Help me understand my computer

[oldag98]

I have a 2.0L 420A (NON-TURBO) transplant with Jeep 5-spd manual tranny and Ford 7.5" rearend in my recently acquired 70's MG Midget. I believe the donor vehicle for the engine was a Neon. The engine appears all stock internally, but does have custom intake and headers. The transplant was done by the PO, so I am not the expert on it. It is a very well done transplant and everything on the car seems to be working fine, but I want some more power! As a result of not having done the swap myself, I have some general questions about the engine, primarily about the computer. As I understand it, this computer is non-programmable, so the parameters can't be changed to take advantage of bolt-ons, correct? If this is the case, then nothing I do to the engine will result in any significant power increases, other than maybe a wet N2O system, which I am hesitent to do at present. Is this correct? Do I need to begin with some type of computer that will recognize bolt-on improvements and alter air and fuel flow accordingly? If so, who makes these, or reprograms them. If nobody, Is there a suggested piggy-back system to use that is plug and play? Basically, I'd like a computer that will understand bolt-ons and non-oem parts and help these parts help the engine to make more power. Where should I start, i.e. with a reprogram of the stock computer, or a piggyback, or a new stand alone unit???

 

[Joethefallen23]

From my understanding the majority of the 420a guys around here use Megasquirt. Almost entirely sure that's your only option, but that mostly a guess. It would be worthwhile to search up some threads on that.

 

[jayson427]

What is your budget with this project? Are you good with wiring? If so Megasquirt is the way to go if your going to do heavy mods. I run a afx ecu its plug in and play with clean sheet software which will learn every thing new you do to the motor. Howellautomotive.com is where to look they have alot of aftermarket parts for the 420a

 

[Smash_NDash]

How familliar are you with tuning? Megasquirt is your best bet because you can adjust everything but you will either have to do it your self or take it to a shop to tune it. The plus side with megasquirt is that there is a fairly large community for the 420a platform that can help you with your tunes.

 

[oldag98]

Budget is not an issue, but within reason. Wiring is not an issue either. I have installed Megajolt on another of my MG's, so I assume Megasquirt would not be too bad either. As far as tuning goes with computer controlled cars, I am so/so. I can remove and install basically anything, but I have not done much with automotive computers or computer controls/ECUs. I will do some research on Howell Automotive, AFX, and Megasquirt and see what questions these things lead to.

 

[Smash_NDash]

The Howell will pretty much be PnP. But iirc you can get a MS unit either cheaper or for the same price.
Also with the AFX ECU's you cannot run boost with them if you plan on going that route with your car so you will end up in the long run having to buy either a MS unit or a hahn portfuler unit if you plan on going boost.

 

[bullettdsm]

Budget is not an issue, but within reason. Wiring is not an issue either. I have installed Megajolt on another of my MG's, so I assume Megasquirt would not be too bad either.

Yup, you want Megasquirt. You basically have all the tools you need to install (both literally and ability wise). This write up will give you an idea on what you are looking at. It is a little dated but it is meant to give you an idea on what an MS install is like; http://www.2gnt.com/index.php?d=MSnS_INSTALL_(parts/wiring_only!)

This forum will tell you all you need to know about MS; www.MSefi.com • Index page

You can get the ECU built or buy in parts and assemble it (be sure you have some circuit board experience to assemble). I use Symtech for all my MS stuff MegaSquirt ECU's - SymTech Laboratories: Design, consulting, prototyping, and manufacturing . Great service with excellent support.

MB

 

[oldag98]

I do not plan on boosting this car, as there is no room in the engine bay for a turbo set-up. remember it is an MG Midget, so is there was never any room in the engine compartment to begin with. This leaves me with Howell and Megasquirt. Both sound promising from what I have read. I am going wait a while to decide which way to go, though I have talked to Howell on the phone and got a good vibe from the conversation.

 

[Slo2gen]

IF you are going with the Howell AFX you need to make sure the harness/ECU is from a NA Eclipse or a Neon and figure out what year it is. IF you go with MS then you will make your own harness so its irrelevant.