Fenda's uber garage Engine Build

[C. Ludwig]

You're going to love the LR ECU once you get your head around it. Very impressed with the Syvecs we're working with. Couple of the items in the GUI aren't very intuitive, so you have to look for them. But once you get the navigation down its a nice interface. The data and what you can do with it is very impressive. The fail safes and limp trips are very nice as well.

Does the LR dash offer the same abilities to be used for inputs as the Toucan? If not, I'd go with the Toucan. You can do a lot with it via CAN to turn different functions on/off. This saves inputs and simplifies the wiring. Its not a race dash and doesn't have that "cool" factor, but its very functional. I'd also recommend looking to swap to a DBW throttle. A lot of cool stuff you can do with DBW with the ECU.

Interested to hear about support from LR. Syvecs have been fantastic at answering emails and supporting their forum. Emails sent on weekends get answered same day instead of waiting for Monday. I've gotten replies at 11pm on a Saturday, their time. Good stuff.

The car we're doing retained the OE ABS, so we added another set of wheel speed sensors for the traction control. We did this instead of attempting any electronic fix to share the signal from the OE sensors with the ABS and ECU. We used some sensors off of a Ford pickup, which mounted with minimal fab work. If you hve or will delete the ABS, you can use the OE sensors with the ECU directly. Combined that with an accelerometer we built in-house for everything you need for the traction control.

[Fendamonky]

Originally Posted by C. Ludwig

You're going to love the LR ECU once you get your head around it. Very impressed with the Syvecs we're working with. Couple of the items in the GUI aren't very intuitive, so you have to look for them. But once you get the navigation down its a nice interface. The data and what you can do with it is very impressive. The fail safes and limp trips are very nice as well.

Yeah, that's what I was hoping for honestly. One of the only reasons I went with the LR unit over the Syvecs was that I could step down the inputs/outputs to what I'll need/use, and not have to pay for all the extras (the S8 just has much more than what I'll need). So in effect I managed to get all the capabilities of the S8/F88 that I'd be using, at a noticeably lower price.

Originally Posted by C. Ludwig

Does the LR dash offer the same abilities to be used for inputs as the Toucan? If not, I'd go with the Toucan. You can do a lot with it via CAN to turn different functions on/off.

Honestly I'm not sure on the full capabilities of the LR D5, I've only seen the two vague web pages on it so far. The Toucan is def my top choice as a stupidly awesome replacement for the PFC's Commander

Originally Posted by C. Ludwig

This saves inputs and simplifies the wiring. Its not a race dash and doesn't have that "cool" factor, but its very functional.

No worries of me blowing unnecessary money on a race dash because it's "cool" I'm perfectly happy with the factory dash and gauge arrangement and have no intention of replacing that anytime soon. Maybe if I one day turned the FD into a dedicated track car... But that's probably a good decade away (if it ever comes to that) and even then I'd probably just buy another FD to get stripped down and built for a single purpose from the start (I'd probably model it after Fritz's cars, with only 350-400whp and the focus on handling and braking)... But I digress...

Originally Posted by C. Ludwig

Interested to hear about support from LR.

I'm pretty sure that answer is going to be "sparse to non-existant". I'm ok with that though as the brand isn't geared towards "novice" hobby types, but more the teams and owners who have been around the block MANY times and don't/won't need their hands held with basic stuff. I am NOT that highly experienced guy... But Glenn (Mazpower) is, he's my dealer and my tech support Between Glenn and Brian I think it'll run just peachy.

Originally Posted by C. Ludwig

Syvecs have been fantastic at answering emails and supporting their forum. Emails sent on weekends get answered same day instead of waiting for Monday. I've gotten replies at 11pm on a Saturday, their time. Good stuff.

Yeah, the Syvecs side of the house is meant to be really good with the tech support for your average owner. I'm sure you (being well above the average owner when it comes to experience and knowledge) are a breath of fresh air to the guys on the other end of the help desk

I do remember hearing/reading that Syvecs closed down their USA based help center though, so now we've gotta go directly to the UK for any questions. Honestly I don't see that as being a huge problem though, as emails at 2am (for them) can still be answered first thing in the morning.

