Engine Management, OBDII, and emiisions on a '99

[SirHustlerEsq]

Thanks John. I'm also trying to figure out which MS kit I would need for my '99. I've got a lot of reading to do...

Probably a Reverant MS2 set up or DIYpnp, DIY custom MS3x, or Brain's MS3x. I'd do the Reverant MS2 but I'm itching to work on MS3. The MS world is in a state of change right now as MS3x get's better code and MS2 dies out...however MS2 is so strong I'm not sure that it will. MS3x is more of a high-dollar set-up for features we won't use like traction control, gear assigned boost control, and the one big thing it left open for development was 2d knock-windowing. Right now these features are not fully developed nor "ready for prime time" so I went with MS2 from Reverant for my daily. I may put MS3 on my green car one day, if not I'll do MS2.

[MoonieGT]

You've given me too many options :) Is there a particular one I should go for if FI is going to happen "someday"? Basically I need a "here idiot, buy these parts" list to get started with an NA setup for my '99.

[MoonieGT]

Is this what I'd need: http://www.diyautotune.com/diypnp/ap...0-18bp-mt.html

[SirHustlerEsq]

Is there a particular one I should go for if FI is going to happen "someday"?

Short answer: No, they all work just fine. Avoid MS1 at this point, MS2.
Long answer: MS3 if you want traction control, boost per gear, hot-swap tables, onboard datalogging, knock-window (nice to have, I haven't blown-up anything in three year4s without it). The only real reason to avoid MS3 is the price which is slightly more expensive. MS3 does everything better right now, for a little bit more money and uses new tech. 6 months ago there were rumors on the internets that MS3 was "not ready yet" with the alpha code release, but the latest code is good and just about everything works.

Basically I need a "here idiot, buy these parts" list to get started with an NA setup for my '99.

You're on the right track, but if you're building it yourself then this is where you need to go off and educate yourself. There are guides on MiataTurbo for each car and each computer that will show you how to build each computer (even the alternator regulator), how to build a jump-harness for parallel install, and anything else you want to know. I should probably build one for myself right about now, but I'm lazy.

I know Reverant will build you a computer and a jump-harness south of $1000 so all you have to do is run a MAP hose, install the wideband, then plug in the computer and start tuning. Reverant's MS2++ is the closest competitor in terms of features and quality.

P.S. There is no "set-up" for NA versus FI aside from a boost control solenoid, they're all the same electronics and use the same algorithms to make the injectors squirt and coils fire.

[MoonieGT]

I'd probably rather have some one else build it for me. I sent Reverant a PM a couple of days ago, but have not heard back from him yet.

So I'd need Reverant's kit for ~$1k, a MAP hose, and the LC1 and guage that Wag mentioned for ~$250.

Thanks for the help

[SirHustlerEsq]

I'd probably rather have some one else build it for me. I sent Reverant a PM a couple of days ago, but have not heard back from him yet.

So I'd need Reverant's kit for ~$1k, a MAP hose, and the LC1 and guage that Wag mentioned for ~$250.

Thanks for the help

Expect less than $1k, probably around $800. I may build an MS3x this Spring for my track car. You don't have to really know what you're doing, just follow directions. I can get a full MS3x for $375 shipped to my door and no additional expense. I bought a harness for sequential fuel so I'm looking forward to switching over to that. I'll learn VVT tuning on my daily driver and we'll go from there.

I don't know what Greek Christmas is like so he's probably not e-whoring right now.


You'll be happy with this mod. Lots of DFW people scoff at stand alone engine management because they say, "oh, you only got 30whp out of Rick's car" or whatever, but the car drives like a dream. I changed my philosophy on fuel economy tuning recently and we'll fix his miserable 28mph highway cruising to get closer to 32mpg. The best part about that car is how it feels like it rips on the throttle now.

[MoonieGT]

20-30 hp sounds perfect for now. I've got more work to do on the nut behind the wheel at the track before I need to add significantly more hp.

I'll read up on the megasquirt threads at miataturbo and decide whether or not I can build it myself. Is there anything more to Reverant's stuff than the fact that it is preassembled? Not that that is not valuable, but that may help me decided if I feel like I want to try building it myself. I think it would be interesting, but I've got a 2 year old and a 2 month old at home... I'm not exactly flush with spare time these days :)

[SirHustlerEsq]

20-30 hp sounds perfect for now. I've got more work to do on the nut behind the wheel at the track before I need to add significantly more hp.

I'll read up on the megasquirt threads at miataturbo and decide whether or not I can build it myself. Is there anything more to Reverant's stuff than the fact that it is preassembled? Not that that is not valuable, but that may help me decided if I feel like I want to try building it myself. I think it would be interesting, but I've got a 2 year old and a 2 month old at home... I'm not exactly flush with spare time these days :)

Don't quote me, but I believe he uses a custom board that handles features differently. I'm certain his "box" gives us more outputs and new features that standard MS2 is incapable of performing.

I think most people assemble the "build it yourself" board in one day.

[MoonieGT]

That makes it easier for me to justify letting him build it for me then.

[mk2tmr2]

Damnit, guys. Now you got me shopping....

[SirHustlerEsq]

Damnit, guys. Now you got me shopping....

Don't ever drive my white car after the swap, you'll start buying rather than shopping.

[MoonieGT]

Reverent did get back to me. I'm waiting on some funds to arrive, but I hope to buying before too long...

[MoonieGT]

What diameter of tubing do I need to make a short passenger-side intake? I'm thinking it's 2.5" off the top of my head... This should work right?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-5-TURBO-IN...item5ae43db912

[mk2tmr2]

Don't ever drive my white car after the swap, you'll start buying rather than shopping.

I'd like to do a '99 head swap on my '96 block and MS it. I already have headers and a full exhaust. Could make for a fun springtime project. Following this thread to see how it turns out for Moonie.

[SirHustlerEsq]

I'd like to do a '99 head swap on my '96 block and MS it. I already have headers and a full exhaust. Could make for a fun springtime project. Following this thread to see how it turns out for Moonie.

Go for a ride with Rick some time. That car made 120whp/118wtq or so on a Mustang.

[MoonieGT]

I've got the go ahead from the boss. Time to talk with reverant again. For the wideband, is the innovate kit what I need/want? Where do I source the map hose? Time to buy some toys...

[SirHustlerEsq]

I've got the go ahead from the boss. Time to talk with reverant again. For the wideband, is the innovate kit what I need/want? Where do I source the map hose? Time to buy some toys...

http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/products/MTXL.php

Get the hose from an auto-parts store.

In the news:
I picked-up a used MS1 yesterday that I'm going to convert to MS3x to learn/destroy so I will feel like a man again. It will eventually find its way to my turbo car in MS3 form, but for now it's going to power my daily until Reverant sends me a computer.

[MoonieGT]

There are two widebands to pick from on that page. As best I can tell the only difference is one has a 4.5 foot cable and one has a 10 foot cable. Do I need the longer one?

[SirHustlerEsq]

There are two widebands to pick from on that page. As best I can tell the only difference is one has a 4.5 foot cable and one has a 10 foot cable. Do I need the longer one?

Yes, get the long one. Go ahead and order a DDM Works gauge cluster/radio surround thingy too for that gauge and whatever else you want to own.

[MoonieGT]

Ok, just ordered the wideband. I've got the blose stereo that is double din. I'll probably get a triple gauge mount for the A-Pillar... Is there anything in particular that I need to tell Reverant about what I want, or does he just know what I want/need?