AutoSpeed - Programmable Management Mania '03

Despite recent advances in new car technology, programmable stand-alone management systems are still 'the go' in mild to wild modified engines. There is simply no other approach to run bigger injectors, a multi-spark ignition, control boost, phase nitrous and more. Aftermarket chips and interceptors generally can't cut it in 'the big league'.

In this buyers' guide we'll be taking a look at the specs of today's programmable management systems. Here we'll again be looking at full engine management computers - ones that can control fuel and ignition, not just one or the other.

The PLAYERS

Autronic

Autronic have two laptop programmable engine management systems - the SMC and SM2. The SMC is the more common choice amongst streeters while the SM2 is intended for "serious race use". Both share the same fuel and ignition control systems with just a few specialist functions distinguishing the top-line SM2.

Fuel Features

The SMC and SM2 have 3D programmable sequential fuel injection. An AutoTune option is also available, which enables hands-free tuning with no input required from the user other than running the engine through its various rpm and load sites.

The Autronic units both accommodate up to 32 rpm and 16 load sites that may be chosen at random intervals. This gives up to 512 adjustment points. Both come with eight injector drivers for fully sequential injection on up to eight cylinder engines - for more than 8 cylinders, semi-sequential injection is possible. All types of injectors (0.9 to 16 ohm) are catered for with the optional high current drivers.

A "unique calibration strategy" allows accurate control of fuel delivery under both acceleration and deceleration. Both units have fine (0.1%) adjustment of base fuel delivery and there is individual cylinder tuning of ± 61%. Operators have a choice of MAP, Throttle Position or throttle/intake pressure as a primary input. An inbuilt MAP sensor reaching up to 450 kPa (absolute) is available as an option. Both have closed-loop idle speed control and narrow band Lambda Sensor circuitry as standard. A fuel pump safety shut-off is also included.

Ignition Features

Both the SMC and SM2 offer 3D ignition mapping and come fitted with four ignition drivers. These can be configured for a single coil distributor, twin coil distributor or multi coil distributorless ignition set-ups. Precise spark advance control strategy is available for both static and dynamic operating conditions. The ignition table automatically mirrors the selected load points as entered into the fuel section. Timing is selectable in 0.25-degree increments over a range of 0 to 50 degrees crank-angle. There are calibrations for over-run, cranking, idle, coolant temperature and altitude variables.

Other Features

Both units have an engine rpm range of up to 30,000 (for 4 cylinders), 16,000 rpm (5-8 cylinders) and 15,000 rpm (10-16 cylinders). Each is suitable for forced induction or normally aspirated engines with multi-point or throttle-body injection. Two-stroke, rotary and those engines having uneven firing sequences are also accommodated.

Both Autronic units have adaptive learning to minimise the number of user set-ups required and to provide optimal control of air/fuel ratio, boost pressure and idle stability. Both the SMC and SM2 also contain user-configurable data logging sampling at 50 times/sec.

Included is a built-in rev limiter using a combination of fuel and spark control. There are calibrations for over-boost protection, auxiliary speed measurement, overall gearing constants, cooling fan control adjustments, air conditioner control adjustments and automatic idle speed stabilisation control adjustment. Selectable spark and fuel delivery strategy under abnormal engine operating conditions and comprehensive limp-home functions increase engine safety. Both also have a diagnostic/error indicator with memory for detection of intermittent fault conditions.

SMC and SM2 both have varying user-defined outputs that can be used - for example - to control boost pressure. Both systems also have anti-lag and flat-shift functions built in.

The SM2 aces the SMC by adding traction control, launch control, compatibility with the MoTeC LCD dash and eight auxiliary outputs (to control nitrous etc).

Injec

The EM2 and EM3 are Injec's stand-alone handset programmable fuel/ignition computers.

Fuel Features

These systems can fire up to 16 injectors, have adjustable cranking mixtures, cold-running enrichment, acceleration pump enrichment and switching temps. They can be mapped up to 10 psi - 30 psi with the "high boost" option - and they are also capable of auxiliary injector switching. The EM3 has a high 40 amp current capability to suit a range of injectors and a spanable MAP sensor input in 1 kPa increments.

