Fueltec FT 500 Operating instructions

Programmable Electronic Fuel
Injection and Ignition System
Installation and
Operation Guide

3
1Presentation
The FuelTech FT500 is a real-time fully programmable fuel injection system which allows the adjustment of fuel
and ignition maps according to the engine needs. Programming can be done directly on the module through its 4.3"
touchscreen or via FT Manager Software with USB high-speed communication. Maps and compensations can be set as 2D
or 3D tables, and its resolution can be changed via FT Manager Software. This ECU can be used with any type of Otto
cycle using indirect injection, 2 or 4 strokes, up to 12 cylinders or 4 rotors, gasoline, ethanol, methanol, CNG,
nitromethane and other compatible fuels.
The electronic throttle control is fully integrated to the ECU, adjusted directly on its display without the need for
additional modules or computers. Alerts can be programmed for situations that may be dangerous for the engine like
RPM excess, low oil pressure, engine temperature, among others. These alerts can also be programmed to limit the
engine RPM or shut it off, bringing more security to the end user. The unit also has five fully independent calibrations
stored onboard, allowing different configurations of engines and/or cars.
Ignition can be controlled through distributor or crank trigger. Thus, it is possible to work with a single coil,
double coils or with individual coils per cylinder, in wasted spark or sequential modes. Fuel injectors can be controlled in
sequential mode with individual compensation per cylinder and injection phase angle control. Semi sequential and
multipoint modes are also supported.
The unit also has the favorites menu, which facilitate access to the main menus of the engine tuning, allowing you
to perform quick changes in the maps. The dashboard is fully configurable, allowing the user to change the size and the
type of readings for each parameter as well as the reading limits displayed on the screen.

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2Summary
1Presentation ..........................................................................................................................................................................3
2Summary ...............................................................................................................................................................................4
3Warranty terms......................................................................................................................................................................7
4Characteristics......................................................................................................................................................................8
4.1 Harness connections –24 way connector.............................................................................................................................10
4.2 Harness connections –16 way connector.............................................................................................................................11
4.3 Auxiliary outputs...............................................................................................................................................................................12
4.4 Internal MAP sensor ........................................................................................................................................................................12
4.5 USB port ..............................................................................................................................................................................................12
4.6 FuelTech CAN network ..................................................................................................................................................................12
5First steps with FT500 –read before installation .............................................................................................................13
6Getting to know the ECU...................................................................................................................................................14
6.1 Main Menu........................................................................................................................................................................................14
6.2 Dashboard screen .........................................................................................................................................................................15
6.3 Diagnostic panel ............................................................................................................................................................................16
7Engine settings ...................................................................................................................................................................17
7.1 Engine setup ....................................................................................................................................................................................17
7.2 RPM signal .........................................................................................................................................................................................18
7.3 Ignition................................................................................................................................................................................................20
7.4 Fuel injection ....................................................................................................................................................................................21
7.5 Pedal/throttle ....................................................................................................................................................................................22
7.6 Idle actuators...................................................................................................................................................................................24
7.7 Fuel injectors deadtime................................................................................................................................................................25
7.8 Ignition Dwell ....................................................................................................................................................................................25
7.9 Wiring harness connection table ...............................................................................................................................................25
8FuelTech base map ..........................................................................................................................................................26
9Electrical installation ..........................................................................................................................................................27
10 FT500 connection on previous FT installation ................................................................................................................29
10.1 Connection on an FT200, FT250, FT300, FT350 installation:..............................................................................................29
10.2 Connection on an FT400 installation: ......................................................................................................................................29
10.3 Ignition calibration..........................................................................................................................................................................30
10.4 Injection time differences between FT500 and previous FT ECUs...................................................................................30
11 Fuel injectors.......................................................................................................................................................................31
12 Ignition .................................................................................................................................................................................32
12.1 Ignition with distributor ...................................................................................................................................................................32
12.2 Ignition with crank trigger .............................................................................................................................................................33
13 Sensors and actuators.......................................................................................................................................................36
13.1 Intake air temperature sensor.....................................................................................................................................................36
13.2 Engine temperature sensor .........................................................................................................................................................36
13.3 Fuel and oil pressure sensor –PS-10B.......................................................................................................................................36
13.4 Throttle position sensor (TPS) .........................................................................................................................................................36
13.5 Crank trigger/RPM sensor..............................................................................................................................................................37
13.5.1 Distributor ..................................................................................................................................................................................37
13.5.2 Crank trigger............................................................................................................................................................................37
13.5.3 Crankshaft trigger sensor .....................................................................................................................................................40
13.6 Camshaft position sensor.............................................................................................................................................................41
13.7 O2 sensor ..........................................................................................................................................................................................41
13.8 Step motor –idle speed...............................................................................................................................................................42
14 Auxiliary outputs..................................................................................................................................................................43
14.1 Cooling fan 1 and 2 ......................................................................................................................................................................43
14.2 Air conditioning................................................................................................................................................................................43
14.3 Shift alert ............................................................................................................................................................................................43

