Hi Folks,
I know this topic has been discussed a few times on here, but I figured we could start a new thread to better organize the information needed for those considering the switch.
Let's not focus so much on the why's or why not's, as that is a separate discussion of its own; but rather on the process of actually making the switch. For those who are unaware, making the switch to MS43 opens doors on the software/tech side of things, where MS45.1 has essentially been left in the dark. You can learn more about this by reading this thread entirely: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1082287
Some of the benefits:
- Launch control (fixed RPM & selection on the fly via multi-function steering wheel)
- No lift shift (soon)
- Everything needed for tuning (any tuner will now be able to dyno-tune your car)
- Live Tuning (while on the rollers - soon)
- Exhaust pop/burble on decel
- Spark cut in lieu of fuel cut red-line
- and more...
With all of the support on MS43 being readily available now, the software side of things have been well covered. Virginizing MS43 DME's to align with our existing EWS is an option (as well as eliminating the EWS altogether). Now, from what I've been able to learn online, we need the following to successfully switch from MS45.1 to MS43:
- MS43 ECU
- MS43 Engine Harness
- MS43 MAF
- MS43 Intake Temp Sensor (in the manifold, rather than in the MAF)
- LC-2 Wideband (optional)
I'll come back to edit this post later, as I am currently at work - but I figured I'd go ahead and get this online for others to contribute. Feel free to suggest items I've missed or incorrectly listed/described.
Cheers,
PS: Big kudos to the guys on E46F for opening these doors for those running MS43. Without them, none of this would be possible.
Update: I am currently on the hunt for the items needed to complete this conversion. My goal is to photo document this process. The first step will be to layout the MS43 harness next to the MS45.1 harness for comparison. I've been doing some reading online and have found that there are some folks who have run into issues with the alternator and throttle body connectors being different between the harnesses, while others claim that it is plug n play.