My 3.3L Subie Conversion Thread, Got me some 914rubber stuff Options

[76-914]

By the way, Chris, have you ever heard of this one regarding the hesitation you were talking about before? I wonder if this is somehow linked to the lack of a VSS, or masking it somehow?

http://svx-iw.com/svxiw/article/?article=31

I finally did hook up the VSS and it's even more finicky now. I think I have a loose wire somewhere, or the temp sensor is bad, or the MAF is acting up, or the IAC valve is sticking. I'll check all of those things soon.

That doesn't make sense to me. It totally improved mine. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) Oh there is one thing. Once the car moves more than 2 mph the idle goes to 2000 rpm. Come to a complete stop and it drops back to normal. It only does this the first 2 blocks then it stops and doesn't return until cold again. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) Sure it had something to do with the automatic trans & behemoth station wagon it came from. Anyway, glad your back in the spiirt and your thread will prove a valuable resource for future EGr's. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Chris H.]

Chris.......I've been out of the country for 3 weeks. Hope to get home Sunday. Keep a eye out for the big brown truck next week.

Awesome! Thanks Bob! I'll send you another label.

Hey George I drove Bob's car with Megasquirt. It was SO SWEET. I want to go that way soon. Consider this for your gift registry:

DIY SVX

We could do a workshop someday. Everyone could chip in a few bucks and retain Bob to supervise us. Octeenerfest or something.

Kent, I know the VSS thing is weird. Bob is sending me some stuff which will really help troubleshoot. I'll post pics when I get everything. I expect it will be just like the trans...one little tweak and it's fine again.

[914forme]

Hey George I drove Bob's car with Megasquirt. It was SO SWEET. I want to go that way soon. Consider this for your gift registry:

DIY SVX

We could do a workshop someday. Everyone could chip in a few bucks and retain Bob to supervise us. Octeenerfest or something.

So whats the retainer fee Bob?

And I am down with that, it would be nice to do it in a facility with a rolling dyno, but that is more dollars.

As far as the DIYPNP kit, Desno plug and $430 with some time soldering away, looks like a deal to me for EFI.

An internal 2.5 bar sensor (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) I am starting to lean words putting a snail on mine (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) Get that idea out of your head and continue on fabrication (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

You all are very dangerous proud to be hanging with. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif)

[914forme]

Only issue I see on the SVX is that you can not run the coil on plugs according the specs. It only supports 4 of them, so you would need to go wasted spark, not a huge deal, just something to keep in mind.

Am I correct on that observation?

[914forme]

The basic features are all pluses to me

Feature List – Here’s what you can do

OEM ECU Connector to plug right into the factory harness! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)
Speed Density, Alpha-N and Hybrid Alpha-N (both SD and A-N algorithms hybridized) Supported
2 fuel outputs standard, 2 additional outputs optional (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)
2 Ignition Inputs (for dual wheel ignitions)
4 Spark Outputs (Up to 4 Cylinder Coil On Plug, up to 8 Cylinder Wasted Spark) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)
Enhanced Acceleration Enrichment (EAE) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)
Boost Control (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cheer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cheer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)
Knock Control (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Launch Control (IMG:style_emoticons/default/evilgrin.gif)
A/C idle up (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Flat Shift (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)
Tachometer Output (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
Fully Adjustable Rev Limiter (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Table Switching (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
4 General PurposeOutputs
4 General Purpose Inputs (2 analog, 2 digital)
Support for Flex Fuel (IMG:style_emoticons/default/drooley.gif) E85 for race day
Optional Realtime Baro Correction (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)
Closed Loop O2 Correction (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

So what is the downfall here except two items. You build it, and well you support it.

I see neither as a downfall, the you build you support thing is easier as you know everything about it.

One downfall I currently see is lack of being able to connect the sim board, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) I have at least two engine harness one could become a Sim test harness, make the build and testing easier.

Only other downfall I see is the location of the harness and Oh crap, I don't have any from the engine side to the ECU. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

[Chris H.]

Yes you run wasted spark Steve. The best thing about the DIYPNP is you just plug the stock harness right in to it, no cutting. You don't have to install a different trigger wheel or anything. Bob swears it's not that hard to build. Maybe one of these days I'll get down there and have him supervise my build, then take a bunch of pics and stuff. Not sure he'd actually want to spend any Octeenerfest time watching us do ECUs but if we got one done correctly that's all we need. If you look at the instructions it IS pretty fiddly but patience is apparently the key.

[Chris H.]

Forums for Megasquirt. You could get lost in there for a day or two (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) :

MSExtra

[mgp4591]

Forums for Megasquirt. You could get lost in there for a day or two (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) :

MSExtra

Just for grins (and me lacking in knowledge), why is the Megasquirt better than the stock ECU?

[914forme]

Forums for Megasquirt. You could get lost in there for a day or two (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) :

MSExtra

Just for grins (and me lacking in knowledge), why is the Megasquirt better than the stock ECU?

See that long list of features that is what makes it better, and tuneablility.

