Some personal views on ECU’s
ECU’s are computers that interface to computers, so they can go out of date like computers. The processors can be too slow, they can have too little memory and out of date interfaces. They may not work with desirable optional extras like shift lights and sensor displays driven by CAN technology. The casing can be far too big making installation a pain.
The software that they need can be dated short of features, un- finished and lacking both support and an upgrade path. Some charge for adding software features later so beware. Some have no Data Logging which is an important tool for the tuner to understand problem areas.
Few modern ECUs have an on board high side Tacho drive i.e. 12V. They will send out a 5V low side signal. Fortunately there are multiple cheap solutions to make your existing Tacho work. This should not be a reason to not choose an ECU. In fact be suspicious about how dated the ECU is if this is a major feature.
I have owned so far Lumenition (which became OMEX), Emerald and Link ECUs
Buy the ECU last after you have the engine Throttle Bodies and Sensors installed and buy the latest NOT a second hand bargain. This is no time to for buy the equivalent of a Windows XP PC.
Personal views:
Lumenition which became OMEX – solid basic ECUs with dated Windows 95 type software and limited interfaces.
Syvecs – Brilliant high speed Time Attack series ECU. Fully featured machine code level software and modern interfaces. Very expensive and beyond your wildest needs
MegaSquirt – Open Source DIY ECU’s. Many Rolling Road Tuners will not touch them. You can even build your own from components. Dated Designs and Dated Software with wing and a pray support set up.
Emerald – Heavily promoted and widely used. But out of date hardware with software not finished in some areas. Mapping is hit and miss with some shocking jobs done and some tuners refusing to use them anymore. I no longer recommend them.
Pectel – Basic ECUs not well supported or developed. History with Cosworth tuning. Better than some but avoid.
Motec – Horribly expensive and they take EVERY opportunity to charge you more trading on a wide Motorsport history. Well supported, but for the rich racing team who want comfort and have not yet heard of Syvecs or Link
DTA – A solid economy choice, but thin on features so you need to take care that the box does what you need. Support is a basic old Forum model.
Haltech – A really strong range of current ECUs with a strong dealer and tuning network. A big business in the US and good support. Consider their offering as an obvious replacement for Emerald and a real short list contender.
Weber Alpha – More of a hobby project add on than a serious ECU. Out of date missing features Etc. Avoid
Link – New Zealand Based creator of deeply featured fast ECU’s used heavily in highly tuned drift cars and increasingly in the full range of tuned road cars and motorsport. I use the Link G4+ Fury and I have been delighted by both it’s capabilities and the support both in the Link Software on the active forum and by email. Great value compared to others so look closely at the Atom ECU for your needs. I am using the Fury to control a drive by wire throttle enable traction control, display all of the sensor information, enable a shift light array and provide full digital wide band tuning whilst I drive.
VEMS – Dated and with confusing support. But better functionality than many big name ECU brands. I wish you good luck working out how to install it and tune it. Their dated website tells you what you are in for.
These are my personal views intended to help you. Do your research and make wise choices including who will be available to map your ECU. Beware the shiny new Rolling Road established last week by 2x 30 year olds, someone who has never mapped your particular ECU, or someone pining for the old days. Let them practice destroying engines on someone else’s car.
Do NOT let the junior or apprentice anywhere near mapping your car whatever the reason given. I experienced this at Emerald. Better to pack up and leave.
Eric
