If you're a beginner and don't know where to start, do not get the AEM. For one, it's incredibly expensive ($1300+ if you're talking about full standalone). The ECMLink v3, on the other hand, is ~$500 and gives you all the tuneability you need for plenty of safe hp. I'm running AEM full standalone but only because I bought the car that way. When I took it to a shop to get dyno'd, all the guys were impressed that I had it...but it's not necessary, especially on my car which isn't making 800 whp or something crazy.

Another thing to think about is if you can find someone who is capable of tuning the AEM worth a crap.

AEM is a great ems system. Link is also well. The thing is that V3 Link doesn't support SD yet. Not saying that is far away, but there are just certain things about the AEM unit that make it better then 'link. I don't have anything against either, I've tuned with both and when it comes to building an all around GREAT car. the AEM is all but impossible to beat. Yes it's expensive, yes it's hard to setup, and yes you'll get frustrated. But I can tell you personally that once you ride in a properly setup SD car you'll never want to go back to any kind of piggy backed, MAF based car again. What is your goal with the car?

well i just so your profile
in my opinion what you should do first is :
*3'' exhaust system, down pipe and test pipe
*FMIC or just do hard piping for your SMIC, blow off valve
*if you can upgrade your t-25 with a 16g
* i think you already have intake and MBC right?
* make sure you got no leaking at all
*change all the belts
*turbo timer, etc
*fuel pump upgrade
*injectors
*spark plugs, spark plugs wires
and the i think you should go with a dsm link
if you are working on your engine and doing way more stuff to your car then go with AEM EMS
its all about money brother.

AEM is losing all of its advantages because of ECMLink V3. And they are working on free updates(like speed density). After ECMLink has all the updates, AEM will be nothing but a headache.

I am a happy V3 user, and strongly recommend it. Functionality aside, ECMtuning managed to diagnose a couple of serious wiring issues in my turbo project based solely on a couple of logs and bits of information from me. They have massively great customer support.

Direct Access has really opened doors for fine tuning. If you learn how to use the features, there's no excuse not to be able to make your car run like a sewing machine and still make lots o' power.

Since it seems like the OP has made no major modifications there are probably still lots of minor things that will turn up which need to be fixed. ECMlink is very helpful in tracking down and eliminating running issues.

You're probably a long way from needing an AEM EMS.

1992awdlaser said:

AEM is losing all of its advantages because of ECMLink V3. And they are working on free updates(like speed density). After ECMLink has all the updates, AEM will be nothing but a headache.

Click to expand...

So very true but how long will it take for them to get it out? I went with link on my car.
When I think about it I wish I would have went with EMS so then I would not have to buy again. Like others have said ECM tunning has a great support forum very helpful people and from what I hear AEM is not so great your kinda on your own or stuck paying a shop to do it for you.

Here is my .02
I would go with ecmlink. I have v2 and can't wait to upgrade to v3. The ease of use is second to none. AEM needs base maps. Some of the earlier AEM units would just randomly turn off and break so you would need a new unit.
ECMLink uses the stock ecu, the support forum is worth the money in itself. Everyone is helpful and not dicks like the AEM forum.
So your going to spend $1k + on AEM, then find someone to tune it, say another $500+, then you decide to change your setup, you need to pay someone to retune it.
With ecmlink the learning curve is easy and you can tune it yourself.

I have done both and they both have their pros and cons.

DSM Link is very easy to get up and running and tuned.

AEM is Speed Density and will do anything you want later on when you need more out of your management.

Another very inexpensive Speed Density system to look at is DS-Map. This is what I'm running now and its like the Link real user friendly. Plus DS-Map has great people that will walk you through your setup and tuning.
DS-MAP.NET • Index page

I would say DSM Link easy to tune and learn. V3 is looking good i cant wait to upgrade. Just my .02

rrussell said:

I have done both and they both have their pros and cons.

DSM Link is very easy to get up and running and tuned.

AEM is Speed Density and will do anything you want later on when you need more out of your management.