Originally Posted by C. Ludwig

The car we're doing retained the OE ABS, so we added another set of wheel speed sensors for the traction control. We did this instead of attempting any electronic fix to share the signal from the OE sensors with the ABS and ECU. We used some sensors off of a Ford pickup, which mounted with minimal fab work. If you hve or will delete the ABS, you can use the OE sensors with the ECU directly. Combined that with an accelerometer we built in-house for everything you need for the traction control.

Yeah, I'll have to move up to running TC and such at a later date. They came as optional upgrades at the time of purchase but I opted out. I'll probably get around to it one day, but for now I need to just focus on what's more important first (getting the engine back together and running )


Still, you should totally share your findings on the Syvecs (either in here or in a separate thread) as the more info that's out there the better!!

I really honestly believe that we're (as a whole hobby automotive community) taking huge steps forward in the ECU realm! We've got Syvecs/LR banging out badassery, AEM coming out with the STUPIDLY nice looking Infinity, Haltech and their Elite, Adaptronic putting out really capable entry level EMS's... I can imagine that the ECU companies are REALLY stepping up their games in prep of an automotive arms race

[TitaniumTT]

Originally Posted by Fendamonky

You're preaching to the choir here bro I'm already planning on bringing the car up your way and (hopefully) getting back up there to help/learn as much as I can. I thought I had alluded to that in my tone (referencing how much you'd want for labor and such) if not by blatantly agreeing that it would be the smarter choice over the phone

I missed that.... kewl.. that will definitely work...

Originally Posted by Fendamonky

Agreed. Need = no. Want = hell yeah!!

I'm all about just get the fucker running as quickly as possible and make other adjustments down the road. You can accomplish the same with a torque brace like I did... I run MS mounts and my brace, no vibrations and no movement

Originally Posted by Fendamonky

Yup, I already have a battery as well (I picked it up for Jacks 8, but the terminals were on the wrong side so I kept it for the FD relocation).

Kewl... there are some nice mounting options out there....

Originally Posted by Fendamonky

Already my plan, I just don't want to move on it until I have the money in my hand to pay for what will be done up front. I'm not trying to burn a friendship over some car work. That's one of the main reasons I said I'm gunna shelf the project for a while, so that I can cover all the costs up front.

Very cool... most people don't think that far in advance... none of you have ever met Alex..... there's a reason for that

Originally Posted by Fendamonky

Agreed. I'm smart enough to know what's above my head, and I'm honest enough to admit it Wiring is PFM mixed with Faggotry and Voodoo for me right now, if I can make it up to help you on it and figure out how it works then maybe I'll try to start on smaller solo projects.

The majority of the work gets done nights, occasionally I'll break away for a few hours during a weekend day..... occasionally I'll lock the doors, insert earbuds, and give the world a middle finger

Originally Posted by Fendamonky

I'm down with you doing it, I think the additional cost in labor is outweighed by the unspent cost in specialized tools (that I'll use once) and the high probability of fuck ups due to newb. Still though, I'd love to get as educated by this task as possible in the process..

Cost in tooling is the big one....

Originally Posted by Fendamonky

I'm thinking the Toucan or this guys: http://www.autosportinternational.co...libEntryID=341

I'm not current on the new AIMs, but from what I've seen they all sorta replace the cluster, not really looking for that.

Yup... I know.... I like the FD dash... don't know how I'm going to tackle mine... will get to that one eventually.... there's like 6 projects ahead of that one right now so I'm not all that concerned at the moment

Originally Posted by Fendamonky

Worse comes to worse I could always just buy another PFC, but I'd rather avoid putting that thing back in my car at ALL possible costs..

That's just a waste at this point.... personally though I would've kept it and bombed around @ 12-14psi until the rest of the car was sorted, did the LR and a new turbo/mani/exhaust and then rocked from there..... but that's me....

