After Market Ecu's, FCD's, Piggybacks, and Standalones
After Market Ecu's, FCD's, Piggybacks, and Standalones
A lot is just quotes from website but I’ll try and add my own info. if you think there is anything hugely wrong, or you want to add your own, drop me a pm and i\'ll adjust as needed. A lot is quite IS200 specific as thats where i learnt it but i can help adapt for other cars.
Let’s start at the beginning. Fuel Cut defenders.
Basically when you add forced induction to a NA car, or even turn up the boost on a turbo car you can hit the \"fuel cut\" point. This as I understand is basically the point when the standard ECU see\'s too much airflow and throws a wobbler, putting the car in \"go slow\" mode and refusing to inject more fuel.
The two you may be familiar with are the FCD and Black box.
HKS FCD
![[Image: hksfcd.jpg]](http://www.mkiv.com/techarticles/fcd/hksfcd.jpg)
This is basically just stops the car hitting the Fuel cut point. It works by setting the dial on the front to the desired setting for the car. It has 12 settings, 12 being as if its not there. 1 being the biggest adjustment.
For the IS200 TTE charger kit you need the STD version which has 4 wires, Red, Black, Green, and White.
This works by having a power and earth wire spliced to the ECU’s live and earth, then the wire from the engines pressure (MAP) sensor is cut and the other two attached either side (see drawing).
Then if you have the FCD on setting 12 it’s like its not even there, the signal in from the engine will be the same coming out. If you have it on setting one it will only allow about 60% of the reading through. So throughout the range the cars ECU will on think it’s getting 60% of the air it actually is. This can be dangerous though because the car’s ECU uses this reading to decide how much fuel to inject. If you set it too low then the car will run too lean and this can be disastrous.
The desired setting for the FCD on a standard TTE charged car is 9, or 10 depending on how the car feels to drive. This setting prevents the car hitting the Fuel cut but isn’t too low to be dangerous.
These vary from around £70 to £100.
TTE Black box
This is very similar to the FCD but is un-adjustable and slightly more complex inside. Though it is less reliable than the HKS FCD.
This installs the same as the FCD though the two air signal wires are different colors (Green and yellow). It prevents the MAP signal hitting the fuel cut, but lower down in its range, rather than giving a percentage figure like the FCD, this actually tells ECU there’s more air than there is to give better fueling.
This unfortunately is no longer available from TTE.
If it works then this is a better bit of kit than the FCD in my honest opinion.
There is of course the new SILVER TTE box,
I’ve not had any personal contact with this item but it’s my understanding that it attaching the same but also takes a feed from the Rev signal of the ECU to give a better fueling figure/output.
It reduces the rev limit from 6250rpm to 6200rpm thereby preventing fuel cut off from happening.
That fuel cut off if abused can cause overheating and eventual failure of the pre-cat as I and others have experienced.
This is a few hundred Euros I believe from TTE.
Picture of the wires to install the Black box and FCD.
![[Image: FCDwirings.jpg]](http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h204/Sparkystav/FCDwirings.jpg)
Also in this category are the Greddy BBC and also a Superchips product.
Both work in the same way as the Black box. However the BCC is adjustable, and if you take the superchips one apart so is that.
![[Image: LexuS-Copy.jpg]](http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h204/Sparkystav/LexuS-Copy.jpg)
Read my thread here: The Evolution of my Turbo Lexus from NA-Supercharged-Twin Turbo-Massive Single
Please leave your comments.
Sparkystav
15-09-2016, 09:51 AM #1I thought I’d share some of the things I know about the ECUs.
A lot is just quotes from website but I’ll try and add my own info. if you think there is anything hugely wrong, or you want to add your own, drop me a pm and i\'ll adjust as needed. A lot is quite IS200 specific as thats where i learnt it but i can help adapt for other cars.
Let’s start at the beginning. Fuel Cut defenders.
Basically when you add forced induction to a NA car, or even turn up the boost on a turbo car you can hit the \"fuel cut\" point. This as I understand is basically the point when the standard ECU see\'s too much airflow and throws a wobbler, putting the car in \"go slow\" mode and refusing to inject more fuel.
The two you may be familiar with are the FCD and Black box.
