Megasquirters...Questions for You!

[bmwman91]

OK, I am starting to get the itch again. The V2.2 board I built years ago has some issues, and I think I may just retire it. Actually, I think the issues are a blown MAX232 chip messing up everything else due to the charge pump circuitry attached to it. Either way, the V3 PCB with the MSII controller looks like it can offer some advantages in both quality, and control.

So, the questions (regardless of version):
1 - Has anyone managed to run the speedometer from MS?
2 - Has anyone gotten their whole gauge cluster running from MS?
3 - Which MS are you running (MSI, MSI -Extra!, MSII, MSII -Extra!)?
4 - Are you controlling fuel, spark, or both?
5 - Did you get the stock PWM-driven ICV working with it, or are you using something else?

I actually don't mind ditching the Motronic completely if I can run the gauge cluster form MS. A guy on Bimmerforums is selling some adapter thingies that basically let you plug the OEM harness in to a MS board (damn, I wish I knew where to get Bosch connecto bodies!).

I know I will not really gain anything in terms of power, but I bet I can pull some sweet mileage, and actually take advantage of the wide-band O2 sensor I have on there. Supposedly throttle response improves too, although I am not sure by how much over the MAF setup I am running now.

Thanks Megasquirters!

[nuvolarossa]

those are exactly same questions because I'm not actually megasquirted. if someone can help, because next summer I want to see what a MS can do with a turbo M42... :)

possibily I want to see some base maps (fuel and spark) and settings for the M42, so much time searching them!

[bmwman91]

From some further reading, I at least know that MSII can control the PWM-driven ICV of ours easily. With the MSII-Extra firmware, 4 coils can be driven independently. I definitely think I am going to go with MSII-Extra this time around, but I would like to see some examples of the gauge cluster being driven by it lol.

[haledj]

It might be easier to run the cluster with a separate circuit board (at least the speedo and fuel level). If it were me i would start with an M3 cluster that has oil pressure instead of MPG.

[r0ckrat]

Another option for spark control... MegaJolt Lite Jr. - DIY piggy back system.

http://www.autosportlabs.net/Main_Page

[mkodama]

I'm also interested in bmwman91's first two questions.

It'd be cool to remove the stock motronic setup completely and still have all or most of the useful features like fuel level and such. But I would guess a lot of that just needs it's own separate circuitry.

[haledj]

I might build a MS adapter board with a buddy of mine for the m42 we will see.

It would be a ways off but would be able to completely replace the motronic.

would there be interest in such a gadget, and what would you pay for one?

[mkodama]

I might build a MS adapter board with a buddy of mine for the m42 we will see.

It would be a ways off but would be able to completely replace the motronic.

would there be interest in such a gadget, and what would you pay for one?

I'd be interested.

But price depends on a lot on the details like what features it has and so on. If it had only basics like gas, speedo, and tach in a manageable package, probably $60, but if it was compact and had lots of useful features, probably more like $80.

[nuvolarossa]

I'm learning a lot reading forums of similars cars, like miataturbo.net, where they use megasquirt with their turbos, and of course from MS manuals...
if only someone buy me a MS2, I will give a try with stock M44 sensors...hehehe

[Gray S.]

The one thing that keeps me away from most every standalone is the fact that if the weather changes your tune is F'ed. I do not want to have to retune the car everytime I get in it.

[haledj]

The one thing that keeps me away from most every standalone is the fact that if the weather changes your tune is F'ed. I do not want to have to retune the car everytime I get in it.


Megasquirt will support barametric correction and ambiant air changes

[Letsplayskatch]

The one thing that keeps me away from most every standalone is the fact that if the weather changes your tune is F'ed. I do not want to have to retune the car everytime I get in it.
But a standalone does just that - it is fully capable of running like an OEM ecu, with the added bouns of having all of its parameters independantly tweaked/tuned for said purpose. Atomospheric conditions are what EFI was invented for partly, and why it has replaced carburettors.
If you havnt got a standalone which runs well in any condition then you may as well be using carb's. Live mapping it properly will do your system soooo much good.

[nuvolarossa]

the thing that scare me is how to set base maps for fuel and timing from scratch without having them!!

[mkodama]

the thing that scare me is how to set base maps for fuel and timing from scratch without having them!!

Heh, I'm just getting started on this megasquirt efi stuff, and I'm afraid too. But then again, the vast majority of the info is online, just lots and lots of reading and patience.

[Master]

Actually a feature that should have been implemented (last time I took interest was ~6 month ago) in the MS-II Extra code was sequential injection for 4 cylinder cars.
Better mileage FTW

[DipStick]

bmwman91-
Where did you read that MSII-Extra can run 4 coils for spark?

[tim_s]

I run MS2 extra (beta 9 still, not got around to updating), haven't removed motronic or run any of the gauges off megasquirt. I hear that you can though. I don't drive the pwm idle valve either, I couldn't get it to respond properly. I can control a lightbulb etc off the pwm circuit, but not our valve. I use the pwm circuitry to control a veedub aux air valve.
MS can improve response, a good AE tune is critical to this though, and difficult to master! I have a good AE tune on mine imo.

[nuvolarossa]

I'll not have MS problems anymore:
http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?p=48548

goodbye MS :)