Whos running Megasquirt here?

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180sx
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so i did see some pps running megasquirt on here so plesae post your results and your set up. aslo i want to hear some opinion would you go this way again or would you get ems epathy ssdfi etc.. also do u need anything besides the unit ..sensors edis shiet???


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evildky
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I am running MSnS on my 71 240Z, with an 83 280ZX Turbo motor, it rocks! unlimited options, I am running the HEI module for now, considering an edis or similar at somepoint when I upgrade to MS2, you'll have to make your own harness (not as hard as you think) and the only sensors you'll need are the stock TPS and CHTS, yopu'll have to add a MAP and an AIT sensors, msefi.com search around there, I am sure you'll find someone already running it and willing to share maps

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4cefed
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There is like 1000 fuel injection options for these cars. Pony up and go with stuff that is tried and true.

I'm not knocking MS here, they have a big following of guys that want to go fast in obscure cars. I was looking into it for my dodge since dodge couldn't figure out how to make fuel injection work under demanding conditions. After a lot of research, I was going to go with a haltech or something like that.

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There is a guy somewhere running it on a KA24DE in an Altima IIRC.

Kenrik
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I say shell out the cash for a reliable tried and true option that people know how to work with. If you go the MS route not many people will be able to provide support since they are not using it themselfs. Not that MS is bad just that we don't know to much about it also from what I understand MS squirts all injectors at the same time so it's supposed to be not as good (so I was told)

SloS13
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MS kicks ***. I've got 4 friends running it.

2 Volvos, 1 Supra and 1 280zx. 13's and 12's respectably.

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Craving4Boost
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does someone have a link to megasquirt i dont know what the hell it is lol..

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Pumaking
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I say Kenrik and 4cefed have no idea wtf they are talking about, MS has been tried and true. The one major flaw with it is that the user has to build the board so if you arent good at soldering than human error goes up. As for MEgasquirt not tried and true, research before you speak Megasquirt has been around for more than 12years. Grass Roots Motorsports did a article on it and were blown away. LEss than $300 for a complete standalone that performs just as good if not better than most of the $2000 systems.

Sorry for the late reply but gotta set the ignorance straight.

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95_240sx
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Kenrik wrote:I say shell out the cash for a reliable tried and true option that people know how to work with. If you go the MS route not many people will be able to provide support since they are not using it themselfs. Not that MS is bad just that we don't know to much about it also from what I understand MS squirts all injectors at the same time so it's supposed to be not as good (so I was told)
That is called BATCH fire, or bank-to-bank. firing them on the engine firing order is sequential. Youd be amazed which high end stand alone ecu's are running batch fire. My Linkplus has the ability to do Batch OR Sequential. It actually made its 633hp on batch fire, and switched it back to Sequential for driving around because it idles and runs so much better.

Rick

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deviousKA
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Sequential injection basically only comes into play during idle and very low rpms. This is a very minor factor, batch injection in either alternating or simultaneous can perform just as well in these conditions depending on the induction system. After a certain point the factor is not relevant.

I have had megasquirt in my 240sx for a year and a half. I run a full custom harness using the factory fuse/relay box and connections, and edis distributorless ignition (crank trigger).

All kinds of control with these units, they have more capability than any other standalone. They are continually updated and the support/information is top notch.

MidWest240Collector
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A lot of ppl run MS around here, including an 11 sec BMW 325i and a 1000hp 10sec Silverado. I'd say the only real drawback is that you have to make it yourself (ie harness etc).

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Chezedik
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Devious, how about some more info. Are you boosted, what mods, I would like to see your maps, if you don't mind.

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deviousKA
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My setup is NA, ITB.

I would share some maps, vex format.

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Chezedik
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But you said you are on MS&S 3? Honestly, I am more concerned with timing since I am going to boost. And I imagine you went pretty aggressive w/ it. But I bet it's a blast. And as far as I am concerned MS is with it.

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deviousKA
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yeah it is msns with extra code (024s11). The tables can be exported in .vex format. They are easier to import into other code and work with that way. Also handy for a/f targeting.

My timing map is neutered down a bit right now, been trying to get away with some cheaper gas. Ill find it an post a link tonight when ive got some more time.

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Chezedik
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Definately, and I would like to see it.

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deviousKA
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http://hybridka.com/ecu/TimeVEX.zip

that should right click save as

This will import into any megasquirt config using spark control and 12x12 tables. A good base timing setting, would work well with a turbo system with some rescaling of the map, I only need my full load at 95 kpa.

