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AEM EMS VS. ECMLink

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mnim15

15+ Year Contributor
162
8
Mar 16, 2008
Duluth, Minnesota
So I have the opportunity to get either AEM EMS or ECMTuning DSMLink V3.
Just wondering if I could get some input from anyone that has used either product.

Thanks.
 
ECMLink $595
Socketing service used to be $30.
Or Socketing in an eprom for noneprom $150.

I see the AEM EMS listed at RRE for $1600.
ECMLink at worst is half that, maybe $800.

ECMLink works great. Gets rid of the 2g driveability problems that I was plagued with on the stock ECU. I run DSMLink version V1, and its been great. However, it only controlled WOT tables which was fine but there are some areas in the timing tables at part throttle load that could have benefited from adjustment. This is where AEM would historically have had a large advantage. Not anymore with ECMLink V3 and their direct access ECU tables allowing adjustment at multiple part load cells at 500 rpm intervals.

Biggest advantage with ECMLink is it comes with the stock MHI base code, or in this case they mention the stock EVO code. Point is its a factory base code that is already dialed in for cold start, idle, and all the other areas nobody wants to mess with. That takes the massive learning learning curve out of it.

Worst thing about it is the 500 rpm adjustment increments. There are areas in the low rpm band where I'd like to see 100 rpm adjustment, particularly from 2000-3000 rpms. ECMLink is getting very close to a full standalone with a huge amount of online support.

I recommend them because they are DIRECTLY supporting the DSM community, they are a cheap "near" standalone ECM product. They aren't disappearing anytime soon, bought my DSMLink V1 in 2001. Also, for existing users the upgrade to newer versions is something like $175. Its unheard of:thumb:

It would be great if ECMLink could have dedicated multiple inputs for 5v sources, multiple thermocouple junctions, etc. In this respect I've considered purchasing Edelbrock's Qwikdata datalogging system, not so much a standalone but a datalogging rig for logging various pressures (intake, exhaust, fuel, oil), various temps (intake, multiple EGT, oil, etc.) rpms, multiple g-loading, etc. ECMlink has limited support for this, but nothing like a standalone datalogger.

So yeah, ECMLink is not a full standalone ECM, nor is it as robust as a standalone datalogger. But what you get for your money is impressive and future releases are going to keep piling on the features until the differences between ECMLink and the standalones is going to be very small.


Lumix315,

I wouldn't get overly excited over DSM-onster's comments, your taking them the wrong way. Got to put your thick skin on:D
 
Lumix315,

I wouldn't get overly excited over DSM-onster's comments, your taking them the wrong way. Got to put your thick skin on:D

Well, it sounded quite a bit condescending to me, but thanks for the heads up. I'll have to keep that in mind. :)
 
I'm currently talking to someone from a company that has an almost brand new AEM unit for sale (only used for a month in a 2g car). He is asking $1050 for it and it's free shipping. Where could I go wrong??? He said it will come with a base tune and but didn't tell me how difficult it will be to tune. If I wanted to go speed density it will onyl cost about $175 more to get the MAP sensor and Temp Sensor (5 wires and I'm good to go). I am new to this, but have read all about SAFC's and such, so I have min knowledge at this point of tuning.

Someone please let me know if I'm wasting my time or this is really worth it. Should I really should go with ECMLink and all the little things that go with that... or this deal is hard to beat? I'm affraid having a 97, finding an EPROM that's not rediculously priced is going to be the hardest thing to do. I've done my searching and currently don't want to get scr**ed.

I have the cash, just need some honest advice and I've read through this entire post.
 
I'm currently talking to someone from a company that has an almost brand new AEM unit for sale (only used for a month in a 2g car). He is asking $1050 for it and it's free shipping. Where could I go wrong??? He said it will come with a base tune and but didn't tell me how difficult it will be to tune. If I wanted to go speed density it will onyl cost about $175 more to get the MAP sensor and Temp Sensor (5 wires and I'm good to go). I am new to this, but have read all about SAFC's and such, so I have min knowledge at this point of tuning.

