Ok long way off in the future but i'd like to start planning where I'm going.

So here's how the spec should end up

EJ257 Crank
ACL Race bearings
Wiseco 92.5mm pistons
Brian Crower Rods
STI V3 Heads
Iirc 700cc injectors
FMIC
SC42 or 46.

Now, it will be easy to say Syvecs but money is the major hurdle. An ESL daughter-board would be the cheaper option but will i be limited to what i can do? (I'm looking for a steady 400BHP, but if possible i'd like to reach a limit IE 450 and then "down" map to 400BHP to preserve the engine). Though i like the option of switching between maps at the push of a button.

 

Alcatek. You can even tune it yourself if you really want to!

 

Simtec/Alcatec has switchable maps & the new update will have some of the features of Syvecs.

 

Alcatek, is that any relation to ECUtek?.

 

Simtec & Alcatec are basically the same thing.

 

Thanks, what sort of price range would i be looking at for new/second hand?

 

You might get lucky on ebay... Im running simtek. alcatek is the updated softwear version or the new version. They were a few going cheap a while back, not now though.

pops n bangs is a must

 

ESL will not limit you. Just because it isn't expensive doesn't mean there is a horsepower limit. If your fuel and air systems can deliver enough charge for 600hp, ESL will accurately control the ignition, fuelling and boost to deliver that result. Your tuning budget will go further and deliver more horsepower this way.

 

I think new they are about £1000 fitted & mapped. Contact Bob Rawle for an exact price, he did mine, which runs about 440 BHP.

 

Sorry, when i say limit i mean it will have just the one map.

 

im getting a simtec as we speak, i think mine cost £1800 ono with a new map sensor and a 3 port with anitlag and launch with graham @ www.enginemapper.co.uk near chester - top bloke

 

The latest ESL boards have two switchable maps.

 

Ooh thats interesting to know. How is that controlled does it come with a switch/toggle?.

 

Mine was exactly £1140 fitted & mapped by Bob in December. Surely they can't be that much now.

 

Syvecs is the daddy though! sooooo much functionality!

Good question from kwik, how are the esl maps changed? toggle switch?

 

Switched with the key and throttle position. Two full maps, not offsets, knock control, 3d boost, diagnostic codes, OEM idle/cruise, maf/mafless switchable, plug and play, self mappable if required, £295+VAT.

 

Bargain, wonder what they would cost to fit/map. I currently have a Z4 ECU, is that compatible?

 

It's £25 to fit. 92/6 sometimes have a socket carrier so you can just plug it in yourself. 97/8 is much harder and we would recommend having it fitted by us unless you solder for a living.