Whelp, no turning back now.

[Chris95RT]

Pretty ambitious, enjoy the project.

Just a hint since I've done something similar in the past, and now do it for a livingish... document everything before you start writing code. The key to a successful embedded layout is organization, not quality of code... you would be amazed at how simple to understand somee of the Powertrain code running on your PCM is. Oh, and I would go as simple as possible for your first pass. You're going to run into EMI problem when it gets to the hardware part.

[FluffyCow]

Nice ambitious project. Good luck! Even if you don't get it 100% working, hopefully you get the grade you need!

If this DOES work...then...oh boy I think I'll eventually have a SAFCII for sale..

[Greg E]

Why not design an eprom innerface with the stock mirco-controler? Hardware and software is already there. Just the hardware to edit the code is not...

[jba3]

Interesting. Good luck with it.

[ikOnone]

I submitted my proposal for my senior design project, looks like I need to step up to the plate, and commit to making this damn thing. The overall goal is to make a custom, super affordable, programmable ECU for our cars. The goal by Late April / May is to get the car to start and idle.

Ive been doing TONS of research on this so now its time to get the ball rolling, wish me luck, ill try to keep you guys updated if I have time. Id love any suggestions / feedback as im going as well.

sounds like an awesome project. i did a data aqisition system for the school's sae formula car for my senior design project, it was fun.

just as an fyi, this might not be the case at your school but i thought it was the norm. anything developed at my school using school supplies (oscilloscope for example) is technically owned by the school and you are not allowed to sell it without the schools concent and probably payment to the school. that is how it was at my school at least. would they ever know? maybe not. just saying, something you might want to look into.

[akotten]

sounds like an awesome project. i did a data aqisition system for the school's sae formula car for my senior design project, it was fun.

just as an fyi, this might not be the case at your school but i thought it was the norm. anything developed at my school using school supplies (oscilloscope for example) is technically owned by the school and you are not allowed to sell it without the schools concent and probably payment to the school. that is how it was at my school at least. would they ever know? maybe not. just saying, something you might want to look into.

FSAE is where its at! "Why? Because Race Car!!!" lol

[x2percentmilk]

Thanks guys!

@hdnixon: Ill keep coil on plug applications banked for the future

@Chris95RT: Thanks, im having a hard enough time keeping my research organized haha. I often times slack with documenting, so that is a good tip, ill be keen to keep everything neat and organized. I knew EMI would be coming at some point but I've been trying to forget about it until it happens Perhaps not the best approach, but an approach none the less :P

@Greg E: I dont really enjoy reverse engineering at such a low level, plus with the issues that past projects have and the final costs they ended up with for clunky mediocre user control just kind of scared me. I dont want the ECU to be a restriction as far as tuning goes, wether it is usability, functionality, or cost.

@ikOnone: The way they explained it to us was who pays for the parts owns the work. If there is ever a hassle, I have my own oscilloscope, meters, and other various electronic equipment. Theres alot of free software (KiCAD, for example) out there as well. Also, what I will end up with in may will basically be a mess and more closely resembling a research project than a product, so im hoping they leave me alone

[Chris95RT]

What micro do you plan on using?

[x2percentmilk]

I have experience with freescale 9S12's, but i'll probably end up with a 16 bit PIC. Free development tools, tons of info, and super easy in circuit programming make the PICs pretty attractive.

[Chris95RT]

I'd give some serious thought to a flavor of ARM and leave the Pic(all of them) and HCS12 behind, or PPC depending on if you want an automotive certified part.