E-Manage on an S10?
 

Hi guys.
I have a 96 OHV OBDII 2.2L S10. I'm currently learning how to do cylinder head work, and I'm going to do a bit of stuff to my cylinder head, it needed a small amount of work but it will be like new when I'm finished. I have a friend who owns a cylinder head shop and he's teaching me how to cut valve seats and stuff. Anyways.
My truck is a 96. I am looking into converting it to a 97 computer because then I will gain HP Tuners support. However if this is not possible, I'm looking at some different options.
I was planning on going with SDS's Extra Injector Controller. However that wouldn't let me control timing.
I might be able to put a distributor on my truck (don't want to do the $700 MSD timing module for it), as it has the hole in the block and the gear on the cam, its just got a cover bolted over it, like all of the distributorless engines came with. The engine is based on the old 2.0L. I am not sure how the stock computer would react if it had no timing control, however.
I've been looking at the GReddy E-Manage Blue, because it is the same price as the EIC and it seems like it would give me a bit more control.
I'm planning on getting a turbocharger from a MR2 turbo, I believe it is the CT-20B or something like that, it seems aquately sized for my truck from what I've reasearched.
My engine will be getting a full rebuild and I'm going to go with some stronger parts, because I want to have it reliable.
I'm planning on running 8-10 psi, which a completely stock engine will handle fine and net me around 200whp versus the 80hp to the wheels it came with stock.
I can weld, I own a wire feed welder (Hobart Ironman 250) and two TIG machines, however they cannot do aluminum, there DC.
Has anybody here had any experiences with the E-Manage Blue, or have installed one on a 4 cylinder S10, or a 2.2L cavalier, as the wiring is similar and the computers are the same.

Why? Just run megasquirt. It can do more, and it is a fairly cost effective alternative.

How difficult is it to get it up and running? I think the learning curve for tuning would be a lot steeper for megasquirt than for something like the e-manage.

I helped put the first e-manage into an SRT-4 back in 2004 and this was a serious headache. I have put a few e-manages into easier things like Honda's where most of the stuff plugs or wires in easily.

I would not try to put an e-manage onto anything domestic ever again, simple as that. I'm not close minded, actually, yes I am. There are just better options as mentioned.

Well the E-Manage wires into the computer correct? My computer sits on my overflow tank on the fender and you can see the wiring harness, or its easily accessible. I don't forsee it being difficult to hook up, just not sure about it, and I'm not sure if it will work correctly, thats why I' asking.
There was a guy on S10forum with a piggyback computer on his truck, I'm not sure what one it was, I think he mentioned E-Manage.

Let me re-quote what I said before -

"I would not try to put an e-manage onto anything domestic ever again, simple as that. I'm not close minded, actually, yes I am. There are just better options as mentioned."

I would research megasquirt as I bet it has already done to some extent. I saw it being used on a supercharged cobalt SS over a year ago at a dyno day but I have no idea who the guy was just that we has from Southern New Jersey.

Well I have found out what sort of setup the guy was using on S10Forum. It turned out to be the AEM EMS. $2000. It would be cheaper to do megasquirt for sure.

I don't know of anyone local with MS, or any tuning shops.

I dont have any experience with a megasquirt so i cant speak much about it. I have seen a cobalt tuned with one and it ran nice though. I run an emanage in my hyundai accent and have to say i really like it though alot of people look down on it. Did have some problems with the stock ecu tuning out my tune but once i removed the first and second o2 sensors out of the exhaust pipe (left them plugged in, didnt run good at all without them plugged in) my tunes held like a champ and it got even easier to tune. Not saying that will work for you just what worked for me. The emanage is very easy to tune, even easier if you have the fuel injector harness (which does not work on a 95-99 hyundai accent or any hyundai with a beta one motor in it).

The great thing about MS is its DIY. And if you're putting it in a car thats not well documented, you can always just say "---- it" and run it as a complete stand alone, with trigger wheel, VR sensor, and EDIS coils.

Just so it is a known fact, I don't talk down about the e-manage... I just wouldn't put one in something considered domestic ever again. This includes ford, chevy, and dodge.

If it was a Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, I would say rock out with your e-manage, but it is not.