Pico • Rust • ECU

Building a Modern ECU for a 1988 Corolla AE92

Follow along as we transform a classic 1988 Toyota Corolla AE92 5A-FE into a modern machine. Complete mechanical overhaul, delete all vacuum-controlled systems, install coil-over-plugs, MAP sensor, Drive-By-Wire throttle, and integrate a Golf MK5 dashboard using CAN bus—all controlled by a Rust-powered Raspberry Pi Pico ECU.

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Modernize Your 1988 AE92 to 2026 Standards

Delete old tech, add modern efficiency: 100% Rust, 100% Pico, 100% power gains

Embedded Rust Mastery

Learn Rust from scratch and progress to bare-metal programming on the RP2040 microcontroller

Drive-By-Wire Throttle

Replace mechanical cable with electronic throttle featuring PID control, cruise control readiness, and fail-safe modes

MAP Sensor Speed-Density

Delete restrictive AFM and vacuum systems, use modern MAP sensor for instant load calculation and better power

Coil-Over-Plug Ignition

Delete the distributor and add individual coils per cylinder with advanced timing control and knock detection

CAN Bus Integration

Implement BCU communication, OBD-II diagnostics, and multi-ECU networking

Golf MK5 Transplant

Learn to integrate Golf MK5 dashboard, switches, and accessories into Corolla via CAN bus

Complete ECU Build

Assemble fuel injection, ignition, sensors, actuators, and diagnostics into production ECU

30 Comprehensive Chapters

Complete modernization: From Rust basics to driving your 2026-efficient AE92

Chapters 1-5

Rust Foundations

  • Why Rust & Pico for Engine Control
  • Variables, Types, and Functions
  • Ownership & Borrowing
  • Structs, Enums & Pattern Matching
  • Error Handling & Safety
Chapters 6-10

Pico Embedded Development

  • Development Environment Setup
  • GPIO, Interrupts & Timers
  • ADC for Sensor Reading
  • PWM & Motor Control
  • Multi-Core Programming
Chapters 11-15

Drive-By-Wire System

  • DBW Architecture & Safety
  • Pedal & Throttle Position Sensors
  • H-Bridge Motor Drivers
  • PID Control Implementation
  • Fail-Safe & Redundancy
Chapters 16-20

Ignition & Timing Control

  • Crankshaft Position Decoding
  • Camshaft Sync & Cylinder ID
  • Ignition Dwell & Spark Control
  • Timing Advance Maps
  • Knock Detection & Retard
Chapters 21-25

MAP Sensor & Fuel Control

  • Replacing AFM with MAP Sensor
  • Sequential Fuel Injection
  • VE Tables & Fuel Maps
  • Wideband O2 & Lambda Control
Chapters 26-30

Golf MK5 CAN Integration

  • CAN Bus Fundamentals & BCU
  • Decoding VW CAN Protocol
  • Golf MK5 Dashboard in AE92
  • Switches & Accessory Control
Explore all 30 chapters

Real-World Projects You'll Build

Hands-on experience with production-ready automotive systems

Drive-By-Wire Throttle

Complete electronic throttle control system with safety interlocks, fail-safe modes, and smooth PID positioning

PicoH-BridgePIDSafety

Ignition Control System

Advanced timing control with crank/cam sync, dwell management, advance mapping, and knock response

PIOInterruptsMapsReal-time

CAN-Based Dashboard

Integrate Golf MK5 instrument cluster and controls into Corolla using CAN bus translation and mapping

CANBCUOBD-IIIntegration

Coil-Over-Plug Ignition

Delete the distributor, install 4 individual coils, decode crank position with PIO, and implement advanced timing control with knock detection

PIOVR SensorTiming MapsDwell

MAP-Based Fuel Control

Replace AFM with solid-state MAP sensor, implement speed-density calculation, sequential injection, and closed-loop O2 control

MAPVE TablesSequentialLambda

Golf MK5 Interior Swap

Integrate complete VW Golf MK5 dashboard, climate controls, and accessories into AE92 Corolla using CAN bus translation

CAN BusBCUVW ProtocolDashboard

Transform Your 1988 AE92 Today

Start with Rust basics and build your way to a complete, modern ECU. Delete old tech, add 2026 efficiency. Your classic Corolla deserves modern performance.

Begin Your Journey