Another very inexpensive Speed Density system to look at is DS-Map. This is what I'm running now and its like the Link real user friendly. Plus DS-Map has great people that will walk you through your setup and tuning.
DS-MAP.NET • Index page

Click to expand...

Dsmlink is coming out with speed density. I however am not sure if I will switch, all depends on how they react with a change in humidity.

Well I plan on essentially a ground up build.
Spending time to learn does not scare me either.

Either system I buy I will be tuning myself. The support from ECM is definitely an advantage I am taking into consideration.
Cost is also not a factor seeing as I would be getting either for the same price.

My car will be daily driven in the summer.
My main concern is a tune that will handle variable conditions well.

Gamble97 said:

ECMLink uses the stock ecu.

Click to expand...

It still has to be an E-Prom ECU. Therefore, it's not, entirely, a completely stock system. You have to track the ECU down first, and sometime it can take a while to do so.

So, the entire setup will consist of the E-Prom ECU, ECMLink v3, the OBD data cable(comes with the purchase of a brand new Link.), and a laptop of your choice(Ebay has some for a decent price. It'll be one that has just enough software requirements to run the Link, nothing super fancy).

Lumix315 said:

It still has to be an E-Prom ECU. Therefore, it's not, entire, a completely stock system. You have to track them down first, and sometime it can take a while to do so.

Click to expand...

You can use any 1g turbo ecu with ECMLink. They can do a conversion on non-eproms. I believe they are working on this for the 2G also. And he said it uses the stock ecu, just like any chip uses a stock ecu.

AEM is an overcomplicated overpriced PITA and I have it on my car.
My last one I just burned chips for.
ECMLink is just a glorified way to do that. (although in the future I guess it will have SD)

99% of the cars on here don't need SD. A GM MAF will support more HP then anyone here is making.

I think the true test is, if you have to ask which one you need. You don't need the AEM.

1992awdlaser said:

You can use any 1g turbo ecu with ECMLink. They can do a conversion on non-eproms. I believe they are working on this for the 2G also. And he said it uses the stock ecu, just like any chip uses a stock ecu.

Click to expand...

I'm not trying to sound arrogant or anything, so please don't take any of what I'm going to say in that way. You have slightly confused me, though. With the way you worded your response, didn't you just agree with what I was saying in my post??

You said it yourself, ECM Tuning can do a conversion to the non-Eprom ECU's...making them an Eprom ECU to be used with Link.

I think that it's cool that you can take a 1g turbo ECU's and socket them. However, with the price of that conversion included with the price of buying the ECU itself, you're not too far off from a reasonably priced, authentic, Eprom ECU from Mitsu(Installed in the car at the factory) that someone may have for sale. Of course, I have read stories of people being had and buying one that wasn't truely what it was advertised as. It's besides the point, and just a foot note. So, be careful.

To the best of my knowledge, if you want to use Link, whether it's an old version or the most recent, you HAVE to have an Eprom socketed ECU. From what I've researched, those ECU's are few and far between for both the 1g and 2g's(Which is what I meant by telling the OP that he'd have to track one down first).

Also, all I meant by saying that it's not entirely a stock ECU is that not every DSM came with one. Some were more fortunate than others to already have them from the factory. Again, this is knowledge that I have gained through researching this site. Please correct me if I am mistaken.

You will not get an AEM for the same price as a ECMLink.

Not if you factor in ALL of the costs associated with both, especially your time (or time you pay others) to do the tuning.

ECMLink - plug'n'play
AEM - plug'n'pray it even starts

Lumix315 said:

I'm not trying to sound arrogant or anything, so please don't any of what I'm going to say in that way. You have slightly confused me, though. With the way you worded your response, didn't you just agree with what I was saying in my post??

You said it yourself, ECM Tuning can do a conversion to the non-Eprom ECU's...making them an Eprom ECU to be used with Link.

I think that it's cool that you can take a 1g turbo ECU's and socket them. However, with the price of that conversion included with the price of buying the ECU itself, you're not too far off from a reasonably priced, authentic, Eprom ECU from Mitsu(Installed in the car at the factory) that someone may have for sale. Of course, I have read stories of people being had and buying one that wasn't truely what it was advertised as. It's besides the point, and just a foot note. So, be careful.

