Which tuning setup do I go with?

[nlzn]

Hello guys.
I've been a member here for a while but never did much posting (was always able to find the ton of info anyone would ever need), I've been out of the DSM loop for a few years.

Anyways, I'm just looking for some opinions here. I'm about to pick up a 1g awd (evo16g, rc550's, wally 255, aem fpr etc..) and its running on zero tune and rich as all hell (cant beat the smell of fuel in the morning).

However, first thing I'm going to do is take this baby to a dyno and get some wideband tuning time on 93. I'm quite familiar with how AFC's work, I had one in my s13 back in the day. I cannot afford a standalone or I'd get an Autronic and be done

I guess my question is this: what are your opinions on the AFC vs. DSMLink and other piggyback/logger setups etc? I've been looking over DSMLink and reading threads about them here on the forums and it seems to be the best $600 I could ever spend on the car. I can get a slow laptop to run in my car, it's no problem. I'm looking for more of a cost vs. performance perspective on tuning options

Thanks guys, any input is appreciated!

 

[oVaBoost]

Get dsmlink its ###### the best tuning software for its money for a dsm. Dsmlink can be even used when you wanna upgrade on more mods and can retune. Its got datalogging, fuel, timing, airflow, antilag, nitrous, RPM's ect for tuning and i believe AFC is only good for fuel and air tuning. AFC is junk compared to dsmlink.

 

[interex]

You can go with AEM, or DSMLink, or MegaSquirt, or quite a few other tuning/management systems. I bought my MegaSquirt brand new and then sent it in to Paul at Symtech Labs to be modified for my 4g63 all for less than $250.00 for everything. I'll be using this for my fuel and my MSD DIS-2 for my spark.

 

[bluetlr2001]

Dsmlink is the way to go. Its not a piggyback it actually reprograms the computer. But im not sure if you know that you have to have an eprom ecu to use dsmlink. And you also have to get the ecu chipped. But if you dont have an eprom ecu you can just buy a used 1. Another thing to look into is something ive been reading about becuse i dont have dsmlink yet but i havent made up my mind yet. Its called mapecu. Heres a link to there page. I emailed them about it and with it you can do away with your maf sensor and it gives you timing and fuel control. But it is a piggyback system.

: PERFORMANCE MOTOR RESEARCH LTD :

 

[interex]

That's more expensive than a pre-built MegaSquirt, and you can do away with MAF using MegaSquit, It works by using vacuum and the IAT.
Also DIYAutoTune offers a very large assortment of addons for MegaSquirt such as a display LCD touch-screen which is pretty nice!

 

[bluetlr2001]

More expensive than a pre-built MegaSquirt, and you can do away with MAF using MegaSquit.

Ive not messed with the megasquirt but have read and for it to do around the same its about the same price. But you dont have the stock ecu to have a base tune incase the megasquirt does away with the stock ecu fuel control. But if your going all out a standalone like that would be nice for the price, alot cheaper than AEM.

 

[interex]

I'm only using my MegaSquirt for fuel, nothing else. My stock ECU will be used for everything else.
Also if my megasquirt fails, or dies, I send it in to SymTech labs and have it repaired. They are good guys, do great work, and have reasonable prices.

 

[Cooper4X]

dsmlink is the best bang for the buck by far

 

[faithless13]

DSMlink for 550ccs and e16g? Get a used SAFC 1 or 2 don't get the neo it's more expensive and the extra tuning points are not necessary. You can get a used unit in good condition for 100 bucks hell i got mine brand new in a box for 150. You even got a FPR which is a necessity in my opinion when tuning with a SAFC so you are set. I say skip the link and get the SAFC for a 550cc-650cc car.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

The thing no one has mentioned is that with DSMLink you also have timing control (have not used and don't know if MS has it, SAFC definitely does not). Plus with the extra features...anti-lag, stutter-box, DTCs, etc., etc. DSMLink is by far the way to go, even on a 550-650 16G car. And when you decide to go with a hotter setup, DSMLink will be ready and waiting for the mods and a new tune...just my opinion.

 

[the_mork]

For 550s an SAFC is plenty.

I have heard WONDERFUL things about DSmap which seems to be nearly as robust as dsmlink and much less expensive plus it has the added advantage of running a speed density setup which reduces airflow restriction and the degree to which boost leaks are a problem. You owe it to yourself to at least check it out before you spend $600 on dsmlink, I think there is a pretty hefty thread on the forums about it.

 

[JayRolla]

I agree dsmlink would be the way to go. Im trying to hold off for V3 since I heard it has load base tuning on both the afr and timing. Not to mention they may make it so you dont need an eprom to run it. I hope its not to much longer.

