Author Topic: Where to start with no idea (Read 3651 times)

sorrow · « **on:** January 06, 2013, 09:59:50 AM »

Hi Guys

I'm planning to go fast with my M42. The Preowner changed the compression Ration and the Camshafts. But the ECU Software is a preconfigured which doesn't really works good.

So i thought about it, to try out something new. So i'm looking for a new programmable engine Management. But to be serious, i never did something before, and i don't know where to start.

I thought about VEMS, because it's cheap and some say, easy to configure

Is there anybody out there who can help?

Cheers

blueboi69 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 06, 2013, 12:27:13 PM »

Hi,

If the engine is running NA you don't really need a standalone engine management system. What cams do you have?

sorrow · « **Reply #2 on:** January 06, 2013, 01:11:05 PM »

Quote from: blueboi69;119014

Hi,

If the engine is running NA you don't really need a standalone engine management system. What cams do you have?

Hi Blueboi

I got Schrick 256�, but i don't know exactly how high the actual compression ratio is.

Cheers

DesktopDave · « **Reply #3 on:** January 06, 2013, 01:45:02 PM »

There's MegaSquirt as well. Given the amount of work either standalone system would need, I'd consider sticking with the stock setup and tweaking the chip. If you go that route, we have a few BMW DME experts around here...definitely drop BMWConnect (Midnight Tuning) a PM. Here's a useful thread.

I'd also strongly consider asking Mark D'Sylvia for help. Here's his site. Even a little advice from a legendary tuner like Mark could really help you out. Even better, he usually runs a 15% spring sale on chips...maybe he's even consider customizing one of his tunes to fit your motor perfectly.

sorrow · « **Reply #4 on:** January 06, 2013, 01:55:21 PM »

Hi Dave

My project will be to use this car for racing. So it would be cool, to understand all the settings by myself. I'm not that bad in the mechanics, but never did something with the electrics, so i don't really know what ever is possible with the standard BMW ECU.

The problem is, that i've installed a chip, which is mapped for the Cams, but it don't really work that great and i do think, that a perfect setup will only be possible with a customized setup.

I have reprogrammed my M3 ECU by a buddy, but the engine there is completly stock. So the differences aren't that big, as in my 318iS. So i think i will do it by myself, but as you can see, i don't really know how

Cheers

MLM · « **Reply #5 on:** January 06, 2013, 02:28:06 PM »

Hi Sorrow,

Provided you do not go outside the opperating window of the existing factory sensors the factory ecu can be tuned to suit your modifications. Here in NZ ther is a local tuner who interfaces with the factory ecu on a dyno to produce the perfect tune. Maybe there is someone who can do this in your part of the world?

If you want a stand alone ece the options are plentiful. Things to note are that the factory bmw ecu has on board igniters where most after market ecu's dont. Easilly sorted with an igniter box but its an extra bit to buy.

With stand alone you can delete the afm and go for a different tuning method (MAP, Alpha-N) which may require additional sensors. Either way the purchase price of the ecu is only part of the cost as connectors, wire etc will be required.

As for the electrical side, if you take your time, read instructions propperly and are careful the task isnt to bad, just takes time connecting everything up

Matt

sorrow · « **Reply #6 on:** January 06, 2013, 05:05:50 PM »

Hi Matt

First of all, i'm gonna drive the car as daily ride for the next year.
And after that, i'm gonna build up a hillclimb car out of it.

So it looks like, that i (as long as i drive on the street) run with AFM and when i prepare the car for hillclimbing change the tuning method.

But i haven't done anything like this before. But its great news, that first i can run my engine on my default ecu. So where's a good start? To take a look or read a paper about this?
I'm kinda fan of trying, so i would try it a few times and after that going on a dyno of a buddy.

MLM · « **Reply #7 on:** January 06, 2013, 05:46:08 PM »

Generally most ecu manuals give enough direction and explanation as to how to wire in a ecu and the considerations required. A basic understanding of your cars wiring would help too. Get a bentley manual and go through the wiring for the existing ecu and understand it. Ie how is a injector curcuit wired? How are cam and crank sensors wired. Which wire provides a signal and which is a ground/reference/positive etc.

Prior to putting my ecu in the most compex wiring job i had tackled was replacing the radio. So it can be tackled by a novice. Get stuck in and give it a go.

In my mind anyone should be able to install an ecu and make a engine run, the difference between a good install and a bad one is in the detail of where the wires are routed, what they are sheathed in, how connections are made, use of propper connectors etc It sound like minor things but if you pay attention to this detail you will understand your installation much better and be able to troubleshoot it far easier.