To the best of my knowledge, if you want to use Link, whether it's an old version or the most recent, you HAVE to have an Eprom socketed ECU. From what I've researched, those ECU's are few and far between for both the 1g and 2g's(Which is what I meant by telling the OP that he'd have to track one down first).

Also, all I meant by saying that it's not entirely a stock ECU is that not every DSM came with one. Some were more fortunate than others to already have them from the factory. Again, this is knowledge that I have gained through researching this site. Please correct me if I am mistaken.

Click to expand...

ECMTuning, Inc.

They can convert a non-eprom to work. So it doesn't matter what ecu your car has if it is a 1G. That price will be considerably less if converted when you buy V3 also. I believe they are working on this for the 2G also.

Lumix315 said:

It still has to be an E-Prom ECU. Therefore, it's not, entirely, a completely stock system. You have to track the ECU down first, and sometime it can take a while to do so.

So, the entire setup will consist of the E-Prom ECU, ECMLink v3, the OBD data cable(comes with the purchase of a brand new Link.), and a laptop of your choice(Ebay has some for a decent price. It'll be one that has just enough software requirements to run the Link, nothing super fancy).

Click to expand...

The eprom ecu is from a 95 2g, so there for it is a stock ecu, all you change is the eprom itself.
And if you have a 1g you don't need an eprom ecu.

Lumix315 said:

I'm not trying to sound arrogant or anything, so please don't any of what I'm going to say in that way. You have slightly confused me, though. With the way you worded your response, didn't you just agree with what I was saying in my post??

You said it yourself, ECM Tuning can do a conversion to the non-Eprom ECU's...making them an Eprom ECU to be used with Link.

I think that it's cool that you can take a 1g turbo ECU's and socket them. However, with the price of that conversion included with the price of buying the ECU itself, you're not too far off from a reasonably priced, authentic, Eprom ECU from Mitsu(Installed in the car at the factory) that someone may have for sale. Of course, I have read stories of people being had and buying one that wasn't truely what it was advertised as. It's besides the point, and just a foot note. So, be careful.

To the best of my knowledge, if you want to use Link, whether it's an old version or the most recent, you HAVE to have an Eprom socketed ECU. From what I've researched, those ECU's are few and far between for both the 1g and 2g's(Which is what I meant by telling the OP that he'd have to track one down first).

Also, all I meant by saying that it's not entirely a stock ECU is that not every DSM came with one. Some were more fortunate than others to already have them from the factory. Again, this is knowledge that I have gained through researching this site. Please correct me if I am mistaken.

Click to expand...

You are mistaken to quibble so over wording. We're not lawyers and judges here.

ECMlink uses a factory ecu. If you have to track down another factory ecu then you have to do that. If you get your ecu EPROMed by ECMtuning, then you you don't have to track down an ecu that is already EPROMed. So you don't have to have one. You just have to have a working 1g ecu. All eprom ecus are stock: they all work directly in the harness, bolt down, and are manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric for the DSM application.

You're confusing original with stock. You can return your car to stock but putting in some other car's original equipment.

Further I sold my EPROM ecu very, very quick for twice what ECMtuning is asking for converting your original computer to EPROM. And, you will have no cost for socketing if you have them convert your ecu.




So now that we have all that out of the way. . . OP, what does AEM EMS have that you need or will need, which ECMLink does not?

's use ECMLink

aem is alot more complicated but once you find your way around it and learn how to use it it can do just about anything you would need.

I can not comment on the merits or faults of AEM since I have no direct experience with it.

