You don't just change an ECU. Yet it is one of the most common mistakes when upgrading an iGet engine: choosing the wrong ECU because the license plate or year of manufacture is correct, but the engine capacity or emission class is not. This article explains how it works, so that you make the right choice for your specific block and setup.
What does an ECU do?
The ECU controls the injection and ignition of your engine. It determines how much fuel is injected at what time and when ignition takes place. The factory mapping is tailored to the original cylinder capacity, the emission class and the legal speed limit. If you change something in the block, the mapping will no longer be correct automatically.
Euro 4 or Euro 5: why it matters
Euro 4 and Euro 5 blocks are not interchangeable when it comes to ECUs. The hardware, plugs and mapping differ. A Euro 5 ECU does not work on a Euro 4 block, nor vice versa. So always check your emission class first before looking further at engine capacity or brand.
Euro 4 blocks are usually built up to and including year 2020. Euro 5 models are usually from 2021.
Which ECU belongs to which setup?
50cc on Euro 4
If you drive a standard 50cc iGet Euro 4 and want to make the mapping sportier, you need a 50cc ECU for Euro 4. This is tailored to the original cylinder capacity of your block and the associated hardware.
80cc on Euro 4
If you put an 80cc cylinder on a Euro 4 engine, you need an 80cc ECU for Euro 4. Not the 50cc ECU that comes standard, and certainly not a Euro 5 ECU. A 50cc mapping on an 80cc cylinder means that the injection and ignition do not match the larger capacity. This manifests itself in a restless block, driving too lean or too rich and, in the worst case, damage in the long term.
50cc on Euro 5
For a standard 50cc iGet Euro 5 engine with a sportier mapping you need a 50cc ECU for Euro 5. The Malossi Injtronic ECU 5518913B is a well-known example of this. This fits models such as the Piaggio Zip, Liberty, Vespa Sprint and Vespa Primavera in the Euro 5 version.
80cc on Euro 5
If you go to 80cc on a Euro 5 engine, you need an 80cc ECU for Euro 5. Here too, the original 50cc Euro 5 ECU is not tailored to the larger capacity. The mapping is incorrect, the speed limit does not match and you do not get the most out of it.
What do you pay attention to when choosing?
Three things determine which ECU you need:
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Emission class: Euro 4 or Euro 5. This is stated on your registration certificate or type plate.
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Engine capacity: 50cc or 80cc. This is the contents of the cylinder that is now on your block, not the original contents.
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Block type: check whether it is an iGet block with injection. A carburetor block does not have an ECU.
Legal points of interest
A modified ECU can influence the construction speed and type approval. Rules differ per country. You remain responsible for legal use on public roads.
If you are unsure which ECU suits your engine and setup, please contact us customer service from Fresh Parts. Provide your year of manufacture, emission class and current engine capacity and we will take a closer look with you.