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Chezedik
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I think this deserves a bump. So BUMP!, might as well BUMP!

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sil80drifter
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Hey Devious, remember me? How've you been? I've been out of the loop for a year or so, after I've had no time to deal with my harness issue on the SOHC. Now I'm thinking of making it run against the odds, and MS is my standalone of choice. What I have yet to understand is why we have to do that whole crank trigger system, why not use the stock distributor and coil?Also, in terms of using the stock relays and etc, does taking out the stock ECU affect things like non-engine related components, such as lights, heater, etc? I've heard of people calibrating their MSs to whatever sensors they have (prefer) to use, instead of the GM ones, is that easy to do? Is it worth it, or should one just go with the GM ones?I can make all the stuff (or buy it preassembled if I don't have time) and will definitely make the harness, but the ignition factor is what is really stopping me. Tell me, just for my peace of mind, does MSnS or MS 3.0 with the daughter board really do both fuel AND timing? So I wouldn’t need anything else? I’ve been reading it up and still can’t figure out for sure, because there are so many versions out there, with various upgrades (software and hardware) to convert each version to something else…If I really wanted to use an MS as a full standalone, which one should I get? MSnS? MS 3.0?Is there a way to not get that crank trigger deal? I mean why can’t we just use the damn distributor? Also, would using an IACV option with the MS help the potential idle issue from the batch injection?Heh, as always I have a million questions… sorry to dump them all out like that…

Sil80

bige240
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Megasquirt is probably the best thing for a ka-t. there is so much you can do with it. You can do inexpensive coil pack upgrade (better for turbo and programmable), wideband 02, you can even hook it up for use with blue tooth for track side data logging. I have one installed on my project (not running yet). it is cheaper than any other ecu out there and it is so simple to hook up with the relay board. I'm an idiot with cars and I made a custom engine harness. and you DON'T HAVE TO BUILD ONE. You can get a v. 3 board already built and ready to go for under $300. I got mine with the relay board, Ford EDIS, Bosch wideband, and pigtail all for under $700 and it'll do damn near anything. I think it is the best stand alone on the market and you also learn everything you should know just by programming it and wiring it up. oh yeah did I mention that you can take the MAFS and throw it away forever. It comes with a 1 bar map sensor. It was made to simplify engine management, 12x12 VE, timing and fuel maps. fewer sensors (map, intake air, o2, tps,coolant). you can use the sensors that came with your car except the intake air temp. it also has an input for fast idle solenoid, and the relay board has out puts for anything that uses a 5 volt signal. you can use the ecu on anything from a dirt bike to a V12...sorry so long

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sil80drifter
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let's see if this bump works

DUMPerBUMP

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WDRacing
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MS is NOT the best thing as far as engine managment goes...by FAR. AEM EMS does EVERYTHING equal to or better and is a direct bolt on. We've made HUGE leaps in ROM tuning. Devious is far more knowledgeable with Biki then I am, but I have a feeling he'll agree with me on Biki being better then MS.

If this was a GREAT option, why has the thread died twice?

WD

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sil80drifter
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WD come on... is it really necessary to say that? Especially when:1) AEM = $1,600 (or more), and even though it's "plug and play" you still need to know what you're doing if you connect it to a boosted vehicle, because you’ll probably change a lot of the sensors anyway. At least for the SOHC, you'll need to know how to wire in Air Temp, boost, oil pressure, oil temp, egt, and a wideband (real one, not one wire), and that's like already half the wiring needed for the MS. The tuning is basically the same.

2) Yeah, we (devious) made huge leaps in ROM tuning. BUT, now, we (devious) are now using MS for (quote) 1.5 years on his 240. Not biki OR stock ECU. There is a reason for that. I trusted in devious to pick the best, most efficient way to manage our KA tuning needs 2 years ago, and that was with ROM tuning. Nowadays it seems to be MS. Both have been working well for him, and I wouldn't hesitate to pick either, but there is only so much you can do with ROM. A full standalone is quite obviously the better choice (you didn't use the stock ECU on your car did you?). If in a year devious says "xyz is what I'd use over MS," I'll have damn good reason to not hestitate and eventually follow his footsteps with that change. But for now, and for me, MS it is.