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14.4 Fuel pump ........................................................................................................................................................................................43
14.5 Variable camshaft control/Powerglide gearbox ..................................................................................................................44
14.6 Progressive nitrous control ............................................................................................................................................................44
14.7 Boost control.....................................................................................................................................................................................45
15 Electronic throttle control..................................................................................................................................................46
15.1 Connection table –throttle bodies and pedals...................................................................................................................46
16 Sensors and Calibration....................................................................................................................................................47
16.1 TPS calibration..................................................................................................................................................................................47
16.2 Electronic throttle/pedal calibration .........................................................................................................................................47
16.3 Fuel/oil pressure sensors inputs ...................................................................................................................................................48
16.4 Intake air and engine temperature sensors...........................................................................................................................48
16.5 O2 sensor inputs #1 and #2 ......................................................................................................................................................49
16.6 Traction type.....................................................................................................................................................................................50
16.7 Wheel speed (front/rear)...............................................................................................................................................................50
16.8 Driveshaft RPM .................................................................................................................................................................................51
16.9 Gearbox RPM ...................................................................................................................................................................................51
16.10 Gear detection ...............................................................................................................................................................................52
17 Starting the engine for the first time ................................................................................................................................54
17.1 First engine start...............................................................................................................................................................................54
17.2 Ignition calibration..........................................................................................................................................................................54
18 Fuel tables adjust...............................................................................................................................................................56
18.1 Main fuel table ................................................................................................................................................................................56
18.2 Overall fuel trim ...............................................................................................................................................................................56
18.3 RPM compensation .......................................................................................................................................................................57
18.4 O2 Closed Loop..............................................................................................................................................................................57
18.5 TPS idle fuel table............................................................................................................................................................................58
18.6 Acceleration fuel enrichment and decay .............................................................................................................................59
18.7 Engine temperature compensation.........................................................................................................................................60
18.8 Intake air temperature compensation ....................................................................................................................................60
18.9 Battery voltage compensation ..................................................................................................................................................60
18.10 MAP / TPS compensation..............................................................................................................................................................60
18.11 Prime cranking pulse .....................................................................................................................................................................60
18.12 Engine start .......................................................................................................................................................................................61
18.13 Post-start enrichment.....................................................................................................................................................................61
18.14 Individual cylinder trim ..................................................................................................................................................................61
18.15 Rotor compensation......................................................................................................................................................................61
18.16 Enrichment per gear .....................................................................................................................................................................61
18.17 Gear shift fuel enrichment ...........................................................................................................................................................62
18.18 Fuel injection phase angle table ..............................................................................................................................................62
19 Ignition tables adjust .........................................................................................................................................................63
19.1 Main ignition table..........................................................................................................................................................................63
19.2 Overall ignition trim.........................................................................................................................................................................63
19.3 MAP/TPS compensation ................................................................................................................................................................64
19.4 Engine temperature compensation.........................................................................................................................................64
19.5 Intake air temperature compensation ....................................................................................................................................64
19.6 Rotary timing split............................................................................................................................................................................64
19.7 Individual cylinder trim ..................................................................................................................................................................64
19.8 Rotor compensation......................................................................................................................................................................64
19.9 Timing limits.......................................................................................................................................................................................64
19.10 Gear compensation......................................................................................................................................................................65
19.11 Gear shift compensation .............................................................................................................................................................65
20 Other functions...................................................................................................................................................................66
20.1 Internal datalogger ........................................................................................................................................................................66
20.2 Idle speed control ..........................................................................................................................................................................67
20.3 Deceleration cut-off ......................................................................................................................................................................68
20.4 Revolution limiter .............................................................................................................................................................................68
20.5 Shift alert ............................................................................................................................................................................................68

