Do you use the Haltech ECU?

Zerocygnal · 11-26-2002, 06:15 PM

My goal is Mid 12's to low 13's a daily driver. I'm slowly on my way there when the funds are more available and I already have my own recipie on how I plan to get there. However I need more facts about it and you can only read so much data. I need real information from DSM'ers who actually have installed it themselves and use it.
If you don't own one, do you want one? Why?

Just like the title says. Do you use the Haltech?
What is your assessment with this standalone ECU?
Suggestions?

Thanks,
Ty

doug · 11-26-2002, 06:27 PM

I don't own one, so I can't assess it, but from everything I've read, you can hit 12s and probably 11s with just S-AFC and VPC (maybe just S-AFC, but I'm still researching that). Yes, it's an outstanding tuning tool from what little I know about it, but for my goal of 12s I don't think I need it.

rdrkt · 11-26-2002, 07:42 PM

I would whole heartedly agree. I got 117 traps on pump gas out of a 1g hacked MAS and a SAFC. I wouldn’t go through the trouble of installing and tuning a standalone with the goals that you have in mind.

talonted_one · 11-26-2002, 07:55 PM

I dont own one but I have dealt with it If you want my opinion here it goes:

If you want 12sec et's DO NOT GET A HALTECH.
you will be wasting your money.

you can run 12's almost effortlessly in a DSM.

use that money wisely check out this sites tuning guide:

http://www.dsmtuners.com/tuning-guide/1gturbo/

90tsiguy · 11-26-2002, 07:59 PM

I agree with the previous posts. I don't understand why you would wanna bother spending the money on a Haltech, nor rewire evey engine sensor just to run 12-13's. I know the Haltech is a very good standalone, but unless you're looking for something that you wouldn't have to change for future goals, I don't see the benefit honestly. Even at that, S-AFC/VPC combo will get you into 11's. My logic is that you can find VPC's fairly easily for ~700 bucks, more for a new one (1100) but you probably already have the AFC. The decision's up to you, but I'd go with the piggyback setup if that's all you plan on running. Just trying to save you the aggravation. If I were you, I'd have the following:
16g
Hacked 1g MAS
S-AFC
3" Mandrel DP/TP/Cat back
Hogged 02 housing or later
95 up ex. manny
190 TT Stealth pump/or 255lph or Supra pump
I/C pipes
This should put you into the 12's with good driving and a good compression motor tuned properly

-Brandon

ninjanick · 11-26-2002, 11:08 PM

I understand Zerocygnal's dilemma as I'm sorta' in the same position. If you are looking into a Haltech, are you also looking at the EMS? These can be bought for less than $1300.

As for the VPC/AFC combo ... it's a nice combo, but even a used set will cost you a little less than $1000 with sensors and harness. Why not spend that little extra for something a lot better?

The S-AFC will be the most cost effective and will most likely achieve your goals on a good tune and motor.

Plus, with the VPC/AFC combo or S-AFC choice a Datalogger or Pocketlogger is almost essential for self-tuning. Not to mention a WB O2, but that is universal to all the above choices.

BlueShark · 11-27-2002, 10:49 AM

I own one and I totally agree with you guys. I just happened to purchase a car with E6S already installed and if I have time and money, I'd like to get rid of it and rewire stock ECU and run off AFC. Why? ### I'm not trying to go into 11's and it makes life a lot easier and safer.
Don't get me wrong, Haltech is awesome but there is no baseline. You need to start from nothing to set it up. Let's just say that my car was built and tuned by Wrightouch for the previous owner and it managed to blow the engine up due to their program/setup. You'd think they would know what the heck they are doing, right? Maybe for a racing application but daily driving is a bit different. Feel my pain yet?

IMHO, for daily driver, I do NOT recommend any standalone system. You can do so much without one, why bother UNLESS you are making an EXTREME machine.

ninjanick · 11-27-2002, 11:32 AM

What about spark tuning? With the AFC, you are relying on the stock spark tables. Can an engine be tuned solely on fuel?

rdrkt · 11-27-2002, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ninjanick
What about spark tuning? With the AFC, you are relying on the stock spark tables. Can an engine be tuned solely on fuel?

That question depends on a lot of things. To some small extent you can control timing by playing with base timing and how much you lean things out on the safc. When you lean it out on the safc you will get a timing bump and vice versa. So if you can play with hacking your MAS, fuel pressure, and ratios on the safc then you shouldn’t require any other ignition tuning.

TKreander · 11-27-2002, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BlueShark
I own one and I totally agree with you guys. I just happened to purchase a car with E6S already installed and if I have time and money, I'd like to get rid of it and rewire stock ECU and run off AFC. Why? ### I'm not trying to go into 11's and it makes life a lot easier and safer.
Don't get me wrong, Haltech is awesome but there is no baseline. You need to start from nothing to set it up. Let's just say that my car was built and tuned by Wrightouch for the previous owner and it managed to blow the engine up due to their program/setup. You'd think they would know what the heck they are doing, right? Maybe for a racing application but daily driving is a bit different. Feel my pain yet?

