Hi all,

I'd like to address the question at mappers, but any opinion might be good.

How good are Link ecus - G3 and G4, which I guess is the newest one, especially in comparison to Simtek, but also as an Ecutec alternative for MY99 STI.

I know both Link and Simtek go MAFless and both have a lot of features.
But I believe that after all those technical and marketing infromations, there is some experience which mappers have...

Thanks in advance
Jacek

 

Really no opinions? No users of this ecu here?

More questions - why there's a limit of 1.5bar boost in G3?
Does the logging data into 4MB memory work with current software?
Does G3 support only one map? Or maybe multiple, switchable maps like Simtek?

Any opinions very welcome.

cheers

 

Owned cars running both
Simtek better imho.
Speak to the mappers they all seem to sing its praises too.

 

What do you like more in Simtek if I can ask you?

Cheers

 

before becoming a simtek dealer I trailed a Link G3.. nice ecu but unfortunatly the features are limited compared to the more expensive version..

there was no consideration of knock what so ever.. no warning or control.

basically from a supply point of view it needed a knock link to go with it and pushed it to more expensive than the simtek with less features.

Simon

 

Yeah, I just found a table of differences between Lem G3 and LinkPlus G3 - which cleared a bit the situation as I found I confused a bit both versions.
Actually lack of knock control might be kind of problem I guess...

Anyway SimTek is still a bit expensive and sometimes you can already find some used Links, Gems etc. for a reasonable prices, even if you add cost of mapping I think...

Does LEM 3G actually support multiple maps? To make a safe map for worse fuel in case of need?

cheers

 

I don't think it does.. I would have to check to be 100% sure.

GEMS is just too out dated to compete imho..

Simon

 

Std MAP sensor is 2.5bar absolute, there is an option to use a 5bar absolute sensor (4bar boost), G4 can use an external MAP sensor (actually so can G3 but needs some fiddling).

Haven't tried it yet.

G3 has switchable maps, 2 Fuel, Ignition and Wastegate maps, Simtek has secondary maps which are offsets into primary maps.

There are pros and cons to both ecus, trying to be impartial:

Simtek: Knock detection+indication, closed loop boost control with gear compensation, open loop idle control, ALS/LC extra, no WB/EGT integration, mapping software is license controlled.

Link: No Knock Detection, open loop boost control with ECT/IAT and gear compensation, closed loop idle, motorsport features included as std, EGT and WB integration, free software. Limitation of single digital input for speed input and feature selection on G3, but I think not on G4.

Also disagree with (sorry mate ) Simon's dismissal of the GEMS, latest 99/00 and 01-on implants are very capable.

IMHO - if you want a plug'n'play speed density ECU and don't map the car yourself then the Simtek is the best option, if you map your own car and are willing to put up with the shortfalls then the Link is worth considering.

Andrew...

 

Thanks. Anyway for me G3 looks pretty interesting.
One thing only - because I have not too much experience with maps and different cars, so maybe one of you will know better.
No knock correction - is it a really big problem in normal, everyday usage? I guess in rally applications it's not - but I can never be sure what I put in a car's tank.
And we all know how bad can end knocking in the engine...

Is it just the matter of buying fuel on stations with good opinions?

Have anyone of you really had an engine problem with car mapped on ECU with no knock correction, like bad fuel and the engine going bang - which could make you think it's better to use ECUs with knock correction?

Or I simply shouldn't worry too much?

Actually as far as I remember, pretty popular ApexiFC also has no knock correction nor warnings...

cheers

 

I think quite a few people have lost engines to knock they were unaware of on here, mate. It's not just a concern for motorsport, a dodgy batch of fuel, a duff sensor, charge temps getting too high can all happen on the road pretty easily.

You really want to know about it and ideally have an ECU that detects and reacts to it, as it can destroy your engine in seconds- the higher the level of tune the more destructive it can be and the more it's likely to cost you to fix the ensuing damage!!

The Apexi ECU does monitor for knock and can display a warning via the check engine light IIRC

 

Ah, yes,right - it monitors, but doesn't retard ignition anyway.

Anyway I can monitor knocking with knock link - but of course that's the additional cost and it still require some attention from driver, as ecu, as above, will not do anything with ignition...

cheers for opinion

 

Indeed. Also, there are more sophisticated knock monitors available these days.

Ns04