Plus, in the end, why the hell would you want to use a harness that’s easily 15+ years old anyway? Even the newest 240 is going to have 10 year old wires which I for sure would not trust farther than my own driveway. They've been through heat/frost cycles and spills and engine pulls/drop-ins, and my example may be best, are just plain s**t these days. Maybe the 97+ models can get away with using them, but I'd much rather make my own. Especially when you have pre-labeled harness kits out there which make the job so easy.

I know you've had great success with AEM EMS. No doubt if anyone has no time and doesn't care to learn his car inside-out while turboing it, and has the money, it's the best option.

But for around $500 (MS, including all sensors etc) vs. $1,600 (AEM), at least for me, there is not a doubt in my mind which system I'll go with.

And it's not like I would be half-assing it because it's cheaper. It's a proven system that's been working and has been known to perform equally well compared to much higher priced EMS systems. It's not a case of "cheap vs. good"

You know how something can be either cheap, not time consuming, and reliable, but you can always only pick two? Well,-The MS is cheap and reliable, but takes time.-The AEM is less time consuming and reliable, but not cheap.-The SAFC for example, (and please don’t throw yourself at this ill attempted comparison) is probably cheap and takes little time, but on its own it’s not very reliable (no timing control, no O2 output, doesn’t REALLY do all that well without other add-ons).

It is really up to the person which they choose.

You just sounded very critical when you expressed your view, and I felt that hey, you know, that didn't quite sit well with me.

I would also hope nobody will argue details on this (oh the AEM could be had for $1550, vs. the MS is really $600). The point is there is still always about a grand separating the two. The point is that one is more because it's easier, and the other less because it's more DIY. The point is that it's really up to the person and their situation. I guess most of dicussions in this forum state this over and over, but I feel that for this particular situation, this is very true as well.

sil80
Modified by sil80drifter at 9:48 AM 11/25/2006

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WDRacing
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I was replying to a MS is best post...its not. Does it suck...no.

For the record, tuning is tuning, if you know what you're doing a SAFCII can be used very well. I'm not comparing the two so don't even go there. I'm just saying, you need to know what you're doing with whatever method you choose.

MS isn't a bad choice for the money. $600-$700 for a really tuneable option is always a good idea. I was only saying it's NOT the BEST.

WD

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sil80drifter
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This reminds me of that Sealab episode;"There can only be... NONE!"WD, I see your point now.

Now will someone please tell me for sure one way or the other whether the crank tooth pickup thingy is needed or can we just use stock dizzy to sense the position of the crank? Devious! Pretty please, clarity is needed.Any benefits/disadvantages of either?

sil80
Modified by sil80drifter at 11:38 AM 11/25/2006

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WDRacing
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Well, the SDS can be rigged to run without the crank magnets, so I'm sure MS can. A signal is a signal. If its a single pickup that sends a signal once per rotation, then I don't see why you couldn't tap the dizzy.

Give it a try Silly...pioneer an article. How do you think people like Devious get to where he is? By just grabbing a glove and jumping in the game.

I expect a full writeup with pics once your project is all said and done.

WD

bige240
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You can use the stock distributor OR the coil packs....Your choice, but I say the coil packs are better...up to you tho..

bige240
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This thread has died because you guys won't take a look at it and shoot it down...you're so set it your ways that you won't look at anything else...if you wanna spend twice as much money to buy a standalone that does the same thing that's up to you...but I know where my money is best spent... It works on the supercharged 4age with huge gains and several other engines...and it would be just as good on a ka, sr or rb for waaay less money than the bandwagon AEM....hell, they sell intakes for $125 that you could make yourself for $20...I wonder which one is the ripoff?

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WDRacing
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Look dude, don't come into MY HOUSE calling me a bandwagon loser...EVER. I've been trying things myself before anyone has for years. Ask me what turbo kit I have...I'll tell you the one I fabricated myself. Who tuned it..I did with a wideband. I was the first person in Okinawa to run Alcohol Injection on a Skyline...I've been playing with propane injection, timing retard via air intake temps...all kinds of things. So for the record...you KNOW NOTHING!!!!

I stated facts, the AEM IS BETTER. Are you going to argue with me...cause you'll lose. I never once said the MS wasn't a good system. Have you read all of my posts...people like you piss me off. Someone has a different opinion about somthing, states some facts to back it up and you cry about it.

Spend your money on whatever you want...its your money.

Happy Holidays

WD


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