PCM Diagnostics & Tuning HP Tuners | Holley | Diablo

Mega squirt? Opinions

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 25, 2013 | 09:43 AM
  #1  
70ssclone's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 223
Likes: 1
Default Mega squirt? Opinions

Ok so I'm not new to cars just new to computer tuning, I'm going from a 454 in my chevelle to an lq4 with a single gt45 and a cam, how do you guys like microsquirt? Do you recomend it? I've never computer tuned anything so what all will I need and how easy does it work with the factory computer? Will I have a tough time figuring out how to tune it?
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2013 | 01:11 PM
  #2  
tonypaul's Avatar
TECH Regular
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
Default

I really like my Microsquirt, I to had no tuning experience and it was a lot easier than I thought. I did the "pay a tuner" thing on some other projects and just felt raped.

Although Microsquirt has some limitations for a normal 'hotrod' its perfect..... For the money I think its the best value out there for the DIY kind of guy.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2013 | 02:09 PM
  #3  
t_raven's Avatar
TECH Regular
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 499
Likes: 1
From: Idaho
Default

There are a few threads on here about the pros and cons. I've always wondered why anyone would bother with megasquirt or microsquirt on a LS engine when a factory harness and PCM are cheaper and will do as much if not more. I also like an OBDII interface, which I don't imagine MS has. I'm sure there are some applications where it might be a better option than a factory PCM but probably nothing I'll ever need.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2013 | 04:34 PM
  #4  
Reject's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 9,195
Likes: 4
From: Texas
Default

search here in the FI section and as well as on megasquirts forum, you'll see that ALOT of people love them.

I want to buy one just to be able to build it up (i'm nerdy like that )

they are a GREAT alternative to when you start becoming limited with the stock pcm

alot of great features that the stock pcm will never have

boost control, bumpbox, meth timing duel maps 16 injector drivers *my favorite* bluetooth interface meaning no million miles of cables connected from teh computer to the car

the factory PCM dosnt hold a chance in comparison to what the MS's are capable of.

i've been interested in them since Parish was running them back in the days (loooooooooong time ago)
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2013 | 04:41 PM
  #5  
t_raven's Avatar
TECH Regular
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 499
Likes: 1
From: Idaho
Default

I need to look into MS more. I need a PCM and harness for the 5.3 that's going into my 67 GMC but my 69 Firebird is getting a turbo 6.0. I could switch to MS on that one and use that harness and PCM in the truck. I don't know that I'd need the extra features of the MS but I do have a meth injection kit so maybe it would be worth doing.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2013 | 04:46 PM
  #6  
Reject's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 9,195
Likes: 4
From: Texas
Default

just microsquirt it, have your whole system with a wiring harness for CHEAP!

i'm sure you've read Matt's builds with all his megasquirted turbo cars. that should give you an idea of their potential.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2013 | 05:01 PM
  #7  
t_raven's Avatar
TECH Regular
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 499
Likes: 1
From: Idaho
Default

I've been looking at the MS websites. I've looked at them in the past as well. They are a little confusing, but I guess for the price I still don't see the benefit. Anything below MS3 seems limited in comparison to a stock PCM. An assembled MS3 ECU with MS3X so that you have sequential injection is over $600. For an application that didn't come with EFI it is a good option compared to say DFI or XFI, but when you can buy LS1 PCMs all day for $100, and they do most of what MS3 will do, short of the boost and meth control, I don't see what benefit you get for all the extra money. And a factory PCM works with any OBDII scan tools, tuners, or accessories. I see the MS3 has driver's for 6 external relays, I suppose those could be used for some of the functions of the factory PCM such as fans and AC compressor.

I guess in even the most extreme LS application what does a MS3 benefit that justifies another $550 over a stock PCM? I don't imagine a harness is any cheaper when it's all said and done. Looks like you need a stock harness plus a MS harness, so there's another $85 over the cost of a factory harness/PCM.

I'm not trying to say MS isn't worth using, just trying to get a better understanding of what benefits it can offer over a factory LS PCM
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2013 | 05:03 PM
  #8  
Reject's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 9,195
Likes: 4
From: Texas
Default

how much does HPtuners or EFIlive cost?
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 28, 2013 | 05:15 PM
  #9  
t_raven's Avatar
TECH Regular
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 499
Likes: 1
From: Idaho
Default

Originally Posted by Reject
how much does HPtuners or EFIlive cost?
True. For me personally, I've got 5 vehicles with LS engines, so it's well worth the cost. And for the debate to use MS or not on the 69, it's not a factor since I already have it. The other nice thing about those two tuners is once you have one and know how to tune, you can do it for others and recoup some of the investment or sell it when you're done with it.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2013 | 05:21 PM
  #10  
Reject's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 9,195
Likes: 4
From: Texas
Default

holy ****, yeah it would be cheaper to tune 5 different vehicles if they all are modded out vs stand alones


but for the OP it's a great option, especially since it can Autotune by itself since he said he had little experience with computer tuning
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2013 | 05:27 PM
  #11  
t_raven's Avatar
TECH Regular
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 499
Likes: 1
From: Idaho
Default

Originally Posted by Reject
holy ****, yeah it would be cheaper to tune 5 different vehicles if they all are modded out vs stand alones


but for the OP it's a great option, especially since it can Autotune by itself since he said he had little experience with computer tuning
Ah, I didn't realize it would do that. I've got DFI I'm putting on a Pontiac engine. If I hadn't got it all used for a good price, I'd probably be looking at MS for that. I want to put micro squirt on my carbureted R1. I hate messing with carbs lol.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2013 | 06:56 PM
  #12  
aknovaman's Avatar
TECH Addict
15 Year Member
Liked
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 111
From: Hog Back, KS
Default

go to the link on my sig to see a few vids showing how simple the Micro is to wire and run on an engine. Got non-computer controlled trans applications, it's hard to beat. Also if you want to control a trans just ad another mcrosquirt. It's great for a tinkerer and someone who wants to say and build the whole thing.
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2013 | 06:06 AM
  #13  
70ssclone's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 223
Likes: 1
Default

thanks for all the advice fellas i ended up going with the ms2 v3 already setup for the lsx 24tooth wheel, now i just have to wire the car up!
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:04 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE