Reasons For Selecting A Higher Spec Elite ECU

Reasons For Selecting A Higher Spec Elite ECU

The following is a guide to why in the real world you would want to select a higher model of Elite ECU over the more basic models.  It should be kept in mind that the ECU cannot be upgraded after purchasing.

The correct model to choose depends on the number of cylinders or rotors that the engine has.  For rotary engines, a 2-rotor will use the same ECU as a 4-cylinder, a 3-rotor will use the same ECU as a 6-cylinder, and a 4-rotor will use the same ECU as an 8-cylinder.

For a full comparison list of features, a link is provided below

Haltech ECU comparison table


4 Cylinder Engines

Base Elite ECU Model is Elite 550


This model has 4x fuel and 4x ignition outputs, so full sequential fuel control and direct fire ignition are available.



Elite 750 or 950 - Upgrading Benefits (over the Elite 550)


  1. Elite 950. The Elite 950 is the better choice than the Elite 750 because it has 8x fuel and 4x ignition outputs, with injector drivers being able to handle higher current devices. It also means you can add a second stage of injectors should you ever need them.  950 and 750 are the same price so go for the Elite 950 as your first upgrade path.
  2. Long Term Fuel Learning.  The ECU when used in conjunction with a wideband oxygen sensor can over time automatically learn where changes in the Base Fuel Table may need to be made.
  3. Internal Memory Datalogging.  The ECU can datalog to internal memory which can help record information while you are driving without a laptop being connected. Later this data can be retrieved and viewed.
  4. Outputs can be re-assigned.  Any unused output can be re-purposed to provide additional functionality.
  5. Flex Fuel.  A flex fuel sensor can be added to the Elite 950 meaning that mixing of E85 and petrol can be tuned for.
  6. Variable Cam. Single variable cam can be used so long as the cam sensor is used for engine sync and cam position.



Elite 1000 - Upgrading Benefits (over the Elite 950)


  1. More I/O. The Elite 1000 is a 2-connector ECU model and has an extra 26-pin connector over the Elite 550/750/950 models. This means it has many more inputs and outputs to handle more sensors and devices.
  2. Knock Control. This allows a knock sensor to be connected and short term retard can be performed when knock is detected.
  3. Engine Protection (Single Level). Engine Protection can be configured to try and prevent engine damage when a sensor has detected a dangerous condition.
  4. Dual CAN Bus. A second CAN bus is available meaning you can use most Haltech CAN devices and also transmit OBD2 data at the same time.
  5. Traction Control. With wheel speed sensors being connected traction control can be used
  6. Launch Control. Dedicated launch control tables help get you off the line
  7. Anti-Lag. Allows lift-off anti-lag to be used on this ECU model.
  8. Closed Loop Boost Control.  Boost can be Targeted in Closed Loop, meaning the ECU will try to reach the pre-set target on its own.
  9. Variable Cams. Up to 2x variable cams can be used.
  10. Datalogging.  Improved number of channels available.



Elite 1500 - Upgrading Benefits (over the Elite 1000)


  1. Drive By Wire. DBW support allows cruise control, full control of throttle mapping, and improved idle control.
  2. 4D mapping. This allows vastly improved Flex Fuel tuning as well as long term learning over different ethanol percentages. Mapping over Cam Control is also possible or up to 8x fuel and ignition maps can be programmed.
  3. Vehicle CAN Bus Support. The Elite 1500 has the ability to communicate with selected OEM CAN dash and ABS systems.
  4. Knock Control Long Term Learning. Long term learning can be utilised to apply ignition retard corrections where an engine is ignition timing limited due to knock. When used in conjunction with flex fuel prevents learned retard events from one fuel type affecting another, giving a better overall tune.
  5. Variable Cams.  Up to 4x variable cams can be used.
  6. Engine Protection. Up to 3x levels of engine protection can be programmed.
  7. Trans Brake Control.  Allows programming of Trans Brake control systems including Bump or Creep functionality.
  8. Datalogging.  Improved sample rate and more channels can be recorded to internal memory.
  9. N2O Control.  Up to 6x stages can be programmed.
  10. Flat Shift.  Closed loop control of flat shift for sequential gearboxes.
  11. CO2 Boost Control. Allows dual-solenoid CO2 boost control.






