What's my cheapest route for Engine Management?

So I almost have my Legacy SS up and running and was just planning on doing the 5MT swap and an exhaust, but now have the itch and want to go further. My buddy gave me an offer I can't refuse on a VF22 Turbo and STi pink injectors ($550 for all of of it) and want to install all of this on my car along with an intercooler.

What is going to be the easiest, most cost effective way to keep it safe?
I was thinking just a fuel pressure regulator and MBC.

Thoughts, suggestions, free parts????

p.s. Again, this is my winter beater. Want to keep the price as low as possible. Pretty soon the cobra will be out and about and money needs to go that way or it'll beat me up.

 

Megasquirt
http://www.megasquirt.info/

 

well yeah, I've heard of megasquirt and have been close to dabbling in it. For the price I think its more problem than what its worth and for a little more could find a better EM system that isn't so "experimental".

I guess my question was more focused on mechanically managing the fuel/boost/timing systems. I've always used Electronic management and was wondering if a mechanical route would work or not. I've never messed with any of it.

 

FPR and a MBC will work, just keep the boost low and you'll be fine.

 

Megasquirt is the best thing since sliced bread. At RS we have a guy that comes in and installs the megasquirt and Ron tunes them.

 

that's what I'm leaning towards for now.

ok, what's the ballpark price figure here?

 

What are the vehicle specifics for the in question?

 

its a 1992 Subaru Legacy Sport Sedan.

 

Does the car have a distributor?

 

Nope. Don't know if any Subarus have for 20 years.

 

So you will need either a version3 or a microsquirt.

 

http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/megasquirti-programmable-system-pcb30-assembled-unit-p-56.html

or

http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/microsquirt-c-35.html

 

To do anything with ignition on a MS, I believe you would need to use different triggers. Kind of a PITA, especially for something that only has 12x12 tables.

My buddy has been using a Maf Translator Pro successfully. It also has integrated boost control, and works well.


The Legacy SS really doesn't like most piggybacks, but there's ways around it.

 

Go with a boost variable FPR or add an injector if you want cheap and still want to run alot of boost. Google search for "Gus Mahon Mean Mini" and he's got a lot of cheap alternatives to use on older cars.

 

Crank triggers will work fine on the Version 3 boxes.We just put on on a supra.You can also run a map switch which gives you two 12/12 maps (kinda like a honda map style) and greatly extends the range.

 

lot of guys use megasquirt on EA subarus, but the CAS signal is alot simpler.

heard alot of guys trying to do it on EJ cars, and never heard of one working right.



the stock logic module is pretty smart. I say get a AFR gauge so you can keep an eye on things, slap that new turbo on there, and see what that does for ya.

another very cheap option to keep tabs on the motor:
http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?t=16219

you can use that to tell how hard the injectors are working, and see if it's knocking at all.

 

That's what I was thinking. Using a WB02 and make sure its. Safe. Mess with the FPR and MBC and call it a day.

Like I said, I've heard of good things from the megasquirt on other applications, but haven't seen much on a legacy turbo.

 

Ya, I looked into it about two years ago when I was getting ready for my build, but they weren't ready for what I wanted to do. What about other sensors? Do you have to convert your sensors such at coolant temp, tps, etc? The Legacy SS uses a reversed TPS signal, 4.5v @ idle and .5v at WOT. Also, can the MS run a 3 wire(open/close) IAC valve?

I'm just curious for future reference.

 

You can rescale temp for whatever you want.

The TPS will have to be unhooked from the stock ecu anyways.

They control all types of IAC valves now and there are actually some guys working on DBW as well.

 

this is an interesting thread, Personally I am just going to place getting an ecu at the very bottom of the list until I get my car up and running right, I am looking into standalones, I will likely go with a link but im not sure yet.

I dont see why just a FPR and MBC wont do you wonders as long as you got a WB02......

 

Yeah. I'm gonna save for the Link as well, but want to get this turbo and injectors installed like asap. You wanna help with that as well lol?

 

for sure!
how much did you get the vf22 for?
is that jdm? im so jealous.

 

I got the VF22 and STi injectors all for $550.


On another note. Where can i get a good FPR? I looked on ebay and there are hundreds of $20 FPR's that look cheap as hell. What's a good model that will work for me?

 

talk to my bro, I believe he made his own?

 

also, what cc are the injectors? 550s?

 

yeah, that's what i think the STi pinks are.

 

BEGi makes a sweet rising rate FPR. It pretty much does everything, with adjustable gain and what not. Its spendy though. Like $310.

http://www.bellengineering.net/Pages/products_FPR.html

Probably not what you want to spend. Otherwise don't know how else you are gonna control those injectors without some form of management.

 

ouch, that is spendy. I was thinking around $100 ballpark. I've found only the extremes so far, either crappy $20 ebay or $250+ Aeromotive, Aem, etc.

 

I should mention you may encounter an issue with the MAF without any management. Im currently running a 16g 90deg inlet at wastegate pressure and im encountering a maxed out MAF at 5v anything above 5k rpm and my AFR's creep from 11.6 to ~mid 12's sometimes higher.

 

would a maf extender help here?

 

w00t. Found an awesome deal on an AEM Rising Rate Fuel Pressure Regulator on ebay. I got it New In Box for $100. These retail for $230 and sell for around $200 normally.

BTW, the seller has 2 so if you want one, jump on it now. On second thought, I may buy it and sell it myself on ebay to make up some of the cost of the first one.

Here it is:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AEM-...007QQitemZ170193994110QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

 

saw you driving today

 

I saw you too!!! I revved the beast at ya. Did you hear it????

 

lol no

 

Dang, don't know how you couldn't. The catback is off after the cat so its loud as eff.

 

cause my stupid megan racing catback is loud

 

haha, compared to mine it sounded like your car was an electric car. Couldn't hear it even running.

Ask josh about mine, he heard it rock out.

 

This isnt a rising rate FPR, it wont do us any good just raising the static pressure.

 

I'm pretty sure it is. At least I know its adjustable up to the max PSI the fuel pump can handle.

 

this is true...but sounds quite sexy tho

 

i just have a cheap weapon R RRFPR, its done its job very well, in fact too well according to my AFRs on the dyno.

 

damn, maybe i'll sell this off for a profit and just got the cheap route. I should be able to sell it for enough to cover the costs of the cheapo!

You comin up for fun soon in Blaine?????

 

For my EJ22T swap I had, I do TOO MUCH because I didn't want to go into ECU stuff, etc. It was just simple all BOLT-ONs for me.

headers, TD04L, 3" turboback, TurboXS FCD/MBC, WRX TMIC w/ Perrin BOV. Pushed a good 178whp 244wtrq over at RS Motors. I thought it was a great street monster to get around places and get up to speed. AFR's where mid high 10's. and leaned out up top to about 11.2 at 6500rpms. I kepted it really simple and I was quite happy. A LOT of good torque, which peaked at 3600rpms, 15psi, 3rd gear pull.

 

got you by a fender!

 

at the tracks....