Who the VMS is for
The VMS (Vehicle Management System) is an ignition-only ECU aimed at carbureted and mechanically injected drag cars. Fuel is handled by the carb or mechanical pump, and the VMS handles just about everything else from one unit and one connector: eight channels of ignition timing, plus boost, nitrous, launch and transbrake control, staging bump and creep, and datalogging.
For a racer, the appeal is replacing a stack of separate boxes (timing controller, nitrous timers, delay boxes for launch) with one ECU and one tune file.
VMS vs VMS T
| VMS | VMS T | |
|---|---|---|
| Ignition, boost, nitrous, launch, transbrake | Yes | Yes |
| Active torque management | No | Yes, targeting driveshaft rpm, engine rpm or another active channel |
| Logging channels | Up to 20 | Up to 40 |
Torque management is what makes the VMS T interesting for consistency: the ECU works to hold a target, such as a driveshaft speed curve, so passes repeat. Check your class rules first, though, because not every class allows it.
Inputs, outputs and features
- 34-position AMP connector
- 8 ignition outputs
- 2 engine position inputs with broad trigger support, including coil negative triggering
- 2 digital pulsed inputs (digital signals only)
- 9 digital pulsed outputs
- 5 analog voltage inputs
- 1 CAN connection, for Haltech CAN devices only
- USB laptop connection at up to 1 MB/s
- Onboard logging at up to 5 ms sample rate, with 1 MB of internal memory
- Built-in 29 psi (2 bar) MAP sensor
It suits 1 to 8 cylinder engines and 1 to 4 rotor rotaries, naturally aspirated or boosted. Load can come from throttle position, MAP or MAF, and it drives distributor ignition, individual coils or Haltech multiplex CDI setups.
Sealing and specs
The case is rated IP67 once the USB port is sealed with either the waterproof USB extension cable or the waterproof USB cap. Both are sold separately, and we'd fit one on any car that sees wash-downs or wet burnouts.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Supply voltage | 8 to 16 V DC |
| 5V sensor supply | 100 mA max |
| Size | 5.0 x 5.0 x 1.54 in (127 x 127 x 39 mm) |
| Weight | 0.771 lb (350 g) |
With 100 mA available on the 5V supply, add up every sensor you plan to power from it before you wire the car. Nitrous pressure, fuel pressure and throttle sensors all draw a little.
Next steps
For wiring, see the VMS pinout, the universal wiring diagram and the semi-terminated harness diagram. Not sure whether your car needs a VMS or a full fuel and ignition ECU? Book a free 30 minute consultation.
