1 was a starting point, MS 2 might do it MS 3 should easily enough. However if you don't feel confident to put a system together then stick with a system you can easily instal and hopefully it will work no problems or have a good enough post sale support system to get any issues sorted. There is risk when you take things on yourself and not everyone feels comfortable with it.

I agree that there is seemingly too much information out there with conflicting views and opinions. It took me a long time to decide which version to get or whether to go Megasquirt or something else. Eventually I narrowed it down by asking myself what it was I wanted to get out of the project and for me it is the DIY factor that convinced me to go MS2 in kit form. I have in the past mucked about with building super mileage carburetors and fabricating my own exhausts, so I just didn't think that I would be happy with buying something off the shelf. I have also gained a wealth of knowledge about electrickery and if anything were to go wrong with my set up I wouldn't have any hesitation to open the ECU and probe about for the problem.
I even made a 'pass through adaptor' from an old 14cux case and plug so that I can hook the megasquirt loom straight into the Rangies original loom. (I only had to run a few extra wires for crank angle sensor and coil packs.

MS2 will handle sequential injection I'm pretty sure, but as I've read lots of times while researching this, aparently most sequential systems revert back to batch firing over about 3000rpm anyway.