what Engine Management is the most cost efficent?

mattytm3 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2005, 12:32 PM

I am looking for a programmable ecu for my turbo e36 I would like to get the Tec 3 but it just seems a bit expensive about $3000 I think. The only cheap set I seen was the AEM EMS but I dont know how good it really is. Let me know what you think any help would be appreciated.

Highboosted · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2005, 10:36 PM

The AEM EMS is awsome, simply awsome. Two local guys here run it on their 3000GT Vr4's. It is plug and play for our application and has total control, and hooks up to MSD DIS-4 electronic ignition with a modification. The fastest and highest HP 3000GT/Stealth's run the EMS, producing 833HP at the wheels. Our application cost 1500 then added to that are the harnesses and sensors. I am a fan of the TEC since having the 2, but Link (if you can find one) is also very good and I say even with the Electromotive. If you want the best, MoTec is where it's at.

mattytm3 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-01-2005, 03:36 AM

I also looked at the motech but I am thinking that it is also quite expensive I am almost 90% sure Iam going to go with AEM plug in play. Ive been trying to make this decision for about a year now so any ohter comments would be helpful thanks!

mattytm3 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-01-2005, 03:37 AM

by the way what the hell is up with this web site lately?

TuRBo-Shark · #5 (**permalink**) 11-01-2005, 03:37 AM

I use Haltech E6X with internal 2.5bar Map sensor and works very well , you will need just a TPS if you have M20 engine. Cost me about 830$ new.

TuRBo-Shark · #6 (**permalink**) 11-01-2005, 03:39 AM

AEM is plug and play only for few cars but not for your BMW.

TuRBo-Shark · #7 (**permalink**) 11-01-2005, 03:42 AM

Also good is DTA check spturbo but cost about 2k

Metindu · #8 (**permalink**) 11-01-2005, 04:23 PM

Megasquirt is sweet. Doesn't do Sequential firing but they tell me it doesnt matter at anyting about an idle

TuRBo-Shark · #9 (**permalink**) 11-01-2005, 04:40 PM

All stand alones does almost same thing , some of them have the software more elaborate and with more functions like traction controll and autotune feature...
It all depends what you want to use the car for and if all this features worth the investment. Most cost efficent as Matty asked is Unichip wich is not a stand alone but will replace the flowmeter with a Map sensor and also an additional module for turbo boost controll can be added. With unichip you will have a nice and stable air/fuel ratio value and ignition map tuned to squeeze all from your engine without any risk if you find a good tuner to install/tune it on a brake dyno.Cost of this unit including instalation and tuning is somewhere arround 6-700 $.
If you have any reasons to replace the stock ecu and not using a additional system like unichip please post them here.

Highboosted · #10 (**permalink**) 11-02-2005, 01:11 AM

I wouldn't put megasquirt on anything I owned, cept maybe a modded lawnmower. Sequential fuel injection makes a big difference at any RPM. Megasquirt is about on par with Chevy's TBI on 80's Camaros technology wise, and in execution. We all know how effective that was compared to the later TPI engines (same engine with multi-port fuel injection, sequential).

mattytm3 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-02-2005, 03:36 AM

I am looking for something a little more advanced than megasquirt. I really like all the options that the tec 3 has and if i had that kinda pay check that is what I would aquire. Turboshark you claim that they dont have the aem plug and play for my car but when i was researching a while ago I sworn I seen it for E36

TuRBo-Shark · #12 (**permalink**) 11-02-2005, 03:44 AM

Here is the list of cars plug&play supported by AEM.

TuRBo-Shark · #13 (**permalink**) 11-02-2005, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattytm3

by the way what the hell is up with this web site lately?

aempower website

mattytm3 · #14 (**permalink**) 11-02-2005, 03:51 AM

I checked out the DTA and that is exactly what I am looking for still a little expensive but with all the features you cant go wrong!

TuRBo-Shark · #15 (**permalink**) 11-02-2005, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattytm3

I checked out the DTA and that is exactly what I am looking for still a little expensive but with all the features you cant go wrong!

Mail Bill from spturbo maybe he will make you a disscount

Also you can cut from the price any unneded sensors that you already have on your car.
I think it's much less expensive than AEM
"Universal Plug & Play "Programmable EMS & Harness
Description Part Number Availability MSRP

Universal EMS 30-1900U New Release $3,243.75

Universal EMS Harness 30-2900-72 New Release $868.75

Universal Plugin Pin Kit 30-2902 New Release $104.16