expanding the 3sgte, time to upgrade! Options

[pittfirefighter]

OK so now that i finally have my 2nd gen 3sgte running right... its time to start with the upgrades...
Now what has already been done:

EGR eliminated
cold start eliminated
TVIS eliminated
custom side feed intake
2.5" intercooler piping with FMIC
Garrett T25 turbo
0.5mm oversized forged JE pistons
eagle forged rods
tial 38mm wastegate
3" custom exhaust
and many other little things
check my profile for full list..

SO as almost anyone with the 2nd gen... first thing that i absolutely wanted to change was the AFM... grrrrr i hate that thing
now there are basically three options:
1. 3rd gen ECU, someone at mr2oc.com sells a full kit to upgrade your stock wiring harness to fit the 3rd gen ECU, its $700 including ecu and new map sensor and much more
2. piggyback ecu (i looked into the Greddy E-manage)
3. full standalone EMS

**** important info on the greddy e-manage****
this thing is not made for the 3sgte... it causes nothing but trouble for it. I recently spoke with Dr. Tweak and he says to stay away as well. Not only is it built poorly for a Toyota engine (it can't interpret some of the ignition signals) but Greddy is also bankrupt so getting help for this thing is nearly impossible... stay away and you will be happy

so after some consideration.. my first upgrade in a string of upgrades is a giant jump but i think well worth it in the end...


let me know what you think!

[_Jim_]

Hey, I read through your profile and it states you are running a GT2871. So based on that turbo and not knowing your power goals, a full EMS is not needed. If you were to step up to GEN3 electronics, you will have enough fuel to support the power that turbo will make, and eliminate your AFM at the same time. A member over on Mr2oc.com ran this setup, but on a stock GEN3, and with some water/meth injection was able to pull in "355whp" at 29psi. He "suspects" 355whp based on previous dyno runs at lower boost levels and track times to his last 1/4 run....11.9

If you are pretty set on going full Standalone EMS, I would wait until you have everything you "need/want." Meaning if you have plans to run a bigger turbo, install cams, cam gears, Intake manifold (which you state you already have), port/polish head, etc........DO IT FIRST. If you have the EMS installed on your current setup, you will have to pay another 500-800 to have it retuned, (assuming you aren't tuning it yourself) if you upgrade ANY of these parts later.

If you are set on using this turbo, and dont want over 350whp.....I would go with the GEN3 electronics. You will have the reliability and ease of running a factory ECU, and enough fuel to support up too 30psi on this turbo.