2G Best engine management option for 95 gsx and egr system question

dizily555 · Jul 2, 2014

I recently bought a gsx and im rebuilding the engine. I dont plan on upgrading the turbo or getting it tuned until I can afford all the parts, just getting the block and gead ready. Im wondering what would be the best option for tuning because I know I dont have a black box ecu. Would it be worth purchasing a black box and reflashing it or buying a aem engine management system. I also am wondering if I should just get ahold of the place I want to get it tuned at to see what would be best for them. Another question I have is while I have the engine out would it be worth it to get rid of the entire egr system, also is itnas easy as blocking the inlets and outlets off then getting it tuned? And would you be able to drive it before the tune with the egr taken out? Thanks in advance!

ceedawg · Jul 2, 2014

ECM link V3 hands down!!!

Fullthrottle7 · Jul 2, 2014

You can delete many of the vacuum lines and the entire EGR system (need a block off plate on intake manifold) and just leave the sensors plugged in without popping a CEL and drive around fine assuming you don't leave any leaks. There is an old diagram from Taboo Speed Shop that lots of people have used over the years to delete their EGR you could probly find to reference if you want to. As far as the engine management system, we need a lot more info about what your goals are for the car? In stock form with a boost controller, a little extra fuel, and a piggyback to compensate for that fuel, these cars can be more than most need. If you want a 400hp+ rocket, thats when you actually start needing to look into lots of parts and a real tuning solution.

Why don't you tell us a little more about your plans for the car and what your eventual goals are. Road racing, drag, autoX, street, daily driver, etc?

synthetek · Jul 2, 2014

Your profile says you have a 95, Have you checked to see if it has an eprom ecu?

dizily555 · Jul 2, 2014

Fullthrottle7 said:
You can delete many of the vacuum lines and the entire EGR system (need a block off plate on intake manifold) and just leave the sensors plugged in without popping a CEL and drive around fine assuming you don't leave any leaks. There is an old diagram from Taboo Speed Shop that lots of people have used over the years to delete their EGR you could probly find to reference if you want to. As far as the engine management system, we need a lot more info about what your goals are for the car? In stock form with a boost controller, a little extra fuel, and a piggyback to compensate for that fuel, these cars can be more than most need. If you want a 400hp+ rocket, thats when you actually start needing to look into lots of parts and a real tuning solution.

Why don't you tell us a little more about your plans for the car and what your eventual goals are. Road racing, drag, autoX, street, daily driver, etc?

Where would I find these diagrams because if I dont need to tune it right away that would be ideal. My plans are to have it be a daily driver and do auto x, I havent looked much into a turbo yet because like I said it's a money thing. I have to do some more looking into the rules but i figured its a ways down the road so it can wait. Also I know auto x is more about suspension however Im looking for it to have around 350 to 400ish horse so I can easily keep up with the cars in my area. As im sure you guys can tell im new to the 4g63, I have a 420a now so I know a lot about the cars but not the technical aspects. If theres anything else youd like to know about my plans just ask, ill take all the advice I can get!

dizily555 · Jul 2, 2014

synthetek said:
Your profile says you have a 95, Have you checked to see if it has an eprom ecu?

How do I tell if its an eprom? I have the interior all apart so I can easily go check. Also what makes you think it would have this ecu and what is good about it?

ceedawg · Jul 3, 2014

Go to ecmlink.com it will have a page that describes to how you can tell if you have an EPROM ecu
http://www.ecmtuning.com/wiki/epromid

ceedawg · Jul 3, 2014

Explains how you tell

http://www.ecmtuning.com/wiki/epromid

synthetek · Jul 3, 2014

dizily555 said:
Also what makes you think it would have this ecu and what is good about it?

Because eprom ECUs came in a lot of 95s and the eprom ECU is the easiest to install ecmlink in.

ForcePower · Jul 3, 2014

Depends on your definition of "best".
IMHO the AEM is far and above the better choise.... BUT, as you will quickly gather the Link has the bigger following on this forum, for obvious reasons "cheaper".
While the V3 link is a good option, with lots of support to guide you through the process. The AEM will require (if you have no tuning ability) you at least invest in an initial tune, from there if you have some reasonable knowledge and desire to learn. You may be able to do some future tuning of your own. The AEM is not as scary or complicated as some would have you believe and if your goals should grow you will find no limitations to what it can do.