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20.6 Cooling fans 1 and 2 ....................................................................................................................................................................69
20.7 Air conditioning................................................................................................................................................................................69
20.8 Fuel pump ........................................................................................................................................................................................69
20.9 Camshaft control............................................................................................................................................................................70
20.10 Progressive nitrous control ............................................................................................................................................................70
20.11 Boost control.....................................................................................................................................................................................71
20.12 Boost activated output .................................................................................................................................................................71
20.13 Tachometer output ........................................................................................................................................................................71
21 Drag race features ............................................................................................................................................................72
21.1 Burnout mode..................................................................................................................................................................................72
21.2 3-step (boost spool) .......................................................................................................................................................................72
21.3 2-step rev limiter..............................................................................................................................................................................73
21.4 Spool assist table ............................................................................................................................................................................73
21.5 Gear shift output .............................................................................................................................................................................73
21.6 Time based fuel enrichment.......................................................................................................................................................74
21.7 Time based advance/retard timing .........................................................................................................................................74
21.8 Time based revolution limiter ......................................................................................................................................................74
21.9 Time based RPM (retard) ..............................................................................................................................................................74
21.10 Time based speed (cut) ...............................................................................................................................................................75
21.11 Time based speed (retard)..........................................................................................................................................................75
21.12 Pro-Nitrous..........................................................................................................................................................................................76
21.13 Time based output.........................................................................................................................................................................77
22 Alert settings ........................................................................................................................................................................78
22.1 Safe mode RPM limiter .................................................................................................................................................................78
22.2 Alerts....................................................................................................................................................................................................78
23 Favorites ..............................................................................................................................................................................79
24 Interface settings................................................................................................................................................................80
24.1 LCD backlight settings...................................................................................................................................................................80
24.2 Alert sound settings ........................................................................................................................................................................80
24.3 Dashboard setup............................................................................................................................................................................80
24.4 Startup screen selection ...............................................................................................................................................................81
24.5 Clear peaks ......................................................................................................................................................................................81
24.6 Protection setup ..............................................................................................................................................................................81
24.7 Measurement units.........................................................................................................................................................................82
24.8 Demonstration mode....................................................................................................................................................................82
24.9 Touchscreen calibration...............................................................................................................................................................82
24.10 Serial number and software version .........................................................................................................................................82
25 File manager ......................................................................................................................................................................83
25.1 FuelTech base map generator..................................................................................................................................................83
25.2 Edit map file name ........................................................................................................................................................................83
25.3 Copy map to another file............................................................................................................................................................83
25.4 Erase file.............................................................................................................................................................................................83
26 Rotary engines setup.........................................................................................................................................................84
26.1 Crank angle sensor installation and alignment ....................................................................................................................84
26.2 Crank angle sensor wiring ............................................................................................................................................................85
26.3 ECU setup..........................................................................................................................................................................................85
26.4 Ignition coils wiring..........................................................................................................................................................................86
27 FT500 –electrical diagram ..............................................................................................................................................87
27.1 FT500 –4 cylinders –sequential fuel –SparkPRO-2 –wasted spark coil.......................................................................87
27.2 FT500 –4 cylinders –sequential fuel –SparkPRO-4 –coil-on-plug.................................................................................88
27.3 FT500 –2 rotors –sequential fuel –SparkPRO-4 ...................................................................................................................89

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3Warranty terms
The use of this equipment implies the total accordance with the terms described in this manual and
exempts the manufacturer from any responsibility regarding to product misuse.
Read all the information in this manual before starting the product installation.
This product must be installed and tuned by specialized auto shops and/or personnel with experience on
engine tuning.
Before starting any electric installation, disconnect the battery.
The inobservance of any of the warnings or precautions described in this manual might cause engine damage and
lead to the invalidation of this product warranty. The improper use of the product might cause engine damage.
This product does not have a certification for the use on aircraft or any flying devices, as it has not been designed
for such use purpose.
In some countries where an annual inspection of vehicles is enforced, no modification in the OEM ECU is
permitted. Be informed about local laws and regulations prior to the product installation.
Important warnings for proper installation of this product:
Always cut the unused parts of cables off NEVER roll up the excess
The black wire of the harness MUST be connected directly to the , as well as
The use of the 16 way harness is mandatory, even when connecting the FT500 on an installation for
previous FT ECUs.
WARNING
It is a good practice to save your maps on the PC, as a security backup. In case of problems with your ECU,
this will be the guarantee that your calibrations are saved. In some cases, when the ECU is upgraded by the
factory, its memory may be erased also.
Limited Warranty
This product warranty is limited to one year from the date of purchase and covers only manufacturing defects
warranty. In case of product exchange, please contact FuelTech tech support.
Damages caused by misuse of the unit are not covered by the warranty. This analysis is done by FuelTech tech
support team.
The violation of the warranty seal results in the invalidation of the Product Warranty.
Manual version 1.2 June/2015
ECU version 1.40

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4Characteristics
Inputs and specifications
Max RPM: 32000RPM
103 psi internal MAP sensor (7 bar - absolute), 14.7psi of vacuum and 88psi of positive pressure (boost)
4. touchscreen with 16.8 million colors
375MIPS processor (Processing capabilities Millions of Instructions per Second)
Otto cycle engine control: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 cylinders and 2, 3 and 4 rotors
2 injector banks (staged injection banks A and B)
Injection time resolution 0.001ms
Ignition angle resolution 0.01°
11 input channels totally configurable (intake air temperature, coolant temperature, fuel and oil pressure, TPS,
external MAP sensor, electronic throttle and pedal position sensors, etc.)
2 fixed inputs (RPM signal and Cam sync sensor)
4 outputs to control stepper motor (idle air control valve, etc.)
20 configurable output channels (fuel, ignition and auxiliary outputs)
Distributor and crank trigger ignition control
USB port for PC communication through laptop software FT Manager
FuelTech CAN port (CAN communication with FuelTech ECUs and Racepak IQ3 dashes and VNET networks)
Working temperature: -10ºC a 60ºC
Sensors editable reading scales
Functions
Sequential, semi sequential and multipoint fuel control
Wasted spark and sequential ignition control
Idle speed control by electronic throttle, stepper motor, ignition timing and PWM valve
Main fuel map, idle speed and fuel enrichment by MAP or TPS
Real time programmable by the screen or PC through FT Manager Software
Individual fuel and ignition trim per cylinder/rotor
Fuel and ignition maps by 2D table or 3D table (32x32 points)
Configurable fuel and ignition map resolution (through FT Manager Software and USB cable)
Fuel injection phase angle control
Fuel enrichment and decay adjust
Deadtime compensation table by battery voltage
Ignition timing compensation by boost/vacuum and throttle position (TPS)
Fuel compensation by air and coolant temperature and by battery voltage
RPM limiter by fuel and ignition
Deceleration fuel cut-off
Two-step RPM limiter with timing retard and fuel enrichment
Burnout mode
Control of up to two cooling fans by coolant temperature
Prime pulse and post-start enrichment maps
Fuel pump prime control
VTEC control
Progressive nitrous control with timing retard and fuel enrichment
User and tuner protection passwords
Audible and visual alert, including external shift light control
Check control with on-screen warning, safety mode and engine shut-off by exceeded pressure, RPM, coolant
temperature, duty cycle, oil and fuel pressure
Display brightness and sound warning adjusts
5 memory positions to save different adjusts and maps
Dashboard screen
Injection time (in milliseconds), ignition timing (in °BTDC), RPM, TPS (in %), manifold air pressure, air and coolant
temperature in °F, oil and fuel pressure in PSI (including maximum and minimum register)
O2 sensor readings, boost and nitrous, internal datalogger and burnout mode buttons and battery voltage
Internal datalogger
Multiple logs recording, up to 64 channels, over 2h recording
Configurable sampling rate per channel (25Hz, 50Hz, 100Hz and 200Hz)
PC communication through USB cable and channel customization via FT Manager Software