Someone please let me know if I'm wasting my time or this is really worth it. Should I really should go with ECMLink and all the little things that go with that... or this deal is hard to beat? I'm affraid having a 97, finding an EPROM that's not rediculously priced is going to be the hardest thing to do. I've done my searching and currently don't want to get scr**ed.

I have the cash, just need some honest advice and I've read through this entire post.

A base map might start your car. AEM is great, but like mentioned all over the place, tough to master. Put it this way, AEM=DOS, Link=windows. When you use AEM everything must be adjusted properly. This includes injector deadtime, spark dwell, cold start enrichment, everything. While this is totally awesome for a complete custom setup, it's often to much for the non pro tuner. If all you need is total control of the fuel and ignition tables, nlts, studderbox, anti lag, injector compensation, maf compensation, there are many cheaper and easier options. Link, tunerpro, and dsmap are some great, easier to use alternatives.
 
I have had both DSMlink and I currently have AEM EMS. In terms of learning to use them both I will have to say that DSMlink is like using a coloring book just learn to stay in the lines. AEM EMS is more like a hard puzzle it takes longer to get but once it’s finished it is well worth the time. In terms of HP my brother and I have the same mods on the same amount of boost He has DSMlink and put down 380. I have AEM and put down 393. The fine adjustment that you can do with AEM is amazing.
 
Those both have to be the best responses I have ever gotten about this subject. No bashing or sarcasm! Awesome job guys and thank you so much for actually answering the question. I think I'm gonna look into some of these other programs like dsmap and tunerpro. See what those have to offer. I just didn't want to spend all my money right now on things that I could do without for another year. I need to get my T-25 to connect to the FMIC first!

Doesn't it suck when you're a new member/lurker even though you've had almost 10 years under a car?! I think it does. I guess you just gotta get to 50 posts or soemthing. Whatever. :)
 
Those both have to be the best responses I have ever gotten about this subject. No bashing or sarcasm! Awesome job guys and thank you so much for actually answering the question. I think I'm gonna look into some of these other programs like dsmap and tunerpro. See what those have to offer. I just didn't want to spend all my money right now on things that I could do without for another year. I need to get my T-25 to connect to the FMIC first!

Doesn't it suck when you're a new member/lurker even though you've had almost 10 years under a car?! I think it does. I guess you just gotta get to 50 posts or soemthing. Whatever. :)

It does suck in deed!!! Especially when someone tries to talk down to you thinking there teaching you something because you're still under the new member/lurker. And it just makes them look like an ass who is trying to be smart.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Those both have to be the best responses I have ever gotten about this subject. No bashing or sarcasm! Awesome job guys and thank you so much for actually answering the question. I think I'm gonna look into some of these other programs like dsmap and tunerpro. See what those have to offer. I just didn't want to spend all my money right now on things that I could do without for another year. I need to get my T-25 to connect to the FMIC first!

Doesn't it suck when you're a new member/lurker even though you've had almost 10 years under a car?! I think it does. I guess you just gotta get to 50 posts or soemthing. Whatever. :)

Go ECMlink. You already have a way to get an EPROM ;)

It will cost nothing to tune. AEM will cost a lot.

The customer support and forums for ECMlink are priceless. I'm not sure how AEM's support is, but I'm pretty sure you won't get help from their main developers. With ECMlink, the people who created it will personally help you out. And they're very friendly!

Use the money you'll save and put it towards a wideband, MAP, and IAT sensors. Then you'll be ready for speed density if you choose to go that way when they release it. Or just get the wideband and MAP for very easy tuning.


TunerPro is pretty good from what I hear, but there's not that many people burning their own chips at this point, especially 2g people.

DSmap is a 1g thing only, so you can't use it.
 
I'm currently talking to someone from a company that has an almost brand new AEM unit for sale (only used for a month in a 2g car). He is asking $1050 for it and it's free shipping. Where could I go wrong??? He said it will come with a base tune and but didn't tell me how difficult it will be to tune. If I wanted to go speed density it will onyl cost about $175 more to get the MAP sensor and Temp Sensor (5 wires and I'm good to go). I am new to this, but have read all about SAFC's and such, so I have min knowledge at this point of tuning.

