EMS vs DSMLink

[sheffester]

Which one would be the best bang for the buck between an AEM EMS and DSMLink??? And if I purchased an EMS, would I need a Wideband O2?? Or can I get away with just the EMS?? Thanks a bunch everyone!

 

[FORMONTOYA]

Well, since I run DSMLink I'll have to vote for it.

One thing you have to remember is that DSMLink is made specifically for DSMs, while the AEM EMS is a "generic" unit that can be used for different platforms. Also, with very little effort you can "figure out" DSMLink so you can tune it yourself. While it will probably take you longer to get good with the EMS.

 

[sheffester]

So, in the long run, DSMLink would still be the best option??? Now, if my computer is going bad, would I have to buy a new computer and DSMLink??? Or is DSMLink the computer???

 

[snowborder714]

I think that DSMLink is the best option. It's cheaper, not hard to figure out, and as stated, is made for our cars. Yes, you do need a computer to run DSMLink. Not a top of the line one, but something decent will work. DSMLink will also require you to get an EPROM ECU so that they can socket the ECU to put the chip in. Go DSMLink's website (www.dsmlink.com) to find out all about it, what kind of computer they recommend, how to tell the difference between an EPROM and Non-EPROM ECU, and lots more.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

When you purchase DSMLink you're purchasing their chip, cable, and access to the forums for tech support (this is very nice as it only has people that actually own DSMLink), you will have to either socket your ECU, have someone local do it, or send them your ECU if you want them to socket it for you. How ever you do it you will have to have an operable EPROM ECU to begin with.

I don't know how much AEM is, but a DSMLink package is roughly $600 for DSMLink, ~$100 for a laptop (if you don't have one), and ~$200+ for an operable EPROM ECU (if in fact you need one) for a total of ~$900 if you need everything.

Additional "nice-to-have" would be a WB O2-~$200 no display and at least a 3BAR MAP-~$100 which would bring the total for a complete package to ~$1200 if you purchased everything for a package that will carry your car into the 10s no problem, easy to use/tune/log plus a slew of options. For a DSM very few people will need more.

 

[sheffester]

When I said computer, I meant ECU. I think my ECU is going bad, and want to replace it with something I can expand with and not have to upgrade in the future. That being said, what does everyone think is my best option?? Still DSMLink?? Thanks again everyone

 

[BGGSTin]

I'd say go for DSMLink it's perfectly suitable for daily driving or a track car. The AEM I wouldn't say is "generic" because it far surpasses DSMLink in everyway, but for the cost and for how well DSMLink works without having to redo your wiring I'd vote for it. If you have the money and know what your doing and don't have a problem rewiring and figuring out your electrical system then go for the AEM.

Your biggest issue will be trying to trying to find an EPROM Ecu for it since you said you think yours is bad. The 3 bar sensor and a wideband are nice but not necessary so you could still pick up dsmlink for 600 or less. Just search around and you'll find them, we may have a few eproms in a few weeks or so once they're up and running.

 

[sheffester]

My bad on that post, I was replying to snowboarder. Alright, thanks a lot. So, where would I get a working (proven to work) ECU??? What brands would you recommend on the O2 and MAP sensor??? Thanks a lot for your help so far.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

I'd say go for DSMLink it's perfectly suitable for daily driving or a track car. The AEM I wouldn't say is "generic" because it far surpasses DSMLink in everyway, but for the cost and for how well DSMLink works without having to redo your wiring I'd vote for it. If you have the money and know what your doing and don't have a problem rewiring and figuring out your electrical system then go for the AEM.

I didn't mean "generic" as in a POS, but that it can be used on multiple platforms with the proper maps. I'll agree that the EMS is a superior product if you have a need for such; however, 99% of DSM owners would never surpass the functionality of DSMLink.

I would stick with the GM 3.3BAR MAP that can be purchased from GMDirect-MAP sensor and pigtail shipped was less than $100 for me. I use the PLX SM-AFR/no display which was ~$225 shipped. Although there are a multitude of WB available, as well as MAP sensors. Just find one that suites your needs.

I purchased my EPROM ECU from the classifieds on this site (my 1 trader rating).

 

[ILLiCliPSE]

Put it this way. There's SAFC, DSMLink, and EMS

Moving from SAFC to DSMLINK is like being blind, then having 20/20 vision. EMS is all that plus navigation.

 

[wt71gas]

I didn't mean "generic" as in a POS, but that it can be used on multiple platforms with the proper maps. I'll agree that the EMS is a superior product if you have a need for such; however, 99% of DSM owners would never surpass the functionality of DSMLink.