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Weight: 280g (10oz)
Package contents: 1 FT500 ECU
1 wiring harness
1 USB flash drive (contains FT Manager Software, FT guides, etc.)
1 Mini USB cable
1 FT500 installation guide
1 Smart clip support
ECU dimensions: 141mm (5,5in) x 82mm (3,2in) x 33mm (1,3in)

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4.1 Harness connections 24 way connector
Wire color
Pin
Function
Information
Blue #1
24
Blue output #1
These outputs are usually used for injector control. When needed,
they can be configured as auxiliary outputs.
Blue #2
23
Blue output #2
Blue #3
13
Blue output #3
Blue #6
2
Blue output #6
Blue #7
4
Blue output #7
Blue #8
6
Blue output #8
White #4
9
White input #4
Standard: oil pressure
These inputs can be set up as
any kind of analog or digital
sensor.
White #5
7
White input #5
Standard: coolant temperature
White #6
5
White input #6
Standard: fuel pressure
White #7
3
White input #7
Standard: air temperature
White #11
11
White input #11
Standard: TPS signal
Gray #1
18
Gray output #1
These outputs are usually used for ignition control.
When needed, they can be set up as injector outputs or auxiliary
outputs.
By standard, Gray output #8 is used as a tachometer output.
Gray #2
16
Gray output #2
Gray #3
14
Gray output #3
Gray #4
12
Gray output #4
Gray #5
10
Gray output #5
Gray #8
1
Gray output #8
White wire from the
2 core shielded
cable
8
Magnetic RPM sensor
reference
Connected to the negative wire of the magnetic sensor. When OEM
ECU is reading the sensor in parallel, split this wire with OEM sensor
negative Do not connect when using hall effect sensor.
Red wire from the 1
core shielded cable
17
RPM signal input
Connected to the crank trigger sensor (hall or magnetic) or to the
distributor.
Connect the shield to the sensor shield (when applicable)
White wire from the
1 core shielded
cable
15
Cam sync signal input
Connected to the cam sync sensor (hall or magnetic)
Use the shield as negative to the sensor
Red
21
12V input from relay
Connected to the pin 87 of the Main Relay.
Black
19
Battery negative input
Connected directly to the battery negative with no seams. Do not
connect this wire to the chassis, engine block or head.
Black/White
22
Power ground input
Engine ground (head/block). Connect the three black/white wires
from the harnesses in different points of the engine.
Do not connect it directly to the battery negative.
Green/Red
20
5V output for sensors
5V voltage output for TPS, electronic throttle and pedal sensors

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4.2 Harness connections 16 way connector
Wire color
Pin
Function
Information
White #1
1
White input #1
Standard: O2 sensor input
These inputs can be set up as any
kind of analog or digital sensor.
MAP signal output can only be set
up on white #5, #7, #10 or #11.
White #2
5
White input #2
Standard: two-step input
White #3
7
White input #3
Standard: air conditioning button
White #8
12
White input #8
Standard: pedal #2 signal input
White #9
10
White input #9
Standard: pedal #1 signal input
White #10
3
White input #10
MAP signal output or TPS #2
(electronic throttle)
Gray #6
2
Gray output #6
These outputs are usually used for ignition control.
When needed, they can be set up as injector outputs or auxiliary outputs.
Gray #7
4
Gray output #7
Blue #4
6
Blue output #4
These outputs are usually used for injector control. When needed, they can
be configured as auxiliary outputs.
Blue #5
8
Blue output #5
Black/White
9
Power ground inputs
Engine ground (head/block) Connect the three black/white wires from the
harnesses in different points of the engine.
Do not connect it directly to the battery negative.
Black/White
11
Yellow #1
13
Yellow output #1
Electronic throttle and step motor outputs. Also used as injection or auxiliary
outputs (cooling fan, fuel pump, etc.)
Yellow #2
14
Yellow output #2
Yellow #3
15
Yellow output #3
Yellow #4
16
Yellow output #4

