What ecu should I run?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
What ecu should I run? Hi i'm new on here, and I am just looking for some input on what ecu and harness I should run. I've been looking into the microsquirt with a plug and play harness, and the FAST unit as well. Are there better options? What are you guys running and how do you like. It's going on a turbo 5.3 that i'm working on. Any input is appreciated.
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Hi i'm new on here, and I am just looking for some input on what ecu and harness I should run. I've been looking into the microsquirt with a plug and play harness, and the FAST unit as well. Are there better options? What are you guys running and how do you like. It's going on a turbo 5.3 that i'm working on. Any input is appreciated.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 10
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http://www.efisource.com/shop/ls1-24x-modified-microsquirt-ecu-with-plug-and-play-harness/
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 107
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From: Milwaukee Wisconsin
ID check on the ms3 or some other ECU that lets you screw with everything thing, its worth the extra coin just to have a easier tuning life. Back when I had my turbo integra GSR the hondata ecu was amazing, when I went back to a srt4 with a diablo sport tuner I hated how limited it was. Just makes your life more difficult if it cant do certain things. Also I believe the ms3 lets you add sensors almost effortlessly compared to other ones. Like if you have e85 and want a flex fuel sensor I believe ms3 lets you install one...? not 100% positive on that one.
I have ran the micro for 4 years now and have no issues with it. for an entry level easy to learn system it is nice. I have built 4 other turbo cars and used micro on all of them. most of the cars I used them on were older non efi cars and it is a nice easy to hide small ecu.
if you look into it it has a lot of good features. if I was starting a new build tomorrow I whould use a micro. jmho.
if you look into it it has a lot of good features. if I was starting a new build tomorrow I whould use a micro. jmho.
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 107
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From: Milwaukee Wisconsin
if i was to get another ecu other than my stock one id just go MS3 because it lets you do everything. Personal opinion but i was spoiled by hondata which is basically an opened Honda ecu thats lets you change anything and everything. Again personal bias.
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 182
Likes: 3
From: Portland OR
MS3 + 3X = full sequential but will not do OBDII
If you need OBDII use a stock ECM.
This is the info I'm looking for, I have a crate LS3 and 4L60 i want to put in my 04 Dakota and pass inspection.
If you need OBDII use a stock ECM.
This is the info I'm looking for, I have a crate LS3 and 4L60 i want to put in my 04 Dakota and pass inspection.
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TECH Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 28
From: Pittsboro, IN
Depends on what your budget is and what all you want the ECU to control. You can buy a $300 Microsquirt and have full fuel/spark control and a couple small extras. Or you can spend $1000-$2000 on a MS3x/Pro or Holley system that will have much more capability. Either option will give you a fully tune-able standalone ECU.
I have used a Micro for several different projects. My current Micro runs the fuel, spark, boost control and 2 step. Not bad for a $300 box.
I have used a Micro for several different projects. My current Micro runs the fuel, spark, boost control and 2 step. Not bad for a $300 box.
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depends if you have HPtuners or efilive.
the stock 1mb computer is very capable with a custom operating system.
What transmission are you going to run? Stock PCM runs both engine and trans. I believe you'd need two megasquirts to do this.
Stock ecu will read in input for AC as well and control motor so it doesn't drop RPM when the ac clutch hits(for big cams).
The price of a stock setup+HPT is the same cost as the plug and play MS3pro and you can do drive by wire and such if you want.
I'm definitely a fan of the stock ecu+HPT or EFILive. Stock ecu can be had at junkyard for cheap.
If you were getting into multiple throttle bodies, multiple injectors per cylinder, needed fueling per cylinder, etc. than I can see the point in an aftermarket ECM/PCM.
Stock pcm with HPT will do real time tuning, or use a roadrunner with efilive. Tons of options.
the stock 1mb computer is very capable with a custom operating system.
What transmission are you going to run? Stock PCM runs both engine and trans. I believe you'd need two megasquirts to do this.
Stock ecu will read in input for AC as well and control motor so it doesn't drop RPM when the ac clutch hits(for big cams).
The price of a stock setup+HPT is the same cost as the plug and play MS3pro and you can do drive by wire and such if you want.
I'm definitely a fan of the stock ecu+HPT or EFILive. Stock ecu can be had at junkyard for cheap.
If you were getting into multiple throttle bodies, multiple injectors per cylinder, needed fueling per cylinder, etc. than I can see the point in an aftermarket ECM/PCM.
Stock pcm with HPT will do real time tuning, or use a roadrunner with efilive. Tons of options.
I would also recommend you buy based on our tech savvy you are. Some software / standalones are much simpler than others. There will be a learning curve to any of them that you buy. If you don't have much experience with a computer or wiring, I would highly recommend you consider this before choosing which standalone to go with.
TECH Regular
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 431
Likes: 1
From: Washington
When I'm asked this question, my response turns to your area. What's ran mostly local, what's the local dyno shop run, or will this be a self venture?
I'm a megasquirt guy and have a Pro on my daily and my Pro on my LS race/street car. You can also run a 60e or 80e with a micro and control everything with one project via canbus control. The firmwares are always being upgraded, updated. I even was able to get the 2 wire alternator working with commanded charge, run and wot voltage control
I'm a megasquirt guy and have a Pro on my daily and my Pro on my LS race/street car. You can also run a 60e or 80e with a micro and control everything with one project via canbus control. The firmwares are always being upgraded, updated. I even was able to get the 2 wire alternator working with commanded charge, run and wot voltage control
9 Second Club
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 13,616
Likes: 185
From: Norn Iron
Hi i'm new on here, and I am just looking for some input on what ecu and harness I should run. I've been looking into the microsquirt with a plug and play harness, and the FAST unit as well. Are there better options? What are you guys running and how do you like. It's going on a turbo 5.3 that i'm working on. Any input is appreciated.
And of course one that fits within your budget.
I have used a couple Holley HP's, there was a learning curve, esp for me not being a computer guru, lol-I have looked at the MS stuff, mainly for being a less expensive option, but wary of my ability to tune it, lol
I picked up another 5.3, comp with wiring and computer, if there is enough there wiring wise, I may try a stock ECU, have it reflashed
If starting from scratch, I prob would look for a system I can tune, as opposed to having to drag it somewhere
I picked up another 5.3, comp with wiring and computer, if there is enough there wiring wise, I may try a stock ECU, have it reflashed
If starting from scratch, I prob would look for a system I can tune, as opposed to having to drag it somewhere