Megasquirt vs ECU Max vs Microsquirt

[Cromlech]

I've gone with a MaxxECU unit, not that I've got anywhere with the install yet! A chap in the states was supposed to be sorting me out a PnP adapter harness to start me off, but I think he's forgotten about me lol.

So now I'm just going to get bits together to do a full harness (already got all the flying leads just need to add connectors and sleeving and whatnot).
It's my first ever attempt it will probably be a sucky messy one.

[Redblockturbo]

Originally Posted by Cromlech

I've gone with a MaxxECU unit, not that I've got anywhere with the install yet! A chap in the states was supposed to be sorting me out a PnP adapter harness to start me off, but I think he's forgotten about me lol.

So now I'm just going to get bits together to do a full harness (already got all the flying leads just need to add connectors and sleeving and whatnot).
It's my first ever attempt it will probably be a sucky messy one.

I'd be really interested to see how you get on with this install. The ECUs do look awesome. Which one did you go for?

[Cromlech]

I went mad and ordered the Pro, even though I don't need that much functionality. :

It's massively overkill, but hey, I may use more functions as the build improves with age. Definitely wanted at least the Race as I am going to stick EGTs in each exhaust runner, and the Pro also has on board accelerometer, an extra can bus, dual wideband rather than just 1, etc etc blah blah blah lol.

Even the vendor I was buying from told me I could save myself money with stepping down to the Race, but I basically 'upsold' myself to the Pro.
Hey, I've spent twice as much on building gaming computers in the past, is what I figured.

However, I move GLACIALLY slow on my projects, so don't expect to see much happening quickly lol.

[Chooch84]

I've got Haltech Elite 2500 for my project, it's a bit overkill for a 4cyl engine but with the number of sensors I'll be adding, it makes sense. The Haltech UK distribution centre has recently moved to Cannock and they're a very helpful bunch.

You can also purchase a pre-made wiring harness from Haltech, however, if you're looking to keep the existing LH 2.4 location for the new ECU, you'll need to opt for the 5m length, as the 2.5m harness isn't long enough. The harness itself is already labelled up, but you'll find yourself pulling wires about all over the place.

Haltech is an expensive option, but it comes with most of the of calibration files for most of the sensors you'll need, but the support you get is very good.

[Cromlech]

Yeah Haltech stuff seems to be awesome kit, and what's really nice is that they have a very active presence on YouTube, both on their own official channel, and as guests on others (Mighty Car Mods for example). Their guys are very informative when it comes to tuning lessons and tips/tricks.

[Redblockturbo]

Originally Posted by Cromlech

I went mad and ordered the Pro, even though I don't need that much functionality. :

It's massively overkill, but hey, I may use more functions as the build improves with age. Definitely wanted at least the Race as I am going to stick EGTs in each exhaust runner, and the Pro also has on board accelerometer, an extra can bus, dual wideband rather than just 1, etc etc blah blah blah lol.

Even the vendor I was buying from told me I could save myself money with stepping down to the Race, but I basically 'upsold' myself to the Pro.
Hey, I've spent twice as much on building gaming computers in the past, is what I figured.

However, I move GLACIALLY slow on my projects, so don't expect to see much happening quickly lol.

I'd be really interested in hearing how you get on with the setup. Keep us posted.

[Redblockturbo]

Originally Posted by Chooch84

I've got Haltech Elite 2500 for my project, it's a bit overkill for a 4cyl engine but with the number of sensors I'll be adding, it makes sense. The Haltech UK distribution centre has recently moved to Cannock and they're a very helpful bunch.

You can also purchase a pre-made wiring harness from Haltech, however, if you're looking to keep the existing LH 2.4 location for the new ECU, you'll need to opt for the 5m length, as the 2.5m harness isn't long enough. The harness itself is already labelled up, but you'll find yourself pulling wires about all over the place.

Haltech is an expensive option, but it comes with most of the of calibration files for most of the sensors you'll need, but the support you get is very good.

I've been checking their stuff out on youtube and they seem great. They are not cheap especially once you've added all the sensors and other bits in but the lit seems pretty solid.

Do they have a premade harness with connectors for the b230 red block?

[Redblockturbo]

Originally Posted by Cromlech

Yeah Haltech stuff seems to be awesome kit, and what's really nice is that they have a very active presence on YouTube, both on their own official channel, and as guests on others (Mighty Car Mods for example). Their guys are very informative when it comes to tuning lessons and tips/tricks.

I've been really impressed with the customer service from the uk Haltech team so far. I just started watching MCM recently and it's clear the guys at Haltech do know their stuff.

[Chooch84]

Originally Posted by Redblockturbo

I've been checking their stuff out on youtube and they seem great. They are not cheap especially once you've added all the sensors and other bits in but the lit seems pretty solid.

Do they have a premade harness with connectors for the b230 red block?

No premade harness for the B230...

Basically, the Haltechs ECUs are setup for MAP sensors as opposed to MAF/AMM, they also need an air temp sensor. You can set them up for the MAF's but it's not the norm for aftermarket ecus. Also, the timing set up on the Redblock only really comes from the crank sensor on the flywheel, as well as the dizzy at the back, going for sequential ignition and injectors, you'll need to add a cam sensor or the Yoshifab cam & crank sensor.

I would recommend emailing a few of the ECU manufacturers before diving in. Either way, I think you won't be able to get away from making a custom wiring harness. The nice thing about Haltech's wiring harnesses is that they are easy to work with.

You don't have to use all of the Haltech sensors. You can get things like Honeywell pressure sensors, which is what Haltech sells, you can also get hold of GM Map sensors. On the flip side Haltech provide all of the connectors and pins you'll need for the sensors.

[Redblockturbo]

Originally Posted by Chooch84

No premade harness for the B230...

Basically, the Haltechs ECUs are setup for MAP sensors as opposed to MAF/AMM, they also need an air temp sensor. You can set them up for the MAF's but it's not the norm for aftermarket ecus. Also, the timing set up on the Redblock only really comes from the crank sensor on the flywheel, as well as the dizzy at the back, going for sequential ignition and injectors, you'll need to add a cam sensor or the Yoshifab cam & crank sensor.

I would recommend emailing a few of the ECU manufacturers before diving in. Either way, I think you won't be able to get away from making a custom wiring harness. The nice thing about Haltech's wiring harnesses is that they are easy to work with.

You don't have to use all of the Haltech sensors. You can get things like Honeywell pressure sensors, which is what Haltech sells, you can also get hold of GM Map sensors. On the flip side Haltech provide all of the connectors and pins you'll need for the sensors.

Thanks for this post as I need to learn all this stuff.

I understand the need to move away from using a MAF which I'm keen on anyway.

The timing part is where I need more help/knowledge. Am I right in thinking that the crank sensor on the Volvo isn't enough to make the most of the timing tuning options via the Haltech or other ECUs?

Does the Yoshifab cam & crank sensor go instead of the distributor and would you then need separate coil packs for each cylinder?

Thanks for all your help.