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what ecu 1999 MX5 1.8 engine
rf900rush - 22/1/22 at 11:39 AM

Hi MX5 experts

I thought I would ask for help here first, considering the wealth on knowlage on this forum

My brother is going to use a mx5 1.8 non variable valve engine.
He has the hole car for parts.
Is it easy to use the mX5's ECU system or go down the after market ECUs like Megasuirt , Emerald etc.

My only experince is Megasquirt on a GSXR600 thottle body Fuel only system on a bike engine.

johnH20 - 22/1/22 at 05:23 PM

I have no experience trying to use the standard MX5 ECU but I believe it may be necessary to include the instrument cluster to make it work. I used a Motorsport Electronics 221 aftermarket ECU on my supercharged MX5 with good results. Excellent back up and a library of calibrations you can down load. They specialise in PNP for the MX5. Loads of information on MX5 Nutz about engine swaps which may help.

MikeR - 22/1/22 at 05:32 PM

Speeduino was developed for mx5 and has plug and play versions. This needs to be a careful decision if thinking of speeduino as it's not as popular with tuners.

rf900rush - 22/1/22 at 10:26 PM

Thanks

I have seen the Motorsport Electronics 221

It look good from the web details, just nice to get real feedback.

I did think of speeduino for another transplant but ended up using an old Megasuirt version 1 I had spare.

The instrument cluster may be a problem as that is one of the few parts part that is missing.

MikeR - 23/1/22 at 08:28 AM

If the instrument cluster is can based, speeduino has just added support but you'd need a compatible board. On the ground they've just done it is have thought a megasquirt should be able to support it along with others.

ianhurley20 - 23/1/22 at 09:19 AM

quote:
Originally posted by rf900rush
Thanks

I have seen the Motorsport Electronics 221

It look good from the web details, just nice to get real feedback.

I did think of speeduino for another transplant but ended up using an old Megasuirt version 1 I had spare.

The instrument cluster may be a problem as that is one of the few parts part that is missing.


I used the standard ECU on my MX5 engined car along with wiring loom, switches, fuse boxes and instrument cluster etc which worked well for me. If you are missing the cluster they are avilable second hand very cheaoly, I chamged mine to one with white dials after about a year for £15. I have used the ME 221 on a Ford ST170 engine and would have no hesitation using it on an MX5 engined car. Simple to wire in and set up but a set up on a rolling road got 225bhp from the engine (and throttle bodies).

rdodger - 23/1/22 at 11:34 AM

I used mx5 engine, gearbox, steering column, ecu and wiring loom on my build

You don't need to use the instruments. They do have a built in immobiliser to a transponder in the key.

If it's the mk2 the ecu controls the alternator. Mk1 is a standard set up.

The loom I stripped out all the stuff I didn't need and shortened, lengthened wires to suit. There are good wiring diagrams available online.

The benefit of using the ECU is that it will pas IVA. You can always plug & play Megasquirt or others later if you turbo etc.

All pretty easy to do.

rf900rush - 23/1/22 at 04:24 PM

I have just had a better look at the car. Bad news there is quite a few bits missing.
Instrument cluster has been removed and the loom/plugs has been cut off.

Good news spraying WD40 in the inlet and is starts, but I suspect the fuel pump is not running, that could just be the loom.
The Diff has been removed and the tunnel rails are dropped at the back.

So looks like the MX5 ecu may well work.
Emmisions should not be a problem , it is going a 1960's car so any thing over 40hp will be good.

A quick google on this subject shows there is alot of info out there on this car.