MSefi.com read only forum (Jan.15,2018)

I am inerested in using a multiport set up on an old aircooled VW engine. How does one handle the lack of coolant temp sensor? Can an oil temp sensor be used in its place? Perhaps a head temp sensor? Maybe omit the temp sensor all together? I have been using an aftermarket EFI on an old V8 and have caught the fuel injection bug. This Megasquirt looks like a hot ticket to me, I am hoping to use it on a turbo charged air cooled VW engine around 2000 cc's that can spin 6500 rpm. What is the most minimal set up that can work? I mean the least amount of sensors. I like the versitility of this system, I just need more info to get comfortable with it.

WOW! Thanks a bunch, I did not notice all of those air cooled VW horse power nuts on here. I am getting all wound up for this project. I feel allot better knowing there is a wealth of expirience that can guide me. Thanks again!

manxster wrote:Can an oil temp sensor be used in its place?

I won't claim that my set-up is perfect, but I run my sensor in a tee at the external oil filter. My engine runs full flow oil cooling and filtering. You can always change the values in MS to whatever you want. My values closely match the water cooled engines however.

manxster wrote:Perhaps a head temp sensor?

This will work too.

manxster wrote:This Megasquirt looks like a hot ticket to me, I am hoping to use it on a turbo charged air cooled VW engine around 2000 cc's that can spin 6500 rpm.

I'm running a 2276 ACVW with 10 lbs of boost and E85, (cheap high octane fuel), and MS has done amazing things for me. As an added bonus, MS can control your spark advance as well, so you can get whatever curve you want. The 009 distributor is very limited in it's advance potential as you have to limit it mechanically in order to keep the advance down under boost.

manxster wrote:What is the most minimal set up that can work? I mean the least amount of sensors.

I'm using a TB off of a Dodge neon that has a built in TPS and IAC. Install a IAt snesor in the intake manifold, (although mine is before the turbo). Weld a 3/16 tube to the intake manifold for MS's build in MAP sensor. Stick the temp sensor in a tee off of the external oil filter, (I'm assuming you'll be running full flow with an engine that zippy). Lock the distributor, (dizzy), and set a base timing of 10 degrees. These things combined, will cost you less than the intake runners, (if you use the same I did). Add a high pressure fuel pump. Rising rate fuel pressure regulator, (RRFPR). Fuel injectors, fuel rails, etc. And, of course, a Megasquirt controller, (I strongly suggest MS2). My whole system was less than $800, but I fabricated most of the parts myself. I still have a pretty trick set of billet aluminum fuel rails I'll sell ya reasonably. Don't let this list scare you. Most of this stuff is had affordably with the most challenging part being adapting the TB to the turbo intake and the intake manifold before the runners.
MS is totally worth the effort.
Feel free to PM me with any questions you may have.