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AEM AEM v1 Consensus

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Mikey851

Proven Member
88
5
Aug 5, 2014
Lubbock, Texas
I know this topic has been beaten to death, but I just wanted to see what some of you think. I have a 91 GSX build that I have almost completed. I won't go into all of the details, but it's a built 2.0L with a 6262 and AEM v1. I am also seeing that the aftermarket trigger discs will help with the long starts that the AEM is known for.

I have considered switching to Link, or a Haltech, but i'd like to save money at this point if possible. It will be tuned by a guy that has tuned AEM v1 on many DSMs before. I myself have had very brief experience with it...for the most part understand the interface and how to manipulate. It just seems like some people praise AEM v1 while others act like it is terrible. A few questions:

- Should I keep my AEM v1 given the situation to save money?
- Is it actually unreliable in some way that will make me pay down the road?
- By unreliable I mean does it have any more chances of failing than a socketed ECU or Link if I have the upgraded trigger disc?
- I'm sure a new Haltech would be the most reliable...is that the consensus?
 
The AEM V1 is just a relableled GEMS system, I won't go into the dertails, but I will say as long as you have it up and running correctly it will be just as reliable as any other stand alone, and aside from each system having one cool thing that their competitors lack there's nothing to gain but personal prefget into really high end units that have insane datalogging channels, more outputs than you could want. But really megasquirt, haltech, AEM, they'll all do the same thing for the most part, it really matters what system you learned so you know what your doing with it.

I'm a haltech dealer, so it's my job to try and sell you one,but in all honesty, stick with the v1, you won't go any faster with any other system, it all boils down to simple mathmatecal algorythims, used to determine fuel and timing needs, and what sort of graphical interface they've pt in front of it.

excuse my grammar, this netbook has a touchy mousepad and every three words my curser jumps back 10 words and starts typing , so I'm doing the best I can LOL

And a new haltech would offer you insanely cool features, but as for reliability, it's just a computer, yours may last 20 years, a new haltech might fry the first day you get it and vice versa... if it's working and your happy with the results, by all means spend your money on something that will actually make you faster , corner better or look nicer, the little 16 bit box running your engine is crude by computing standards,because it's job realy isn't that hard
 
I'll probably write a longer response tomorrow but just wanted to say thanks for the reply. I was asking this question because it just seems like AEM v1 has a strange reputation where people always say stuff like "what if an injector driver fails?" Or "Yeah they are great when the work." Just curious as to how it gained the reputation while others say it is great.
 
I've been running my AEM v1 since July of 2002 with no problems. I'd say it's reliable. As for long cranking to start, it's a tuning issue. I'd keep it since you already have it.
 
If you are already set up for speed density (GM AIT and a MAP sensor), run the V1. I have run it with 97-99 sensors as well as a Kiggly 12-tooth trigger with 90-style CAS in a 6bolt 2G application. My own car is a 97-99 7-bolt in 2GB with 97-99 cam and crank sensors. No problems here for many many years.
 
Thanks for the replies! I am running speed density, so I agree with you all on sticking with AEM. I have never experienced Link to see what everyone means by "more user friendly", but to me AEM is user friendly enough as long as you have all of your settings right as far as adjusting table values etc. That being said, I am not the guy to dial it in initially. I am going to be there from start to finish when we tune so I can follow the changes that are made as things progress...that's how I learn the fastest.
 
I personally dislike AEM V1 after living with one for a couple of years. I came across several problems that I just didn't have with ECMLink:

1) Slow start (I picked up cam angle sensory trigger disc and this eliminated the delay) The cranking issue is definitely not a tuning issue as V1 requires enough pulses for it to sync.
2) About 2 or 3 times a year (daily driver) it would completely lose it's mind and required a re-flash to get the car to run again. This means I required having my laptop in the car at all times.
3) Lack of flexibility in cold / warm start tuning. I went through every guide and Youtube video I could about getting it sorted and 90% of the time it worked great. The rest of the time I could work around it by either holding the accelerator down, or shutting it off and restarting. It wasn't nearly as "turn-key" as I like my cars to be considering how stock the car was.

In terms of tuning for power it worked fine, and it had more than enough features. I just found it very rough around the edges, and the software wasn't the most reliable.

If ever move away from ECMLink, it would be to a MS3Pro, a Haltech or something similar.
 
I personally dislike AEM V1 after living with one for a couple of years. I came across several problems that I just didn't have with ECMLink:

1) Slow start (I picked up cam angle sensory trigger disc and this eliminated the delay) The cranking issue is definitely not a tuning issue as V1 requires enough pulses for it to sync.
2) About 2 or 3 times a year (daily driver) it would completely lose it's mind and required a re-flash to get the car to run again. This means I required having my laptop in the car at all times.
3) Lack of flexibility in cold / warm start tuning. I went through every guide and Youtube video I could about getting it sorted and 90% of the time it worked great. The rest of the time I could work around it by either holding the accelerator down, or shutting it off and restarting. It wasn't nearly as "turn-key" as I like my cars to be considering how stock the car was.

In terms of tuning for power it worked fine, and it had more than enough features. I just found it very rough around the edges, and the software wasn't the most reliable.

If ever move away from ECMLink, it would be to a MS3Pro, a Haltech or something similar.

This is exactly my concern....especially #2. I have heard of them losing their config suddenly and with no warning. It's not like it's the end of the world to reflash, but that would definitely suck. I will probably start out with the AEM, but I wouldn't have a very high tolerance for those types of issues. I'll carry my laptop everywhere just in case haha.
 