6 Cylinder Engines

Base ECU Model is Elite 550


This model has 4x fuel and 4x ignition outputs.  This means that only semi-sequential fuel and waste spark ignition can be used with a 6-cylinder engine.


Elite 750 or 950 - Upgrading Benefits (over the Elite 550)


  1. Elite 750. The Elite 750 is the better choice than the Elite 950 because it has 6x fuel and 6x ignition outputs which will allow sequential fuel control and direct fire ignition on a 6-cylinder engine.
  2. Long Term Fuel Learning.  The ECU when used in conjunction with a wideband oxygen sensor can over time automatically learn where changes in the Base Fuel Table may need to be made.
  3. Internal Memory Datalogging.  The ECU can datalog to internal memory which can help record information while you are driving without a laptop being connected. Later this data can be retrieved and viewed.
  4. Outputs can be re-assigned.  Any unused output can be re-purposed to provide additional functionality.
  5. Flex Fuel.  A flex fuel sensor can be added to the Elite 750 meaning that mixing of E85 and petrol can be tuned for.
  6. Variable Cam. Single variable cam can be used so long as the cam sensor is used for engine sync and cam position.



Elite 2000 - Upgrading Benefits (over the Elite 750)


The Elite 1000 and 1500 models being a 4x fuel and 4x ignition ECU are not a suitable upgrade path for a 6-cylinder engine. Instead, the Elite 2000 is the next model up from an Elite 750.
  1. More I/O. The Elite 2000 is a 2-connector ECU model and has an extra 26-pin connector over the Elite 550 and 750 models. This means it has many more inputs and outputs to handle more sensors and devices.
  2. Knock Control. This allows up to 2x knock sensors to be connected and short term retard can be performed when knock is detected.
  3. Engine Protection (Single Level). Engine Protection can be configured to try and prevent engine damage when a sensor has detected a dangerous condition.
  4. Dual CAN Bus. A second CAN bus is available meaning you can use most Haltech CAN devices and also transmit OBD2 data at the same time.
  5. Traction Control. With wheel speed sensors being connected traction control can be used.
  6. Launch Control. Dedicated launch control tables help get you off the line.
  7. Anti-Lag. Allows lift-off anti-lag to be used on this ECU model.
  8. Closed Loop Boost Control.  Boost can be Targeted in Closed Loop, meaning the ECU will try to reach the pre-set Target on its own.
  9. Variable Cams. Up to 2x variable cams can be used.
  10. Datalogging.  Improved number of channels available.



Elite 2500 - Upgrading Benefits (over the Elite 2000)


  1. Drive By Wire. DBW support allows cruise control, full control of throttle mapping, and improved idle control.
  2. 4D mapping. This allows vastly improved Flex Fuel tuning as well as long term learning over different ethanol percentages. Mapping over Cam Control is also possible or up to 8x fuel and ignition maps can be programmed.
  3. Vehicle CAN Bus Support. The Elite 2500 has the ability to communicate with selected OEM CAN dash and ABS systems.
  4. Knock Control Long Term Learning. Long term learning can be utilised to apply ignition retard corrections where an engine is ignition timing limited due to knock. When used in conjunction with flex fuel prevents learned retard events from one fuel type affecting another, giving a better overall tune.
  5. Variable Cams.  Up to 4x variable cams can be used.
  6. Engine Protection. Up to 3x levels of engine protection can be programmed.
  7. Trans Brake Control.  Allows programming of Trans Brake control systems including Bump or Creep functionality.
  8. Datalogging.  Improved sample rate and more channels can be recorded to internal memory.
  9. N2O Control.  Up to 6x stages can be programmed.
  10. Flat Shift.  Closed loop control of flat shift for sequential gearboxes.
  11. CO2 Boost Control. Allows dual-solenoid CO2 boost control.