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4.3 Auxiliary outputs
in many different ways, they have different capacities according to the function.
Below is some important information about them:
Blue outputs [#1 to #8]:by standard, used as injector outputs. Each one of them can control up to:
6 saturated injectors impedance above 10 Ohms (maximum of 12 injectors considering all of the blue
outputs)
4 saturated injectors impedance between 7 and 10 Ohms (maximum of 8 injectors considering all of
the blue outputs)
The use of a Peak and Hold driver is mandatory when the number of injectors is higher than the maximum quoted
above or when using low impedance injectors (impedance below 7 Ohms).
During the Engine Setup configuration, blue outputs will be selected automatically from Blue #1 to Blue #8.
When more than 8 injector outputs are needed, the ECU will use Gray #1 to Gray #8 or Yellow #1 to Yellow #4. In this
case, the use of a Peak and Hold driver is mandatory on Gray and Yellow outputs (for saturated and low impedance
injectors).
Blue outputs not used to control fuel injectors may be used as auxiliary outputs (controlling fuel pump, cooling
fan, etc.). In this case, the use of a relay is mandatory.
Gray outputs [#1 to #8]: by standard, used as ignition outputs. According to the engine setup, they can be set
up as injectors or auxiliary outputs.
During the Engine Setup configuration, ignition outputs will be selected automatically from Gray #1 to Gray #8.
Gray outputs not used for ignition control can be set up as injectors outputs (the use of a Peak and Hold driver is
mandatory) or as auxiliary outputs (the use of a relay is mandatory).
Yellow outputs [#1 to #4]: (Yellow #1 and #2) or stepper
motor control (Yellow #1 to #4).
Yellow outputs not used for electronic throttle control can be set up as injectors outputs (the use of a Peak and
Hold driver is mandatory) or as auxiliary outputs (the use of a relay is mandatory).
4.4 Internal MAP sensor
This ECU is equipped with an internal MAP sensor. Use a 6mm pneumatic hose (4mm internal diameter) to
connect the sensor to the intake manifold. Pneumatic hoses are flexible, durable and highly resistant. Usually found in
black or blue colors.
When cutting the hoses, make sure the cut is straight and clean as this may cause leakages
fitting to connect to the intake manifold.
Silicon hoses are not recommended because they can be easily bent, blocking vacuum/boost readings on the ECU
MAP sensor.
Use a hose exclusively for FT MAP sensor, avoiding splitting it with valves, gauges, etc. Connect it to any spot
between the throttle and the engine head. Its length must be as short as possible to avoid lags and errors on the sensor
readings.
When using individual throttle bodies, it is a good idea to connect all intake runners into a single point and then
connect to the FT MAP sensor; otherwise, MAP readings may be erratic or inaccurate.
4.5 USB port
The USB cable is used to update the ECU firmware version, setup maps and adjusts trough a computer and FT
Manager software and download data recorded by the internal datalogger.
4.6 FuelTech CAN network
FuelTech CAN port is a 4 way connector placed on the back of the ECU and is responsible for FT500
communication with other FT modules (as KnockMeter and GearController) and Racepak dashboards. A FuelTech CAN-
CAN cable is used to establish a connection between them.

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5First steps with FT500 read before installation
This chapter is a step-by-step guide that must be followed to start FT500 basic setup before electric
installation, as the function of each wire may vary according to engine setup (number of cylinders, injectors control mode,
ignition coils and auxiliary outputs). This guide was develop touchscreen,
but, can also be done by the computer and software FT Manager.
1. Connect FT500 to the computer using the USB cable included on the package. The ECU will be powered up;
2. With the ECU in hands go through chapter 6, that introduces all basic information about menu navigation and
operation;
3. Chapter 7 guides the user through all the menus where data regarding the engine must be setup (crank
trigger signal, injectors and ignition control modes, etc.);
4. In chapter 8 are information about FuelTech Base Map generation;
5. The last step before the electric installation
Settings st option: Wiring harness diagram . Check and write down the connections
and use it as guide to know how functions were allocated to the pins. TIP: take photos with a mobile phone.
6. Chapters 9 to 15 guide through details related to the electrical installation of injectors, coils, 12V inputs,
grounds, sensors, etc. Chapter 26 shows full wiring diagrams as example for your installation;
7. With the electric installation finished, proceed to chapter 16 and check all the information needed for the first
start of the engine, ignition calibration, sensors checking, etc.
8. Lastly, chapters 18 to 25 show detailed descriptions about all functions of the ECU. It is a very interesting
reading; it also details every function and operation that the FT can perform.

