MegaSquirt Injection

[D7N7MASTER]

Hi All,
I want to keep my '73 - 2.0 with f.i. So if been looking at the megasquirt system to feed my new 2165. After reviewing the megasquirt website, my head hurt... All of the parts & soldering, & assembly & did I mention parts??? I wonder if Mr. Bowlsby is or will be offering a plug & play system for us teeners??? Jeff? You out there?

[Alfred1]

Dave Carlson is making one. Check out his description of it in this thread Modern fuel injection/ignition on type 4? .

[jkeyzer]

Unless you are comfortable with soldering, electronic assembly, and computers, megasquirt wasn't really designed for you (it has a high geek factor). But if you are willing to learn you could probably figure it out - it's not rocket science. I am probably going to buy a kit sometime in the next few months and probably put it on the 914 if I ever finish my rebuild. I like what I have read about it so far, especially that is is very open to modification and upgrades to both the hardware and software if you are willing to get into it and learn how it works.

[Alfred1]

Two things I like about Dave Carlson's system are that he's an electrical engineer (and presumably knows what he is doing) and that his sytem is designed specifically for the 914.

[bowlsby]

I could fab the FI harness for a Megasquirt system, if someone can fab theirs up and let me duplicate it. I am ready when you are.

I also will be doing the harness for Dave Carlsons (KitCarlson) Fi system , when Brad has completed the prototype install.

The KitCarlson FI is actually conceived as a generic FI system, it can be configured for a multitude of cars actually, 4-6-8 cylinder. It goes beyond Megasquirt in that it will be preprogrammed and preconfigured for the 914 so no dyno time is necessary for stock engines. The big pluses include igntiion control (it is a true EMS-engine management system) and it can use the existing stock relay board and sensors, minimizing install difficulties.

Beyond the KitCarleson EMS, I would look seriously at the SDS system, but the install is more difficult.

[jkeyzer]

I think Brad Roberts is working on a plug and play EFI system for the type IV. Not sure what it is based on though.

[D7N7MASTER]

Thanks everyone, this is obviously a hot topic! My new engine isn't going to be ready 'til mid Jan sooo maybe the KitCarlson prototype install will be completed by then. --- I'm not scared... Gotta stay injected somehow.
Hey Jeff, I was hoping you couldn't resist this one. Give me a clue, will my Bowlsby F.I. harness plug in to all the right places with this upgrade??? Yes? YES!!! No???

[Mark Henry]

Dave Hunt over on the 914club.com site has a Megasquirt up and running on a 2.0 and he said he will give the maps to anyone that wants them. Megasquirt is not that hard to do, it just takes time. It's the cheapest system by far.

The KitCarlson system will not have the correct maps for your big 4. I doubt if it will be 100% plug and play, we'll see. The price is TBA but he mentioned the $1200. range. For both of the above systems add a laptop (cheap used?) to the price if you don't have one.

I have the SDS system on mine, good system, but it's not plug and play. If you got the "FI only" system you might be able to install it in a weekend. You don't need a dyno for SDS unless you need to know your hp, etc. but it might make tuning a tad faster. One of the things I did like is it has its own controller; you don’t have to worry about its OS being out of date 5-10yrs from now.
$800. to $1200 depending on the options.
Here's my install:

http://www.914club.com/bbs2/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=5396&

[3D914]

d7n7master,

Good advice so far. The Megasquirt is a versatile system, and not to difficult to build. Believe me - I am the not the geek type, and not really THAT INTO cars - except the 914. But if you read, follow directions, and like to learn knew things - its a very satisfying challenge.

Mine was a non-stock 2.0L with #73WEB cam. With your non-stock 2.2, I'm sure you'll want something that's flexible, and plan for dyno time. It will save you a lot of headaches.

Enjoy!

[bowlsby]

The harnesses are completely different.

The KitCarlson EMS has ignition control (no distributor points! No trigger points!) and a few other differences, making the harnesses not interchangeable. Might potentially be modifiable, but its too early to tell.

[D7N7MASTER]

Here we are - damn near 2004, and FINALLY we have what is destined to be an improvement to a F.I. system that was designed in the '60's. Carbs are out of date, old news. Had to happen sooner or later. F.I. is superior in many regards. And now you just add your laptop... I'm holdin' out for MS plug & Play. Forgive me. I'm an "end user". You don't want to see me solder!!! - or weld, or fabricate. MegaSquirt me damn it. I'm not scared. My D-Jet is in "as new" condition. Maybe I'll ebay the parts I don't need after the conversion.

[Alfred1]

Originally posted by D7N7MASTER
Here we are - damn near 2004, and FINALLY we have what is destined to be an improvement to a F.I. system that was designed in the '60's. Carbs are out of date, old news. Had to happen sooner or later. F.I. is superior in many regards. And now you just add your laptop... I'm holdin' out for MS plug & Play. Forgive me. I'm an "end user". You don't want to see me solder!!! - or weld, or fabricate. MegaSquirt me damn it. I'm not scared. My D-Jet is in "as new" condition. Maybe I'll ebay the parts I don't need after the conversion.

If you put your d-jet parts on ebay, let me know so I can bid on 'em.

[3D914]

D7N7MASTER,

I'd be willing to put your MegaSquirt board together for you. I also have the MS Stimulator to test it with. I can even preload the chip with my default tables so the board should be ready to go. I know it would come out much cheaper than the KitCarlson system.

Let me know if you're interested.

[mikey]

What about the CB performance dual throttle body system for around $2000?? This comes with all sensors and CPU. Has anyone tried this setup??

[calbrat]

What I wanna know is.... Does it make it go faster???

If I were to get more revs and faster accelleration without dropping a 6 in there and able to keep the durability and reliablility then bring it.

(Note: Car doesn't start at the present time. But, who drives a 914 in the rain anyway)

[Mark Henry]

Originally posted by calbrat
What I wanna know is.... Does it make it go faster???

Any FI system (and carb) does NOT add horsepower...the whole engine combo is what makes or breaks the power, as well as the reliability.

PEFI is not a magic potion, but the engine can be programmed to run better than carbs, better starting, no stumbles, better mileage, cleaner emissions, no lateral G problems, etc.

The big bonus is it can be put on a stock 1.7 or a gonzo 2.7L type 4. You only have to reprogam it if you change engines.

[D7N7MASTER]

3D914, thanks for the offer. Sounds good. But - what wiring harness, sensors did you use? My D-Jet F.I. wiring harness is a near new Jeff Bowlsby manufactured harness. Sweet connectors & boots, etc. Hate to chop it up.

[jkeyzer]

I think individual throttle body injection (one TB per cyl) probably would give you extra HP, at least at higher RPM, since there is very little restriction in the intakes and each cylinder has its own air intake.

[3D914]

D7N7MASTER,

I used the stock injectors, CHT sensor, Air Temp Sensor (Temp Sensor #1), & AuxAirRegulator. It required a new Throttle Switch and wiring. It was necessary to modify the stock harness significantly. I had a spare used one, so I stripped out all the unneeded wires, then used this to crimp extensions over to my DB37 MS cable.

I'm still working on the finished harness, with parts provided by Jeff B.

You can get some details on my temporary setup at the 914Club BBS

Jeff K - That is an appealing idea. Giving the FI more air would definately be a plus for performance.

[jkeyzer]

What does megasquirt use the CHT for? Just control of the aux air valve or also the warmup enrichment?