I can say that before doing my own performance upgrades I did a TON of research and chose DSMLINK. Among the many positives:

1. Given my HP goals (325-425 eventually) DSMLINK was more than enough. It can actually be used easily in MUCH higher HP applications.
2. I wanted to be able to eventually do my OWN tuning and monitoring w/o being at the mercy of and dependant on a shop or professional tuner = $$$$$.
3. I started with little formal knowledge of tuning but by reading and taking advantage of the enormous collective knowledge on the DSMLINK forums and willing help offered by members - specific to DSMs - I have successfully learned ALOT on how to do this and understand what is going on. This was all only with some investment of time on my part.
4. Cost - even with buying the '95 ECU still ALOT less than AEM.

There are other benefits and if I had to do it all over I'd STILL go DSMLINK. In fact I'll soon be upgrading to vers 3.0.

1992awdlaser said:

ECMTuning, Inc.

They can convert a non-eprom to work. So it doesn't matter what ecu your car has if it is a 1G. That price will be considerably less if converted when you buy V3 also. I believe they are working on this for the 2G also.

Click to expand...

Yes, I have looked into it now, and thank you. Just to set the record straight, I wasn't trying argue with you. When you quoted me, all I was trying to say was that not every ECU came as an E-Prom, atleast from what my research has led me to believe. I completely understand the fact that all the ECU's, that are used for Link, are stock and straight from Mitsubishi. I get it. It just seems so sporatic to me.

I was fortunate enough to have a good friend who was switching to AEM and sold me his v2 Setup. The reason why I said anything about the Eprom ECU in the first place was because, before I bought the setup from my friend, I had been doing some research and knew that tracking down an ECU to run the Link was going to be my biggest challenge, and I decide that I would share my thoughts.

To get my information straight, I guess that I should switch tracks a bit. So,why, if they were at all, only manufactured at certain times for both 1g and 2g DSM's, as opposed to just all of them throughtout the 90's decade???

Gamble97 said:

The eprom ecu is from a 95 2g, so there for it is a stock ecu, all you change is the eprom itself.
And if you have a 1g you don't need an eprom ecu.

Click to expand...

Again, I understand that information, and thank you. I've realized that it's time for me to take a step back, switch gears, and ask a different question. I did just that...above.

dsm-onster said:

You are mistaken to quibble so over wording. We're not lawyers and judges here.

ECMlink uses a factory ecu. If you have to track down another factory ecu then you have to do that. If you get your ecu EPROMed by ECMtuning, then you you don't have to track down an ecu that is already EPROMed. So you don't have to have one. You just have to have a working 1g ecu. All eprom ecus are stock: they all work directly in the harness, bolt down, and are manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric for the DSM application.

You're confusing original with stock. You can return your car to stock but putting in some other car's original equipment.

Further I sold my EPROM ecu very, very quick for twice what ECMtuning is asking for converting your original computer to EPROM. And, you will have no cost for socketing if you have them convert your ecu.




So now that we have all that out of the way

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

. . . OP, what does AEM EMS have that you need or will need, which ECMLink does not?

Click to expand...

Hmmm....RUDE much??? I'll do my best to hold my tongue because you're a Wiseman and I know how heavily moderated this site is.

So, you felt I was quibbling, eh?? I think you chose the wrong vocabulary word to describe my post. I'm sorry that you felt I was trying to evade the point of the argument by using frivolous and trivial objections about the current topic of discussion, but I can assure you that all I was trying to do was add to the thread. You know, work on that "Right of Passage" thing that was described in the site rules. Trying to contribute the proper, helpful, and useful information so as to work my way up the ladder to becoming a Proven Member, and so on and so forth. You think that I'm rambling, utterly confused, and just trying to sound intelligent, but that's where you're SO wrong.

I have some news for you, Sir....I'm FAR from incompetent and this is the way I speak and write. I don't appreciate the sarcasm in your post.

It's actually quite disappointing that you responded the way you did. I read all about how great and knowlegeable you are, especially when it comes to Holsets, and was looking forward to picking your brain someday. In fact, all those kudos that I read other members giving you even convinced me to add you to my buddy list. I think that I changed my mind now. I don't need to deal with another member making me feel ashamed of what I've posted, unless I'm completely out of line and just down right wrong for saying something stupid or rude. So, remind me NOT to ask you for advice or help in the future.

Good day to you, Sir.