vems

VEMS refers to an engine management platform used in automotive applications. It most commonly denotes the Versatile Engine Management System, an open-source, configurable ECU platform designed to control fuel delivery, ignition timing, and various auxiliary functions. In some contexts, the acronym has also appeared as a shorthand for Volvo Engine Management System, reflecting usage in older Volvo setups, though the widely adopted open-source project is the Versatile Engine Management System.

Originating from a community of automotive enthusiasts in the early 2000s, VEMS was created to provide a flexible alternative to proprietary engine control units. The system is designed to accommodate a wide range of engines, including turbocharged and naturally aspirated configurations, and supports multiple fuel delivery schemes, sensors, and actuators. Its modular nature makes it suitable for street cars, race vehicles, and engine swaps.

Hardware and software components form the core of VEMS. The platform involves ECU hardware boards paired with firmware that runs on microcontrollers. It communicates with standard automotive sensors and actuators, such as MAP or MAF sensors, intake air temperature, cooling temperature, crank and cam position sensors, oxygen sensors, fuel injectors, and ignition coils. The accompanying configuration software allows users to map fuel and ignition, tune idle and boost control, and perform data logging for diagnostics and refinement. Wideband O2 sensing and real-time data capture are commonly utilized features.

VEMS is maintained by a volunteer community and distributed as open-source software and hardware designs. Documentation, forums, and project repositories provide setup guidance, tuning strategies, and troubleshooting support, reflecting its role as a collaborative platform for engine management experimentation and tuning.

See also: Megasquirt, aftermarket engine management systems.