HKS FCD
This is basically just stops the car hitting the Fuel cut point. It works by setting the dial on the front to the desired setting for the car. It has 12 settings, 12 being as if its not there. 1 being the biggest adjustment.
For the IS200 TTE charger kit you need the STD version which has 4 wires, Red, Black, Green, and White.
This works by having a power and earth wire spliced to the ECU’s live and earth, then the wire from the engines pressure (MAP) sensor is cut and the other two attached either side (see drawing).
Then if you have the FCD on setting 12 it’s like its not even there, the signal in from the engine will be the same coming out. If you have it on setting one it will only allow about 60% of the reading through. So throughout the range the cars ECU will on think it’s getting 60% of the air it actually is. This can be dangerous though because the car’s ECU uses this reading to decide how much fuel to inject. If you set it too low then the car will run too lean and this can be disastrous.
The desired setting for the FCD on a standard TTE charged car is 9, or 10 depending on how the car feels to drive. This setting prevents the car hitting the Fuel cut but isn’t too low to be dangerous.
These vary from around £70 to £100.
TTE Black box
This is very similar to the FCD but is un-adjustable and slightly more complex inside. Though it is less reliable than the HKS FCD.
This installs the same as the FCD though the two air signal wires are different colors (Green and yellow). It prevents the MAP signal hitting the fuel cut, but lower down in its range, rather than giving a percentage figure like the FCD, this actually tells ECU there’s more air than there is to give better fueling.
This unfortunately is no longer available from TTE.
If it works then this is a better bit of kit than the FCD in my honest opinion.
There is of course the new SILVER TTE box,
I’ve not had any personal contact with this item but it’s my understanding that it attaching the same but also takes a feed from the Rev signal of the ECU to give a better fueling figure/output.
It reduces the rev limit from 6250rpm to 6200rpm thereby preventing fuel cut off from happening.
That fuel cut off if abused can cause overheating and eventual failure of the pre-cat as I and others have experienced.
This is a few hundred Euros I believe from TTE.
Picture of the wires to install the Black box and FCD.
Also in this category are the Greddy BBC and also a Superchips product.
Both work in the same way as the Black box. However the BCC is adjustable, and if you take the superchips one apart so is that.
Read my thread here: The Evolution of my Turbo Lexus from NA-Supercharged-Twin Turbo-Massive Single
Please leave your comments.
These are more complex than the FCD’s and can control a variety of things.
They are called Piggyback because they still use the standard ECU’s signals, but adjust them slightly to give better performance.
Dastek Unichip.
![[Image: unichip.jpg]](http://www.rsimpressive.com/products/images/unichip.jpg)
The topic of recent discussion.
From the Dastek website it allows:
Variable valve timing adjustment
Rev limit adjustment
Boost limit & level adjustment
Dual maps for use with different fuel grades & types
Water Injection
Nitrous oxide progressive injection
Bigger/supplementary injector handling
Variable induction control
Launch control for turbo vehicles
Full throttle gear changes
Road speed limiter removal
Speedo conversion for imports
Shift light
Idle speed stabilization
While there is some good features in the list, it does not appear to have individual/direct injector/igniter control and therefore IMHO isn’t that good for mapping for more power. But maybe is a good control unit for a factory turbo’d vehicle with some minor big power upgrades.
These are around £400 new I believe and need to be mapped by qualified specialist mappers.
CAMCON
![[Image: camcon_clip_image002.jpg]](http://www.fizzautosports.com/images/jdm/jdm_subaru/pe/camcon_clip_image002.jpg)
This is basically a specialist basic piggyback.
There’s a Honda version that can adjust the VTEC (yo!) point. And the Toyota version that can adjust the VVTI control and also AFR signal slightly in a slightly more intelligent way than the FCD’s.
Good bit of kit for a couple more BHP/LB/ft of Torque but a bit pricey at ~£300 for a couple of BHP.
But these can be adjusted by the user and setup to your own preference.
Link here:
http://www.powerenterpriseusa.net/products...mcon/camcon.htm
GReddy Emanage Blue
![[Image: greddy_emanage.jpg]](http://jscspeed.com/part_pictures/greddy_emanage.jpg)
This is a basic piggy back ECU. It comes in various stages.
Whilst the unit itself is the same it normally comes with only the basic harness. Then you need the injector harness on top, and an Ignition harness as well if needed.
