Mustang tuning 101 - Stock computer vs. Megasquirt

[phillysrt4]

Ok looks like im getting a deal I cant refuse on an engine, so the build may commence soon. The only thing I'm worried about is engine management. I originally was going to go with a Megasquirt standalone because it uses a MAP system which I am familiar with tuning under boosted applications, but I'm also wondering about using the stock computer that comes with the 99-04 mustang. If I get an aftermarket tuning device for the computer, will I be able to get the same fuel and spark control that I would get out of a standalone computer like the megasquirt, or am I just going to be "fooling" the computer by changing some parameter values.

I tried to find some information on some of the aftermarket tuners out there, but they all seem to be promoting generic marketing drivel that, to me, is useless to answer this question.

Anyone who can give me a quick tuning primer would be appreciated.

Again, this is for a boosted application in what was originally a normally aspirated motor.

Thanks.

[Martin0660]

I think a lot depends on how far you really intend to go.

I use TwEECer, its a simple chip interface to the Ford EEC, with a GUI that hacks the Ford programming. Its MUCH better for the A9L and other V8 boxes, there are some holes in the 2.3 EEC's that a lot of us are working to fill. I have complete acess to the timing maps, fuel maps, can swap injectors, air meter sizes, etc. The downside is, that you are really stuck with the basic Ford strategy. By that I mean MAF, TFI Ignition, etc. We continue to work on a lot of the Ford code, and several guys have some real neat stuff done with it (backflow clip, shift lights, 2 step, etc) but it is Ford binary code you are working with.

With MS or other stand alone, you can go true speed density, use an air meter, or whatever you like, For the 2.3 stuff, the next frontier seems to be EDIS, and guys have it working real clean with MS (or Spectre). All of the features you could want are out there, and what seems to be a decent support group. I know some here run the AEM, etc, and seem to be happy there too.

My opinion, if you are up and going on the MS, and starting "clean" thats where I would go because the options are unlimited. In my case, I still want something I can get into, turn the key, and drive, but still make some changes when I need to / want to. TwEECer was a good fit for me with my sometimes real limited time.

Bob Myers

[Cam99]

I vote megasquirt. For this car its going to be better to start with a clean slate.

[phillysrt4]

yeah im leaning toward megasquirt too. just wanted to make sure i wasn't missing an easy, cheap route to get where I want to be.