Subaru engine computers

[Echo]

I have an EJ 20 engine with no computer , do I chase a unit from a car or will an aftermarket one be better? This is my first experience with this type of setup & know nothing about them.[?] I bought a car mag that advertises comps, one is Microtech the other a GReddy unit , are either of these suitable? I see after they are installed the car is put on a dyno then hooked to a laptop & then tuned. How do you do that with a gyro?[xx(]. Any help will be rewarded with copius amounts of Square Bear at the next Nats.[] Thanks Eric

[MechFx]

Hi, firstly I'm no expert (disclaimer)But Whatever you decide try to keep it simple.... My experience with injection computers is that the more adjustable they are, the more out of adjustment you can get them...I've had a very bad (costly) experience with an EMS brand computer, and have bought a Motec M48 system to fix the problems(in my car though not a gyro), expensive but hopefully good.Tuning for flight should be a lot simpler than driving due to the lesser numbers of demand situations ie go stop idle hills ups downs coast braking traffic lights pedestrians left lane hoggers etc etc so a simpler less whizbang aftermarket computer would make more sense.Which brings me to my next point, the factory comps are very reliable and cheaper. They have to last for ages and be good enough to keep annoying Joe average customer complaints at bay .... Am I Helping here ??Summary :- If you want to squeeze the most out of the motor and dont mind having to learn a few new concepts then get an aftermarket comp. If you're happy with the advertised output figures and want to be able to just plug it in and go flying (optimistically) I'd say get a factory model..as always there is (at least) a third option. There are also piggyback computers that will tell lies to the standard computer (you have already bought) and make it do funky things to your engine.With a suitable prop (???) you could set up a spring scale and do a thrust test while tuning the motor... and open pandoras box at the same time..Whatever you you decide , can't wait to read about on the forum..cheers,...Art Spink...

[NiqueNaque]

Hmmmm...Seems like eka bought a heap of trouble.... is it a multipoint EFI unit?I've got an EJ18 in the shed complete with computer... and I've nutted it out, maybe the next tractor can wait.If you'd like I can approach a certain auto wrecker of good repute and see if he has a computer for and EJ 20 in stock, for a reasonable price, usually reasonable for me...The alternative is to throw all that electronic crap away and put a weber carby on it with a modified dizzy to make it go that way...Your choice Eric.Give me a call to discuss if you wish.Nick0418811953.

[asra]

Eric, Standard car computor.M Barker[img][/img]Image Insert: 25.18

[asra]

Echo.My brother and myself set up a WOLF 3D computer on a suburu, and it worked fine. This was for a car though. If you are going for an after market computer, a few things to consider:-See if you can source the wiring loom as well, as this saves time in SOME CASES.-You will most likely have to get a few sensors to go with some of the aftermarket computers, as they are not compatible with some factory components.-Have support for the brand computer you choose (These blokes can sort out your troubles most of the time by just talking to them over the phone)-Sometimes it's easier to put a mechanical dizzy in for timing, and just have the computer control the fuel system.Myself, I would go the after market computer, but then again, I love that kind of stuff. It also depends if you want to mod the motor later on too.....(TURBO perhaps). If so, your better off going the aftermarket computer.Hope this helps!!RegardsTURTLE.

[Tim]

Eric, any electronically controled engine will only be as good as the bloke setting up the wiring. If you did it yourself I have no doubt that it will be done well. If you love tinkering with fuel mixtures and ignition timing then an aftermarket computer is for you. If you want "plug and play" then go for the factory computer (which is also considerably cheeper). The factory ones still come with a "fault code" for isolating problems. The only problem to overcome with the factory computer is the related to the vehicle speed sensor and this can be overcome, or in some cases ignored where it dosen't affect the performance of the engine.If you went factory I would try to get hold of the origonal computer, and if not, at least one from an identical make and model because they often made small changes to sensors and wiring.Tim McClure

[Echo]

Thanks guys, all good info. The car the motor came from was a '04 Impreza 24000ks ( back end wiped out), but the wrecker no longer had the body. I dont think I bought a heap of trouble ,Nick. The motor was only 2 grand , add redrive & a computer & it is still far cheaper than $22k for a 912.As you are close by your wrecker may be handy, the motor came from Newcastle.( Andrew & I were planning on flying out to Denman from Cesnock one weekend , but my shifts have changed & I work every weekend you guys fly ) When you guys say 'tunable', does that mean you need a programme for that computer & a laptop to connect up & run thru? Murray, I spoke with Owen & he reckons there was a problem in the later models with the engines shutting down after a couple of minutes because of the immobilizer(?). I reckon if this thread can supply enough info on setups it may help someone else further down the track. Thanks again. Echo Keep the pics coming, Murray.

[Brian]

Echo, just for what its worth, I have a FI Suby 2.2 and have a Wolf computer driving it. I have had a gyro with a EA 81 and there is absolutely no way I would go for a carby and dizzy over the Wolf computer.The Wolf has now done 3,700 hours with no problems.Only problem you have with any aftermarket computer, is getting it set up correctly.BrianYou never know how far you can go, till you get there !

[Echo]

Thanks Brian, I think I will go with Murray & source a stock computer , even though yours obviously works well - 3700 hrs is great! What machine do you run with the 2.2? I reckon you must be getting sick of waiting for rain, I originaly come from Lake Cargelligo & we used to buy our rams out past Ivanhoe.The inlaws are near West Wyalong & it looks like this will be their fourth year in a row with failed crops.[xx(] Cheers Eric

[asra]

For the truth and nothing but the truth on computors, Brian Maloney - 07 38631998.M Barker

[Brian]

Hi Eric, you will be more than happy with the car computer. I have a fairly standard "Rosco " gyro with a pod.The last really good year we had was back in 89,then we had the wool market collapse so its been a double whammy. Lennox Walker predicted the 90's would be tough but its now late April 2005. We do get the occasional rain but cant get a follow up rain. We have had a number of years where we havent had any lambs live and the summer of 03 killed many of our stock in that incredible heat wave.We have diversified away from wool into Boer goats and Dorper sheep so that we can do well in below average years in the future.Yes, the wheat farmers are doing it tough too and need to get a crop this year.Ivanhoe isnt far away form us Eric. Never been to Lake Cargellico.Where do you live now ?BrianYou never know how far you can go, till you get there !

[asra]

Originally posted by murray.barkerFor the truth and nothing but the truth on computors, Brian Maloney - 07 38631998.M BarkerThat's rite........but don't ring him for 2weeks....coz he's building my new EJ22, and I don't want him disturbed [][]Russ....A1014 NT....gods country

[asra]

brian you had fuel injection on an ea81? that must cool, how much better then the weber ?carby

[Brian]

Hi benny, I had a factory turbo EA 81 motor that came standard with fuel injection. Its dificult to say just how much better it was as the turbo played a big part in providing additional power but the obvious benefits are, no carby ice and supposedly, a better fuel comsumption.I had a few problems with that motor in warped heads, burning valves. I think the turbo created a lot of heat in the heads even though the temp gauge showed all was well and we fitted an oil cooler and oil temp gauge and found the best spot to mount the oil cooler.Before fitting the oil cooler, I found the oil temp going well into the red.Sorry I didnt answer your question too well but I prefer FI over a carby in reduced maitenance, better fuel consumption and no carby ice.Only thing is you need to keep the fuel very very clean ! I run a Racor fuel filter for a primary and a Ryco Z 200 for a secondary filter and change them every 50 hours.BrianYou never know how far you can go, till you get there !

[asra]

brian do ya think a fi manifold and ecu off a turbo unit would work on a standerd ea81 ??/