The classic "which aftermarket ECU" question

[Jeff Moskovitz]

Hi all,

I've been a lurker on this list for about 18 months now. I'll admit that 
I haven't always been very studious in my lurking, but I have always 
found this list to have some excellent (and, for me, high level) 
technical discussions. But enough with the sweet talk -- here's my 
question:

I have a Toyota 4x4 with a turbocharged 2.4L engine (22RTE). I've 
upgraded the turbo to a ball bearing T3/T04E, installed an intercooler 
and a turbo header, thrown in bigger (470 cc/min) injectors, etc., etc., 
all the time nursing the stock ECU through these mods and living with the 
fact that the stock ECU was just not up to snuff. Well, I've finally 
reached the point where I'd like to put in a standalone EFI computer, and 
I have about $2k that I can afford to spend on this. Quality and ease of 
setup/use are my main concerns, and probably more important to me than 
capturing every last hp and ft. lb. of torque. 

Now, I know from reading this list that if I were more clever and 
persistent I could probably make something myself for less money, but I'm 
a lazy guy with too much work to do as it is, so I'd really just prefer 
to buy a good aftermarket system and get on with things.

So, after rereading through the archives, I've narrowed my field down to 
a few distinct choices:

1) The Haltech E6K

2) The Electromotive TEC II

3) The Autronic SMC

4) The FP system (although, with the WBO2 option, this actually above the 
top of my price range)

I've heard some good things and some bad things about each of the above 
systems. Again, in order:

1) The Haltech system is pretty friendly to use/setup, and was my first 
choice for the longest time. But I recently exchanged email with someone 
who had a horrendous experience with an E6K -- intermittently performing 
hardware, really flaky operation, and spotty customer service from 
Haltech USA. His experience, even though it appears to be an exception, 
was bad enough to make me question the viability of this system in a 
daily driver.

2) I have a line on a used TEC II for a very good price. My biggest gripe 
with the TEC II is the software, which seems challenging to get one's 
head around. I was pretty impressed with the recent article in Sport 
Compact Car that showed off the newer Windoze-based, WinTEC stuff, so I 
am more open to their product than I was a few months ago. And I am aware 
of the $500 price for buy a SW license...

3) I really like what I've read about the Autronic stuff -- it seems to 
be extremely well designed and respected. But I have read (on this list 
and elsewhere) that the documentation is pretty spotty and the Autotune 
feature is a waste of money...which is a pity, because it really did 
sound like an ideal solution for an unschooled tinkerer like myself. Any 
more info on the Autronic (beyond the Rich Hall web site) would be much 
appreciated.

4) I've heard great things about the FP system, and am really impressed 
with it's ability to run WOT/closed loop w/WBO2 feedback...but have heard 
that the WBO2 sensors don't last all that long, and are very expensive to 
replace. Could give me some more feedback here, especially about the 
reliability of these sensors on a daily ride that might see 25k 
miles/year? 

So, that's an abbreviated version of what I've heard and culled from this 
list and other sources. I want to make a good decision, and choose an ECU 
I can live with on a daily basis, but one that will allow me to make 300 
bhp if the other engine parts are willing...

I would really appreciate any opinions and/or insight into my above list 
and assumptions. Again, I *really* want to make a good decision, and as 
someone who's more of an enthusiast than a racer or electronics hobbyist, 
it's a challenge to wade through the accumulated hype and rumor.

Thanks very much,

Jeff Moskovitz
mosk at well.com
http://www.well.com/user/mosk
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