Vestic · Jul 3, 2014

ForcePower said:
Depends on your definition of "best".
IMHO the AEM is far and above the better choise.... BUT, as you will quickly gather the Link has the bigger following on this forum, for obvious reasons "cheaper".
While the V3 link is a good option, with lots of support to guide you through the process. The AEM will require (if you have no tuning ability) you at least invest in an initial tune, from there if you have some reasonable knowledge and desire to learn. You may be able to do some future tuning of your own. The AEM is not as scary or complicated as some would have you believe and if your goals should grow you will find no limitations to what it can do.

But for someone just starting - wouldn't you agree that Link might be the better route to go as an initial foray into tuning?

Also for the OP - You are talking about two wildly different price points in your original question. Swapping in a black box ECU with a flash vs. AEM (With link falling somewhat in the middle)

ceedawg · Jul 3, 2014

You get ECM link and your good all day and easier to tune. Had AEM and sold it because I always needed to travel to tune it. The cold weather tune was a pain in the butt as well with the AEM. Sometimes my car would not start until the weather heated up a little in the brutal cold weather of NY.

I think AEM is good but the link is easier and better IMOP and cheaper. Total spent was a little above 500.00. AEM new is twice to three times that not including 600.00 minimum to tune.

ForcePower · Jul 3, 2014

"Vestic" Yes I have no problem with Link and in this case it is probably the best option for the OP.
Just get tired of AEM getting a bad rap, sure it's more expensive, but you are getting a "brand new" ECU. ten plus year old ECU's are not the most reliable thing going.

"ceedawg" I see this all the time. Tuners and DIY users not fully tuning the unit. It's a shame because the AEM is no problem for all weather conditions. I am in Canada and we see just about every weather condition you can think of.

ceedawg · Jul 3, 2014

ForcePower said:
"Vestic" Yes I have no problem with Link and in this case it is probably the best option for the OP.
Just get tired of AEM getting a bad rap, sure it's more expensive, but you are getting a "brand new" ECU. ten plus year old ECU's are not the most reliable thing going.

"ceedawg" I see this all the time. Tuners and DIY users not fully tuning the unit. It's a shame because the AEM is no problem for all weather conditions. I am in Canada and we see just about every weather condition you can think of.

Yes I spoke to Magnus one day a few years ago and they did tell me that they were the best with the cold weather tuning on the AEM but to send my car to Canada would have been Expensive! If I knew how to tune the AEM EMS I perhaps would have kept it but I saw that ECM link (formerly DSM LINk) made some real serious leaps and bound improvements , speed density and other nice changes that I had to try it and it's popularity in alot of cars especially Big HP cars was to me a no brainer. The tech support for the ECM link I also find to be second to none here.

95gstnate · Jul 3, 2014

I like my ecmlink v3. Got a good deal on it in the classifieds on here. Still learning to use it to its full potential but there is a lot of threads on here with all the info you need as well as on ecmlinks website. Chances are good you will have an eprom ecm my 95 gst did when I bought it.

dizily555 · Jul 4, 2014

Force power, I haven't done much reasearch on tuning either systems but I do have the want and need to learn because of money and im going to college for automotive engineering so its in the same ball park, also im curious as to what type of limitations you would run into? Because with a reflash or brand new they are both starting with a clean slate. Is it just that you have more variables with aem?

Ceedawg, thanks for bringing up the season change, I never thought of summer tunes vs. winter tunes, I live in MN so this will be very important for me and with it being a daily driver in both seasons or all year round.

Vestic, yes I do know the prices are quiet different and why I am wondering advantages and disadvantages to all the systems, with there prices taken into account.

