Zetec ECU's which one?
Discussion
Personally I would go with the Omex ECU. They have proven very reliable when it comes to technical back up, and are in my opinion very reasonably priced. I am in the process of buying a pair of these ECUs for two kits we are putting Zetec Engines in, having done my homework I think they are certainly the best on the market.
If you do get one...say you were recommended by me
If you do get one...say you were recommended by me
I had a silver top with an Emerald K3 (now K6 is standard i think) with an Innovate LC1 wide band. Worked very well, easy to programme and great service from the company. For most ECU's you can download the software and have a play before you buy. I'd definitely recommend getting the wideband so that you can get a reasonable tune on the road, also look out for closed loop running using this and also a learning function, both very useful in getting you 90% of the way there before shelling out for a RR session to refine the map(included in the Emerald).
I also had a megajolt and bike carbs for the zetec from Chester Sportscars, think they do a TB version, may be worth a call, again very helpful company, Canems also comes well recommended, especially by the TVR and Rover v8 fraternity. Finally Omex (600?) is often sold with many TB kits so can't be all that bad. To be honest most do the same thing, the differences are in the software usability , customer support and all benefit from a skilled RR technician to refine the base map.
Hope this helps.
I also had a megajolt and bike carbs for the zetec from Chester Sportscars, think they do a TB version, may be worth a call, again very helpful company, Canems also comes well recommended, especially by the TVR and Rover v8 fraternity. Finally Omex (600?) is often sold with many TB kits so can't be all that bad. To be honest most do the same thing, the differences are in the software usability , customer support and all benefit from a skilled RR technician to refine the base map.
Hope this helps.
Had a few cars running on Emerald products over the years. I have also installed Emerald ECUs on other folks cars once or twice. Never had any problems with them.
Only kit we have at present is the Westfield which has a silvertop Zetec on an old M3DK ECU and it runs just fine. FWIW, not running it closed loop now, used a base map for a similar setup then got it over to Karl for mapping.
Always had amazing service from Emerald - been going there a long time now. First time was back when they were in Brixton.
All that said, best advice is to find your tuner first, then pick your ECU accordingly based on what they are happy to work with and have good experience of. For me, the tuner will always be Emerald even though it's over a 300 mile round trip to get to them from where I am. They know what they are doing and don't ever BS you or tell you what you want to hear, just the truth.
Forgot to say, the software is free and connection cable is included (or trivial to DIY). The software is very friendly I find. It was written to make mapping easy by people who map cars all day every day and does it pretty well.
Only kit we have at present is the Westfield which has a silvertop Zetec on an old M3DK ECU and it runs just fine. FWIW, not running it closed loop now, used a base map for a similar setup then got it over to Karl for mapping.
Always had amazing service from Emerald - been going there a long time now. First time was back when they were in Brixton.
All that said, best advice is to find your tuner first, then pick your ECU accordingly based on what they are happy to work with and have good experience of. For me, the tuner will always be Emerald even though it's over a 300 mile round trip to get to them from where I am. They know what they are doing and don't ever BS you or tell you what you want to hear, just the truth.
Forgot to say, the software is free and connection cable is included (or trivial to DIY). The software is very friendly I find. It was written to make mapping easy by people who map cars all day every day and does it pretty well.
Edited by CorseChris on Wednesday 5th February 11:13
Got a Omex 600 I think on my 2.0 Zetec when I changed the engine 3 years ago and while it's working OK, I must say how expensive I found the whole thing. I think the ECU was around £600 with a very rough running base map and then it needed to go on a rolling road to set it up "properly" and that was around another £400 so all in all around a grand. Was it worth it? No, I don't think so, it's still not running as well as it should but the RR folks say bring it back and we'll reset it. Of course they'll charge another £200 for the pleasure and still no guarantee that it'll be right so I just live with it as is.
And to be honest I didn't find the folk at Omex particularly helpful, they never called back when they said they would and seemed to think answering what they thought were silly questions, was beneath them.
Of course things may be better now, but if you need a ECU you're a bit limited for choice unless you can use the original donor car's.
And to be honest I didn't find the folk at Omex particularly helpful, they never called back when they said they would and seemed to think answering what they thought were silly questions, was beneath them.
Of course things may be better now, but if you need a ECU you're a bit limited for choice unless you can use the original donor car's.
ColinM50 said:
Got a Omex 600 I think on my 2.0 Zetec when I changed the engine 3 years ago and while it's working OK, I must say how expensive I found the whole thing. I think the ECU was around £600 with a very rough running base map and then it needed to go on a rolling road to set it up "properly" and that was around another £400 so all in all around a grand. Was it worth it? No, I don't think so, it's still not running as well as it should but the RR folks say bring it back and we'll reset it. Of course they'll charge another £200 for the pleasure and still no guarantee that it'll be right so I just live with it as is.
And to be honest I didn't find the folk at Omex particularly helpful, they never called back when they said they would and seemed to think answering what they thought were silly questions, was beneath them.
Of course things may be better now, but if you need a ECU you're a bit limited for choice unless you can use the original donor car's.
