Thanks for the Break Down.
Your prices are very reasonable, for example, I've been questioning myself,"Do I really want to build my own MS3 box?" Sure I could save $200.00 but what if I plug it in and I fry it? So the question becomes one of 640.00 vs 455.00? How confident am I in my ability to follow directions and solder solder?
FYI - There are differences in the v3.0 that you buid (or buy) and the v3.57 that you can only buy, if that matters to you. I bought the v3.57. Off wikipedia:
There is a newer version of the PCB. The
V3.57 is a surface-mount device (SMD) version of the MegaSquirt V3 'thru-hole' main board. The 3.57 version of the board was created in order to allow for automated assembly of the majority of components using automated pick and place (machine assembly) and
reflow soldering. The boards are meant for those unable or unwilling to assemble their own main board. Note that the V3.57 board is not a replacement for the 'build-it-yourself' boards, but rather an additional version of the MegaSquirt main board intended to make life easier for distributors who are building their boards for resale, to compete with main stream ECU suppliers.
The only thing is I don't think you really need both of the megasquirt wiring harnesses. On my 06 6.1 hemi with the factory harness, the wires are REALLY long, I think they are long enough to cut the factory plugs off the end solder on the DB-37 connectors and be good. You'd need to create some kind of grommet where the harness passes through the firewall.
I already bought it! I was noticing the same thing as you when I got the factory harness I bought. If I don't need the MS3 harness, I'll return it. I have a feeling I may use them both, given I don't have the right tools to crimp for and assemble a harness (though how hard can it be? Do you have some good info on it?).
I've been wondering about a grommet vs a firewall bulkhead - given I'm re-wiring the car at the same time, the grommet idea is probably best.
I think budgeting 200.00 for the wideband is a really good Idea, everything I've read about tuning says that it is a thousand times easier with a wideband sensor.
Bought that from DIY as well. There is no way I would attempt tuning EFI without one. Also, Matt was telling me the MS3 has some sort of autotune function, but it needs a wideband to operate.
My order from DIY arrived a couple weeks ago - I just need to get the rest of the project going! They actually had the best price on the gsl392 pump and install kit!
Keep looking for a cable operated throttle body, I was able to pick up a new 85mm Power Products throttle body on ebay for only a $100.00. They've been making Ford stuff for a while, there quality was questionable when they first began, but complaints have been WAY down.
I'd love to find something decent for $100. I figure if I pay $200, I might as well buy the FAST 92mm with adapter for~$450. I took the cover off the 5.7 hemi TB I have, and I have sourced a throttle cam for a 944 porsche that is $15. The last thing I'd have to do is figure out how to mount it without destoying it!
My best idea was to cut-off the motor wheel, and leave everything else as-is. Do you think that would take care of most of the rolling resistance? I know you've taken one apart already...
Also, I haven't figured out how to mount something without disassembling it to weld or solder something on. Did you have any ideas?
The far side of the throttle body where there is just the metal freeze-plug looking thing - do you know what lies underneath?
As for modifying the factory throttle body, good luck. I managed to DESTROY my stock 80mm drive by wire throttle body just trying to take it apart. (100% operator error, FYI there is a roll bin that holds the throttle shaft in place, remove the butterfly, knock out the roll pin and the whole thing comes apart, otherwise you'll break the gears and motor trying to take it apart.)
The key problem with modifying the stock one is that you need to figure out not just how to attache the cable and make sure the return spring is strong enough, but you all need to figure out how to adapt a TPS and maybe some type of Idle air control.
If your REALLY ambitious you could buy a used Nissan 90mm throttle body off of ebay, I see them all the time for right around $100.00. You'd have to machine your own adapter plate to mount it to the Hemi intake. I made my own adapter plate for the Power Throttle Body. See attached photos.
I just read up on the Nissan 90mm throttle body - thanks for the lead! However, I found out the exterior dimension is 90mm, not the interior. Really it's ~75mm they say. Bummer.
Before I ruin the hemi TB, I'm going to see if anything is at the junkyard that would work (a stock LS1 TB would be fine by me!).
Coil Drivers are an issue. I was going to go with 8 BIP373 and make my own spark box. I know that Bosch 211 coil drivers are pretty cool drivers but they are over 100.00 dollars each. OUCH, using 8 BIP373 are less than 100.00 total. But the Bosch 211 coil drivers are very clean and would be very easy to install and use. Let me know how your search goes, they could end up in your tool box, by accident. :angel4:
I don't think you need the MAP, Megasquirt comes with a MAP sensor, you simply need to run a vacuum line from the manifold to the box.
The $12 is what they charged to solder the MAP into the MS box for me. Apparently I could have wired it in on the exterior as well, but this sounded fine to me.