In reality you can do a lot to the stock ECU, but you are still limited to the basic ECU functions, while way better than D-jet or L-Jet it is still a dated ECU.

[Chris H.]

Right, tunability, and also there are some quirks associated with the fact that the ECU is for a different car.

For the EG33, stock ECU concerns are:

- Some experience a sudden stall issue because all US SVX's are automatic. When you convert to 5 speed there is not a constant "load" on the engine and it can stall.
- There is also sometimes an idle issue for the same reason
- Lot of extra wires going to things you won't use like the PS pump, etc
- EGR and old school atmospheric pressure sensor (eliminated with Megasquirt)
- The "learning mode" is eliminated with MS which is a pain when you unhook the battery
- The rev limit is 6500. With MS you can go to 7400ish

But the ability to tune it to your liking is the best part.

[914forme]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

Don't forget the 2.5 bar sensor that lets you add one of them funky turbo things!! Oh wait you can't turbo a 914 or an eg33

[mgp4591]

As in bang for the buck (I'm a CSOB...) in cost comparison, remapped ECUs are supposed to be great for their upgrades, helping the engine to get up slightly over 300 hp without them there turbo thingies... they tend to shorten the fuse a bit. They're not exactly giving away the MS systems so I'm wondering if they're really worth the extra cash?

[jd74914]

As in bang for the buck (I'm a CSOB...) in cost comparison, remapped ECUs are supposed to be great for their upgrades, helping the engine to get up slightly over 300 hp without them there turbo thingies... they tend to shorten the fuse a bit. They're not exactly giving away the MS systems so I'm wondering if they're really worth the extra cash?

Can you remap a SVX ecu? They're pretty old and OBD1 (right?) which generally limits tuning options without going standalone.

[mgp4591]

As in bang for the buck (I'm a CSOB...) in cost comparison, remapped ECUs are supposed to be great for their upgrades, helping the engine to get up slightly over 300 hp without them there turbo thingies... they tend to shorten the fuse a bit. They're not exactly giving away the MS systems so I'm wondering if they're really worth the extra cash?

Can you remap a SVX ecu? They're pretty old and OBD1 (right?) which generally limits tuning options without going standalone.

I'm not sure if "remapped" is the correct term. SubieChips and a couple of others offer a revamped stock ECU that raises rpm limits and handles larger injectors, etc. They've been tested and reported as a good upgrade and you still can pass stringent IM tests in most regions where the Megasquirt says they're not legal for street use. Maybe some CA folks with the equipment can tell of their experiences with the EPA for clarification.

[Chris H.]

The Subiechips chip does remap the ECU but it's a static map. You can't adjust it. It also eliminates the EGR and raises the rev limiter. The issue is that the chip is $329 now. A new Megasquirt DIYPNP (unassembled) is $430. Back when the chip was sub $200 I would consider it but now it's a little much. You can get group discounts with the Subiechips guy but I doubt you'd get it back to where it used to be.

The SVX was OBD1 until 1996 when it switched to OBD2.

[ThePaintedMan]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) ... If one were to spend the money for someone else's tune, I'd rather go with the MS and my own ability to dial in a tune. In fact, I'd rather dial the rev limit down with the water pump issues we discussed earlier.

[mgp4591]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) ... If one were to spend the money for someone else's tune, I'd rather go with the MS and my own ability to dial in a tune. In fact, I'd rather dial the rev limit down with the water pump issues we discussed earlier.

If I was dealing with a finicky engine so far as a tune goes, i.e. race type engine or wild cams, etc., I'd agree with you. And someday I may even want a hair dryer on it but with their experience with the engine pushing a 3700 lb AWD vehicle down the road, I'd think that a chipped system on the EG with the right gearing would positively THROW a 914 down the road. And you'd keep the EPA happy with relatively stock equipment depending on your local requirements. Everything is relative though... now Cracker done stuffed a 427 detuned to 600+ hp in his street/race car! It's one of the signs of the Apocalypse! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)

[Chris H.]

Yeah I do like the Subiechips offer with the Nissan injectors, etc. but the simplicity of Megasquirt is calling me a little more. We'll see how the car behaves when I fire it up in the Spring.

Hey look, I did a little work!

The beast is off the ground:



Made this primitive engine holder thing (took longer than you think!):



Finally finished my LED tail light conversion

Pile of stuff:



Hard to describe how much better the light is.

Can't really capture it well on camera:



The LED (left side) is not only brighter but clearer. It catches the eye better. The right side old school lighting is barely detectable.

Here's the end result:



Nice work Jerry (Spoke) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) .



Next it's time to drain some fluids and disconnect some cables and wires, then the engine drop.

[mgp4591]

Nice job Chris! I've thought about those from time to time but may go another direction. Spoke puts out a great product though- after seeing them in person, they're a big improvement!

[76-914]

Alright Chris (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif) Way to go. The car looks great, too. I ordered Spoke's front LED's so I'm sure I'll follow up w/ his taillights, later. BTW' everything thing takes longer than you think. I started 2 different things this weekend and didn't finish either one. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) What's happening while the engine is out? Looking forward to seeing your progress. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) Kent