Emerald K3 ecu compared to K6 - for a K series

[Adam Godfrey]

I'd like to get a little more power from my 1.6k series, so I'm looking at possible upgrade options.

Budget is limited so I'm looking where I can sensibly save some costs.

I understand that the Emerald Ecus are popular, but don't understand the differences between the K3 and K6 and would appreciate any advice.

Would a secondhand Emerald K3 ecu work ok with my eu3 K series engine?  Would it just fit straight in?

What are the benefits of the newer K6?

thanks

[StevehS3]

You could have the K maps upgrade (re-mapping of your existing ECU) or the Supersport upgrade with new cams and mapping for the existing ECU. Both well proven and worthwhile upgrades.

I don't see that simply changing to a different ECU would gain you anything beyond the above.

[Adam Godfrey]

Thanks Steve.

Sorry I wasn't clear.  I'm not thinking of just changing the ECU.
I'm planning on adding new cams, verniers, upgraded exhaust and possibly head work / throttle bodies.

With that in mind I want to get an Emerald ECU to allow it to be mapped properly, just wondering if a used Emerald K3 would be suitable, or if there are major benefits with the newer K6?

[oilyhands]

There are some advantages with the K6, but most don't have a dramatic impact , a good K3 will be perfect for your planned upgrade path. Some of the K3 ECUs can be upgraded to K6 if you want all the latest bells and whistles, but TBH you shouldn't need to . I have literally hundreds of older K3s and M3DK ECUs in the field all working quite happily on K series engines , EU2 and EU3 and at various different states of tune from stock to 250BHP+.

Oily

[TomB]

I think for our basic need, the K3 adds in 3 map/ switchable map operation compared to the original M3DK, and the K6 adds more things like the ability to cut the spark for traction control, variable cam system like VVC, VTEC  and that sort of advanced stuff.   Emerald website is pretty helpful.  

[oilyhands]

Pretty sure the K3 has VVC and VTEC support,

Oily 

[Adam Godfrey]

Thanks for the info, that is really helpful.

Does anyone know of any lower cost options for the eu3 adapter cable - it is £150 from Emerald, seems expensive for a cable?

[Richard Price]

Does anyone know of any lower cost options for the eu3 adapter cable

 

Yes! Make one yourself....

I bought a scrap EU3 of Ebay for around a tenner, then cut the housing open, unsoldered the connector, then linked the required pins to the ECU connector. 

[oilyhands]

You can hardwire the Emerald connector directly from your existing ECU loom connector, I have the wiring schematic here (and a spare Mems connector or two). It takes time but if you are methodical it can be done in around 2 hours a very low cost.

Oily