Aftermarket Engine Management

[Spectre_240sx]

Is anyone here using an aftermarket engine management system like a Haltech on their CA18DET? If so, was it worth it? I dislike the idea of a piggyback fuel controller, so I just wanted to get some information on other options.

[boost_boy]

I use an SDS EFI system. Another memeber nomore_mr2 is using one as well. I think one will be using a haltec and there's one guy with a pulsar that actually uses an E6k on his, but I don't know how much success he has.

[Nismo_Freak]

E6K or the new E11

Haltech's can require daily tuning if the weather is fluctuating alot to maintain peak output.

[Spectre_240sx]

So what did you have to do as far as installing the SDS system goes? I've noticed that it comes with a set of ignition coils, does that mean you have to modify the stock ignition system or can it be connected to the ECU since it's already distributorless? Also, is it possible to use a laptop on that ECU or only that LCD programmer?

[boost_boy]

Quote »So what did you have to do as far as installing the SDS system goes?[/quote] Eliminate the factory engine harness, set magnets in pulley and create mounting bracket! That's the most tedious part, but everything else is pretty easy. It does come with it's own coils which will eliminate the factory coils and it also uses spark plug wires. Total elimination of the factory ecu, that's why it's called a standalone because it has no correlation with the factory brain. It does not need a laptop to complicate things that's why it's called "SDS" which stands for Simple Digital System. And yes, it does use an LCD programmer which is quite cute and extremely effective at helping a novice tuner understand how parameters are viewed.

[Spectre_240sx]

Hmm, that sortof bothers me. For one thing, I'm more fond of the stock crank angle sensor vs a magnetic toothed wheel and pickup. Also, I really like the fact that the CA18DET doesn't need to use spark plug wires... less resistance that way (minimal I know). Maybe piggyback actually would be the better option for me.

[boost_boy]

Depends on how much power your trying to acieve. The stock coils start saturating at 18psi. And actually, the magnets are inserted inside the vibration damper in the rear of the pulley with a hall sensor creating signals from the 3 magnets (rather cool).No more factory wiring, ecu, CAS, AFM and cleaner looking engine bay. I've been toying with the CA18 since 1997 and I have seen enough of crank angle sensors, computer codes and all kinds of dramas. I'm 110% satisfied with my $1300.00 investment. I've even had the JWT stuff in both my girl's car and my own "No comparison". Good luck at whatever you choose!



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[Spectre_240sx]

Hmm, I think you might have gotten me as soon as you said cleaner engine bay . I really would prefer to tune with a laptop computer though. I think it would be easier to read fuel maps etc. that way. I was looking at the TEC3 system by Electro-Motive for a while, has anyone had any experience with that? http://www.electromotive-inc.com/products/tec3.html

[dareo]

Now what would be the differences and pros and cons between a full SDS System and a simpler EM-4D fuel only system? I could still program everything fuel and just let the CA18DET spark?

[boost_boy]

Quote »Now what would be the differences and pros and cons between a full SDS System and a simpler EM-4D fuel only system? I could still program everything fuel and just let the CA18DET spark?[/quote] You can, but it defeats the purpose of what you really want and that's a standalone. The factory coilpacks are crap for high boost, but if you're planning on running no more than 18psi you can do this. I would personally go for the gusto and get the EM-4F system and do everything one time instead of trying to wire this to go with that and worrying that you may have compatability issues.

[dareo]

18 PSI on a CA18DET is going to do 300-350whp and meet my goals just fine, but i am power hungry by nature.

The stock CA ignition just runs itself without needing a complete harness right? Short of maybe power and ground wiring it would work good with the EM-4D i'm assuming.

If i went SDS fuel only, and kept the stock ignition, i can upgrade the ignition later right? The whole magnet Hall sensor thing really makes me uneasy.

[cortina-mk1]

yea im running autronic SMC on mine does the lot and you can do away with the troublesome factory coilsthere are USA dealers and supportyou can check there websitehttp://www.autronic.com

[iliketocrash]

E6K or the new E11

Haltech's can require daily tuning if the weather is fluctuating alot to maintain peak output.

why would the haltech need daily tuning due to weather and not the others? i don't know much about standalones so i'm really curious.

[cortina-mk1]

yes thats a good question iliketocrash....

haltechs are also made in australia and they are a good unit also,

they are in the top 3 and it wouldnt require any adjustment after dyno tuning...as they all take the 'weather condition' into account when calculating what you engine 'needs'

all good ecus are fuel and ignition and fully programmable via a laptop

all good ecus can control many axcillary functions that you may requireEG: Nos, boost control, anti-lag, idle control, launch control, shift lights, two step rev control, fans, AC, water injection, extra injectors, low and high impedance injectors

also which i wouldnt do without is there logging ability. all can be stored and retrieved later and analyzed after a run on the strip or the track..' a virtual drive'

it can be graphed, can be in 3D or can be played on a virtual dash the so you can see a 'replay' of what you car/engine actual did.

there fantastic