Why do you need a standalone ECU?

In the world of Mazda MX-5 engine upgrades, such as ITBs, superchargers, turbo kits or even simple exhaust and intake modifications, a standalone ECU is essential. A standard ECU of the Mazda MX-5 cannot accurately control the required adjustments to ignition timing and fuel injection. A standalone ECU, such as the ME221 or ME442, allows fine tuning, from fuel mapping to ignition, for optimal performance and safety.

How do you determine the best ECU for your Mazda MX-5?

With a wide range of ECU options ranging in price from €300 to €2000+, the choice can be overwhelming. Factors such as price, functionality, ease of installation, customer service and compatibility with tuning software are crucial.

Price

While price is an important factor, it is not the only consideration. Functionalities, customer service and ease of installation are more important as far as we are concerned. A market-based price for a good plug-and-play solution is usually between €700 and €1400, depending on features.

Functionalities

Most higher-end ECUs are fairly similar in functionality. Our opinion is that the features below are a “must have” when choosing a standalone ECU:

• Option for additional inputs (additional sensors).
  Adding additional inputs allows a switch for switchable maps or a much more important function; an additional sensor for oil pressure and fuel pressure.
  
  
• Engine Protection System
  The biggest nightmare is that your freshly built turbocharged engine breaks down because your oil pressure drops momentarily or a failing fuel pump causes you to detonate. By combining the aforementioned additional sensors with an EPS (Engine Protection System), you can set the ECU to shut down the engine DIRECTly when oil pressure or fuel pressure is too low, preventing damage.
  
  
• Built-in Lambda Controller
  Experience shows that an AEM or Innovate wideband gauge + sensor is not perfect. Especially when it comes to longevity of the sensors, they can still fail early. Also, connecting can be tricky because the manual regularly calls for its own ground and power supply. With a built-in controller, you save on the cost of a wideband gauge, installing and wiring the sensor and reduce the risk of failure.
  
  
• CAN Bus
  More and more aftermarket parts today have canbus. Canbus allows and very large amount of data to be sent over only 2 wires.
  
  Although not a real “must have,” it is definitely a “nice to have.” For example, you can connect a CANChecked display with 2 wires to, for example, a Motorsport Electronics ME442 ECU after which ALL data can be read out on this display. And that with only 2 wires!

Installation ease

A good ECU is characterized by simple, plug-and-play installation. This is where some homebrew ECUs, such as DIY MegaSquirt, fall short. Easy installation, without soldering or complex modifications, is essential for ease of use.

Experience has shown that, for example, the homebrew (DIY) MegaSquirt ECUs (or descendants thereof) can leave quite a bit to be desired when it comes to ease of installation and you are very dependent on the builder’s construction/assembly method. Usually, these are also only suitable for 1 very specific type and year of manufacture and may still require soldering resistors or wires.

What we have also experienced is that the trigger signal is very poor or not readable by the ECU. Resulting in hours of long diagnosis and thus additional cost and frustration.

Customer Service

Strong customer service is crucial. Quick and effective support for installation problems or questions about additional sensors is indispensable. This is an important reason to avoid homebrew or budget ECUs.

Do yourself a favor and choose a standalone ECU where there is a company behind the product that is accessible and known for their customer service! Indeed, this can be the difference between a 5-minute phone call or 2 weeks scouring the Internet.

For example, we are available on weekdays by email and phone for questions and Motorsport Electronics also has a large knowledge base where various articles can be found such as; connecting a VVT Swap, using COPS and many other upgrades that are done more often.

Software/Tuner

Compatibility with tuners’ preferred software is an important consideration. Consult with your tuner about the suitability of the ECU before purchase.

Why we supply the Motorsport Electronics ME221 and ME442 ECUs for the Mazda MX-5

Years ago, before I (Luca) started my business I was looking for an ECU for my own MX-5.

After much research and weighing various ECUs, I decided to go with the very first generation ME221. Motorsports Electronics was still a small company at the time and saw a gap in the market, namely a really good plug and play solution for the MX-5. In particular, the choice then was an MS3 Megasquirt soldered by someone, or universal ECU where you have to do the wiring yourself and then get to figure out things like charge control yourself.

Why did I choose this ECU at the time? The answer is quite simple; the ME221 was (and is) a true plug and play ECU built by a then European company (before brexit) that you can call during office hours if you have questions.

Actually things that should be taken for granted but by no means always are.

Years later, after starting LucaCarMods, in my opinion Motorsport Electronics’ ECU was still very good when it came to the golden triangle I mentioned earlier (Functionality, Ease of Use and Customer Service).

We have been a Motorsport Electronics dealer for more than 6 years now and in that time all our questions and those of customers have been answered nicely, warranty claims are handled correctly (sometimes even outside the warranty period) and Motorsport Electronics continues to innovate with the functionalities and the software package MEITE. Speaking of MEITE, for tuners, this is an intuitive package and we have heard nothing but good things about it.

Motorsport Electronics ME221 ECU

The ME221 is Motorsport Electronics’ entry-level ECU for the Mazda MX-5 NA and NB. Despite being the entry-level model, the ME221 standalone ECU has all the functionalities that are essential for proper engine tuning.

• Support for all OEM sensors
  All present OEM sensors can be used in the ECU, also the control of the instrument cluster continues to work without problems.
• 16×16 Fuel and Ignition Tables (with dual table switching)
• VE-based fuel algorithms
• Any type of high resistance injector
  Easily upgrade to the modern EV14 injectors.
• DSP Knock/Detonation Control
• Built-in 4 bar MAP sensor
• IAT Sensor
  On the NA, remove the dated air weigher and take advantage of more modern and especially accurate technology by combining the MAP sensor with an IAT (intake temperature sensor)
• Closed Loop Boost Control
  The plug on the charchoal canister can be used to control an electric boost controller (solenoid). This makes wiring and setting the boost solenoid a breeze.
• Launch Control
• Full Sequential on 1.8 engines
• Supplied with a basemap
  The ME221 and ME442 come with a basemap for starting the MX-5. You can usually drive this as well, but we recommend always having the MX-5 tuned at a tuner.

Motorsport Electronics ME442 ECU

The ME442 is the big brother of the ME221, it came on the market a few years after the ME221 was launched and is the best choice as far as we are concerned!

Because the ME442 has a built-in wideband controller AND included bosch wideband sensor, this ECU is the cheaper option despite its additional price of €200, (below the line)! An Innovate or AEM Wideband controller easily costs €250+ and still needs to be connected. With the ME442, you simply click the plug in and everything works.

Furthermore, the ME442 has a wide range of additional features to offer:

• On-board Bosch Wideband Lambda O2 Controller (Just add one of our Wideband sensor kits to give highly accurate closed loop fuelling.)
• On-board Real-Time-Clock and SD Card Data Logging
  Track data on your engine during a race to further optimize tuning.
• Drive-by-Wire Support
  Drive by wire, or an electronic throttle body gives you the ability to fine-tune idle control, set cruise control and fine-tune the karaktistics of your throttle/engine.
• K-Type EGT Input
• Accelerometer and Gyroscope
• CAN Bus for external dashboards and expandability
  Combine the ME442 with a CANChecked display and you have all sensor information clearly displayed on 1 display! All air vents remain original and functioning and you have only 1 central display in the instrument panel where you determine which sensor information is important and will be shown.