Im sort of talking out of my ass when I say this because I dont even know if I have an eprom yet "haven't looked yet" but id like to go with the ecm link because entire build being my first im going with middle of the road for most of my parts and for money's sake. Also being a noob I need all the help I can get and the way aems service works im not sure I could get help from them. However another question I have regarding the weather change is this, my dads duramax has an aftermarket ecu "I know what its called but cant think of it" but it uses a knob to switch between 5 different tunes, for fuel economy and towing and balls out hp for drag. Anyway is it possible to set up any of these ecus to be able to switch between two or more diff tunes?

ForcePower · Jul 4, 2014

I would recommend you do some research to be sure whether or not the AEM is for you. At this stage I won't get into a pros & cons argument, it's just a waste of time and will only take your thread in a sideways direction.
What I will say is I have never had a customer that has regretted getting one and we have installed and tuned hundreds of them on all different types of cars and as of yet never exceeded the ECU's capability.
Tunes cannot be switched via a toggle switch, but if you have multiple tunes you can upload them via your laptop in just a few seconds.
Below is the basic description from AEM, there is much more that is not listed. You could also download the software from AEM's site and look through it. It's very simple to navigate and may help you decide which way to go.

Series 2 general info:
AEM was the first company to offer complete engine control using a race vehicle’s factory wiring harness and sensors. Our Series 2 Plug & Play EMS is a culmination of this original program. It combines robust construction with our proven AEMtuner Software to deliver total engine control.
AEM's Series 2 Plug & Play EMS plugs directly into a vehicle's factory ECU harness and requires no additional wiring or hardware. Windows™ compatible software (XP, Vista, 7) simplifies copying, viewing and data manipulation. AEMtuner software is infinitely adjustable. It allows tuners to program virtually any combination of engine control, power adders and auxiliary devices, and accurately deliver proper amounts of fuel and correct ignition timing, for any boost level or operating condition.

Plugs directly into the factory harness. No rewiring necessary
Uses all the factory sensors and or others
Includes start up calibrations
System is fully enabled and unlocked - Never pay for upgrades!
Context sensitive help eases tuning process
Maps can be password protected by the tuner to prevent unauthorized usage or sharing
Runs on Windows-compatible software
Tune using new USB communication port or serial port
Works with all AEM gauges
Electronic boost control
Full idle control
Programmable traction control
Software definable knock control
Two step launch control
User configurable soft-cut rev limiters
Wet or dry nitrous control
Up to 12 peak and hold injector drivers
Up to 8 direct-fire coil outputs
Up to 16 general-purpose outputs
Up to 8 definable switch inputs
Up to 4 EGT inputs with fuel trim
1MB of internal data logging

dizily555 · Jul 4, 2014

ForcePower said:
I would recommend you do some research to be sure whether or not the AEM is for you. At this stage I won't get into a pros & cons argument, it's just a waste of time and will only take your thread in a sideways direction.
What I will say is I have never had a customer that has regretted getting one and we have installed and tuned hundreds of them on all different types of cars and as of yet never exceeded the ECU's capability.
Tunes cannot be switched via a toggle switch, but if you have multiple tunes you can upload them via your laptop in just a few seconds.
Below is the basic description from AEM, there is much more that is not listed. You could also download the software from AEM's site and look through it. It's very simple to navigate and may help you decide which way to go.

Series 2 general info:
AEM was the first company to offer complete engine control using a race vehicle’s factory wiring harness and sensors. Our Series 2 Plug & Play EMS is a culmination of this original program. It combines robust construction with our proven AEMtuner Software to deliver total engine control.
AEM's Series 2 Plug & Play EMS plugs directly into a vehicle's factory ECU harness and requires no additional wiring or hardware. Windows™ compatible software (XP, Vista, 7) simplifies copying, viewing and data manipulation. AEMtuner software is infinitely adjustable. It allows tuners to program virtually any combination of engine control, power adders and auxiliary devices, and accurately deliver proper amounts of fuel and correct ignition timing, for any boost level or operating condition.

