MaxxECU STREET: The Straightforward Standalone ECU With Built-In Wideband

Quick answer: MaxxECU STREET is the straightforward MaxxECU for a simple engine with a cable throttle. It runs up to 6 cylinders fully sequentially, has a built-in wideband lambda controller that takes a Bosch LSU 4.2 or 4.9 sensor wired directly to the ECU with no external box, and a built-in 400 kPa MAP sensor for 3 bar / 43.5 PSI of boost. Six injector outputs, six ignition outputs, four general-purpose outputs, two trigger inputs and 8 MB of 1000 Hz internal logging in a 520 g aluminium case. It does not have drive-by-wire outputs, Bluetooth, knock inputs or EGT inputs — those start at SPORT and RACE.

Rocket Speed Shop is the official MaxxECU distributor for the Baltics. Here is what the STREET does, who it fits, and where its limits are.

Who the MaxxECU STREET is for

In our experience STREET is first and foremost the ECU for a simple, basic engine — typically a naturally aspirated 4- or 6-cylinder with a cable throttle and high-impedance injectors. With 6 injector and 6 ignition outputs it runs a six fully sequentially. We read the output count literally: one injector output and one ignition output per cylinder, because we build engines fully sequential. Batch fuel and wasted spark are possible on every MaxxECU, but they are not how we would plan a new install. It suits:

• Simple naturally aspirated 4 and 6 cylinder engines with a cable throttle — classics, carb-to-EFI and ITB conversions, basic engine swaps.
• Anyone who wants closed-loop lambda control without extra boxes. The internal wideband is the single biggest reason to choose STREET over MINI. Lambda correction, autotune and safety cuts all work from a sensor plugged straight into the ECU.
• Engine swaps where a factory ECU was never going to work and the engine itself is uncomplicated.
• Flex-fuel conversions — E85 blending, flex fuel tables and ethanol content compensation are built in.

The four general-purpose outputs are yours to use as you like — boost control, VVT, a fan, a fuel pump, anything else.

About turbo engines: STREET will run one, and that is a perfectly valid install. But STREET has no knock control, so it is not the first ECU we would recommend for a boosted engine. For a turbo build, look at RACE first.

The one thing that rules STREET out completely is a drive-by-wire throttle body. If your engine has one, you need SPORT or higher. There is no workaround.

Key features

Built-in wideband lambda controller

Supports Bosch LSU 4.2 and 4.9 sensors connected directly to the ECU — no separate controller box, no analog voltage translation, no extra failure point. This enables closed-loop lambda control, lambda fuel correction, lean power cut protection and MTune's local autotune, all of which are effectively unavailable on the MINI.

Built-in 400 kPa MAP sensor

Reads to 3 bar / 43.5 PSI of boost with a supplied push-lock hose kit. One less sensor to mount, wire and calibrate.

Two trigger inputs on a dedicated processor

Both accept VR or digital signals with automatic level detection. Crucially, trigger signals are handled by a completely separate processor from the main CPU — that is what gives MaxxECU its reliability at high RPM and its immunity to ignition interference. Cam and crank sensors are both covered, so VVT engines sync properly.

The same software as every other MaxxECU

The software is identical on every MaxxECU. Three-stage launch control, rolling launch, anti-lag, shift-cut, traction control with power management, closed and open loop boost control, boost level switching, nitrous control, VANOS/VVTi variable valve control, overrun fuel cut, closed-loop anti-stall, flex fuel, per-cylinder fuel trim and speed limiters are all there. Nothing is locked behind a higher model — what limits a smaller ECU is only the number of inputs and outputs and what that hardware can do. On a STREET, that means four general-purpose outputs to share between everything you want to control.

Logging and diagnostics

8 MB of internal logging at up to 1000 Hz with automatic start/stop on user conditions, plus 20 Hz PC logging over a fast USB connection. MTune includes a built-in trigger oscilloscope and trigger logger, which makes diagnosing a difficult crank/cam pattern dramatically easier.

