dsmlink or aem, worth the price difference?

[WILOWNU]

I am looking to get my car tuned this spring, and am wanting to get rid of the safc in favor of a real tuning device. My question is, to go out and buy an eprom ecu and dsmlink, or to go buy an AEM EMS. I can get a smoking deal on an ems (1000 cash) and I know that it would de everything I need VERY effectively. I just dont know much about DSMlink. will it be able to make as much hp, as safe as the ems? keep in mind the car is pretty modified, and I am expecting some high numbers from it, looking to run a safe 14psi for low boost, and 23psi for high boost.

built 6 bolt by SKS motorsports.
greddy fmic with hard ic pipes
obx tubular manifold
PTE Gt30R ball bearing turbo
3" turbo-back catless exhaust
HKS intake
cyclone intake manifold
walbro 255
660 injectors
greddy bov
hks external wastegate
greddy profec b spec II EBC
NGK AFX wideband o2

i think thats everything that would affect tuning, that I have installed on the car.

 

[DarthBulk]

If you can get an AEM for $1000, buy it. If you have never used one before, be prepared for a steep learning curve, though.

 

[slowgsr]

with the aem you will also need iat and a map. I recommend aem over dsmlink.

i would upgrade your fuel injectors if your looking for 'high' numbers.. and why do you want to run 23psi for high boost? Most people go for low and high power levels, if you go with the aem i would ditch your ebc and use the ems to control boost... say 300whp and 450whp?



although im not a big fan of obx parts, the hks wg, the cyclone IM, and your precision turbo you didnt list the spec's, so depending on what they are you may want to cam the engine, or else you may have some trouble spooling that turbo.. again depending on the specs.

overall i dont like your setup at all, your using alot of poor quality parts IMO, i hate greddy stuff altogether, but it may make some power.

goodluck. aem is good if you like tuning and are good with that kind of stuff.

 

[WILOWNU]

car has hks 272's

 

[Laser-Fist]

Tunerpro RT with an Ostrich 2.0, for $175.00 you can laugh at DSMlink and wonder why AEM is so popular.

 

[snowborder714]

You might want to check out your ECU as you may have an EPROM already (they only came in '95's). Then you could basically get DSMlink for half the price of EMS. It'll be easier to tune and people have already pushed it very far. Unless you plan on making this a full-out drag car and putting down 700 or 800hp, DSMlink would be a good choice. Plus, you get the forums where you can post logs, ask for advice, or see what other people are doing with similar setups. The customer service is also great! The creators of DSMlink are on the forums constantly helping people out.

DSMlink would be my recommendation unless you're looking to compete with some of the top DSM's out there.

You should also get an AFPR for that 255lph pump.

 

[turboglenn]

If you can get an AEM for $1000, buy it. If you have never used one before, be prepared for a steep learning curve, though.

Exactly... DSMlink will be more user friendly, and if that AEM is plug-n-play, and you've changed any wiring you'll be in for even more of a headache. But if your wiring is good or you have great confidence in your ability to install and tune the AEM i say get it. I run a full stand alone and it has a lot of advantages over DSMlink and some disadvantages (harder to tune, no immision compliance), so if you live some where that it's important to pass a smog or inspection get the link.

 

[WILOWNU]

You should also get an AFPR for that 255lph pump.

one is on its way.

is there a way to tell if my ecu is EPROM by just looking at it? or do I need to take the panel off?

 

[snowborder714]

is there a way to tell if my ecu is EPROM by just looking at it? or do I need to take the panel off?

DSMLink - FAQ - EPROM

 

[WILOWNU]

yeah, so I have an Eprom ecu and didnt know it. yay.

 

[snowborder714]

There ya go, congrats! Now you're only looking at $550 is so for DSMlink and socket service. If you have a laptop, even better! If you, you'll have to pick up a cheap one. And then if the laptop doesn't have a serial port, you'll have to get a Keyspan serial-to-USB adapter (only about $20).

 

[WILOWNU]

I may do that for now and then this spring my guy in cincy is gonna dyno tune/street tune it. Hopefully I will be putting down some decent numbers. Thanks!