Plugs directly into the factory harness. No rewiring necessary
Uses all the factory sensors and or others
Includes start up calibrations
System is fully enabled and unlocked - Never pay for upgrades!
Context sensitive help eases tuning process
Maps can be password protected by the tuner to prevent unauthorized usage or sharing
Runs on Windows-compatible software
Tune using new USB communication port or serial port
Works with all AEM gauges
Electronic boost control
Full idle control
Programmable traction control
Software definable knock control
Two step launch control
User configurable soft-cut rev limiters
Wet or dry nitrous control
Up to 12 peak and hold injector drivers
Up to 8 direct-fire coil outputs
Up to 16 general-purpose outputs
Up to 8 definable switch inputs
Up to 4 EGT inputs with fuel trim
1MB of internal data logging

Right I've read that much but downloading the software would be helpful to see what its all about because ive never looked at anything like that before but how is it compared to the ecm link? Especially for being a noob and only shooting for 400ish horse. I associate the aem with big hp builds because of the need to tune more variables but thats just my limited knowledge and I realize that it can be tuned for my application but I feel it would be overkill and overkill on price.

jaimegonzal101 · Jul 6, 2014

I'm new to dsmlink v3 but I already love it. Best investment yet!

ceedawg · Jul 9, 2014

when I had the aem there was also no real place for me to mount it in my car securely. I had to kinda stuff it behind my radio where as with the ecm link it bolts the modified stock computer up back in its factory place bolted in and secure.

Calan · Jul 9, 2014

dizily555 said:
Right I've read that much but downloading the software would be helpful to see what its all about because ive never looked at anything like that before but how is it compared to the ecm link? Especially for being a noob and only shooting for 400ish horse. ...

Nothing against AEM, but...

There is absolutely ZERO reason for you to spend big $$$ on a complex, standalone system and the hassles that come with it. Pick up ECMLink (and an eprom ECU if necessary), learn to use it, and enjoy your car.

Unless you eventually plan on running 1100whp in a fully-built race car (which would be many years away based on your experience level), you'll never need more than what ECMLink can provide. And even then, ECMLink could probably handle that too with some minor tweaks.

ForcePower · Jul 9, 2014

Hahaha.. well I guess there is "ZERO" reason to look at anything else. A "wiseman" has spoken.

I understand that ECMLink is a supporter of this forum (and good for them). But to constantly just write off other systems in favour of Link is rediculous.

Calan · Jul 9, 2014

ForcePower said:
Hahaha.. well I guess there is "ZERO" reason to look at anything else. A "wiseman" has spoken.

I understand that ECMLink is a supporter of this forum (and good for them). But to constantly just write off other systems in favour of Link is rediculous.

No, no... please don't take my response the wrong way (and there is no need for the sarcasm). I totally respect AEM and other standalone systems, and they definitely have their place. But IMHO, this guy's car isn't one of them.

ForcePower · Jul 10, 2014

It's cool (sarcasm withdrawn), but like many threads on forums it becomes less about the OP's initial question and more about personal bias. I even posted earlier that the OP would be well served by getting Link. people seem to think that a "standalone" is only for huge power cars. IMO that is totally wrong, there are many other reasons why people would consider a standalone and the extra cost for some is not the driving issue. If the demand for the product was not there companies like AEM would not produce the product in the first place.

Calan · Jul 10, 2014

ForcePower said:
It's cool (sarcasm withdrawn), but like many threads on forums it becomes less about the OP's initial question and more about personal bias. people seem to think that a "standalone" is only for huge power cars. IMO that is totally wrong, there are many other reasons why people would consider a standalone and the extra cost for some is not the driving issue. If the demand for the product was not there companies like AEM would not produce the product in the first place.

Understood and I agree.

My recommendations are always based on general DSM/automotive/tuning knowledge first, cost second. IMO, if someone is on a forum like this asking what the best tuning solution is, then a standalone is not for them....yet

The Top DSM Community on the Web

2G Best engine management option for 95 gsx and egr system question

dizily555

ceedawg

Fullthrottle7

synthetek

dizily555

dizily555

ceedawg

ceedawg

synthetek

ForcePower

Vestic

ceedawg

ForcePower

ceedawg

95gstnate

dizily555

ForcePower

dizily555

jaimegonzal101

ceedawg

Calan

ForcePower

Calan

ForcePower

Calan

Similar threads

Latest posts

Build Thread Updates

Vendor Updates

Latest Classifieds