Optimax V6 ECU

[mikesyam]

Hi
I do car electronics including remapping for a living and im looking for a scrap Optimax V6 ECU to have a look inside to see what processor is used and to see if its possible to play a bit, will pay for it and the postage by paypal.

Thanks Mike

[Bigmuz7]

Why did you pick this engine ? IMHO Mercury make several brands of their engines including semi-race brands available to the general public, but they have mechanical mods to cope with extra power. Do you think the V6's are underpowered, but have strong gearboxes ?

[Dirk Diggler]

Originally Posted by Bigmuz7

Why did you pick this engine ? IMHO Mercury make several brands of their engines including semi-race brands available to the general public, but they have mechanical mods to cope with extra power.

Why not, most people would be happy with a few extra cheap horses. As for mech mods, not necessarily. For instance, the crank in both the 150 Opti and the XS200 race motor is the same item!!!

[Bigmuz7]

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

Why not, most people would be happy with a few extra cheap horses. As for mech mods, not necessarily. For instance, the crank in both the 150 Opti and the XS200 race motor is the same item!!!

Kinda what I was getting at .. its the kind of tech we dont get to see.. but for somone taking an interest like this, so I was interested as to why the OP was looking at this motor, as I totally agree with you Dirk .. take the Verados for example.. all four/three (cant remember now ) of the original line up used the same 2.5 block, but the power outputs varied immensely and must only be down to mapping etc or supercharger size .. but I wonder if they did swap some lower leg components to accomdate the extra power

[mikesyam]

Hi
Wanted a V6 Optimax one as I run a 150 myself and I could use mine to play on but most likely the ECU will be sealed in resin or similar and I want to open a spare one up to see whats inside before I touch mine, still have not got one so any ideas where I might source one would be great.
Thanks Mike

[Searider]

I seem to remember that there's a company in Sweden who will remap Mercury ECUs - so it can be done.

Looking at the 135/150/175 Optimax I believe that the 135 has a different gear ratio but that the 150 and 175 are physically the same engine.

When i've looked at the throttle butterfly on my 150 it doesn't open fully at WOT - despite adjustments being as per Mariner spec and all throttle linkages being locked of with a resin type locking compound. I suspect that this restricts the power down from 175 to 150 - but it can't simply be opened up without remapping the ECU otherwise you run the risk of running lean at the top end?

[Dirk Diggler]

Originally Posted by Searider

Looking at the 135/150/175 Optimax I believe that the 135 has a different gear ratio

Nope, all 3 available as 1.87:1 and 2:1

[Dirk Diggler]

Originally Posted by Searider

When i've looked at the throttle butterfly on my 150 it doesn't open fully at WOT - despite adjustments being as per Mariner spec and all throttle linkages being locked of with a resin type locking compound. I suspect that this restricts the power down from 175 to 150 - but it can't simply be opened up without remapping the ECU otherwise you run the risk of running lean at the top end?

If only it was that simple. The throttle body is the same part no for the 115 opti through to the 200XS, so all the 2.5 litre motors share it.

[Rogue Wave]

I like standasrdisation

[9D280]

Originally Posted by Searider

but it can't simply be opened up without remapping the ECU otherwise you run the risk of running lean at the top end?

Well, unless of course the ECU thinks it's a 175 and as far as it's concerned has a driver at the wheel who is too scared to open the throttle fully? Suz DT25 / 30 had a similer setup 20 odd years ago.

Remember - the more you can standardise & up the volumes, the cheaper they get to make, but Joe punter (i.e. us lot out here) will happily pay lots more for that extra 25 horses.......