Aftermarket ECU's

Standalone vs Piggyback, what's the difference?

• Standalone ECUs completely replace the OEM ecu, giving enthusiasts complete control over the engine - fueling, timing and the opportunity to support other power-adding components, such as larger injectors. Results, especially for daily driveability, are highly dependent on the programming and tune.
• Piggybacks are devices that work in collaboration with a stock ECU. Specific signals, usually injectors and timing, may be manipulated or replaced. Some solutions may require "tricking" the stock ECU, by sending modified signals to manipulate a certain outcome. (See O2 Clamp, as an example). Piggyback solutions typically boast OEM-like drivability, allowing the stock ECU to manage most functions outside of boost. However, because they work with the stock ECU, upgrades can be limited, depending on feature set. Common limitations are the ability to advance timing or add larger, or modern injectors.

In either case, using them in conjunction with a wideband sensor is highly recommended. It's the only way to truly understand if your fueling requirements are adequate.

The following are a list of Miata-specific ECUs, or ECUs commonly used by Miata enthusiasts. Some may be listed for posterity, but may be out of date in comparison to current offerings/technology:

Standalone ECUs

• DIYAutotune Megasquirt
  • Featuring a large range of universal, and Plug'n'Play Miata-specific models, with basemaps.
  • Made in the USA with a strong online presence on MiataTurbo.net and customer support.
  • Strong community of users on MiataTurbo.net
  • MiataTurbo Megasquirt Forum
  • MSExtra Support Forum
  • Megasquirt support forum (now read only)
• MS Labs
  • Online presence on MiataTurbo.net, as a one-person business, ECUs are primarily sold through other vendors, with boutique-level support.
  • Strong community of users on MiataTurbo.net
  • Known for particularly good basemaps with less tweaking for initial startup.
  • Flagship models available at BOFI Racing
  • Comparison of different versions
  • Installation Docs
  • MS Labs Forum Support
• SpeedyEFI Speeduino
• Speeduino
• Motorsport Electronics
  • ME221, as well as the former manufacturer of Flyin' Miata's FM221.
  • Larger community of European users
• Flyin' Miata
  • Flyin Miata Hydra Nemesis (no longer supported by FM)
    • Comparison Table
    • Support Documentation
  • Link Flyin Miata Link (out of production)
    • Support Documentation

Piggyback ECUs

• "Powercards"
• Voodoo
• Xede