MAP-ECU Community

MAP-ECU 3

MAP-ECU 3
MAP-ECU 3 Install Kit
MAP-ECU 3 Drivers

Introduction

Released around 2013, the MAP-ECU3 is the third and final generation of the MAP-ECU line of piggyback engine control units (ECUs). Primarily designed for performance tuning applications, it operates by intercepting and modifying the signals sent between a vehicle’s factory Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and its associated sensors. This method allows for targeted adjustments to fuel delivery and ignition timing, alongside incorporating features for enhanced engine management, such as electronic boost control and auxiliary injector support.

The MAP-ECU3 represents an incremental advancement over earlier the generation MAP-ECU 2. It expands the range of tuning capability, adds support for flex-fuel tuning, and adds a USB interface to facilitate real-time device configuration and datalogging functionality.

Historical Pricing Information

Pricing (circa 2015):

  • MAP-ECU 3 kit (USB connectivity only): $695
  • MAP-ECU 3 kit (with WiFi connectivity): $849

MAP-ECU 3 Technical Specifications

MAP-ECU 3 Circuit Board (Rev. A)

Compatibility:

  • Vehicles: Primarily designed for late-model fuel-injected vehicles utilizing common airflow metering systems.
  • Sensor Types: Replaces voltage-based airflow meters, Flap and Hotwire styles and Frequency-based units (Karman Vortex Frequency) with Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP-based) load sensing.

Signal Manipulation & Adjustments:

  • Timing Control: Offers full timing control with up to eight channels for distributor, group fire, or coil-on-plug ignition systems. Adjustment range is up to 30 degrees advance/retard with a 20×19 (380 zone) resolution table.
  • Fuel Control: Features a high-resolution 494 point fuel table (0-10,000 RPM and -10 to +42 PSI) for fine-tuning performance and drivability.
    • Includes two independent sets of fuel, timing, O2, auxiliary injector, and boost control tables switchable on-the-fly.
  • Auxiliary Injector Control: Supports the addition of extra fuel injectors with a dedicated 20×19 (380 zone) control table.
  • O2 Sensor Adjust: Allows modification of the oxygen sensor signal for precise air/fuel ratio control (even in closed-loop mode) using a 26×19 (494 zone) table.
  • Electronic Boost Control: Integrated system for managing boost levels in forced induction setups, offering programmable target boost configuration points with up to 1000 RPM increments.

Features and Capabilities:

  • USB Interface: Enables device configuration with MAP-CAL3 software; unit can be powered by USB connection for out-of-vehicle setup.
  • Optional WiFi Interface: Supports wireless connection via iMAPCAL app for iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad.
  • On-board Data and Controls:
    • Built-in 42 PSI MAP sensor
    • Display and logging of engine parameters (RPM, throttle position, boost pressure, airflow, timing adjust, auxiliary injector duty, boost control duty, and more)
    • Support for wideband lambda sensor/controllers
    • NOS activation switch (programmable for other activation purposes)
    • Launch control with anti-lag and ignition retard functions
    • Two fuel cut defeats with overboost safety release
    • Speed cut defeat and speed adjust
    • RPM-based switch (for shift light, VTEC alteration, etc.)
  • Configuration Flexibility:
    • User-selectable pressure scales
    • Suitable for both naturally aspirated and forced induction applications.
    • Upgrade-compatible with earlier MAP-ECU models (harness and table import)

Additional Features

  • Flex Fuel capabilities include real-time ethanol content and temperature-based tuning adjustments.
  • Advanced input/output configuration options including TPS and O2 sensor inputs.
  • Exhaust gas and coolant temperature logging.
  • Advanced IAT, barometric pressure, and cold start compensation functions

Compatibility

Compatibility Highlights:

  • Broad Application: Designed to work with a wide range of late-model fuel-injected vehicles.
  • Air Meter Focus: Replaces restrictive factory airflow meters including Hotwire, Flap, and Karman-Vortex Frequency types.
  • Engine Flexibility: Supports 1 – 10 cylinder engine configurations, with multiple configuration settings for ignition systems
  • Simplified Installation: Advertised as installable in under an hour without special kits or adaptors (requires modification to vehicle’s electrical harness unless a plug-and-play harness was available).