Megasquirt - build your own EFI system.

Has anyone looked into the Megasquirt ECU?
http://www.bgsoflex.com/megasquirt.html

This thing looks amazing. Basically these guys got together and released the plans on how to build your own fully programmable ECU. And when I say "fully programmable" I mean it...you can pick and choose which sensors/components you use... and program the ECU to accept them. Not to mention that you can completely program the fuel map, and datalog your trips to fine tune. You can also look at all of your sensor readings in real time. No more of this "Well maybe it's the coolent sensor"... you just hook up your laptop and take a look at what the coolent temp sensor is telling the computer. If it comes up with -20*F in the middle of the summer..you know it's broken.

Plans, base programming, software and everything are free, you just have to buy the electronic components. Apparently the whole thing can bought and assembled for approx $300. Of course you still need access to a laptop computer as well as the fuel injection components. Already assembled megasquirt ECU's are even available on Ebay for very reasonable prices.

Apparently these things are so flexible they can be used on any engine. There are guys out there running them on diesel engines, supercharged/turbocharged engines, some are running on 16cyln aircraft engines... and there's even 1 guy who retrofitted it to work on his 2stroke dirtbike. Multiport, TBI...1 bigarse injector...the ECU can be programmed to run them all.

This thing looks almost too good to be true. But I guess the proof is in the pudding (and their message forums). I think this is going to be my big winter project this year.

Was just wondering if any of you guys have looked at this ECU, or better yet have some experience with it. For those of you thinking about fuel injecting your classic, I definately suggest you look into the megasquirt.

I won't even get into some of the megasquirt accessories that are available (again for very reasonable prices). For example, there is a display available that you can mount in your dash. This display will do a "ticker tape" display showing you what each sensor is reporting in real time.

Thanks for the info Bullit.

I do plan on buying a pre-assembled unit AND stimulator, and as much of the pre-done stuff as possible(wiring harness, relay board, etc). I also hope to go with the Megasquirt II if I can find one...(they are new and boards are in short supply). Otherwise I'll just upgrade later (the MSII is an upgrade kit for the original MS so it's not like I'll end up buying 2 ECU's)

I have a background in electronics so I have no doubt I'd be able to assemble it myself without problems. However, it's been my experience that buying a pre-assembled kit is worth every penny. Since these guys build so many units, they can build them much faster. What would take them 1 hour, would probably take me 4 hours..

If that manifold was for a 351W I'd be all over it.

What I think I'm going to do is purchase a Throttle body from auto-nomics http://www.auto-nomics.com/cgi-bin/showresults?a=detail&part=10850-002-D they can sell you a whole unit pre-assembled with fuel rails, TPS, and fuel injectors for approx $400. This gives the advantage of keeping the stock look.

Thanks for your comments rufus. I'm printing off the manual as we speak. You can bet I'll be sending you a couple of PM's with questions....hope you don't mind

giddyup306: I'm not too worried as to the complexity. I went to college for electronics, and am currently employed in the computer industry.. so hopefully I won't have too many problems.

Another really cool thing about the megasquirt is that you can start really simple, and then add more sensors and control from there. For example, I'm not going to bother with the spark control for now. I'll get it installed and tuned 1st then look into controlling spark timing, adding more sensors, and including events for the N20 later.