8 Cylinder Engines

Base ECU Model is Elite 550


This model has 4x fuel and 4x ignition outputs.  This means that only semi-sequential fuel and waste spark ignition can be used with an 8-cylinder engine.


Elite 750 or 950 - Upgrading Benefits (over the Elite 550)


  1. Elite 950. The Elite 950 is the better choice over the Elite 750 because it has 8x fuel and 4x ignition outputs which will allow sequential fuel control on an 8-cylinder engine. Ignition is still limited to Waste Spark.
  2. Long Term Fuel Learning.  The ECU when used in conjunction with a wideband oxygen sensor can over time automatically learn where changes in the Base Fuel Table may need to be made. This can also be done per-bank on a V8.
  3. Internal Memory Datalogging.  The ECU can datalog to internal memory which can help record information while you are driving without a laptop being connected. Later this data can be retrieved and viewed.
  4. Outputs can be re-assigned.  Any unused output can be re-purposed to provide additional functionality.
  5. Flex Fuel.  A flex fuel sensor can be added to the Elite 950 meaning that mixing of E85 and petrol can be tuned for.
  6. Variable Cam. Single variable cam can be used so long as the cam sensor is used for engine sync and cam position.



Elite 2000 - Upgrading Benefits (over the Elite 750)


The Elite 1000 and 1500 models being a 4x fuel and 4x ignition ECU are not a suitable upgrade path for an 8-cylinder engine. Instead, the Elite 2000 is the next model up from an Elite 950.
  1. More I/O. The Elite 2000 is a 2-connector ECU model and has an extra 26-pin connector over the Elite 550 and 950 models. This means it has many more inputs and outputs to handle more sensors and devices.
  2. Direct Fire Ignition. Coil on plug ignition is possible on an 8-cylinder engine with the Elite 2000 ECU.
  3. Knock Control. This allows up to 2x knock sensors to be connected and short term retard can be performed when knock is detected.
  4. Engine Protection (Single Level). Engine Protection can be configured to try and prevent engine damage when a sensor has detected a dangerous condition.
  5. Dual CAN Bus. A second CAN bus is available meaning you can use most Haltech CAN devices and also transmit OBD2 data at the same time.
  6. Traction Control. With wheel speed sensors being connected traction control can be used
  7. Launch Control. Dedicated launch control tables help get you off the line
  8. Anti-Lag. Allows lift-off anti-lag to be used on this ECU model.
  9. Closed Loop Boost Control.  Boost can be Targeted in Closed Loop, meaning the ECU will try to reach the pre-set Target on its own.
  10. Variable Cams. Up to 2x variable cams can be used.
  11. Datalogging.  Improved number of channels available.



Elite 2500 - Upgrading Benefits (over the Elite 2000)


  1. Drive By Wire. DBW support allows cruise control, full control of throttle mapping, and improved idle control.
  2. 4D mapping. This allows vastly improved Flex Fuel tuning as well as long term learning over different ethanol percentages. Mapping over Cam Control is also possible or up to 8x fuel and ignition maps can be programmed.
  3. Vehicle CAN Bus Support. The Elite 2500 has the ability to communicate with selected OEM CAN dash and ABS systems.
  4. Knock Control Long Term Learning. Long term learning can be utilised to apply ignition retard corrections where an engine is ignition timing limited due to knock. When used in conjunction with flex fuel prevents learned retard events from one fuel type affecting another, giving a better overall tune.
  5. Variable Cams.  Up to 4x variable cams can be used.
  6. Engine Protection. Up to 3x levels of engine protection can be programmed.
  7. Trans Brake Control.  Allows programming of Trans Brake control systems including Bump or Creep functionality.
  8. Datalogging.  Improved sample rate and more channels can be recorded to internal memory.
  9. N2O Control.  Up to 6x stages can be programmed.
  10. Flat Shift.  Closed loop control of flat shift for sequential gearboxes.
  11. CO2 Boost Control. Allows dual-solenoid CO2 boost control.


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