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PostPosted: April 1, 2019, 6:34 pm 
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Joined: December 6, 2017, 2:20 pm
Posts: 125
Location: San Jose, California
Hi Guys

I am reaching the point in my build where I am final installing engine and components into the car. I took the engine apart on a running donor and labeled everything. But, I am a bit iffy on putting it all back together.

I have a choice to use the OEM ECU or a Megasquirt. Is there a guide or instructions that I can follow to help bring up the engine to running status? For example, key plugs/grounds/relays, etc to get the engine running? Any help will be grately appreciated. I feel this is the last hump i need to do to get my seven running.


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PostPosted: April 2, 2019, 8:04 am 
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Joined: April 1, 2010, 10:26 am
Posts: 564
If your planning on turbo or super charging the car, I would go MegaSquirt, if your not I would stay stock as the gains would be minimal, you would be better spending the money in other areas, LSD, Brakes upgrade....

Graham


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PostPosted: April 2, 2019, 2:18 pm 
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Joined: April 22, 2010, 4:43 pm
Posts: 432
Location: Livermore, Calif.
It would certainly be less expensive as Graham mentioned to use the OE ECU. This is no problem as long as you have an original key. The immobilizer can present problems and would be hard (but not impossible) to bypass.

Get a copy of the NB Miata's electrical diagrams and mark it up as to what needs to be eliminated and what needs to stay. This way you can also eliminate much of the extra and unnecessary wiring.

Cheers,
Roy

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PostPosted: April 2, 2019, 3:03 pm 
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Joined: December 6, 2017, 2:20 pm
Posts: 125
Location: San Jose, California
HI ROY!

I have the key and ignition and original ecu.

There are some things I am removing off the engine. For example, the 2nd lamba sensor on the exhaust or the egr. I think this is the safest path then.


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PostPosted: April 2, 2019, 9:21 pm 
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Joined: December 1, 2013, 10:48 pm
Posts: 76
Location: Atlanta GA
I had a Miata engine and used the factory ecu. After 5 years I said I was hoping to turbo it so I installed the Megasquirt.

Pro stock ecu:
Best idle
No issues. Just starts and runs-every time.

Pro Megasquirt:
Can tune for more power
Better air fuel setup for new exhaust and intake setup (less restriction..)
Can ditch the mass airflow sensor
Ideal setup for forced induction.


So if you aren't going forced induction- I would stay stock... It works and works every time!


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PostPosted: April 3, 2019, 5:01 pm 
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Joined: December 6, 2017, 2:20 pm
Posts: 125
Location: San Jose, California
Was re-wiring the miata engine with stock harness and ecu easy to do? I have all the parts laid out, but I am worried about missing a signal or ground.


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PostPosted: April 3, 2019, 10:27 pm 
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Joined: December 1, 2013, 10:48 pm
Posts: 76
Location: Atlanta GA
thehiddenproject wrote:
Was re-wiring the miata engine with stock harness and ecu easy to do? I have all the parts laid out, but I am worried about missing a signal or ground.


No. Not really. Just need a lot of space

I have my harness in a box somewhere. What year is your engine?


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PostPosted: April 4, 2019, 4:13 am 
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Joined: December 6, 2017, 2:20 pm
Posts: 125
Location: San Jose, California
I have a 1999. 1.8L. I removed the AC and power steering already. Didnt think I needed those. Also will remove the EGR and second lamda sensor on the exhaust. This should be okay with stock ecu right?


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PostPosted: April 4, 2019, 10:59 am 
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Joined: December 1, 2013, 10:48 pm
Posts: 76
Location: Atlanta GA
I believe so. Worst case 270 ohm resistor could probably spoof the EGR line.

Second O2 sensor you could just buy a simulator if you really had a problem. That one is probably something I wouldnt delete honestly.


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PostPosted: April 6, 2019, 7:29 pm 
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Joined: December 6, 2017, 2:20 pm
Posts: 125
Location: San Jose, California
The second o2 sensor goes after the catalytic converter. I plan to remove that too. If i decide to have the 2nd o2 sensor, where do i put it since the cat is now removed?


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PostPosted: April 7, 2019, 3:51 pm 
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Joined: December 1, 2013, 10:48 pm
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Location: Atlanta GA
Just goes further downstream.

Typically 18-20" behind the first one


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PostPosted: April 8, 2019, 2:00 pm 
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Joined: December 6, 2017, 2:20 pm
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Location: San Jose, California
Okay! That doesnt make it hard then.


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PostPosted: June 2, 2019, 3:51 am 
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Joined: December 6, 2017, 2:20 pm
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Location: San Jose, California
Do I need to use the whole harness? It's rather big and intimidating


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PostPosted: June 2, 2019, 11:41 am 
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Joined: December 1, 2013, 10:48 pm
Posts: 76
Location: Atlanta GA
thehiddenproject wrote:
Do I need to use the whole harness? It's rather big and intimidating

No. But it minimizes the number of variables until its running


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