I would stick with the GM 3.3BAR MAP that can be purchased from GMDirect-MAP sensor and pigtail shipped was less than $100 for me. I use the PLX SM-AFR/no display which was ~$225 shipped. Although there are a multitude of WB available, as well as MAP sensors. Just find one that suites your needs.

I purchased my EPROM ECU from the classifieds on this site (my 1 trader rating).

I agree for the most part. The EMS is a more powerful product but does that make it better? Nope. It just depends on what you are using it for. The EMS has a lot more features but most people don't need or even know how to use the additional features. For most people dsm link does more than enough and is a much easier product to learn. I took a factory trained ems tuner class about 2 years ago and there is still new things I learn all the time. It takes a while to really get good at it.

 

[95tsiawd6blt]

ems all the way. dsm link is the cheap way out, personally i hate dsmlink, but thats just me. the fastest dsms around all run ems

 

[vaboys2ndgen]

in my opinion, and im guessin thats what your looking for.... for DD dsm's i say DSMLINK and for track only cars EMS. i know 2g's a little bit more than 1g's but theres my 2cents

 

[Drift_SM]

ems all the way. dsm link is the cheap way out, personally i hate dsmlink, but thats just me. the fastest dsms around all run ems

Thats a crap response(reason).

Seeing as I could say, "All the fastest dsm's around here run DSMlink."

Then I can 1up you and say....."and by fast I mean 10 seconds" sound childish?


Think that out. The choice should be made by finding out witch system will best benifit the tuners budget, goals, and knowledge.

 

[sheffester]

I wanna do this once. I dont wanna have to go out and buy an EMS later on down the road depending on how things go. I just wanna do it once. How high are the chances of me maxing out the capabilities of DSMLink??? Thanks for all the helpful responses, I learn more and more with every one!

 

[Talesin]

DSMLink is mostly set up as a straight-line type deal. For drag racing, there's little to no difference between what EMS and DSMLink will put out. Same thing if you just like to play around on the freeway. If your foot comes down and stays down until you're done, DSMLink is cheaper and just as effective, while having a MUCH simpler interface/ease of tuning.

EMS's strong point is in track or autocross driving, allowing you to tune for different load levels and situations, so the engine will react just so, keeping more power on-tap through low speed cornering into straightaways, or while dealing with chicanes. If you're on and off the throttle all the time, going from a 15mph turn to a 95mph straight, to a 20, to a 35, all in the space of twenty seconds, EMS will put out a better result, especially with the option for load-based tuning.


Unless you're going for a car that will lay down record times on AX courses, you really don't NEED the EMS. If you need it, you'll know, and the price will be small compared to the amount of engine and suspension work you'll have already dropped into the car.

I'd go with Link, and ignore 95's comment. Some people equate more expensive with better, or get a superiority complex if they've already shelled out the money. Cash snobs. Then again, we're running DSMs. One of the cheapest high-power racing platforms available... so long as you keep up your maintenence.

 

[Boostdclips99]

Depends on your goals. Couple guys I know have maxed out their options on DSMlink so they are selling their units and going to EMS. They are running stroker motors with 1000cc injectors, etc. In all they are running high hp cars, but I've seen many running big numbers with link. If you are trying to do an all out race car you might as well bite the bullet and go for EMS. For people like me, who like to drive daily and occasion trips to the track I will be going with link, good luck with the decision

 

[Talesin]

I'm trying to imagine how a stroker with 1000cc injectors could possibly be 'maxing out' DSMLink, given that there are people running 1600cc injectors on strokers, with nitrous setups that still haven't reached the limits of what DSMLink can provide.

 

[dsm-onster]

I'm trying to imagine how a stroker with 1000cc injectors could possibly be 'maxing out' DSMLink, given that there are people running 1600cc injectors on strokers, with nitrous setups that still haven't reached the limits of what DSMLink can provide.

I have to agree here. There are dsmlink setups nearly in the 8s now.

 

[vaboys2ndgen]

im curios to whats the highest injector dsmlink can run with? 1600cc? i dont plan on going higher than 1200cc on my 2.3l but just curious.

 

[gsx rated98]

yes EMS is better then DSMLink, but as said before what are your goals power wise. Honestly. They are care well into the 600+ and greater WHP running DSMlink. Guys running 1600cc injs, also running more then just 4 injectors. All this is done on DSMLink.
I personaly have never used EMS so i cant say how how hard it is to learn. I have a good deal of knowledge of DSMLink and have sceen what it can do.
If your goals are to run 10s, or make 500+whp or what ever, DSMLink is all you need.
Easier setup, less startup cost. and easier to learn and tune with.
But, if you were to put ems and dsmlink on the same car, you would make more power with ems, simply because you cane get a more fine tune with it.