Motec ECU - Newb here

[FoxSTI]

Guys I have a couple of question regarding the Motec ECUs.
Are these stand alone units?

If I have 'X' car, do I just take out the factory ECU and pop in a Motec ECU and start building a base map?
Doesn't the car's ECU control many things specific to the car?

for instance, I have a Fiat abarth 500. No one makes a tunning solution for it. Do I just buy the ECU of my choice and replace the factory one and the Motec ECU will runs everything the factory ECU did? <- that is the real question.

[Stephen Dean]

The simple answer for a modern car is no.

There is too much interplay between the different components in today's vehicles that to just remove one major component and replace it with another that does not have the ability to replace the functionality of that part, will result in a non-functioning vehicle.

We have developed the targeted packages to resolve this issue, and most of the changes that are made to the targeted packages in comparison to the GPA/GPR "universal" Packages is the addition of the communications and functionalities needed for the vehicle integration to work. This is no simple task, with most vehicles requiring a number of weeks of testing and development.

[FoxSTI]

Thank you for response. So by the same token, I can't just put in a PDM in a modern car "just like that"
It it safe to say your products are for someone who is building a car from the ground up and not necessarily for someone who is trying to convert a modern day car to a track car ?

[Stephen Dean]

It is the level of integration that you want, that makes the big difference. If you want to be able to retain the factory functions and controls, then it is not as easy to do, especially of you do not have tools like CAN Analysers. If you are able to read the CAN and other messages in the car, then you can create custom templates in the dash, ECU and PDM to allow for the replication of the factory system.

If you are happy to remove the factory switch gear (if it is CAN based) and replace it with normal toggle or similar switches, or a PDM Keypad, then the difficulty level of the installation goes down.

[FoxSTI]

Well that I don't getting rid of the factory "fat".
If I can get a PDM keypad to do the basic functions of the car (headlights, etc) and emilinate the mess of factory wiring and relays under the dash I would be interested.

I really would like to lighten up the car.

[greenamex2]

I got 20Kg out of a Corolla once just by removing a bunch of junction boxes etc.

Amazing how it all adds up!

[stevieturbo]

If you are stripping the car completely, and building a new loom for everything, which it almost sounds like you're implying...then the fitting of an ecu will be easier as it wont need to integrate with the comfortable road vehicle

There is no simple fitment of a PDM...you either fit it and wire accordingly or you dont, there isnt really a half way house otherwise there is no benefit.

What exactly is the car for, and what are your goals/expectations from it ?

[FoxSTI]

If you are stripping the car completely, and building a new loom for everything, which it almost sounds like you're implying...then the fitting of an ecu will be easier as it wont need to integrate with the comfortable road vehicle

There is no simple fitment of a PDM...you either fit it and wire accordingly or you dont, there isnt really a half way house otherwise there is no benefit.

What exactly is the car for, and what are your goals/expectations from it ?

Correct, I plant to strip the car of the "fat" and I would love to simplify wiring at come point.
The car is not a "race car" but it to be used for track days and time trials eventually.

The one thing that I would like to retain for the time being is the stock ECU.