While the manual (included on the CD-ROM) gives the full details of how to
set up and tune your MSPNP, this Quick Start Guide gives you the basics of
what’s involved. The CD-ROM will install the tuning software and the full
version of the manual. It’s a good idea to get the software installed
before installing the MSPNP, as it’s very helpful when getting the timing set.
Your MSPNP connects to the computer with the supplied tuning cable.
First, you will remove the stock ECU, located behind the passenger seat,
under the
carpeting on the firewall. The MSPNP plugs into the stock wiring harness,
and you will also need to run a line for the MAP sensor (located on the side
of the MSPNP unit). The MAP line runs from the nipple on the middle of the
intake plenum (use the included vacuum tee), thru the existing hole in the
firewall, to
the MAP sensor nipple on the side of your MSPNP ECU. The pictures
below show a suggested routing for the MAP line.
Turn your key to the ON position, but don't start the car yet.
Plug the tuning cable into the MSPNP, and into your laptop or PC.
Install the software on the supplied CD-ROM and then run MegaTune.
Select the correct 'project' for with or without MAF (most likely with at
this point) and once MegaTune loads open the Communications Menu and choose
Settings. Select the correct COM port you've plugged the MSPNP into
(check Device Manager for a list if you need it) and verify the 'Serial Data
Rate' is set to 9600. Click the 'Click to Test' button and you should get a
'Success' Message. If not you've probably selected the wrong COM port.
Find the right one before you continue.
Start the car (it should start with
no tuning changes on engines with the stock injectors) and set the base
timing. Setting the timing will be easiest to do with MegaTune connected to
the MSPNP, as you can adjust the timing within MegaTune. Connect to the MSPNP
with the tuning software, go to the Spark Settings menu and set Fixed Angle
to 10, then adjust the Trigger Angle until you read 10 degrees with a timing
light. If the trigger angle needs to be less than 50 degrees to get your
base timing right then set trigger angle to 55 and instead adjust the cam
angle sensor to set your base timing, just like adjusting timing on a stock
Miata. Then set Fixed Angle back to -10 to enable spark advance. It’s very
important to get the base timing set correctly, as running with the
incorrect timing advance can damage your engine. See the manual for
full details on setting base timing, including a video.
Once you have the engine running and the timing set, you’re
now ready to start tuning. The base map was developed for a stock Miata, but
you’re best off tuning the engine (ideally by a qualified tuner on a
steady-state chassis dyno) before you really push it hard. For more details
of what’s involved in tuning the MSPNP and how to use the features it offers
such as the ability to eliminate the MAF, see the full manual on the CD.
In fact… for more information and the installation
process in detail, see the manual on the CD-ROM…
