Alternate ECU's- my thoughts, your opinions? Options

[ottox914]

I'll be running the yellow car in DSP next season, and we (this forum) have got the suspension in line with "how much bar is to much bar". On to the engine. DSP needs a stock long block, but intake and exhaust systems are free. I've got a Kerry Hunter header and supertrapp exhaust on now. So- on to the intake system.

Was planning to use the existing intake system, as it is more budgetary, and more torque oriented. Maybe over the winter research and build new runners and central plenum. But how to control it all?

I've been waiting as patiently as possible for the KitCarlson system, but have had other thoughts of late. With the KC system, you need to set timing values, fuel values, develop a VE table, and so on. And at this point, its all closed loop. Sounds like alot of work.

Plan "B". Go to "aircooled.net" http://www.aircooled.net/new-bin/viewprodu...0007&cartid=and check out the safeguard system, as an ignition upgrade. Hook this up, and the timing is self adjusting for fuel quality, temp of intake air, height above/below sea level, etc. Then add a megasquirt, SDS, Haltech or other fuel only controller. Beg, borrow, steal a wideband O2 and let the timing self adjust, just keep dumping fuel till you get good O2 readings across the RPM range, and tuning is done.

Can it be that simple? Pros and Cons of each plan? Thoughts? Other ideas?

Thanks!

[McMark]

I don't believe anything "auto tuning" will be as good as your engine on a dyno. Wide band O2 will be better than narrow band junk, but expecting perfect tuning from auto-tune would sorely disappoint your or give you false confidence. Auto tuning would be mediocre for a street motor, but if you're looking for max power, dyno tune the injection.

Are you the best driver you can be? Until that point stock injection will be fine. Upgrading the injection will move the pinnacle edge up a little bit, but if you're not reaching that edge anyway, you're adding potential beyond your reach. Designing your own intake/plenum setup will allow you to move the power in the RPM range, but if you don't have the tools to test things (dyno time) you're shooting in the dark and could accidentally move all your power to 700 rpms (seven hundred). In my mind these aren't things to be guessed with.

All that said, if you're a gambler, go ahead and give it a try. See what happens. Put your money in and pull the handle. Experimenting is fun. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)