Fabman
Dances with Racecars
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That's why I was considering just face plating the tremec. Not as spiffy, but cheaper and simpler.They both have enough injector and coil drivers to sequentially control each cylinder, so that's the same. They both have a good number of analog and digital inputs and outputs, as well as CAN Bus connectivity. That said, in my experience with standalones one of the main things that sets the better ones apart is the flexibility and ability to use certain input data to manipulate outputs in a sophisticated manner. And this comes down to the use case. So it really depends on what you want to do. Nowadays with CAN integration the possibilities have grown exponentially in theory, but in practice it comes down to how well the various modules on your CAN system integrate. Also with PDM's, which are on the CAN as well the possibilities get overwhelming. So an intuitive user interface should also be a big factor in the decision IMO. Take a look at the Haltech R5 as well, since it has a PDM built into the ECU. One less pair of critical components to integrate, especially from different manufacturers.
So I'd think about all the functionality you might want (engine control, traction control, ABS, PDM, data logging, etc), and what the most complicated type of control strategies you can imagine using within and between these systems. Then discuss with the technical teams of any standalone manufacturer you're considering and see if they can do it, and do it intuitively. Not only for systems control but also for failsafes. Think of complex failsafes you might want that say require 3 inputs (maybe one is digital, one analog, and one from a different module on the CAN network) to be within certain ranges and if so then they modify XYZ output in a certain way per gear, or to switch you to a limp mode, or to trigger your battery disconnect to shut down the car, etc. Luckily you are not boosted and don't have a gen3 coyote (dual fuel) so that removes a lot of complexity, but still if you start dreaming up nice to haves it can get pretty complex pretty quickly.
In the end, I did nothing. Yay me.