The Emanage blue though can only ADD fuel unlike others that can ADD and SUBTRACT fuel.
It works by setting up jumpers on the main circuit board (though the standard setup is needed for the IS200), then adjusting various pots on the side, first to set up the type of car, etc. Then to set up the fuelling adjustments at various set points.
It’s a basic but capable bit of kit.
This can be set up by anyone but experience mappers are suggested to get the best from it.
GReddy Emanage Ultimate.
![[Image: ema_ultimate.jpg]](http://www.alamomotorsports.com/greddy/ema_ultimate.jpg)
This is the Blue’s bigger brother and the piece of kit I currently use.
There is one big harness for it though if you upgrade from the Blue you can just buy the additional part of the harness if you already have all the harness from the blue as it’s all duplicated.
This really is IMO the top of the range piggyback ECU.
It can control all the injectors and igniters, as well as taking readings from crank and cam sensors/ water and intake temp or the factory knock sensors.
There’s lots of info here:
http://www.mohdparts.com/emanage/#E-manage%20Ultimate:
And this thread here: http://www.3si.org/forum/f103/ultimate-ema...-thread-297552/ is the most comprehensive fountain of knowledge I’ve seen on the Ultimate and includes instructions on setting up Launch control etc.
This, same as the blue, can be mapped by anyone by setting the jumpers on the main board again, and then all the other tuning is done through a laptop using the Emanage program (available from the MOHD link).
Though once against a specialist is advised and you can add/and subtract fuel and retard/forward timing and really damage the engine if your not careful.
These cost around £300-£400 plus maybe harness depending on the seller.
Edit: Greddy also do F-manage and V-manage attachments for the Ultimate, this control AFR ratio and VVTi respectively. Though these controls can be gained cheaper through other means.
Also if anyone wants information on wiring and setting up the Emanage ultimate on a IS200 then give me a shout and i'll help you out.
HKS FCON SZ (now replaced by the iS)
![[Image: FCONSZ.jpg]](http://www.tdi-plc.com/catalog/images/FCONSZ.jpg)
This is HKS’s version of a piggyback ECU.
From the website:
The HKS F-Con iS is the latest evolution of HKS' piggy-back engine management systems. The iS features the same proven fuel and timing control as the SZ and S, but also incorporates data correction for close-loop A/F feedback from the factory Oxygen Sensor. Also CPU performance has been improved by 25%.
Though I believe it can only be adjusted by “Powerwriters” which are meant to be specially trained and vetted tuners. Though TDi are one of the few in the country (along with Abbey, and a couple others).
Sorry but don’t know much more as HKS seem to keep it all hush hush..
Read my thread here: The Evolution of my Turbo Lexus from NA-Supercharged-Twin Turbo-Massive Single
Please leave your comments.
Sparkystav
15-09-2016, 09:53 AM #2Piggyback ECU’s
These are more complex than the FCD’s and can control a variety of things.
They are called Piggyback because they still use the standard ECU’s signals, but adjust them slightly to give better performance.
Dastek Unichip.
The topic of recent discussion.
From the Dastek website it allows:
Variable valve timing adjustment
Rev limit adjustment
Boost limit & level adjustment
Dual maps for use with different fuel grades & types
Water Injection
Nitrous oxide progressive injection
Bigger/supplementary injector handling
Variable induction control
Launch control for turbo vehicles
Full throttle gear changes
Road speed limiter removal
Speedo conversion for imports
Shift light
Idle speed stabilization
While there is some good features in the list, it does not appear to have individual/direct injector/igniter control and therefore IMHO isn’t that good for mapping for more power. But maybe is a good control unit for a factory turbo’d vehicle with some minor big power upgrades.
These are around £400 new I believe and need to be mapped by qualified specialist mappers.
CAMCON
This is basically a specialist basic piggyback.
There’s a Honda version that can adjust the VTEC (yo!) point. And the Toyota version that can adjust the VVTI control and also AFR signal slightly in a slightly more intelligent way than the FCD’s.
Good bit of kit for a couple more BHP/LB/ft of Torque but a bit pricey at ~£300 for a couple of BHP.
But these can be adjusted by the user and setup to your own preference.
