mx5cartalk.com

What are the differences in these units ?

Emanage Ultimate looks very attractive......
Really wanting an ECU that when I stop doing track days in the MX5
I will be able to use it on a new project car.

Any help greatly appreciated.

I would take a Haltech over an eManage. I had an E6K in my old Lancer Evolution, and it was a great unit, although like any standalone unit, you need to spend the time tuning to get the best results.

End of the day, buy what your mechanic/tuner specialises is, because an ECU is only as good as the person tuning it, believe me. You could buy a MoTeC M800, and the car could run like crap because your chosen mechanic doesn't understand them, or run like a dream with a Wolf V4, because that is what they specialise in.

My vote goes for the Haltech E8, very happy user . Haven't had to use it yet (and hope I never have to), but the thought of local support helped tip me .

However, one thing I determined early on was not to be a pioneer - not to buy an orphan, or to pay someone to build up expertise in my chosen unit. I looked for a proven unit, that could be installed and tuned by someone who both knew the unit and had experience in MX5s. Not sure how Tassie is placed for this sort of expertise, but if you come up short on the local scene, I would suggest you start thinking about a short holiday on the North Island ...

From my reading of forums here and o/s (esp Miatanet forum), MX5s have a few challenges in replacing ECUs, mainly on the ignition side. Alternator control is another. That decided me against the DIY route, but other have done it ...

Maps seem less of an issue, depending your state of tune/boost.

In short, I would be more concerned with finding someone who had done your model MX5, than someone familiar with your chosen unit. If you specify your engine mods, the vendor should be able to supply a basic map which should get you mobile - but safely.

If you are going to install yourself, I would find someone who has done the same thing (same ECU, same MX5), and learn from their experience.

Good luck, and feel free to PM me if you want to discuss further.

Only to echo the thoughts above. You probably will not be able to carry an ECU forward from one car to another simply becasue of the ignition requirements of the MX5. Get one which is suitable for your car now and especially one that has local support and knowledge otherwise you will be in for a world of pain. I would steer clear of the Emanage simply from what I have read on OS forums about it's application and the MX5.

Im running an emanage blue with great results on my '90 turbo, but the Ultimate isnt worth it for the extra money....Its great on supras and GTR's as another option to the Apexi units but just isnt needed in an Mx5 due to the MX being a much simpler engine control system.

Buy a haltech ... Youll be better off than with a E/M ultimate.

npower wrote:However, haltech is not the best. In japan, HKS FCON is the best. In US, AEM is the best. Here, motec is probably the best. But they have too many functions for MX-5, and why paying extra for something you don't use.

I think 'best' is relative to your needs and application really? HKS FCON is useless here, as there bugger all people who have the software/knowhow to tune them.

Another option that is as good as MoTeC without the price tag is Autronic. I have a friend running low 10sec passes @ 136mph in a street registred and dríven R33 GT-R, using an Autronic, and its pretty friendly.

Whilst FCon and AEM are good, I would comfortably say that MoTeC is the best worldwide and are used in top level competition in every country in the world! Go Aussie!!