The foundation for a 5.7 Swap

The choice was between the FAST XFI 2.0 and the Megasquirt 3x for me. The two systems nearly match each other in features, while the FAST XFI cost ~$3000, and the MS3x cost ~$1200-1800 for me (the base unit is like $650 from DIY, but you need a number of other things to "complete" the kit for comparing it to the XFI).

For those who are interested, here is a comparison put together by Matt Creamer at DIYautotune (check out their dragpak chally on youtube):

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The FAST XFI and MS3 are pretty similar on paper. I'm looking through
the FAST manual to see if there's any major differences, and here's what
I have noticed. Look like some points land in favor of FAST and some for
MS3. Overall, the MS3 has a bit more precise fuel control.

1. The fuel and ignition tuning process is almost EXACTLY the same for
the main fuel and spark maps. Unlike some of the other John Meany ECUs,
the FAST system uses a VE type fuel table, which MS also does.

2. The only acceleration enrichment option in FAST is a "accelerator
pump" type enrichment; MS3 (and MS2) also has a model based acceleration
enrichment that is a bit more sophisticated. This generally has very
little effect on a drag car; it's more useful on a road racer.

3. FAST has more nitrous channels (4 instead of 2), while MS3 can run
its nitrous control progressively.

4. FAST boost control is closed loop only. MS3 (and MS2) has closed and
open loop boost control. MS3 can also adjust boost as a function of
vehicle speed - although this is not allowed in the NHRA.

5. FAST has a dedicated EGR function (this could be done with a generic
output on MS3).

6. FAST has a time based traction control option to meet NHRA rules
against monitoring wheel speed.

7. FAST individual cylinder corrections are a fixed percent or degree.
MS3 has 6 x 6 tables for each cylinder.

8. FAST has 8 extra analog inputs; MS3 has 3 to 5 depending on setup.

9. FAST can switch between 4 internally stored maps; MS3 has 2.

10. FAST does not support MAF input or blending alpha N with speed
density. MS3 (and MS2) supports both.

11. FAST does not seem to have the same sort of gradual staged injection
capabilities as MS3 and MS2, although I could be wrong.

Thanks,

Matt Cramer
DIYAutoTune.com
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I also spoke with fastmanefi (fastmanefi.com) about the FAST system, and he gave a great sales pitch for their product. It is a complete stand alone system that you can plug and play. Apparently the XFI system (not hemi specific) is popular among the competitive national drag racers. Further, the XFI 2.0 is supposed to be able to "tune itself". Granted, the high HP jobs, this wouldn't work with.

The XFI is truly a plug and play (with some computer inputs, I'm sure), while the MS3x requires you to wire the system and input some variables.