IMHO, for daily driver, I do NOT recommend any standalone system. You can do so much without one, why bother UNLESS you are making an EXTREME machine.

Correction: You CAN get base setup for 4G63 directly from haltech.

ninjanick · 11-27-2002, 02:48 PM

How well to our motors run when tuned with an AFC or a standalone? I know the "recipe" for 300hp at the crank doesn't require a standalone, but where is the "breaking point" when choosing a standalone vs. piggyback system? And are there any "cheaper" alternatives to go with speed density?

rdrkt · 11-27-2002, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TKreander
Correction: You CAN get base setup for 4G63 directly from haltech.

For the most part a Base map is only good enough to start the car and limp it around until you tune it

Zerocygnal · 11-27-2002, 03:17 PM

Okay there may have been some things I didn't clear up. I "Might" take this to the extreme. Just pretend I never said "I" wanted one. I know my plans will take me there without it. HOWEVER...what I want to know are experiences/disadvantages/advantages. If I ever go any farther..hey..I'll know alot more about it because of this thread.

rdrkt · 11-27-2002, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ninjanick
where is the "breaking point" when choosing a standalone vs. piggyback system?

It kind of depends on what you are going for and what you can deal with. Thing starts getting funny around the 350+ to the wheels level. At that point your MAS will require a lot of hacking. Some people don’t have any trouble getting their car to idle at that point but others do. It also depends to some point what size injectors you are running. I hit 117 traps on pump gas with a 1g MAS with a safc but those really aren’t typical results.

It also depends on whether or not you want to make pump gas or race gas power. Race gas power is much easier because you don’t have to worry about timing as much. Pump gas power will require a system that can do more fine tuning.

rdrkt · 11-27-2002, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Zerocygnal
what I want to know are experiences/disadvantages/advantages. If I ever go any farther..hey..I'll know alot more about it because of this thread.

Just think about how many other fantastic threads there are just like this one in the many DSM forums across the internet. The search feature is your friend

Zerocygnal · 11-27-2002, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rdrkt

Just think about how many other fantastic threads there are just like this one in the many DSM forums across the internet. The search feature is your friend

BAH! I shall have my own thread!

ItsStockOfficer · 11-27-2002, 09:17 PM

I hit 119 mph traps with a 2g mas and a safc, it wasn't very difficult. Id say go ems after your around 120+ mph traps. I still need a new intake manifold and a slightly lighter car before Im ready to go standalone (again, I had EMS 0001). Ill probably do more suspension before then.

Sean

ninjanick · 11-28-2002, 12:06 AM

You had ... so you sold it in favor of your 2G MAF and SAFC?

wira4 · 11-28-2002, 01:06 AM

If you are definitely sure about 12 sec is all you want and will never in your life need to go any faster again, then go by all means for AFCs, AICs, 2g mas,etc. I been thru' that and I realised that I was lying to myself when I said 12 sec was all I wanted. In fact, the truth is that you will always want more than what you already have achieved. However, how much you can afford is the biggest question.

stevetford · 11-30-2002, 09:21 PM

I am not going to argue with anyone's point, but sounds to me like I am one of the only guys posting in this tread that actually has a Haltech E6K installed in my car.
In a few words, I LOVE it, will never go back to stock ecu. My car IS a daily driver. No driveability isuues to speak of, still get great gas mileage (22-23mpg city) and has been running this way for over 6 months now.
Like I said, everyones point above are very valid points and I will not argue that. But you may want to talk to some of the shops that use these standalone units and get their opinion as well if you are seriously considering this. I think Extreme Motorsports sells the E6K and if you buy it from them they will load a map to get you going. You can also talk to Matt at www.hitman.hm This guy knows his #@%#@%#@%#@% and will not lead you in the wrong direction. Good luck.

Steve

ninjanick · 11-30-2002, 09:55 PM

Steve,
Did you install the Haltech yourself? How was the wiring job? Any dificulties?

stevetford · 11-30-2002, 10:05 PM

Yes, I installed it and tuned it myself. The hard part was getting the stock ecu wiring out because the harness is routed behind the a/c blower box and insulation on my 1st gen. But once everything was out of the way the install went smooth. I just took my time and soldered EVERY connection. The coolant temp sensor threaded right in where the stock one is, drilled a hole and welded a nut onto my upper intake pipe for intake air temp sensor, mounted map sensor to the firewall, used the stock CAS sensor for trigger input. Very straightforward installation.
I am actually in the process of moving everything to a new AWD chassis I just purchased, if you would like when I get to that point I can send you some pics.<