Ignition Features

A "soft" rev limit function can be set anywhere up to the 16,000 rpm limit. Both have acceleration retard, spark advance and retard and switching temps. Both can be mapped up to 30 psi and be adapted to work with Hall Effect, photo-optic or magnetic inductive triggers. The EM3 can be used with multiple coil set-ups.

Other Features

The systems are configurable for 4/6/8 cylinder, rotary, normally aspirated and forced induction engines. There are outputs for AC switching, warning lights, fuel pump relay control and cooling fans. EM2 and EM3 can come with an optional keypad and backlit LCD screen that displays live information in English and has a buzzer for any faults. Legible messages are also given when there is a problem. A security code also protects the program from unauthorised adjustment.

The kits come with an in-built vacuum/boost sensor, air and coolant temperature sensor, 20 and 16 pin plugs and pins and a comprehensive instruction manual. The EM3 gets a programmable shift light output, additional warning codes, real-time programming and improved user operation. A 12-month guarantee backs them both up with fast repairs/replacement.

Wolf

The Wolf3D Version 4 and Version 4 Plus are the latest offerings from this Melbourne-based company. These newer systems maintain handset control in addition to full laptop programming.

Fuel Features

Fuel is adjustable over 16 load increments and at every 125 rpm. An inbuilt MAP sensor is used as an engine load input, replacing a potentially restrictive airflow meter. Almost any injector can be run from the outputs. Other fuelling features include acceleration enrichment, automatic air temp and pressure compensation and injector cut-off for clean deceleration. An adjustable rev limiter (fuel-cut) is built in. It can also give closed-loop control for stoichiometric fuelling at part throttle and cruise conditions.

Ignition Features

The Version 4 has four ignition outputs and while the 4 Plus offers six. Both are suitable for engines of 1 to 12-cylinders and rotaries running direct-fire or coil-igniter arrangements.

Other Features

Compared to the older Wolf3D Version 3, the Version 4 and 4 Plus have both stepped up from a 8MHz, 8-bit processor to a 16MHz, 16-bit unit. Boost control is also provided in both models. Idle control is via a solenoid in the Version 4, by either a solenoid or stepper motor in the Version 4 Plus. The biggest difference between the Version 4 and Version 4 Plus is the number of auxiliary inputs and outputs - the Version 4 has two of each, while the 4 Plus offers five aux outputs and four aux inputs. A 4-digit pass code protects your settings and programs can be saved to special memory cartridges.

As in the Version 3, there's an adjustable over-temperature warning light, electric engine fan control, an in-built turbo timer and data logging.

Electromotive

The TEC (Total Engine Control) 3 is this US company's latest PC-programmable fuel and ignition computer.

Fuel Features

The TEC system can be run in a closed-loop fuelling arrangement and provide sequential, phased sequential or simultaneous fuel delivery. The TEC 3 can be used for throttle-body injection, multi-point injection, tuned port injection and individual throttle body engines and can be arranged to suit an airflow meter or speed-density (ie MAP) load input. Additional injector output drivers are also built-in, allowing you to run high or low impedance injectors. Individual cylinder trim, a compliment of cold start, warm up, acceleration and idle control is also featured.

Ignition Features

Ignition uses a fully adjustable 3D timing curve dependent on rpm and load. There is a full range of spark advance control with ± 0.25 degree resolution from 40 to 12,000 rpm. Distributorless ignition systems are accommodated and the TEC 3 can deliver a full 150mJ of spark energy to the spark plugs without misfire. A three-stage rev limiter and adaptive knock control are other key ignition features.

Other Features

The TEC 3 is PC programmable to suit 4, 6 and 8 cylinder engines and rotaries. There is also turbo wastegate control and nitrous control (up to 4 stages of ignition retard are available). Four general-purpose outputs can also be employed to activate VTEC, shift lights and more. A programmable tachometer output is also provided. There is also a blinking Check Engine light to aid diagnostics. A data acquisition system - with an adjustable sample rate - can simultaneously record information from up to 25 inputs.