When was this? I am very surprised that Omex didn't return your call, I have been amazed by the quick response the company offers. I know they have undergone some major restructuring, and what impressed me when I went to their unit is the vast scale of the operation. Everything is tested and all conforms to the latest CE marking. They are very hot on traceability, so each unit that leaves the building can be tracked to who did what did when, which is something I didn't find with other companies I visited. Plus it is becoming more and more the weapon of choice for some major players in the market. Westfield, Frontline and Morgan to name but a few.And to be honest I didn't find the folk at Omex particularly helpful, they never called back when they said they would and seemed to think answering what they thought were silly questions, was beneath them.
Of course things may be better now, but if you need a ECU you're a bit limited for choice unless you can use the original donor car's.
They have their own dyno facilities in house, and so I am sure if you phoned and asked to speak to Richard he would be more than helpful to resolve any issues you have had.
Another vote for Emerald here, intuitive interface, good customer service. I upgraded mine to K3 firmware for what I considered to be a good price. Mapped on the road with a wideband and the K3 self tuning functionality (with a bit of added common sense thrown in for good measure...!)
Never missed a beat in nearly 45k miles over the last 9 years.
Never missed a beat in nearly 45k miles over the last 9 years.
ColinM50 said:
Got a Omex 600 I think on my 2.0 Zetec when I changed the engine 3 years ago and while it's working OK, I must say how expensive I found the whole thing. I think the ECU was around £600 with a very rough running base map and then it needed to go on a rolling road to set it up "properly" and that was around another £400 so all in all around a grand. Was it worth it? No, I don't think so, it's still not running as well as it should but the RR folks say bring it back and we'll reset it. Of course they'll charge another £200 for the pleasure and still no guarantee that it'll be right so I just live with it as is.
And to be honest I didn't find the folk at Omex particularly helpful, they never called back when they said they would and seemed to think answering what they thought were silly questions, was beneath them.
Of course things may be better now, but if you need a ECU you're a bit limited for choice unless you can use the original donor car's.
This goes completely against my experience with Omex as well. The product is great and they have always been very helpful. I think your expectations where set very high, a third party ECU will always need a RR session to set it up correctly, the base map is just a get you started map. I know there will be someone along to say they have mapped their care with a WB Lamda on the road and it is great but the fact is it would be 'greater' having been mapped on the rollers.And to be honest I didn't find the folk at Omex particularly helpful, they never called back when they said they would and seemed to think answering what they thought were silly questions, was beneath them.
Of course things may be better now, but if you need a ECU you're a bit limited for choice unless you can use the original donor car's.
It sounds like your issue is with the people who mapped the car rather than Omex. If you ring Omex they will tell you who do get the ECU mapped by....
Thanks for the input.
I've looked at Omex, specifically the 600 and it does appear to be the standard fitment and tuner friendly (around here South East as I in Sussex). Speaking to their office directly was helpful, the fact that it can control two fans would be great for me.
Emerald seem to be that bit more expensive yet for me not offer anything any different. The three switchable maps is not required on a non-turbo car, the "free" rolling road would probably cost me the same just to get there then using a more local garage.
However I dont think either of these come with CAN connectivity which is something a work colleague and race technology have told me to look into.
Also looked at using DTA with the S40 Pro, its price seemed cheaper then the other two and Martin from MEF was helpful as always but the manufacture themselves not so.
Lastly theres Life with the F42 which they're local (Essex) factory were quick and polite but am awaiting a cost from a retailer. Kinda think it will be the most expensive.
I've looked at Omex, specifically the 600 and it does appear to be the standard fitment and tuner friendly (around here South East as I in Sussex). Speaking to their office directly was helpful, the fact that it can control two fans would be great for me.
Emerald seem to be that bit more expensive yet for me not offer anything any different. The three switchable maps is not required on a non-turbo car, the "free" rolling road would probably cost me the same just to get there then using a more local garage.
However I dont think either of these come with CAN connectivity which is something a work colleague and race technology have told me to look into.
Also looked at using DTA with the S40 Pro, its price seemed cheaper then the other two and Martin from MEF was helpful as always but the manufacture themselves not so.
Lastly theres Life with the F42 which they're local (Essex) factory were quick and polite but am awaiting a cost from a retailer. Kinda think it will be the most expensive.
emerald website says :
Controller Area Network (CAN) interface. Version 2.0B protocol at up to 1Mbit/sec
The K6 output’s a steady stream of up to 21 data parameters; 20 times a second which can be used by other CAN enabled devices – i.e. Digital dashboards. Emerald’s CAN protocol is freely available and can be downloaded from our Software & Manuals page.
Controller Area Network (CAN) interface. Version 2.0B protocol at up to 1Mbit/sec
The K6 output’s a steady stream of up to 21 data parameters; 20 times a second which can be used by other CAN enabled devices – i.e. Digital dashboards. Emerald’s CAN protocol is freely available and can be downloaded from our Software & Manuals page.
JMDWestley said:
Thanks for the input.
I've looked at Omex, specifically the 600 and it does appear to be the standard fitment and tuner friendly (around here South East as I in Sussex). Speaking to their office directly was helpful, the fact that it can control two fans would be great for me.