 

[kahl23]

I am looking to get my car tuned this spring, and am wanting to get rid of the safc in favor of a real tuning device. My question is, to go out and buy an eprom ecu and dsmlink, or to go buy an AEM EMS. I can get a smoking deal on an ems (1000 cash) and I know that it would de everything I need VERY effectively. I just dont know much about DSMlink. will it be able to make as much hp, as safe as the ems? keep in mind the car is pretty modified, and I am expecting some high numbers from it, looking to run a safe 14psi for low boost, and 23psi for high boost.

built 6 bolt by SKS motorsports.
greddy fmic with hard ic pipes
obx tubular manifold
PTE Gt30R ball bearing turbo
3" turbo-back catless exhaust
HKS intake
cyclone intake manifold
walbro 255
660 injectors
greddy bov
hks external wastegate
greddy profec b spec II EBC
NGK AFX wideband o2

i think thats everything that would affect tuning, that I have installed on the car.

Just out of curiosity, why are you limiting the boost you can run by running such a small injector with the GT30? At 23 PSI the GT30 will just start to wake up. I'd say go with more boost and a bigger injector, which, incidentally, DSMLink can run as if it were stock. I've been using 'Link and love it. For a GT30 car, I dont really think you need to have AEM.


My .02


EDIT- I see you have an EPROM, which makes the decision that much easier

 

[WILOWNU]

the 660's were in the car when I purchased it, I have been toying with buying new injectors, i think 880-1000 would be great. I dont think i wanna push more than 23psi since I often drive the car daily.

 

[kahl23]

OK that makes perfect sense but still, I just think that 14psi on a GT30 is kinda like winning a lottery for $1.00. You spent the money for the setup, so enjoy it Also, with proper fueling, over 20psi on the street shouldn't be an issue, I'm assuming that you have new internals in the "built 6 bolt".

 

[WILOWNU]

of course. I dont throw the term "built" around aimlessly

 

[DarthBulk]

Another option would be to sell the EEPROM ECU, sell the EBC, and buy the AEM. Now you are talking about the same money as the DSMLink, and you will have the AEM

 

[fp-green-95tsi]

Dsmlink is more than enough for your needs. Spend the left over money you would have spent on the AEM and buy a new exhaust manifold or bigger injectors.

 

[GVR4592]

I have both and I would highly recommend going with Dsmlink.

 

[WILOWNU]

the manifold is actually a great manifold, its not a gaudy "Ram hord" style, and its built pretty well. If anything should happen to it I can either tig it back or fork out the cash for a high dollar one, but the reason I bought it is becuase of how well my brothers has held up on his 1g for the last 6 years.

injectors on the other hand....I will be in the market for.

 

[fp-green-95tsi]

Your injectors are not that small if you were going to be running meth or race gas, however if this is strictly a pump gas car I would recommend 950 - 1150's.

 

[V8notENUF]

On a side note, don't necessarily assume just because you have a 95 that you have an eprom, not EVERY 1995 came with one. DSMLink - FAQ

 

[meliketoball]

I would go with DSMlink because you're basically half way there.

 

[WILOWNU]

it does have an eprom. after Snowboarder told me where to look, I did, and saw it was eprom.

 

[blackgst256]

aem all the way!!! My friend has dsmlink and its a great system and works good, but its nothing like a aem. My friend has a supra and uses aem and it helped him out more than ever. There are more safety features and options and tuning wise on the aem, and yeah its harder to use but who cares its more fun that way. I was on the fence for a while to because i have a eprom ecu to but I will save up there extra dough to run the aem and will never look back. Plus if you were sticking with those injectors aem will give you a little more fine tuning and overall better end result. People who don't by them are just scared for some reason but if your bringing it somewhere to get dyno tuned just load the base map to get the car started that they provide you, and there forums which is a pretty good site and you will be fine. Sorry dsmlink dudes im just backing aem 100% on this one why settle for something good but not the best in my opinion. If you spend all this money to build a fast car why not take it there the safest and best way possible