 

[->PrOjEcTGS<-]

You can always just buy a chip burner/emulator and use Tunerpro RT to modify the code of the stock EPROM image. Features like, NLTS, Stutter box, Full fuel & timing control, Extended fuel & timing tables, Native wideband input, Injector compensation, Injector deadtime compensation, MAF compensation. The possibilities are endless. You can't be afraid of Hex editing though. Plus there is great support for anyone that is attempting this on dsm-ecu : DSM-ECU

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Tunerpro or Tunerpro RT: Free
Chip programmer: $85
Reprogrammable EPROM chips: 5 for $25
ZIF Socket: $10
Regular Socket: $2.50

Total: $122.50

or

EPROM emulator (ostrich): $175
Reprogrammable EPROM chips: 5 for $25
ZIF Socket: $10
Regular Socket: $2.50

Total: $212.50


Blows DSMlink out of the water any day!!

 

[FORMONTOYA]

Let me re-phrase...

You will need to be completely honest with yourself about your goals for this car. If all you plan on doing is 550-650 on a 16G, then yes, a SAFC will "work". Work being a relative term. One thing to remember is that a SAFC has absolutely no timing control. And the ability to have timing adjustment WILL net quite a bit of power. As others have shown, there are viable options out there that are not as expensive as DSMLink but still net the ability to adjust timing plus a slew of other options as well that the SAFC just doesn't have. It seems a no-brainer to stay away from the SAFC (to me anyway), but ultimately the choice is yours. And if you decide that the 16G isn't enough, you'll be buying another tuning device anyway. Why spend money twice?

I guess I'm a DSMLink whore, but even with your setup I would still vote for DSMLink, simply because I don't feel comfortable burning my own chips and DSMlink is a well proven device.

my 0.02.

 

[olmytsi]

Even if i returned my 2g back to stock to daily drive it, dsmlink would stay in that bi***...best thing i have put on this car and i have owned it since 2003 and had all kinds of parts.

 

[the_mork]

I agree dsmlink would be the way to go. Im trying to hold off for V3 since I heard it has load base tuning on both the afr and timing. Not to mention they may make it so you dont need an eprom to run it. I hope its not to much longer.

What? Is this even partially true? Where did you get this information? I haven't seen much discussion of v3 but I think that this sort of feature would get some major headlines.

 

[turbosax2]

It is true, at least for 1g's at this point.

To install the non-EPROM-to-EPROM conversion module, the ECU's original processor is replaced with a rather expensive, high-quality PLCC plug onto which plugs the conversion module's PLCC socket. Retention is extremely good by itself, but we also plan to provide a piece of stiff foam attached to the inside of the lid to help keep the module seated. Unless the contact force is weakened by repeated removal and installation, which should never be necessary, it will actually take quite a bit of force to remove the module.

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[->PrOjEcTGS<-]

Start stocking up on NON-EPROM ECU's!! They will be in demand!!

 

[the_mork]

Wow, thats pretty cool, I imagine thats about all the information we have so far though? I mean there isn't any word on the price or 2g availability?

 

[olmytsi]

I got to check out v3, it's pretty nice. It does work on a 2g...Price for upgrading from v2 is around $200.

 

[JayRolla]

Thats the only problem is it will cost just as much to get v3 vs v2 with eprom.

 

[erald01]

DsmLink all the way, have seen pretty mych all the other tunning programs , but never liked any. Megasquirt has nothing but millions of wires to get everything running properly and so does the SAFC, so for another 300 bucks you could get a program that will plug to your ecu and its user friendly as well.

 

[KelTsi90]

I have 16g, 550's, 255fp and MAF TRANSLATOR and it is very easy to tune. And I can vent my bov...

 

[JayRolla]

DsmLink all the way, have seen pretty mych all the other tunning programs , but never liked any. Megasquirt has nothing but millions of wires to get everything running properly and so does the SAFC, so for another 300 bucks you could get a program that will plug to your ecu and its user friendly as well.

The wires is not a negative. Just have to know what to do with them. Dsmlink is not the best option for our cars but works just fine for 90% of people.

 

[the_mork]

I meant the price for the PLCC upgrade so that you don't have to use an eprom and will 2gs be going eprom-less, if your answer was to those questions then thanks but I couldn't tell for sure whether you understood what I was trying to ask exactly as both of our posts are a little bit ambiguous. So does this mean that if I am waiting until spring to get dsmlink I should sell my eprom now or will v3 also be available on an eprom chip for less than the PLCC upgrade?