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6Getting to know the ECU
6.1 Main Menu
Navigation through touchscreen is intuitive, because the ECU display makes the access to information very easy,
eliminating physical buttons. So, all changes on maps, setups and functions are done by light touches on the screen. To
enter menus, press the screen twice, just like a double click. This is a feature that prevents the user from entering the
wrong menu when managing the ECU inside the car.
When entering a map or setting up a function, there are some buttons on the screen that act as described below:

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Advanced edition mode
In this mode, fuel and ignition maps are shown in 3D tables, as well as individual fuel and ignition trims.
Navigation is pretty simple with useful features to help you:
On-screen mini map on the left corner a mini map shows the actual position on the table (yellow square
for primary bank, purple square for secondary bank) and the real time MAP and RPM conditions of the
motor (yellow square). Click on the mini map to be redirected to the real time condition.
The center cell is the parameter that is being set up at the moment. Click horizontally to navigate through
MAP/TPS cells. Click vertically to navigate through RPM cells.
6.2 Dashboard screen
When the engine is running, the dashboard screen shows real-time information of sensors that are being read by
the ECU. Chapter 24.3 has more information on how to change the instruments on this screen.
To access the dashboard screen, touch the icon located at the main menu.
All maximum and minimum values are saved, and
Minimum and maximum values reached are displayed on the bottom of each frame. Minimum values will be on
the left and maximum values, on the right.

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6.3 Diagnostic panel
The Diagnostic Panel is a tool used to detect anomalies on FT5 inputs, outputs, sensors and actuators. In
order to access it, touch its icon at the main menu.
Information is split on 6 pages:
Page 1: general engine information;
Page 2: status of white inputs;
Page 3: status of blue inputs;
Page 4: status of gray inputs;
Page 5: status of yellow inputs.
Page 6: RPM reading diagnostics.
Pages 2 to 5 shows input/output at the left column, position/command sent to the actuator, (outputs)/voltage
read (inputs) at the central column and the main information used to calculate the position/command at the right column.
For a thermatic fan output, i.e., diagnostic panel shows its status at the center column and the engine coolant
temperature at the right column.
On page 6 are information regarding the engine RPM signal readings. Below are some common erros and
possible causes:
Crank trigger error: gap detected at the wrong spot it detected the gap (missing teeth) in the wrong
place; it can also happen with a trigger wheel without missing tooth when there is a cam sync signal in
the wrong place. Also occurs in engines with a very light flywheel that accelerates and decelerates quickly
during compression strokes at engine startup and running.
Crank trigger error: wrong number of teeth number of teeth is different on the crank trigger wheel
than what is set at ECU. Electrical noise can cause a reading of a "ghost" tooth, for example.
Crank trigger error: missed tooth reading the ECU detected less teeth then it should have. Also
happens in engines with a very light flywheel that accelerate and decelerate very fast during compression
strokes at engine startup and running.
Crank trigger error: abnormal acceleration tooth error detection. Usually caused by signal noise.
Cam sync sensor: signal noise cam sync signal detected in the wrong spot. Typically this error is
caused when the ECU detects noise in the cam sync sensor signal or when the cam trigger wheel has
more than one tooth.
ATTENTION: when the 2-step and 3-step are set to activate by speed, its operation can be checked
through the page 1 of the Diagnostic Panel, not through page 2, since you are not using an analog input
(white wire) to switch
Diagnostic panel labels
Input or output is configured, enabled and working properly.
Input or output is configured and disabled.
Input or output has not been set up.
Input or output is set up, but there is an abnormal behavior.

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7Engine settings
7.1 Engine setup
Engine type and number of cylinders: select the type of engine, piston or
rotary and the number of cylinders or rotors.
Engine limits: setup the maximum RPM and maximum boost.
Maximum engine speed: setup the engine maximum RPM. All fuel and
timing maps will be created with its last point on this RPM. This parameter is
also used to calculate fuel percentage of use.
Maximum boost: maximum boost for fuel and ignition maps. For
naturally aspirated engines, set this option as 0.0 psi. For turbocharged
engines, use 10psi above the maximum boost the engine will effectively be
using. In case of an overboost, the ECU will apply the last injection timing set on
ignition maps.
Firing order: Select the firing order according to your engine:
4 cylinder engines:
1-3-4-2: majority of engines, VW AP, VW Golf, Chevrolet, Ford, Fiat, Honda, etc.;
1-3-2-4: Subaru;
1-4-3-2: air-cooled VW;
5 cylinder engines:
1-2-4-5-3: Audi 5 cylinders, Fiat Marea 20V and VW Jetta 2.5
6 cylinder engines:
1-5-3-6-2-4: GM in line (Opala and Omega), VW VR6 and BMW in line.
1-6-5-4-3-2: GM V6 (S10/Blazer 4.3)
1-4-2-5-3-6: Ford Ranger V6
8 cylinder engines:
1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2: Chevrolet V8 (majority);
1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8: Ford 272, 292, 302, 355, 390, 429, 460;
1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8: Ford 351, 400 and Porsche 928;
1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2: Mercedes-Benz.
10 cylinder engines:
1-10-9-4-3-6-5-8-7-2: Dodge Viper V10;
1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9: BMW S85, Ford V10, Audi, Lamborghini V10;
12 cylinder engines:
1-12-5-8-3-10-6-7-2-11-4-9: Jaguar V12, Audi, VW, Bentley Spyker W12;
1-7-5-11-3-9-6-12-2-8-4-10: 2001 Ferrari 456M GTV12;
1-7-4-10-2-8-6-12-3-9-5-11: 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT;
Customized: full
customization of the firing order.
To setup the firing order use up and down arrows