Emerald seem to be that bit more expensive yet for me not offer anything any different. The three switchable maps is not required on a non-turbo car, the "free" rolling road would probably cost me the same just to get there then using a more local garage.
However I dont think either of these come with CAN connectivity which is something a work colleague and race technology have told me to look into.
Also looked at using DTA with the S40 Pro, its price seemed cheaper then the other two and Martin from MEF was helpful as always but the manufacture themselves not so.
Lastly theres Life with the F42 which they're local (Essex) factory were quick and polite but am awaiting a cost from a retailer. Kinda think it will be the most expensive.
If you are looking for a way of connecting the omex to your racetechnology dash, then you can buy a lead for about £80 that will connect straight to the ECU, and then show everything that you need to. This is what I am doing with my 2 cars.I've looked at Omex, specifically the 600 and it does appear to be the standard fitment and tuner friendly (around here South East as I in Sussex). Speaking to their office directly was helpful, the fact that it can control two fans would be great for me.
Emerald seem to be that bit more expensive yet for me not offer anything any different. The three switchable maps is not required on a non-turbo car, the "free" rolling road would probably cost me the same just to get there then using a more local garage.
However I dont think either of these come with CAN connectivity which is something a work colleague and race technology have told me to look into.
Also looked at using DTA with the S40 Pro, its price seemed cheaper then the other two and Martin from MEF was helpful as always but the manufacture themselves not so.
Lastly theres Life with the F42 which they're local (Essex) factory were quick and polite but am awaiting a cost from a retailer. Kinda think it will be the most expensive.
CorseChris said:
It does depend on how you use the setup, but I found map switching increadibly helpful when tinkering. Keep a known-good map in one location and mess with another, then if (when!) you mess it up, quick flick of a switch gets you back somewhere sensible.
But then again, if you are laptop out and tinkering with the map, then providing you are being careful with your version history, you can just load back the previous map...just as quickly.Richard really isn't in favour of these switchable maps, if you chat to him on the phone he will no doubt be able to explain to you why
But basically map it right first time and leave it there.Only a DIY tinkerer with these things, but unless you have the luxury of leaving the car with the tuner for a number of days so they can fully sort the warmup stuff, then some tinkering seems inevitable, plus the fact there are areas of the map you simply can't get to on rollers...and I found the switch useful, others may not. As an example I found it useful when I'd made a minor tweak while it was cold, but then found this had a bad effect once it was fully warm (typically poor idle) so a quick flick of the switch while driving along gets you out of trouble until you can stop, tweak and carry on.
Yes, of course version control, I'm not a total idiot, just a partial one!!
I do concur with the map it right and leave it alone though. Once it's right, no need to fiddle. Don't think I've touched the map on the Westy for at least 3 years, probably more. It needed a minor tinker with cold start/warmup after mapping but that was it.
We all have our tuner of choice, mine happens to think switchable maps are a useful thing to include in their product, and that's more than good enough for me. I made extensive use of same in the supercharged car, but that was a different beast to an aspirated one.
As always, YMMV. Unless you have a specific need for them, chosing one ECU over another purely on map switching capability alone wouldn't be smart. I was just attempting to point out that I found it useful, and why, is all.
Yes, of course version control, I'm not a total idiot, just a partial one!!
I do concur with the map it right and leave it alone though. Once it's right, no need to fiddle. Don't think I've touched the map on the Westy for at least 3 years, probably more. It needed a minor tinker with cold start/warmup after mapping but that was it.
We all have our tuner of choice, mine happens to think switchable maps are a useful thing to include in their product, and that's more than good enough for me. I made extensive use of same in the supercharged car, but that was a different beast to an aspirated one.
As always, YMMV. Unless you have a specific need for them, chosing one ECU over another purely on map switching capability alone wouldn't be smart. I was just attempting to point out that I found it useful, and why, is all.
Edited by CorseChris on Tuesday 11th February 14:46
Edited by CorseChris on Tuesday 11th February 15:25
I'd vote for Omex 600.
I would've thought that they have a "standard" map for a blacktop on Jenveys.
I will be running a 600 on a blacktop with a switchable supercharger, several of my friends run them on other Zetec installations.
One of which bought a new blacktop, jenveys and runs a very smooth 175bhp in a Quantum Xtreme.
I would've thought that they have a "standard" map for a blacktop on Jenveys.
I will be running a 600 on a blacktop with a switchable supercharger, several of my friends run them on other Zetec installations.
One of which bought a new blacktop, jenveys and runs a very smooth 175bhp in a Quantum Xtreme.
I'd vote for Omex 600.
I would've thought that they have a "standard" map for a blacktop on Jenveys.
I will be running a 600 on a blacktop with a switchable supercharger, several of my friends run them on other Zetec installations.
One of which bought a new blacktop, jenveys and runs a very smooth 175bhp in a Quantum Xtreme.
I would've thought that they have a "standard" map for a blacktop on Jenveys.
I will be running a 600 on a blacktop with a switchable supercharger, several of my friends run them on other Zetec installations.
One of which bought a new blacktop, jenveys and runs a very smooth 175bhp in a Quantum Xtreme.
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