Originally Posted by C. Ludwig

You're going to love the LR ECU once you get your head around it. Very impressed with the Syvecs we're working with. Couple of the items in the GUI aren't very intuitive, so you have to look for them. But once you get the navigation down its a nice interface. The data and what you can do with it is very impressive. The fail safes and limp trips are very nice as well.

I am anxious as well

[QUOTE=C. Ludwig;277030]Does the LR dash offer the same abilities to be used for inputs as the Toucan? If not, I'd go with the Toucan. You can do a lot with it via CAN to turn different functions on/off. This saves inputs and simplifies the wiring. Its not a race dash and doesn't have that "cool" factor, but its very functional. I'd also recommend looking to swap to a DBW throttle. A lot of cool stuff you can do with DBW with the ECU.[/quopte]

mmmmmmmm DBW is on the distant list of stuff for my FC.... ha... distant as in probably next winter

Originally Posted by C. Ludwig

Interested to hear about support from LR. Syvecs have been fantastic at answering emails and supporting their forum. Emails sent on weekends get answered same day instead of waiting for Monday. I've gotten replies at 11pm on a Saturday, their time. Good stuff.

That is very good stuff

Originally Posted by C. Ludwig

The car we're doing retained the OE ABS, so we added another set of wheel speed sensors for the traction control. We did this instead of attempting any electronic fix to share the signal from the OE sensors with the ABS and ECU. We used some sensors off of a Ford pickup, which mounted with minimal fab work. If you hve or will delete the ABS, you can use the OE sensors with the ECU directly. Combined that with an accelerometer we built in-house for everything you need for the traction control.

Pretty sure L:evi stripped out the ABS, and I think I even advocated upping the LR to have the TC.... I'm going to look into putting it into the FB that should be here soon.... DBW, TC... in an FB... yeah.... now were talking

[Fendamonky]

Originally Posted by TitaniumTT

I'm all about just get the fucker running as quickly as possible and make other adjustments down the road. You can accomplish the same with a torque brace like I did... I run MS mounts and my brace, no vibrations and no movement

Retaining the OEM mounts and getting the Banzai Tranny mount is def an option, I've just been waiting for FFE to get their mounts into production since I first saw them in the conception phase... I figure since I'm on hold for money right now anyway, and it wouldn't kill me to wait a little bit longer to get the mounts I want on from the get go... Why even fuck around with the possibility of needing to reseal the pan if I swap into the mounts I want 6 months after installing the engine?

I can be patient, VERY patient, when it comes down to it...

Last year I rushed it and now I'm paying for it.

Originally Posted by Brian

Kewl... there are some nice mounting options out there....

Yeah, and I figure the Optima Red Top will be more battery than I need...

Originally Posted by Brian

Very cool... most people don't think that far in advance... none of you have ever met Alex..... there's a reason for that

I try to be considerate, and I've seen you, Glenn, Jenn, and Ted bitch enough to know better than to be "that guy"... especially not with somebody I like

Originally Posted by Brian

The majority of the work gets done nights, occasionally I'll break away for a few hours during a weekend day....

Yeah, I know... sucks, but it is what it is and I'll deal

Originally Posted by Brian

That's just a waste at this point.... personally though I would've kept it and bombed around @ 12-14psi until the rest of the car was sorted, did the LR and a new turbo/mani/exhaust and then rocked from there..... but that's me....

Yeah, that was the plan... and then the day after DGRR happened

Originally Posted by Brian

Pretty sure Levi stripped out the ABS

I haven't yet, though I would really like to during this down period. I just need to pull information an organize a how-to/DIY so I can get it done in my garage, but NOT pay like $250 for a premade "kit" that is just $100 in line/fittings and a couple valves.

Originally Posted by Brian

and I think I even advocated upping the LR to have the TC.... I'm going to look into putting it into the FB that should be here soon.... DBW, TC... in an FB... yeah.... now were talking

You and/or Glenn did suggest getting the TC option but I opted out since it's not likely something that I will *need* at this time...