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Main tables
Main table by MAP: this mode is indicated for turbo or naturally
aspirated engines.
because, the engine vacuum varies under different loads, even with the
throttle on the same position.
TPS compensation is available on fuel and timing maps.
Main table by TPS: this option is mostly used on naturally aspirated
engines with aggressive camshafts, when this causes the vacuum on idle and
under low load conditions to be unstable.
When this option is selected, MAP compensation is available for fuel and timing maps.
TPS idle fuel injection table:
This is the mode the fuel injection on idle speed will be controlled. When enabled, a table that relates injection
time versus engine RPM is activated whenever TPS is equal to 0%. Enable this feature on engines with high
profile camshafts and unstable vacuum on idle.
For street cars with stable vacuum on idle, it is recommended to keep this feature disabled. In this case,
injection time for idle will be set up directly on the vacuum ranges on the main fuel MAP.
Accel fuel enrichment: use this parameter set up as TPS always when
possible, as this sensor is faster than the MAP sensor to indicate a quick
change of position in the throttle.
RPM for engine start: set up a RPM limit above which the start-up routines
are disabled. Below this RPM, all the injection, ignition and actuator
positions set up for engine start are used.
7.2 RPM signal
RPM signal is the most important information to run the engine properly. This
menu is where the RPM input will be set up.
Engines with crank trigger: select the crank trigger pattern.
Engines with distributor: Hall Effect and magnetic distributors are compatible with this ECU. The signal input
configuration must be done according to the number of pick-ups/windows on the distributor.
Engines with crank trigger/distributor (1 ignition coil): In this case, the ECU reads a crank trigger on the crank (or at
the cam), but the ignition distribution occurs on a distributor, through a single coil. In this case, the RPM Signal
configuration remains the same as engines with crank trigger and multi c
distributor. That enables only the ignition output #1. The other outputs stay disabled and unused.
Cylinders
Pickup points on the distributor
ECU configuration
4 cylinders
4 pickup points
2 (crank)/4 (cam)
6 cylinders
6 pickup points
3 (crank)/6 (cam)
8 cylinders
8 pickup points
4 (crank)/8 (cam)

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RPM sensor
Select the RPM sensor used on the vehicle, magnetic or Hall Effect.
VR internal ref: this option may only be selected when using a FT500 on
an installation previously made for older ECUs of FT line (FT200, FT250, FT300,
FT350 or FT400), where the shielded cable is a single way (white wire + shield).
VR Differential: Standard option for FT500. Select this for magnetic
less susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
Hall/VR with pull-up:select when using Hall Effect RPM sensor or when
experiencing problems with electromagnetic interference.
RPM Signal Edge:
one is the correct option (without an oscilloscope), select the option Standard (Falling Edge). If the ECU catches no RPM
signal during initial startup, change this parameter to Inverted (Rising Edge).
First tooth alignment: set here the crank trigger alignment related to the TDC. This
alignment can be checked by turning the engine to the cylinder #1 TDC and
counting, counterclockwise, the distance in teeth, from the crank trigger gap to the
RPM sensor.
On engines using distributor and crank trigger (single coil), lock you
distributor at the default position and start the calibration using 45° on 1st tooth
alignment. Calibrate the ignition by moving only the timing offset. Do not move the
distributor anymore.
Below is a table with known alignment values and configurations for most of the cases:
Crank trigger - pattern
Engine/brand
Recommended
index position
Ignition
calibration
Cam sync sensor
60-2
BMW, Fiat, Ford (Marelli),
Renault, VW, GM
20º (GM)
15º (others)
GM: -3º
Not mandatory
48-2
Not mandatory
36-1
Ford (FIC ECU)
9th tooth
Not mandatory
36-2-2-2
Subaru
5th
-4,3°
Not mandatory
36-2
Toyota
10th tooth
-2,5º
Not mandatory
30-1
Not mandatory
30-2
Not mandatory
24-1
Hayabusa
7th tooth
-4,5°
Not mandatory
24-2
Suzuki Srad 1000
Not mandatory
24 (crank) or 48 (cam)
60º
Falling edge
15-2
Moto Honda CB300R
Not mandatory
12+1
Honda Civic Si
7th or 11th tooth
Not mandatory
12-1
Bikes
Honda/Suzuki/Yamaha
Not mandatory
12-2
Not mandatory
12 (crank) or 24 (cam)
Motorcycles/AEM EPM/
92/95-96/00 Honda
Distributor
Falling edge
8 (crank) or 16 (cam)
Falling edge
4+1 (crank)
Not mandatory
4 (crank) or 8 (cam)
8 cylinders
60°
-10º
Falling edge
3 (crank) or 6 (cam)
6 cylinders
60º
Falling edge
2 (crank) or 4 (cam)
4 cylinders
90º
Falling edge
WARNING: ignition calibration values on this table are just a start point. ALWAYS perform the ignition calibration
according to chapter 16. When the ignition is not correctly calibrated, the timing shown on the ECU screen is different
from the one that is being applied to the engine. This may cause serious damage to the engine.
Cam sync sensor
This option indicates if a cam sync sensor will be used and if it uses a hall
effect or magnetic variable reluctance (VR) sensor. This sensor is mandatory when
controlling fuel or timing in sequential mode.
When experiencing electromagnetic interference on VR sensors try changing
-
Automatic cam sync sensor option is a test mode that automatically
assumes a position for the cam sync signal. Use this only for testing purposes, as
this may cause misfires in some applications.

