The Emtron KV8 is a wire-in motorsport ECU supporting up to 8-cylinder engines with fully sequential injection and ignition. Built around a high-resolution I/O architecture — 16 analog inputs, 14 digital inputs, 16 auxiliary outputs — the KV8 handles dual drive-by-wire, dual wide-band lambda, dual knock control, and onboard logging at up to 500 Hz, all within a CNC-machined aluminium enclosure connected via Ethernet to Emtune tuning software.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Ignition outputs | 8, fully sequential |
| Injection outputs | 8, fully sequential |
| Analog inputs | 16 (12-bit, 1.22 mV resolution) |
| Digital inputs | 14 |
| Auxiliary outputs | 16 |
| Drive by Wire | Dual (up to 2 throttle bodies) |
| Lambda controllers | 2× on-board, LSU4.9 and LSU4.9ADV |
| Knock control | 2× digital, fully differential inputs |
| Onboard logging | Up to 500 Hz |
| CAN | 2× CAN 2.0B 1 Mbit/s — 6 channels per node, 128 messages total |
| Ethernet | 100 Mbit/s (tuning software connection) |
| Accelerometer | 3-axis, 16-bit (±2 g / ±4 g / ±8 g selectable) |
| Barometric sensor | On-board, 40–115 kPa |
| Oscilloscope | 4-channel, 32 MB storage, 100k samples/second |
| Operating temperature | −30 to 110°C max; −30 to 85°C recommended |
| Enclosure | Aluminium 6061 CNC billet |
| Dimensions | 134 × 162 × 27 mm |
| Weight | 730 g |
| Connector system | 120-way Super Seal, gold-plated contacts, 1 mm pin diameter |
Engine Management Capabilities
- Variable Valve Timing (VVT and VTiE) — cam phaser and electric VVT control
- Traction control and torque management — wheel speed inputs, configurable slip targets
- Gearshift control — ignition cut, injection cut, gearshift solenoid outputs
- Boost control — solenoid driver with closed-loop boost targets
- Nitrous control — staged nitrous solenoid outputs
- Stepper motor control — idle speed and throttle bypass stepper support
Accessories
- KV ECU Connector Kit — all connectors and seals for harness build
- KV Series ABCD Plug Kit — individual connector plugs A–D
- Emtron ECU Tuning Cable — Ethernet connection for Emtune software
- Ethernet RJ45 Socket, Unterminated 2 m — alternative to tuning cable; loom-integrated panel socket for permanent Ethernet access
- KV Series Mounting Kit — brackets and hardware for chassis mounting
- Emtron ED7 Display — CAN-connected motorsport display
FAQ
What engines is the Emtron KV8 suited to?
The KV8 supports up to 8-cylinder engines with fully sequential injection and ignition — naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and supercharged applications including 4-cylinder, inline-6, V6, and V8 configurations. Unused channels on smaller engines remain inactive.
Does the KV8 support drive-by-wire?
Yes. Dual DBW control for up to 2 independent electronic throttle bodies, with configurable target maps and safety monitoring built in.
What software is used to tune the Emtron KV8?
Emtron ECUs are calibrated using Emtune software, connected via Ethernet using the Emtron tuning cable. Emtune runs on Windows and covers all KV series functions including live tuning, logging, and the onboard oscilloscope.
Does the KV8 have onboard data logging?
Yes — up to 500 Hz with a configurable channel list. The 4-channel onboard oscilloscope allows real-time signal diagnosis without external hardware.
What is the difference between the KV8, KV12, KV16, and KV16M?
The KV8 supports up to 8 cylinders (8 injection, 8 ignition). The KV12 adds 12-channel sequential control and direct injection capability via the Bosch HPI5 driver. The KV16 expands to 16 injection channels for staged injection on 8-cylinder engines and adds quad DBW. The KV16M matches the KV16 output count, upgrades to 24 analog inputs, and uses a 136-way Deutsch Autosport connector system.
What is the lead time and delivery?
The KV8 is a 7-day special order item. XTRA Motorsport dispatches from EU stock via DHL/UPS across Europe.
JR Motorsport –
Xtra Motorsport’s service truly exceeded expectations, providing exceptional support and expertise in maximizing the potential of the Emtron KV8 on our BMW M3 S54B32 Engine. Highly satisfied with both the product and their service!