E28 Megasquirt FAQ

Post by **Brad D.** » Mar 25, 2009 9:10 AM

If you are running MS, there is no need to recirc the BOV. Speed density doesn't care if you dump off the air.

alijonny · Post by **alijonny** » Mar 31, 2009 3:31 PM

so I am about 90% ready to pull the trigger on a setup, here is what I have comprised from diyautotune.com

1. MegaSquirt-II Engine Management System w/PCB3.0 - Unassembled Kit Part # MS230-K

2.JimStim v1.4 MegaSquirt Stimulator w/ Wheel Simulator -Unassembl [jimstim-k]

3. 3 wire PWM idle valve driver board
[900-0160] (only available from glen's garage?)

I already have the 60-2 wheel/VR sensor, 6 pin TPS, and laptop.
apart from cables/wire is there any other hardware I am going to need? I know I will need a Wideband 02 and gauges for the turbo setup, but I want to get this car setup for Megasquirt and running NA before I get all the turbo stuff setup on the car.
any pros or cons to the setup I am considering?

turbodan · Post by **turbodan** » Mar 31, 2009 4:49 PM

I had my MS ECU built by the guys at DIY. I told them I needed hardware for a 60-2 VR sensor and ignition hardware for a single coil/distributor ignition system. I felt a lot better knowing it was going to be done right, I would recommend anyone else do the same for a first time install without any MS experience.

alijonny · Post by **alijonny** » Mar 31, 2009 5:34 PM

but I want to learn... I feel that this isn't going to be the last time I use Megasquirt (if all works well). I have lately been soaking info up and considering doing this myself for the personal exp points lol.

turbodan · Post by **turbodan** » Mar 31, 2009 5:44 PM

Learning is great, but you dont want to get in too far over your head. If you get everything put together and the car wont start you dont want to be second guessing your soldering skill and hardware configuration.

Scottinva · Post by **Scottinva** » Mar 31, 2009 6:15 PM

turbodan wrote:Learning is great, but you dont want to get in too far over your head. If you get everything put together and the car wont start you dont want to be second guessing your soldering skill and hardware configuration.

Dan is right. I knew nothing about megasquirt, and went right into the project. I encountered so many headaches that I wanted to use the megasquirt as a wheel chuck, in my driveway.

George · Post by **George** » Mar 31, 2009 6:50 PM

Don't forget Peter Florance. Top Notch.

e30-m30_kid89 · Post by **e30-m30_kid89** » Mar 31, 2009 7:17 PM

I got a question...Im using the same trigger settings as Brad's but i was wondering if I should still verify the timing with a light?

Scottinva wrote:
turbodan wrote:Learning is great, but you dont want to get in too far over your head. If you get everything put together and the car wont start you dont want to be second guessing your soldering skill and hardware configuration.
Dan is right. I knew nothing about megasquirt, and went right into the project. I encountered so many headaches that I wanted to use the megasquirt as a wheel chuck, in my driveway.

x2....It was such a pita trying to get it initially running, I botched the install when it came to some things and had to order replacement components on more than one occasion. I spent probably 3 - 4 hrs a day EVERYDAY for 3 - 4 weeks working, researching and looking for help to get mine working. there was one point i wanted to just start over and buy a built board but then it worked

FirstFives Dictator · Post by **FirstFives Dictator** » Mar 31, 2009 7:23 PM

e30-m30_kid89 wrote:I got a question...Im using the same trigger settings as Brad's but i was wondering if I should still verify the timing with a light?

Always always always verify timing with a timing light.

I own 2. My non-adjustable died and I bought a perfect Craftsman on ebay for 20.00US

Also, thanks for the plug, George!

Post by **Brad D.** » Mar 31, 2009 7:26 PM

I agree, I would also double check the trigger offset with a timing light.

e30-m30_kid89 · Post by **e30-m30_kid89** » Apr 01, 2009 5:23 PM

FirstFives Dictator wrote:
e30-m30_kid89 wrote:I got a question...Im using the same trigger settings as Brad's but i was wondering if I should still verify the timing with a light?

Always always always verify timing with a timing light.

I own 2. My non-adjustable died and I bought a perfect Craftsman on ebay for 20.00US

Also, thanks for the plug, George!

Lucky for me I'm pulling out my busted rad this weekend so I'll be able to check out the timing then.

I read about some guys having problems with their timing lights being not picking up on a wasted spark setup, i have cheezy adjustable timing light which in previous jobs has worked well.

Is there anything special or any specific wire I should clip the pick up to make sure my light is reading right?

alijonny · Post by **alijonny** » Apr 06, 2009 6:25 PM

WHEW! ok. I just ordered an assembled jimstim stimulator with wheel sim and the pre-assembled MS2 3.57.