Link here:
http://www.powerenterpriseusa.net/products...mcon/camcon.htm
GReddy Emanage Blue
This is a basic piggy back ECU. It comes in various stages.
Whilst the unit itself is the same it normally comes with only the basic harness. Then you need the injector harness on top, and an Ignition harness as well if needed.
The Emanage blue though can only ADD fuel unlike others that can ADD and SUBTRACT fuel.
It works by setting up jumpers on the main circuit board (though the standard setup is needed for the IS200), then adjusting various pots on the side, first to set up the type of car, etc. Then to set up the fuelling adjustments at various set points.
It’s a basic but capable bit of kit.
This can be set up by anyone but experience mappers are suggested to get the best from it.
GReddy Emanage Ultimate.
This is the Blue’s bigger brother and the piece of kit I currently use.
There is one big harness for it though if you upgrade from the Blue you can just buy the additional part of the harness if you already have all the harness from the blue as it’s all duplicated.
This really is IMO the top of the range piggyback ECU.
It can control all the injectors and igniters, as well as taking readings from crank and cam sensors/ water and intake temp or the factory knock sensors.
There’s lots of info here:
http://www.mohdparts.com/emanage/#E-manage%20Ultimate:
And this thread here: http://www.3si.org/forum/f103/ultimate-ema...-thread-297552/ is the most comprehensive fountain of knowledge I’ve seen on the Ultimate and includes instructions on setting up Launch control etc.
This, same as the blue, can be mapped by anyone by setting the jumpers on the main board again, and then all the other tuning is done through a laptop using the Emanage program (available from the MOHD link).
Though once against a specialist is advised and you can add/and subtract fuel and retard/forward timing and really damage the engine if your not careful.
These cost around £300-£400 plus maybe harness depending on the seller.
Edit: Greddy also do F-manage and V-manage attachments for the Ultimate, this control AFR ratio and VVTi respectively. Though these controls can be gained cheaper through other means.
Also if anyone wants information on wiring and setting up the Emanage ultimate on a IS200 then give me a shout and i'll help you out.
HKS FCON SZ (now replaced by the iS)
This is HKS’s version of a piggyback ECU.
From the website:
The HKS F-Con iS is the latest evolution of HKS' piggy-back engine management systems. The iS features the same proven fuel and timing control as the SZ and S, but also incorporates data correction for close-loop A/F feedback from the factory Oxygen Sensor. Also CPU performance has been improved by 25%.
Though I believe it can only be adjusted by “Powerwriters” which are meant to be specially trained and vetted tuners. Though TDi are one of the few in the country (along with Abbey, and a couple others).
Sorry but don’t know much more as HKS seem to keep it all hush hush..
Read my thread here: The Evolution of my Turbo Lexus from NA-Supercharged-Twin Turbo-Massive Single
Please leave your comments.
These are designed for the serious tuner with lots of mods/engine changes. And in my opinion is overkill in a lot of cases. But are still excellent bits of kit.
I’m not completely sure what each ECU can do they should be able to control all aspects of running the engine while telling the standard ECU everything is still ok
HKS FCON V PRO
![[Image: HKS-F-ConV-pro.jpg]](http://www.g35turbo.com/images/HKS-F-ConV-pro.jpg)
The most well known to the us. And is an upgraded version of the SZ.
As with the SZ information is limited on this and it can once again only be adjusted by power writers.
HKS blurb:
The HKS F-CON V Pro is a fully featured standalone engine management system that connects as easily as a "piggy-back" fuel and timing controller. As modifications to a vehicle are made, the need for fuel and timing adjustments becomes critical for performance and safety. The F-CON V Pro with its 32x32 resolution for both fuel and timing maps is the optimal solution. The F-CON V Pro can control up to eight injectors and D Jetro or L Jetro setups. --- Injectors can be set to fire as batch, sequentially or staged. The F-CON V Pro can also read drive by wire vehicles. Programming is done via the HKS Power Writer software; which only Certified HKS Pro Dealers have access to. The HKS Power Writer software for the F-CON V Pro has some very unique abilities to simplify setup and tuning. Via the vehicle start up menus most Japanese import cars can be easily started by selecting the vehicle’s parameters (Make, Model, Engine and etc). Tuning is simplified due to the A/F Feedback control; where a target A/F value can be input and the F-CON V Pro will adjust fuel automatically. Also full data logging capabilities are built into the F-Con V Pro Power Writer software. All major vehicle conditions including; speed, rpm, water temperature, intake temperature, timing, boost, injector duty cycle and etc can be logged to an HKS Pro Dealer’s computer.
