Engine managment systems

[cutncheese]

Has anyone setup a full standalone engine managment system (fuel and spark?). If so what did you use and what was the approx cost?

Right now I'm having issue after issue with my car, mostly with little sensors and bad wiring (it does have 600,000Km's on it ). So I want to go standalone so everything to do with the engine is rewired. Right now I'm looking at VEMS, for everything I need the approx cost should be around $1200CAD. Is there any other systems I should consider that would keep me in the same price range.

Also, what are the cam/crank sensors, I'm assuming they are both VR but thought I better double check. Also can anyone rate how hard this would be to do?

[dino245]

It sounds like you are killing a fly with a sledge hammer. If you problems stem from a bad main harness then just change the harness. If you would like to prepare the engine management system for boosting later then this is a good way to start. dont forget that the tunning should be done on a dyno for the best results and make the car a joy to drive and not a hassel. I have seen a few engine harnesses on ebay from time to time. I like the cost factor of megasquirt and the new system incoperates ignition control as well.

I have used DTA in Alpha-N configuration and hated it. Just remember that the majority of the aftermarket systems us GM style sensor which could make intallation that much more difficult. I am currently using the perfect power SMT6 and love it. It is only a piggy back system but there customer support is great and the software is easy to use.

As for cost it could range from 500 US to the skies the limit.

Good luck

[bmwman91]

I played with Megasquirt for a year or so on my first 318iS.  Truth be told, replacing the harness is a lot easier than installing & tuning a stand-alone.  Quicker, too.

Yes, both are VR sensors.

[cutncheese]

I just think setting up a standalone would be really cool Plus it would open options for the future. However it does look like a lot of trouble for little gains.

The problem right now though is I have an issue with the car that the mechanics aren't really sure about. I don't want to end up spending money on a million parts they "think" will fix it. I just went through this where they always were installing something else and I ended up spending several thousand dollars, it turned out to be a foot long piece of wire. I really don't want to go through this again. No one seems to know what to do with this car. So I saw standalone as an option where I would have complete control over everything.

 I might try getting a used harness first just to see if its a wiring issue.

[tim_s]

i agree with what's been said. I use MS for fuel and spark and its a fair bit of work to get it running. The install is ok, but mappingis a lot of work, as I use the car a lot and have an expensive engine in there, diy mapping is quite frustrating and a steep learning curve for me.

[dino245]

A word of advise from a profesional mechanic. If your guy is throwing parts at a problem get another mechanic. I have been doing this for over 10 years and have seen many shot gun mechanic and the only thing they can fix is a cup of coffee. If they dont have a basic understanding of how motronic or any electrical system works they will throw parts at it and blame some misterious gramlin. Fine a good mechanic and dont be afraid to pay for a good one, it pays dividends in the long run.

when I was a teen and was starting to drive I could not afford to pay a tech to fix my cars so I learned, its not that hard just takes time and patience and a willing to read and learn.

Good Luck

[cutncheese]

Thats the problem, I'm having a hard time finding a mechanic with the knowledge of these vehicles. Even at the dealerships, I talked to a few of them and none of them have a real understanding. Its the same deal for myself though, I'm great with mechanics, I swapped an engine, replaced a headgasket etc. Its just figuring out which part is causing the issue. I normally post on the forums and get good help but for my current problem I've been to several forums and no one has any idea.

But from the sounds of it I think I'll avoid going standalone. On that note, is anyone selling a engine wiring harness (bmw wants way to much, even with my 15% discount).

[Euro Nation]

I'm 99% sure I could have a Megasquirt running on an M42 using all stock sensors including the crank sensor and firing the stock coil packs in like 2 days if I actually wanted to do it.

[cutncheese]

I guess I'm skipping the standalone, I got all the wiring replaced and it works great now.