ECU management?

[98240kat]

Hey all hows it going. I'd like to start by saying hello to all the forum members. My ride is a 1998 Nissan 240sx SE, I'll get some pics up soon. My question regard ECU management. I saw a few guys do a KA-T build up and due to the sensitivity of the 98 ECU when boosted and on a Greddy E-manage system the ECU advanced timing, detonated and blew a piston. I already have an E-manage that I planned on using now I'm not sure. If anyone has knowledge of how I might get around the timing issue and run high boost safely. So far I've been told I have to srop another 2 grand on a full stand alone system. I'd like to avoid that so if you have any info please let me know.

[Edub1]

Hey all hows it going. I'd like to start by saying hello to all the forum members. My ride is a 1998 Nissan 240sx SE, I'll get some pics up soon. My question regard ECU management. I saw a few guys do a KA-T build up and due to the sensitivity of the 98 ECU when boosted and on a Greddy E-manage system the ECU advanced timing, detonated and blew a piston. I already have an E-manage that I planned on using now I'm not sure. If anyone has knowledge of how I might get around the timing issue and run high boost safely. So far I've been told I have to srop another 2 grand on a full stand alone system. I'd like to avoid that so if you have any info please let me know.

You mean you've seen posts that claimed that the Emanage caused this failure?

There are a few people here that use the Emanage without issue. Also, there is a map sensor you can purchase for it that will allow it to pull timing according to pressure. You can also check out Bikirom - it is supposed to be a wonderfull tuning solution for your car.

[WDRacing]

A full standalone ECU can be had for $410. Its called the MegasquirtII. Great unit IMO. But if you have the Emanage already, there is no reason to get somthing else until the emanage no longer performs up to your requiremments. The Emanage and SAFCII both alter the MAF signal to the ECU, which in turn lowers the registered air intake which decreases the injector duty cycle. However, this also changes the timing map. So its actually worse then running a stock timing map because the numbers the timing is more advanced. This can be solved by changing the timing maps on the Emanage. Retard the timing when when the motor see's boost and you should be ok. Until you get the timing set properly, don't boost over 8PSI.

Welcome to NICO and KAT I'm the local Moderator, if there's anything I can do to help feel free to ask. We really try not to inhibit questions, no matter how dumb they may seem.

WD

[98240kat]

No no, I was actually at the dyno when it happened which made the impact even more real to me. This car is my baby and im getting ready to put 5-6 grand worth of parts into the engine and labor on top of that so the last thing I want to see is it explode on the dyno. Im installed AMS rods, Arias pistons, AMS fuel system, Crower turbo cams, Springs, valves, retainers, oil cooler, FMIC,ect ect. Im looking to make hopefully 400 whp or so. If the e-manage is going to prove hard to tune or potentially dangerous then Ill sport for an AEM EMS or a SAFCII, im hesitant to go with a MS becuase its still fairly new and what not. I'm just trying to figure out what will be the safest,easiest to tune, and best performing management to run. If it isnt the e-manage then it will be for sale shortly.

[WDRacing]

The SAFCII and Emanage are not good options compared to the AEM EMS which IS the best on the market right now. If purchased through AMS they will assist you in the tunning and answer any question you might have.

The Megasquirt system has been around since the early 90's. The new version is "new"..lol. But the upgraded the CPU and quite a few other things. They also have a HUGE support base.

And then there is SDS. A mid level standalone that I have personally seen used. Again, lots of support and really easy to tune.

With the money you're dumping into the car, it would be almost retarded not to use a really good engine management system. For the money, the MSII is the best. But as far as tuning and options, the AEM EMS is the best. If I had the cash to spend, I'd use the AEM EMS.

WD

[98240kat]

Good to know for sure I appriciate the info. Maybe Ill run the Emanage on low boost and break the new engine build in while im waiting to scrap togeather a few bucks for the EMS. What kind of power can I expect to pull on 8 pounds on a T3/T4 .50ar turbo with the previously mentioned upgrades?

[KATwo40]

You'll be around 260whp.

[98240kat]

Not to bad. Another question for you. If you chose to go with a JWT of enthalpy tune, how are you garunteed it will run the way u need it to just based on the mods u told them u had. Are u to take it to a dyno anyways and if it isnt right send it back to them and be without a car for another week?

[klattr1]

If you chose to go with a JWT of enthalpy tune, how are you garunteed it will run the way u need it to just based on the mods u told them u had.

Well as long as you stay within the range that they programmed it for, then you'll prolly be close to dead-on. That's the beauty/flexibility of a mass air system. But, then again, I wouldnt be putting a GT42R with a 1.0+ turbine AR ratio & 1000cc injectors on a ecu tuned for a t3/t04e and 72lb injectors. Know what I mean? And also, that doesn't mean plug the ecu in and automatically boost the **** out of your car. Confirm that your base timing is dead on and bring your car up in the RPMs wide-open throttle in different cycles (3000-4500, 3000-5500, 3000-7000, etc) to make sure that your air fuel ratios are solid (12:1 and richer)

Are u to take it to a dyno anyways and if it isnt right send it back to them and be without a car for another week?

Its definitely recommended to use a wideband and dyno...You learn ALOT about your car during that time. And both will send you out a new chip, if changes need to be done. Just make sure to datalog and it will make it alot easier for them to retune from.

[98240kat]

Hmm, well thats also good to know. Im starting to think though 600 for the chip few hundred for time on the dyno and your damn close to the 1500 for the EMS. I deffinately have some thinking to do. Going to be a month or so before the rest of the parts come in so i have time to do more research but you guys are certainly helping out quite a bit.

[Edub1]

You will still need to tune the stand alone. Have you looked at Bikirom?

[98240kat]

This is true but i suppose with the stand alone atleast you can always be able to tune and tweak to any addition add on's or changes you incur over time without having to send te ecu out. I guess when i think about it no matter which way you go its gonna cost you. If anyone is looking for an E-manage E-mail me at [email protected] and we can arrange something. Also anyone have a link to a site where I could find either a Z32 MAF Cobra MAF or a MAP sensor for 240sx specifically?

[nissanfanatic]

http://www.car-part.com

Enthalpy tune has worked out pretty well for me. And being as you are in Florida, he's pretty close. He's in Tampa.

http://www.rs-enthalpy.com

[Florida240sx]

I have enthalpy ECU... I love it too.

[yessir240]

im debating an enthalpy tune over my initial safc,btm, wideband setup. cause well that one kinda scares me. $600 dollars is kinda steep, but this one will be my daily so I wanna get it right. prob end up spilling for bigger injectors and not getting 370s.

[98240kat]

Well here will be the official specs of the car when completed, well this is what I have so far except engine management.

AMS sportsman RodsArias 8:8.1 forged pistons stock boreFull turbo kit, Tial Waste Gate, Greddy Type S BOV,T3/T4 .50AR turbine and FMICAMS fuel system, stainless lines, fuel labs pressure reg, wahlbro pump, AMS fuel rail.Crower Turbo cams stage 2, and dual valve springs and complete valvesBlitz Nurspec ExhaustGreddy turbo timerMegan Racing 32 way adjustable suspention18" MIM racing wheels 275/35/18 in the rear

Hoping to accomplish 400-500 WHP and maybe a magazine spread.