Standalone ECU for a daily driver?

[hismajestics]

I get now and then recommendations to convert the original engine management in M104 E320 to Megasquirt. The more I study the subject, the more I find people having difficulties in tuning in working specs for daily driving. Racing and high revs is different. Does anybody have a Megasquirt in their daily driver?

I'm definitely no engine management specialist myself so I'm considering VEMS. A bit more expensive but, at least what I understand, a fairly bolt-on for original engine specs. And not with a price tag of a Haltec etc.

Does anybody have an insight in the subject?

 

[BFT]

What is the original management and what are you trying to achieve from it if you don't mind me asking?

Problem with aftermarket management is getting that perfect drive. Personally I will always tune an OEM management as far as possible before considering aftermarket. Plus it's a challenge!

 

[hismajestics]

Thanks BFT for a quick reply.

Basically it is about the wiring harness in a M104. It will collaps sooner or later because of the biodegradable material used. A new one is approx €750.

Second thing is that the motor is installed in a -72 W114 Coupe and the catalytic converter is left out with power gains. A standalone would maximize the potential of the original engine.

That's my thinking.

 

[flango]

I use a stand alone M-tech ECU on my Subaru rally car, the car does get used on the road sometimes but even mapped to road settings its not the best drive in the world. Performs faultlessly on stage and easily mapable but personally I don't think I would consider a stand alone ECU for my daily driver. I think the better route as already mentioned is to max out the mapping of the factory ECU or another alternative is some of the piggy back ECU's that work in conjunction with the original factory ECU these might give better driveability.