Author Topic: anyone sell a PnP megasquirt for the m42... (Read 14265 times)

jakeb · « **on:** October 15, 2011, 11:41:27 AM »

Does anyone know of a plug and play megasquirt setup for the e30 m42?

I guess I could do one myself but interested in what is already out there....

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** October 15, 2011, 04:01:07 PM »

I've never seen one. I'll bet there's an MS or VEMS set up for our cars somewhere.

I did see that TunerPro has an xdf for the M42 175 (e30) and the 990 (early e36) DME. Some Moates hardware and a laptop would make for a pretty tweakable setup.

MS would be a great way to wire up some ITB's and eliminate most of the intake. All the BMW hardware is supported with a v3.0 board IIRC. We have a two-wire IAC, you might be able to get away with a v2.2.

jakeb · « **Reply #2 on:** October 15, 2011, 04:18:22 PM »

I have an ostrich2 and currently working with the xdf and bins but I am having some issues.

I am tuning for a turbo with injectors twice as big as stock. It is starting and running but I am having trouble with hot starts....ie. it doesn't handle them. It will start if I disconnect the fuel pump and then reconnect once it is running so I am guessing it is dumping in too much fuel when warm.

Thinking MS might be the better way to go and then I will have completely control. I can solder one together myself but just not sure I want to....might be the best route tho at this point.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #3 on:** October 16, 2011, 09:42:15 AM »

Are you running a WBO2? The Innovate setup is pretty cheap and seems to work well. I have a DataEdge ready for an old carb bike ('84 Honda VF1100s) but I haven't installed it yet. I'll let you know if it works well.

No need for the MS, if you're tuning the stock box I'd figure the Ostrich is a better solution. Unless the definition is wrong, eh? I'd think an MS-based standalone would be easier with the software but more trouble with the OEM hardware.

Did you compare your bin to any others? I know it's unlikely that anyone would have your setup, but you might get headed in the right direction that way. There are a lot of interdependent maps in the Motronic, getting one wrong would snowball.

wazzu70 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 17, 2011, 02:57:55 PM »

FWIW VEMS is waaaay better than MS and not much more money. VEMS has the WBO2 controller built in as well as all the ignition drivers, ect. Personally I don't see how anyone would think a bunch of soldered wires and add-on boards is a proper fit for an automobile!

Also Gunnar of GSTuning made me a PNP harness for VEMS and my M42. I am also mid-way through a writeup on making a configuration file.

Just chop the motronic connector off an old ECU and connect the proper pins to the proper VEMS pins. Pretty simple.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #5 on:** October 17, 2011, 04:26:16 PM »

Has VEMS support gotten better? I know the unit's specs were superior, but support was problematic. For $700USD they'd better be far superior.

It's way out of my budget regardless. I've decided to "solder my way" through an MS largely due to cost and flexibility. The open source community surrounding Megasquirt is quite an asset.

wazzu70 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 18, 2011, 11:55:35 AM »

Dave, what kind of support are you referring to exactly so I can better answer the question.

VEMS has gotten significantly more user friendly than it was a few years ago. A few years ago people made it sound like its a PITA to get going and setup. Its so much easier now. There are also VEMS user forums similar to the MS forums where you can get advice/help setting up your system.

There are still a few things in the software which seem unclear, but I am working on writing better help files since English is my native language and I can help fill some of the gaps. Also I am more of a n00b so I can add explanations where more experienced people might not see the need.

I decided I should probably post up my config setup how-to even though its not complete and refined. Guys like you can give me some feedback to help improve it. I think it will also answer some of your questions.

That said, everytime I read about someones MS mess or adding some board to get basic controls I feel like I made the right choice even more. I looked at MS3 when it came out since people said it was VEMS like. I dont think its even close! I guess depending on what you plan to do with the standalone determines if the VEMS features will be helpful for you or if they will just go unused.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #7 on:** October 18, 2011, 04:36:01 PM »

That's good to hear. I have an oddball engine so it'll need some significant help. I have yet to finalize design for the system, and it's tempting to think of testing some of this stuff on the M42...

Definitely post your config (especially if you're running OEM BMW components), it can't hurt!

wazzu70 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 18, 2011, 06:05:11 PM »

Dave, I will try and get it posted later tonight. Feel free to ask any questions. Im not a professional or an expert, but I know a decent amount and am always willing to share.

My base config will work for a stock hardware M42. My VE map will be slightly different due to 272* cams but injectors and all that are factory for now. Someone should be able to copy and get their car up and running quickly

Most info should be the same for MS as well which should help a lot of people.

jakeb · « **Reply #9 on:** October 21, 2011, 09:05:52 PM »

Well looks like the biggest problem I have is that my fuel pressure was through the roof...around 60-80psi. There was a blockage in the return at the tank and the tank is/was full of rust.

New tank in......fuel pressure is now at 43.Xpsi where it should be and tuning can start again.

This is a turbo m42 in a 76 2002....

Still might go MS...but will give the motronic and ostrich2 another shot now that I found the fuel pressure issue and have it resolved.
It ran fine with stock size injectors but with the 42lbs it was running dog rich....i can see why now because the pressure was so high and the injectors were dumping in way more fuel than I thought.

Yes I have a wideband

wazzu70 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 22, 2011, 12:11:24 AM »

Glad to hear you found the problem! Not one that you hear of often, but it happens!

BlueAppleSoda · « **Reply #11 on:** January 30, 2012, 08:45:44 PM »

I am sort of raising an old thread, but...

Just wanted to post this link here. I have started building 88pin PNP MS2 m42 units for $800. Also have a host of other useful things for those adventurous types. I don't visit this forum often, but I do check my r3vlimited inbox daily, which would be the best way to contact me if desired.

Derek
DedericMS