4rsnduction":3e3k1zvh said:Just out of curiosity why not get an AEM ECU ?
How about to start with: AEM discontinued their MR2/Celica 3SGTE EMS.
Add to that the 2.7 Hydra can do flex fuel, has better resolution, better idle control, built in wideband controller, better knock sensing and it's pretty clear to me which one I would choose.
I have similar plans for my own 3SGTE (custom 2.3 stroker using a 98-2002 5SFE block) build running a 6765 (wish it was a 6766) turbo with a custom top mount manifold. It's no small feat to get to your goals, but goals are there for a reason. I've had 400 and 500+ whp in my own car, and want to make more primarily as a showcase for KO Racing.
I know Trevor (tjdouble07) is tuning his car himself now, but I tuned his car for him when it was more modestly built (520 awhp).
Tips for tuning or learning to tune:
1. Save and save often. Never overwrite your map.
2. Ideally use a laptop with a serial port, though starting with 2.7, it is possible to avoid any corruption issues using a USB to serial adapter. That doesn't mean they aren't still flaky and can have communication issues.
3. If you do pay to have your first tune done that is probably best and then you can tweak from a known quantity that should be good. It's pretty hard to break a built motor off boost, so that's the place to start trying things. Play with the software and don't be afraid to ask questions, or try things and then reload your last map if it doesn't work out.
4. Try playing with programmable outputs and think of the possibilities.
With the Hydra, I'm the point of contact for customer service for the Alltrac and MR2 communities, so I get most of these types of questions via email or phone usually and will help up to a point: I won't tune your car over the phone.
Regarding JDM vs. USDM gen 2 engines: they are mechanically identical inside the longblock. Any difference in power is related to the octane of fuel, and boost level they are tuned to run stock, not some magical difference inside the engine.