Someone please let me know if I'm wasting my time or this is really worth it. Should I really should go with ECMLink and all the little things that go with that... or this deal is hard to beat? I'm affraid having a 97, finding an EPROM that's not rediculously priced is going to be the hardest thing to do. I've done my searching and currently don't want to get scr**ed.

I have the cash, just need some honest advice and I've read through this entire post.

ECMLink will probably cover the needs of 95%+ of the people on this board. I'm not going to argue & say it will do everything AEM will, because it won't but like others have mentioned with V3 & the "future upgrades" that gap will be narrowed a good amount. That AEM might seem like a good deal for the initial purchase but if you can't tune it yourself, that number can double by the time you pay for all the tuning/dyno time required to get it running properly. So its just not the initial cost you have to consider. Eprom ECU's aren't all that hard to come by & usually run in the $200-250 range.
 
Yeah. ECMLink and all its features is well worth it over AEM for the cost, vs what your going to use. $500 Vs. $1300. You wont need AEM unless your a full fledged race car. Its just pointless for a fast DD. I use Link3. And its tuning face is sooo user friendly. And if your a more advanced tuner, it has the option to get more in depth.
 
Since we're throwing our 0.02 in....

Both AEM EMS and DSMLink are quality products, hell, even the SAFC is a quality product when used properly. Each have their place depending on what goals you've placed for yourself.

SAFC: good for 650s before the "cheats" start effecting timing too much, no timing control. Easy enough to use. Can do 300-350WHP.

DSMLink: very nice product, any injectors up to 1600cc, timing control, plus options that should be good for 98% of the people on this board. Stupid easy to use. Easy 500WHP+ capable.

AEM EMS: full stand-alone and all that entails. Sure you can find base maps, but one hell of a learning curve. IMO, 75%+ of the people using this don't need it, they just have to say they have it. WHP...sky's the limit.
 
Since we're throwing our 0.02 in....

Both AEM EMS and DSMLink are quality products, hell, even the SAFC is a quality product when used properly. Each have their place depending on what goals you've placed for yourself.

SAFC: good for 650s before the "cheats" start effecting timing too much, no timing control. Easy enough to use. Can do 300-350WHP.

DSMLink: very nice product, any injectors up to 1600cc, timing control, plus options that should be good for 98% of the people on this board. Stupid easy to use. Easy 500WHP+ capable.

AEM EMS: full stand-alone and all that entails. Sure you can find base maps, but one hell of a learning curve. IMO, 75%+ of the people using this don't need it, they just have to say they have it. WHP...sky's the limit.

This is almost as good as it gets. Makes perfect sense to me. Straight to the point without the $5 words (most people only use them to seem smart!) haha.:thumb:

I will definitely be going with ECMLink when I have the money. I really want a very reliable 350-400hp summer car. I have a couple people out of town I would like to visit with the car, don't want to fear breaking down.

I also just found out that I do have someone that has a dyno in town and they are a very good shop. They work on high end cars. I'm gonna see if I can learn some tuning tips from them too, maybe even see if I can get them to help me tune it on the dyno. They have to do my clutch anyways.... so it works out!

Thanks guys! I'm almost at 50 posts! YAY
 
Word of advice. I would get a good base tune on the car before putting it on the dyno. That way you can use the dyno for tweaking the tune, instead of wasting your time trying to get fuel trims in check.

Totally understand. Good point. I should be able to handle a base tune on my own.... ;)
 
Since we're throwing our 0.02 in....

Both AEM EMS and DSMLink are quality products, hell, even the SAFC is a quality product when used properly. Each have their place depending on what goals you've placed for yourself.

SAFC: good for 650s before the "cheats" start effecting timing too much, no timing control. Easy enough to use. Can do 300-350WHP.

DSMLink: very nice product, any injectors up to 1600cc, timing control, plus options that should be good for 98% of the people on this board. Stupid easy to use. Easy 500WHP+ capable.

AEM EMS: full stand-alone and all that entails. Sure you can find base maps, but one hell of a learning curve. IMO, 75%+ of the people using this don't need it, they just have to say they have it. WHP...sky's the limit.

I will Agree I have AEM and I really don't need it but I like it, Not so much the learning curve that comes with is though :D
 
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