I like the idea of soldering stuff together, and making things work so that I know how things work to be better able to modify or troubleshoot later on.

Actually I really don't have the need for it at this moment, but I love the idea, and at least one of the cars I own may need something like this when the stock system craps out. It's a vw vanagon camper, and stuff for it is expensive and break freqently.

I'm saving up for a crate motor for my thirdgen, so I could also go with a lt4 setup or something on that. That would at least make me able to drive it more, since a high hp carbed smallblock ususally uses alot of gas commuting. At least thats my perception of it.

So tell me, what am I in store for?

 

Can you control spark yet with the megasquirt system? Last time I looked at it, you couldn't

 

I think i read somewhere that the newest system coming was gonna do that... have been a bit busy lately though, so havent read up on it.

 

The downside I see to the MegaSquirt vs. OEM is where do you get a replacement ECM quickly?

With MegaSquirt you need GM type sensors, same with an OEM ECM. With an OEM ECM if it dies on you in the middle of rural America, you can either find a replacement in a salvage yard or order one through the local parts store...not so with a MegaSquirt.

There are several solutions for GM ECMs (and Fords too) that allow you to use Flash memory instead of PROMs to store the "tune up" code and a really good ECM editing software package.

I just don't see why I would choose a MegaSquirt over a GM ECM. I don't see what it can do that can't be done with a GM unit.

 

Well I live in Norway,so getting GM parts is not just on the first corner...Thats a big reason I consider megasquirt in the first place, in addition to ba able to tune of course.

I don't know everything about the megasquirt, hence this post, but cant you just as easily order a new chip for it aswell as a GM one?

I though the MegaS used "generic" stock parts, so that one can rebuild the electronics without needing some automakers gouged up parts...

My last point is that I do consider this not only for a GM vehicle, I only have one of those, but several non GM. And the knowhow on other systems isn't exactly as common knowledge as say a tpi system.

So my thought was to be able to learn something that could be universally adapted to older FI vehicles when stock parts run out, or price prohibit the use of them.

 

I've never been to Norway but I'm not sure I believe that there aren't any autoparts stores that can get GM sensors and ECMs. Afterall doesn't GM sell cars in Norway?

MegaSquirt has a dedicated software application for tuning. For most GM ECMs (and some non-GM units) you can either program your own PROMs or buy an adapter to put flash memory in place of the PROM and store the code that way. There are programs to log the data from the ECM and burn new code to either your PROM or flash. Either way you're going to need a laptop.

MegaSquirt requires the GM or aftermarket replacement Air Temp, Coolant Temp, Throttle Position, and O2 sensors as well as a GM style Idle Air Control motor. The "brains" of the MegaSquirt are not GM but it requires GM sensors.

There are many people using GM ECMs on non-GM vehicles. One company makes an injection kit for V8 AMC powered Jeeps based around a GM TBI ECM. Provided the sensor inputs are in the expected range and the code is "right" the ECM has no idea what kind of engine it's hooked to.

The MegaSquirt would teach you this but you can accomplish much the same thing with factory ECMs. You're going to have to build a wiring harness either way. Going with a GM ECM saves you from having to build the ECM from scratch but it will be slightly more difficult to program.

Check out the DIY-PROM board here to get an idea of what's out there for factory ECMs.

 

eh, the megasquirt is a great system IF:

• you have full working knowlege of EFI systems
• you have basic electronics knowlege
• you're confident and capable of doing all the work yourself with a reasonable level of skill

if you know what you're doing, its easy... parts are cheap..

and id bet money that i could repair a megasquirt ECM faster then you could ORDER your reman GM ECM and get it from the parts store... at BEST its a overnight affair... get it the next day.. but it could be a week.

the GM ECMs you're talking about are OLD.. OLD OLD OLD not everywhere like you'd love to think. flexible? yes. fully hacked? yes. capable of doing what MS does? yes. but dont fool yourself into thinking they grow on trees..



anyhoo... if you grasp all the concepts of EFI to the point you can build your own system, and you have enough electronics knowlege to figure it out if something goes wrong..... then its a great system for your car..

every part in it is carried by normal electronics shops.. except the prom chip.. the basic MS chip has code flashed on it to allow you to flash tune it.
you can get a blank chip to replace it, but then you'll need a flasher tool (you know, like you'd need for GM EFI anyway..) so order a second chip if you want a backup.. or get a flasher, and be able to build the whole ECM from anything... lol.

 

Thanks for the feedback both of you. GM does sell quite a alot of vehicles in Norway, it's only that 99% of it is european GM stuff, lik Opels and such. Not bad cars, but none come with V8's and very very few with a six. As far as I know most of the engine managment systems is completely different. 1,8 liter is the most common engine, so I don't thing those parts would work very good.

Thirdgen parts are expensive here, I bought a wire harness for the GTA tail lights I bought on ebay, And that costed me about $200. Don't know what a wiring harness and ecm cost's, but I bet not cheap.

So since the price for thirdgen parts are at a premium here, I just thought perhaps another source of electroonics could work better. Especially when I didn't have in mind anything near stoc engine, and then tuining ability would be most important I guess.


Anyhow, I just wanted to hear you opinions about the Megasquirt, not wether or not it's better or worse than stock, since stock isn't really an option anyway.

Although this is just sometghing I assume, it seems to be easier to work with a system you have soldered together yourself and yuou can use a laptop on rather than having to burn new chips. THen again, it might not be...lol

Thanks for the info though. But do anyone have some real hands on experience with MS on their car?

 

yea, i ran it for a month on mine.. lol

then i sold it, and all of my other SBC stuff and bought a LS1..

when i had it, i loved it.. it was the easiest system to tune ive used.. and ive tuned with several OEM and aftermarket systems.

i think the main reason it was so easy, is that its simple, and i know EXACTLY how everything works, down to how the software loops..


the GM sensors are the same as the GM cars in europe... they're pretty standard.. the ECM itself... eh, thats more specific... but if you go MS, the sensors should be easy for you to obtain.

theres alot more info on MS at its website..

 

Yeah, it's overwhelming all the info they have there. I've been reading for hours and hours, but just wanted to hear some opinions or experience some might have.

 

Hi,
I have been building my Megasquirt system up for nearly a year, on and off, and finally took the plunge just a few days back. I built the entire ECU, Relay Board, Loom, Programmer and On Bench Tester from scratch. I modified an Edelbrock StreetMaster for port injection.

Using the default fuel table my car fired up and drove straight away! I was stunned at how easy it was. A few days later I have the fuel tables fine tuned and am currently working on fine tuning the cold start system.

Performance is WAY better than any Carb'y Ive used and economy appears better also. Need a bit more time to tell for sure.

I definately recommend the Megasquirt system if you are thinking of D.I.Y E.F.I. Everything you need is available software wise and all parts can be purchased locally.
Check out my Web site if you need more details.
http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/barkergg

 

The megasquirt is a little more complicated and labor intensive than the rest, BUT everything you'll ever need is available. Software, parts, knowledge is all available, it's like the Linux of fuel injection. Open source! Everyone who has one loves it! The price is good too