EFI Technology

Founded in 1985, EFI Technology currently offers four PC programmable fuel and ignition computers - the Euro 1, Euro 96, Euro 6 and Euro 12. Note that all systems feature fully automatic fuel self-mapping.

Fuel Features

The 16-bit, 16 MHz Euro 1 - which is designed for four-cylinders - has four injector drivers for semi-sequential fuel delivery and has the ability to handle high impedance injectors. Fuel data is stored on a 24x16 (user-defined) basic fuel table with correction of ± 100%. There is a programmable fuel cut-off for deceleration, fuel-cut engine speed limiter, accelerator enrichment/lean out and lambda control with self-learning capability. An internal MAP sensor can be used as the primary load sensor but an airflow meter can be used if preferred.

The Euro 96 - designed for 4 or 6-cylinder engines - offers the same as above except it has 6 fully sequential injector drivers.

Stepping up a level is the 32-bit EFI Technology Euro 6. This unit offers sequential fuel injection of engines up to 8-cylinders.

The top-level Euro 12 unit can run up to 12 cylinders sequentially with its 12 injector drivers. It can also work with high and low impendence injectors.

Ignition Features

The Euro 1 has 2 ignition drivers and can handle more than 12,000 rpm. The Euro 96 has 3 ignition drivers and is rated in excess of 18,000 rpm.

The Euro 6 goes further adding programmable knock control strategies. It has 6 ignition drivers and can cope up to 20,000 rpm. The top Euro 12 extends to 12 ignition drivers, a 20,000 rpm capacity and twin knock sensor inputs.

Other Features

The Euro 1 offers closed loop boost control and idle control. Other outputs include a warning light, tachometer driver and a universal switch.

The Euro 96 has the ability to switch between two different sets of maps and has anti-lag, traction control and flat-shift functions. It can also manage 2-stage cam timing systems.

Moving up a level, the Euro 6 features closed-loop self-mapping boost control, electronic throttle control output, high-speed data logging (up to 8Mb) and other user-definable inputs and outputs. Add three switchable sets of maps together with more inputs (such as 4 wheel speed sensors and turbo speed) and extra outputs for the Euro 12.

Link Engine Management

Link offers two "wire in" fuel and ignition engine management systems - the 'Version 4' Link Engine Management (LEM) and LinkPlus Engine Management (XLEM).

Fuel Features

The LEM offers 2 injector drivers with 15 amp capacity and a fuel pump relay driver. It has analogue inputs for engine temperature, battery voltage and closed-loop mixture control. Acceleration enrichment is also adjustable and there is the option for MAP based mapping or MAP + TPS mapping (3D).

The LinkPlus system provides 8 injector drivers for sequential injection of 8-cylinder engines. Fuel mapping is also "zoned out" to 10,000 rpm.

Ignition Features

The LEM has 3 medium power configurable drivers, which can be used to run 1 - 3 ignition coils or other functions. A smooth rev limiting function - where limiting is brought in 200 rpm early - is another feature.

The up-market LinkPlus offers 8 ignition drivers allowing direct fire-ignition on 8-cylinder engines. Closed loop knock control is another major feature. Ignition mapping is also expanded to 10,000 rpm.

Other Features

Using a Motorola 68HC11 with an 8 megahertz clock speed, the LEM can be configured with a MAP sensor reaching up to 23 psi. The unit is delivered pre-set to run with your particular engine configuration - a range of "Smartlinks' are fitted according to the type of trigger system being used. An rpm sensitive driver can also be used to control variable intake arrangements, VTEC, etc. There is 500-rpm step adjustable boost control, along with boost limit protection and even an intercooler water spray function. Cooling fan control is also included. The LEM is very easy to set-up, with a minimum of 7 wires to connect. PCLink allows windows programming and logging.

The LinkPlus unit goes further with 2 rpm switches, shift light output, tachometer drive, idle speed control, air conditioner switching and fan control, purge control, ambient air temp input and transmission inhibitor switch.