$500 later, have I done good so far? I know i still need the 3 wire IAC peice from GG and fuel injectors and a bunch of other stuff...

now we're getting somewhere!

Kyle in NO · Post by **Kyle in NO** » Apr 06, 2009 8:37 PM

thesixerkid wrote:Don't forget Peter Florance. Top Notch.

x 10,000

e30-m30_kid89 · Post by **e30-m30_kid89** » Apr 09, 2009 11:35 AM

alijonny wrote:WHEW! ok. I just ordered an assembled jimstim stimulator with wheel sim and the pre-assembled MS2 3.57.

$500 later, have I done good so far? I know i still need the 3 wire IAC peice from GG and fuel injectors and a bunch of other stuff...

now we're getting somewhere!

Just outta pure curiosity, Why did you get the V3.57?

Post by **Brad D.** » Apr 09, 2009 12:05 PM

All I know is modding the v3.57 is trickier due to the surface mount components.

alijonny · Post by **alijonny** » Apr 09, 2009 3:26 PM

soooo... I assumed all was good with the 3.57 . Now I have the setup in my possession pre-built. NOW WHAT?

I know it may be no one's fault but my own. I'm kinda bummed today. It really helps that these things come with absolutely no instructions other than what is online.

I can feel some really stupid questions coming up as I get blocked along the way.

I need lunch.

what exactly makes it more tricky? I assume with any electrical parts, the MS is mine now. I took it out of the shipping box, but have not removed it from the plastic container.

Post by **Brad D.** » Apr 09, 2009 3:46 PM

Since most of the electronic components on the 3.57 board are surface mount devices, it makes modding the board harder. I believe though that most of the major jumpers needed though are still in place for the end user to select. You should be fine. Please post your questions and we will help the best we can.

alijonny · Post by **alijonny** » Apr 09, 2009 3:52 PM

what exactly will I need to modify?

Post by **Brad D.** » Apr 09, 2009 4:04 PM

It all depends on how it was setup when it was prebuilt. Is it setup for a VR sensor input? Direct coil control? What idle control components are on the board? I can guide you if you you need help answering these questions

alijonny · Post by **alijonny** » Apr 09, 2009 4:19 PM

here is how it was set up: placed in shopping cart, gone thru check out, paid in full, delivered to my door. lol.

I opened up the package, and took the cover off the top of the box and am in the process of seeing what I got myself into.

megasquirt number on the reciept is MS2357-C Megasquirt-II PCB v3.57 (SMT)

here are the details from diyauto:
# All 'Basic Components'
# PWM Flyback Damping Circuit components
# Hall Sensor/Coil(-) and VR Sensor Ignition Trigger Components (jumpered for Hall sensor, optical sensor, points, or fuel only using negative coil input- you can reconfigure for any input you like)
# Current Limiting Circuit Components
# 5 volt ignition output (JS10 jumpered directly to pin 36) for EDIS, Bosch 124, or GM HEI ignition control
# Slot for installing a BIP373 (not included) for direct coil control
# Also includes solder-cup DB37 and DB15 with clamshells for building your own harness.

I just ordered the idle board from GG and noticed their options like said previously in your posts about what options to have built into the board. DIY doesn;t seem to have that, or is it because the of the versatility of the v3.57?

turbodan · Post by **turbodan** » Apr 09, 2009 5:11 PM

alijonny wrote:here is how it was set up: placed in shopping cart, gone thru check out, paid in full, delivered to my door. lol.

I opened up the package, and took the cover off the top of the box and am in the process of seeing what I got myself into.

megasquirt number on the reciept is MS2357-C Megasquirt-II PCB v3.57 (SMT)

You remember what I said about mentioning the specifics of your application when you order it? You should have told them to add provisions for a VR sensor and direct coil control. Now you have to do that.

alijonny · Post by **alijonny** » Apr 09, 2009 5:25 PM

I ordered it online, no specifics were asked for.

turbodan · Post by **turbodan** » Apr 09, 2009 5:37 PM

You have to tell them. Did you get it from DIY?

alijonny · Post by **alijonny** » Apr 09, 2009 5:40 PM

yes. All I told them was my address and my CC info. There were no options or other info that would help me choose other than what they had. If it had been any more difficult to order I would have stopped and asked questions.

turbodan · Post by **turbodan** » Apr 09, 2009 5:43 PM

They dont prompt you for specifics. Gotta ask. I'm sure they would be willing to add the hardware provisions for your application but you'd have to send it back to them. That or you could DIY.

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E28 Megasquirt FAQ