CAN gearbox and vehicle integration

CAN control of BMW DCT, VAG DSG and GEN1 ZF 8HP gearboxes; sequential gearbox control; OEM vehicle CAN and OBDII. Note that on STREET the CAN bus requires additional wires beyond the standard harness.

MaxxECU STREET full specifications

When to consider a bigger MaxxECU

Leave yourself some headroom. A MaxxECU is very capable of controlling far more than just the engine, so it is good practice to choose a unit that leaves a few inputs and outputs in reserve. Ideas develop as the project goes on, and very often the wish list grows — spare I/O means there is something left to use when it does. The ECU is not something you swap later like a sensor: the connectors and harnesses differ between models, so pick the right unit from the start.

Consider SPORT instead of STREET if…

• Drive-by-wire throttle. SPORT has two E-Throttle motor outputs. STREET has none.
• Low-impedance injectors. SPORT uses peak-and-hold drivers rated 8 A per output and takes 1–2 high or low impedance injectors per output. STREET is high impedance only.
• More inputs and outputs. SPORT has 6 spare 0–5 V analog inputs and 7 general-purpose outputs plus 2 motor outputs, against STREET's 4 outputs. If boost control, VVT, a fan and a fuel pump are already on the list, STREET is full on day one.
• Bluetooth and the MDash app. SPORT adds built-in Bluetooth for a wireless dash and logging on Android.

And if the engine is turbocharged, consider going one step further to RACE for knock control and native EGT inputs.

What to buy alongside a MaxxECU STREET

• Pressure sensors — oil pressure and fuel pressure are the two we would fit to every engine. Both can be logged and used for engine protection.
• Temperature sensors — oil temperature, intake air temperature, gearbox or differential temperature, depending on how many inputs you have free.
• Flex fuel sensor — if the car will see E85 or varying ethanol blends.
• Wideband lambda sensor — already included in the kits that come with a harness. You only need to buy a Bosch LSU sensor separately if you order the unit on its own.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between MaxxECU STREET and MINI?

STREET adds a built-in wideband lambda controller, 6 injector and ignition outputs instead of 4, a second trigger input and extra temperature and analog inputs. The software is the same. Because an external wideband controller for a MINI costs about as much as the price difference, STREET is the more sensible choice unless you specifically need the MINI's small size or weather protection.

What is the difference between MaxxECU STREET and SPORT?

SPORT adds E-Throttle drive-by-wire outputs, built-in Bluetooth, peak-and-hold injector drivers that handle low-impedance injectors, 6 extra analog inputs instead of 2, and 7 general-purpose outputs instead of 4. Both run 6 cylinders sequentially and both have a built-in wideband.

Can MaxxECU STREET control a drive-by-wire throttle?

No. STREET has no E-Throttle motor outputs. You need SPORT, RACE, GEN2 TRACK, GEN2 RACE or PRO.

Is MaxxECU STREET a good choice for a turbo engine?

It will run one, but it has no knock control, so it is not our first recommendation for a boosted engine. For turbo builds we would start at RACE, which has two knock sensor inputs and 8 native EGT inputs.

Does MaxxECU STREET support E85 and flex fuel?

Yes. Flex fuel with an ethanol content sensor is a standard feature, including fuel and ignition compensation tables.

Does MaxxECU STREET have knock control?

No. Knock sensor inputs start at RACE and are also on GEN2 TRACK, GEN2 RACE and PRO.

Where can I buy a MaxxECU STREET in Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania?

Rocket Speed Shop is the official MaxxECU distributor for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Authorised-dealer purchase gets you warranty coverage, current firmware and local technical support.

Explore the rest of the MaxxECU range

MINI · SPORT · RACE · GEN2 TRACK · GEN2 RACE · PRO · PDM20 · Expansion Module.

Shop MaxxECU STREET at Rocket Speed Shop →