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Cam sync sensor edge:
telling which one is the correct option (without an oscilloscope), select the option Falling Edge. If the engine starts with
misfires, change this parameter to Rising Edge.
7.3 Ignition
This menu sets everything related to the ignition control mode and there is
Default mode (configurable through the ECU or PC) and Disabled
maps are unavailable and only the fuel control is enabled. Gray outputs are free to
be set up as injectors or auxiliary outputs.
Default: this mode makes available the options that are commonly used for the majority of engines, with standard firing
order tables and configurations. Custom: this mode enables all the options related to the ignition control, as
customizable firing orders and angles, etc. When using this mode, ignition
configuration can only be done through a PC with FT Manager Software.
Ignition mode: select if the ignition will be controlled in sequential (cam
sync sensor needed) or wasted spark modes or if a distributor will be used for that
control. distributor
distributor, with a single coil, regardless of the number of cylinders. Only the
ignition output #1 (gray #1) will be used to control the ignition coil, the others are disabled.
Double coil spark plug wires per coil). Check
Single coil
per cylinder, but
do not have a usable Cam Sync input. In this case, the ECU cannot determine which stroke is compression versus
exhaust, so Wasted Spark with one coil per cylinder is the proper choice.
Ignition output: select the ignition output edge/mode.
oFalling edge (SparkPRO): select this option when using FuelTech
SparkPRO, M&W ignition, smart coils (integrated igniter, such as
GM LS coils). This mode has dwell control enabled.
particular ignition coil(s).
oRising edge (MSD duty 50%): select this option when using
MSD, Crane, Mallory or other capacitive discharge ignitions (CDI).
This mode has a fixed 20% duty cycle signal.
oRising edge (Honda Distributor): this option must only be selected when using Honda distributor with
stock igniter .
IMPORTANT: some ignition modules (like M&W ignition) have configurable trigger edges. Be sure to check this on the
al.
External cut: this mode is only available when using a distributor and a
MSD ignition module. Enabling this option means the ignition cuts will be
performed by the MSD using the Legacy input they have.
To use MSD Legacy cut a FT500 white wire has to be connected to the
MSD Legacy right pin. By standard, White#10 is setup as ignition cut.
Ignition delay time: ime the ignition module has
between receiving a signal to spark and effectively spark at the plugs.
Time is given in microseconds (uS).
For MSD and SparkPRO, ignition delay time is 45uS. For other modules,
check with its manufacturer.

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7.4 Fuel injection
Default: This mode makes available the options that are commonly used for
the majority of engines, with standard injection angles and configurations.
Custom: This mode enables all the options related to the fuel control, as
customizable injection angles, etc. When using this mode, fuel injection
configuration can only be done through a PC with FT Manager Software. It is
also possible to customize all the fuel tables and RPM positions, adding
RPM, TPS or MAP points according to the engine needs.
Fuel banks: select primary and secondary (if used) banks control mode.
Multipoint: all the outputs will fire at the same time, as a batch fire.
Semi-sequential: in this mode, injectors are fired once per engine cycle, at 0° and
360°, in pairs, according to the twin cylinders.
In a 4 cylinder engine, cylinders 1 and 4 will be fired at the same time, then
cylinders 2 and 3 at the same time.
Sequential: in this mode, each injector output fires only a single time per engine
cycle (720° on a 4 stroke). This mode is only available when a cam sync sensor is
properly set up.
total flow:
(primary or secondary). This data is used to allow edition of some fuel
tables in lb/h. I.e., four 80lb/h injectors on primary bank have a total flow
of 320lb/h (80 x 4).
Fuel type: select the fuel used on the motor. This information is used to create a better base map.
Fuel injection phase reference: select if the Fuel injection phase angle table will be based on the injectors
opening or closing. The angular distance is the measure between the ignition TDC of each cylinder and the moment the
injector should open or close.
Fuel injector opening: in this option it is only possible to know the angle the injector will open, but, its
closure will vary according to injection time and RPM, this means that, depending on these factors, the fuel injection
may still be occurring even after the intake valve has closed.
Fuel injector closing (default): This is the most commonly used option as the fuel injection always occurs
before the end of the intake cycle, no matter the injection time or RPM.