I'v fitted a whole host of extras recently, bigger TMIC,Fuel reg, bigger injectors,bosch coils connected via competition leads and a Link ECU. The Link was bought second-hand and needs mapping but I want to wait till the headers and FMIC are fitted. I'm not using the car competively till March/April and plan to have it sorted by then.
I need some advice about the link. Does the ECU "look" for a MAF sensor as a present the car's idle hunts a far bit when both warm and cold (and the old MAF was fooked but is still connected to the Link). I changed the Lambda about 6/12 for a third part one and had none of these problems when connected with the old OEM ECU(except the MAF)Are Link ECUs fussy about Lambdas ?
I know that these problems could be resolved with a map but I can't really afford 2 sessions at the moment.
Also, does anybody with a Link ECU have problems starting their car. Mine struggles to catch for about 2-3 secs before all 4 cylinders fire. It's also very sensative to throttle movements.

I'm looking for a short term fix or reassurance till I can get the car mapped.

Mark A

 

You need to get it mapped as soon as possible.

2 x mapping sessions is alot cheaper than a new engine

 

You might want to try to persuade someone to do a rough map...
No, the Link doesn't look at a MAF in any way whatsoever.
Also, typically it doesn't look at the lambda either (they are usually programmed open loop as the closed loop sampling rate isn't very impressive ). So the lambda is used for mapping, and then for normal running the fuelling/ignition is based on MAP, RPM & to in a small way, throttle position.
And Links typically don't start on first turn, no - turn the ignition, wait for fuel pressure to build, then start up - it'll turn 3-4 times before 'catching'.

The Link might be physically 'plug & play', but it really has to be mapped to make it safe/function correctly!

 

Why do you think you need two mapping sessions, one will do.

bob

 

Hi Bob,
Thanks for the e-mail response. In the next 1-2 months I plan to up the spec of the car again to include FMIC, headers and 550 injectors. I thought that these changes would require a re-map, if not then that's excellent news.
Mark A

 

They will but at a greatly reduced rate from the original, and if it entails only minor tweaks then I tend to be generous. To do what you are about it should be sorted properly from the outset otherwise you won't be able to measure the improvement you should get from future mods.

cheers

bob

 

Bob,
Ok that makes sense, I just need to sort out a couple of minor tweaks and earn some extra money and then I need to arrange a date.
Any good or bad times in the next couple of months.

Do you keep a recod of the serial numbers of every ECU mapped by yourself ?

Mark A

 

If it is a Pre97 car I might be able to tweak it slightly..

I have (very roughly) with the help of lots of peoples advice mapped my car.. I too am in Kent..

Unless you want to learn how to map it yourself then your best bet in the long term is to go to Bob..

If you need to use the car over the next few months before getting it mapped you are better just refitting the original ecu until then.

JGM

 

JGM did you fit the MAP sensor you ordered from USA ?

If I fit the OEM ECU then I'll need a new MAF, I just need to get it mapped ASAP.

Mark A

 

Yes I did fit the 3bar MAP sensor but taken it off again as taking a lower paid job so now mapping it to 1.1bar so it should be more reliable so I don;t need the map sensor.. will be selling it when I get around to it.

JGM

 

Don't use the 3 bar, it effectively reduces a six row link to a 5 row link if you are on a std engine at less than 1.5 bar.

bob