Cost is around £800-£900 for the unit.
Apexi Power FC
![[Image: apexipowerfc.jpg]](http://www.xxxracersedge.com/xxxracersedgeimages/apexipowerfc.jpg)
Another type of standalone, normally given away by the T shaped handheld adjuster normally located in the car that can be used to change the settings on the move.
Apexi info:
The Apexi Power FC proudly stands as A'PEX's answer to the constraints and limitations associated with most piggy-back style fuel controllers. The Power FC is a complete, stand alone, total engine management system capable of handling virtually anything thrown in its path. From multiple point fuel and ignition control to VTEC engagement (Honda applications) and boost settings, the Power FC is capable of accommodating even the most demanding performance enthusiasts.
These are around £600 each.
LINK Ecu’s
From what I’ve read a very capable standalone system that not too hard on the pocket.
http://www.linkecu.com/
Flexible systems are designed to be installed in virtually any application where an electronically controlled engine is fitted. Link's Wire-In Engine Management Systems are fully adjustable using our advanced PCLink tuning software. Link Wire-In Engine Management Systems come with a multipurpose breakout loom for easy installation. All Link Wire-In Engine Management Systems can be used with the DisplayLink graphical display.
These vary in price depending on the features required.
The Link G4 Storm is what i run on the TT and it works brilliantly, so adjustable and flexible as well.
Others include:
MOTEC
![[Image: image_display.php?path=760234621_Inputs-...=580&h=294]](http://www.motec.com.au/image_display.php?path=760234621_Inputs-Outputs3-SFW.jpg&w=580&h=294)
and Megasquirt:
![[Image: logo.gif]](http://www.bgsoflex.com/logo.gif){kind=logo}
Both extremely flexible ECU's that vary in price dependant on what you want.
The megasquirt is esp good for the DIYers.
There’s is countless others on the market. Some manufacturer specific but they’re some I know are popular standalones.
Read my thread here: The Evolution of my Turbo Lexus from NA-Supercharged-Twin Turbo-Massive Single
Please leave your comments.
Sparkystav
15-09-2016, 09:53 AM #3Standalone Engine Management systems
These are designed for the serious tuner with lots of mods/engine changes. And in my opinion is overkill in a lot of cases. But are still excellent bits of kit.
I’m not completely sure what each ECU can do they should be able to control all aspects of running the engine while telling the standard ECU everything is still ok
HKS FCON V PRO
The most well known to the us. And is an upgraded version of the SZ.
As with the SZ information is limited on this and it can once again only be adjusted by power writers.
HKS blurb:
The HKS F-CON V Pro is a fully featured standalone engine management system that connects as easily as a "piggy-back" fuel and timing controller. As modifications to a vehicle are made, the need for fuel and timing adjustments becomes critical for performance and safety. The F-CON V Pro with its 32x32 resolution for both fuel and timing maps is the optimal solution. The F-CON V Pro can control up to eight injectors and D Jetro or L Jetro setups. --- Injectors can be set to fire as batch, sequentially or staged. The F-CON V Pro can also read drive by wire vehicles. Programming is done via the HKS Power Writer software; which only Certified HKS Pro Dealers have access to. The HKS Power Writer software for the F-CON V Pro has some very unique abilities to simplify setup and tuning. Via the vehicle start up menus most Japanese import cars can be easily started by selecting the vehicle’s parameters (Make, Model, Engine and etc). Tuning is simplified due to the A/F Feedback control; where a target A/F value can be input and the F-CON V Pro will adjust fuel automatically. Also full data logging capabilities are built into the F-Con V Pro Power Writer software. All major vehicle conditions including; speed, rpm, water temperature, intake temperature, timing, boost, injector duty cycle and etc can be logged to an HKS Pro Dealer’s computer.
Cost is around £800-£900 for the unit.
Apexi Power FC
Another type of standalone, normally given away by the T shaped handheld adjuster normally located in the car that can be used to change the settings on the move.
