Afternoon,

I'm currently rebuilding my engine for my 2004 sti and am in two minds whether to run the standard ECU mapped with ecutek or my current spec which is opensource or bute the bullet and change to a simtek, syvecs isn't an option financially.
The car will be running all the supporting mods for around 500bhp.

Thanks.

 

Don't scrimp, if you want it to be reliable then don't try to cut corners. Check out Link as well

 

Link was an option to be honest, I know syvecs have great reviews I just can't justify the costs.

 

If you're going for 500hp, you're already shelling out a massive chunk of cash. Look on the Syvecs as an insurance policy on the build costs or potential rebuild costs it could save you from not taking a Syvecs?

 

Thanks for the replies.
Syvecs doesn't appear on paper to be any more capable than the simtek from a day to day point of view but I'm happy to be educated.
Cheers.

 

if you do decide to go simtek, I have a Simtek from a 2004 Newage that will fit. with the latest alcatek update for closed loop knock / idle tec. was supplied by engine tuner, but is unlocked and comes with the lead and des key dongle.
was on my 467BHP Bugeye i recently broke.

 

i'd look at link or syvecs based on knock control and ability to hook in things like fuel and oil pressure sensors for failsafes (don't have to be added from the outset, can be added in later) also link canbus wideband is rather good though too. Also important to factor in is who's mapping your car and what do they prefer to use - no point rocking up at your mapper with an ECU they aren't happy with you wont get the results your after.

 

Thanks for the offer but it's the new simtek only ECU I'm after rather than the alcatek/simtek


Link is deffo an option however the latest simtek also uses knock control, it's a very capable ECU with most of the features seen on syvecs

 

yes - im aware of the features on the newer simteks, my choice remains the same though and I'd still advise check with your mapper what ECU they recommend for you and what features they plan to enable. It wouldn't be the first time I've seen an ECU with things like knock/boost/closed loop lambda all turned off.

 

Thanks for the reply, if I go with simtek I will use Steve Simpson himself for mapping.
There is a company very local to me who can fit and map the link, they specialise in 1000+Bhp Nissan GTR's so would assume they are pretty competent
My other option of running ecutek would obviously retain factory ECU features such as diagnostic codes and my choice for ecutek is a company again very local to me who do great work on Toyota GT86's and also imprezas.

 

The factory ECU is a very capable ECU, and even Martyn Jeffery (engine tuner) recommended the standard ECU (not with the standard map, obviously) on a recent thread.

IMO there is very little point in shelling out for a bunch of features most of us will _never_ use. It's not like 500hp is a that much power nowadays anyway.

 

This thread, despite the title, has some interesting information in it from someone who maps cars for a living (and then the rest of us plebs with more or less uninformed opinions):
https://www.scoobynet.com/general-te...bhp-turbo.html

 

Yes the factory ecu is very good, better IMHO than the Simtek in every way. We've had nothing but trouble with them since they first came out and won't entertain mapping them anymore. The factory ecu can be tuned using a speed density based rom file, have all the toys like ALS, Launch, Flat shifting and switchable maps all without losing any of the useful diagnostic functions of the OE ecu. If however the OP wants something live mappable and flex fuel capable the Link would be our ecu of choice.

 

Hi Martyn very much appreciate your time replying.
You clearly have much more experience with ECU's than myself and maybe most.
I'm not sure if there is much difference between the older simtek/alcatek and the relaunched latest version of simtek, any ideas?

FYI the primary reasoning for wanting to switch to an aftermarket ECU is so I can run a drive by wire throttle on an EJ207 engine. This is due to the engine being installed into a rear engined kit car.

Thanks again guys for the input it gives me food for thought.

 

500hp in a kit car.... tell us more

 

I’ve got Simtek on mine and it’s fantastic, no problems starting etc, has knock etc, fitted and mapped by TDR over a year ago.

 

I use the term kit car very loosely, it's a VW beach buggy.
Going to be running the engine as above with a 5 speed newage gearbox converted to 2 wheel drive and the output reversed.

 

Jesus I can hear the 5 speed trembling from here! 😂

 

You'd be amazed what they can handle when the weight of the vehicle is around 750kg.
To put it into perspective the engine prior to being removed was running around 400bhp through an exedy wrx clutch which is rated around 240bhp If i recall correctly and shows almost zero signs of wear even after a fair few days at Santa pod.

 

I had a T25 with a turbo lump in it that I fitted ,, had the full RJES kit in it but wanted to reverse a subaru box as the ratios were crap even though I had the DK box but sold the van before I got around to it ,, that looks a fun bit of kit

im also running over 500hp out of my standard hatchback ecu

 

Do it once do it right. SYVECS

 

I really don't agree with that, each to their own but features wise it compares to other ecus but with a sky high price tag.

 

Link G4+ is a great choice too.

 

Yes they're different in almost every aspect as they're not even made by the same people. The old Simtek/Alcatek was made by Alcatek Control Systems and was a nice ecu by the time they'd added all the features I'd requested. Closed loop knock control, closed loop idle, closed loop wideband and additional sensor support all came from and were in the field tested by us.
The new one was originally produced by Gems based on their ecu but was moved to China. We trialed a few units on various cars but removed all of them and replaced them with alternatives due to all kind of issues. I was told something recently that rang true, the first time you fit something that isn't good it's their fault, the second time it's yours 😂
Link is a different ball game, great product, great support and a Lifetime warranty.

 

Bit of an old thread, but what issues did you get with the Simtek?

Thanks

 

anything that reads Smeg backwards is always gonna be onto a looser,,,, haha