Apexi info:
The Apexi Power FC proudly stands as A'PEX's answer to the constraints and limitations associated with most piggy-back style fuel controllers. The Power FC is a complete, stand alone, total engine management system capable of handling virtually anything thrown in its path. From multiple point fuel and ignition control to VTEC engagement (Honda applications) and boost settings, the Power FC is capable of accommodating even the most demanding performance enthusiasts.
These are around £600 each.
LINK Ecu’s
From what I’ve read a very capable standalone system that not too hard on the pocket.
http://www.linkecu.com/
Flexible systems are designed to be installed in virtually any application where an electronically controlled engine is fitted. Link's Wire-In Engine Management Systems are fully adjustable using our advanced PCLink tuning software. Link Wire-In Engine Management Systems come with a multipurpose breakout loom for easy installation. All Link Wire-In Engine Management Systems can be used with the DisplayLink graphical display.
These vary in price depending on the features required.
The Link G4 Storm is what i run on the TT and it works brilliantly, so adjustable and flexible as well.
Others include:
MOTEC
and Megasquirt:
Both extremely flexible ECU's that vary in price dependant on what you want.
The megasquirt is esp good for the DIYers.
There’s is countless others on the market. Some manufacturer specific but they’re some I know are popular standalones.
Read my thread here: The Evolution of my Turbo Lexus from NA-Supercharged-Twin Turbo-Massive Single
Please leave your comments.
My Garage
Supra Build Thread
' Nothing feels quick when your other car has a 1000bhp - JamieP
Quote:A Supra without a spoiler is like a Gypsy's dog without a Nob.
Dan_Turism0
15-09-2016, 10:37 AM #4good work stav, i've heard/read good things about the motec's but they are stupidly expensive
My Garage
Supra Build Thread
' Nothing feels quick when your other car has a 1000bhp - JamieP
Quote:A Supra without a spoiler is like a Gypsy's dog without a Nob.
but your right you can get the same features in the LINK for a lot less!
Read my thread here: The Evolution of my Turbo Lexus from NA-Supercharged-Twin Turbo-Massive Single
Please leave your comments.
Sparkystav
15-09-2016, 10:38 AM #5very good ECU's though,
but your right you can get the same features in the LINK for a lot less!
Read my thread here: The Evolution of my Turbo Lexus from NA-Supercharged-Twin Turbo-Massive Single
Please leave your comments.
![[Image: Sig-enginebay.jpg]](http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y179/SteveHammatt/Sig-enginebay.jpg)
IS200 Turbo project now just about complete ! See my thread here and leave your comments.
Now running standalone Syvecs ECU and no stock ECU !
steviewevie
15-09-2016, 10:39 AM #6Nice write-up Stav.
IS200 Turbo project now just about complete ! See my thread here and leave your comments.
Now running standalone Syvecs ECU and no stock ECU !
My Garage
Supra Build Thread
' Nothing feels quick when your other car has a 1000bhp - JamieP
Quote:A Supra without a spoiler is like a Gypsy's dog without a Nob.
Dan_Turism0
15-09-2016, 10:50 AM #7Also heard good things about the amuse ecu's but they are pretty hard to find
My Garage
Supra Build Thread
' Nothing feels quick when your other car has a 1000bhp - JamieP
Quote:A Supra without a spoiler is like a Gypsy's dog without a Nob.
A really useful feature is you can lock the cars engine to 3000rpm (valet mode) so if the car is in for repair that doesn't require the mechanic to rag your car you can stop them having fun at your expense.:thumbup1:
"Life's goal is not to arrive safely at the grave in a well preserved body. But, rather to skid in sideways........
totally worn out and broken, shouting 'Holy ****, WHAT A RIDE!'"
FirebirdPhil
16-09-2016, 07:20 AM #8Good info - I run the Apexi. Down side is the handset is ugly and no where in the IS200 to put it!! apart from that it can be slow to tune if you don't have a la[top plugged into the base unit.
A really useful feature is you can lock the cars engine to 3000rpm (valet mode) so if the car is in for repair that doesn't require the mechanic to rag your car you can stop them having fun at your expense.:thumbup1:
"Life's goal is not to arrive safely at the grave in a well preserved body. But, rather to skid in sideways........
totally worn out and broken, shouting 'Holy ****, WHAT A RIDE!'"
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