Your problems sounds a lot like wiring ground issue. To date I haven't found any issues with AEM's that didn't ultimately end up being user error. I DD mine for years without ever needing to hook up to my lap top. I only hook it up every other year for emissions. If you have starting problems it your tuning. I will say the AEM is not the most user friendly though. People claiming AEM problems remind me of the crank walk superstitions people.
 
Yes, that is a grounding issue from my experiences. same would happen if you disconnect the ground first on the battery for a disconnect. if you did power then ground it was fine. ground first would cause a reset and connectivity issues.
 
It could well have been ground on that car. Car was given to me, and it had some odd wiring that I didn't bother to completely remedy.
 
So I called AEM today and even though they don't support the Series 1 anymore they did answer my question. They confirmed that the AEM v1 did indeed suffer from losing its config file due to a bug in the firmware. If you never upgraded the firmware it COULD happen (Didn't always) but if you did upgrade the firmware it supposedly does not happen. I even confirmed this with one of their recommended 3rd party service providers. Apparently if I can find the firmware and get the optical trigger disc I shouldn't have any issues.

That being said, the guy from the shop that was a recommended 3rd party service providers was a good dude and he basically said he would move on from the v1 anyways just because he wouldn't skimp on that part of the build. My tuner has told me this as well...and yes they do stand to profit off of it, but I genuinely believe that a new Haltech would probably be a better option...all comes down to money I guess. I still might keep it...at least at first.

Edit: BTW....AEM really bugged me today because they were so short about the whole thing. I understand not supporting the product as in not offering repair services etc., but you'd think when a customer calls and asks a few simple questions they would gladly oblige. Instead they made it seem like I was bothering them and refused to help me find the firmware...they just said here is a list of providers call them. Well I did and the ones I called didn't have it either.

If anybody knows where AEM Series 1 Firmware v1.19 is please let me know haha
 
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To me it's beginning to sound like you've convinced yourself that AEM has problems & want something else. I'll your's take it off your hands for you so you can get whatever. Some of the thing you state AEM told you don't make sense either. For example AEM never had firmware releases. You'd get every firmware version to date with each free download software update. Like, you can download their last EMS series 1 software version today from their website. "haha"
 
To me it's beginning to sound like you've convinced yourself that AEM has problems & want something else. I'll your's take it off your hands for you so you can get whatever. Some of the thing you state AEM told you don't make sense either. For example AEM never had firmware releases. You'd get every firmware version to date with each free download software update. Like, you can download their last EMS series 1 software version today from their website. "haha"

That's the software not the firmware. Do some research. Im just going by what they told me....shouldn't I listen to AEM and their recommended service provider? He flat out told me that the software and firmware are different and AEM flat out told me that a firmware release fixed the issue. When you Google it you will find other threads of people asking for the firmware separate from the software. I am not claiming to be some EMS expert...just stating what I heard. "haha"
 
Likewise, Do some research. I'm done here.
 
Likewise, Do some research. I'm done here.

I am doing research....like I said, I am not claiming to be an expert. I am just repeating what I was told. I don't see anything in the software that works to update the firmware, yet there are many threads that mention updated firmware. That means it must be some sort of installer. Maybe it's bundled in with the software, but I don't see it.

Enlighten me. Where is this firmware that others mention? How do you perform the update? Why did multiple people mention that a firmware v1.19 fixed multiple bugs with the AEM Series 1? I have not convinced myself that there is a problem...I am just listening to people I trust since I am not an expert. If you know better please share, because I don't have tons of money to throw around and if I can ensure reliability I would have no problem using it. I have seen multiple Supra's making great power with v1 and I like the interface personally, so I am just trying to be unbiased, but yesterday I learned some things that concerned me.
 
Alright I actually found it. There is indeed a v1.19 in the AEM folder and there is a PDF that explains how to "manually convert". It clearly refers to it as firmware in the PDF, so they did have Firmware releases. Well at least I found this...i'll give this a try and see what happens.

The guy at the service provider said he knew there was a firmware update but didn't know where to find it, and AEM confirmed. However, when I asked them where to find it they said they couldn't help me and that they weren't even supposed to answer questions. Better late than never I suppose.
 

Attachments

  • V1 19 Conversion Notes.pdf
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So I called AEM today and even though they don't support the Series 1 anymore they did answer my question. They confirmed that the AEM v1 did indeed suffer from losing its config file due to a bug in the firmware. If you never upgraded the firmware it COULD happen (Didn't always) but if you did upgrade the firmware it supposedly does not happen. I even confirmed this with one of their recommended 3rd party service providers. Apparently if I can find the firmware and get the optical trigger disc I shouldn't have any issues.

That being said, the guy from the shop that was a recommended 3rd party service providers was a good dude and he basically said he would move on from the v1 anyways just because he wouldn't skimp on that part of the build. My tuner has told me this as well...and yes they do stand to profit off of it, but I genuinely believe that a new Haltech would probably be a better option...all comes down to money I guess. I still might keep it...at least at first.

Edit: BTW....AEM really bugged me today because they were so short about the whole thing. I understand not supporting the product as in not offering repair services etc., but you'd think when a customer calls and asks a few simple questions they would gladly oblige. Instead they made it seem like I was bothering them and refused to help me find the firmware...they just said here is a list of providers call them. Well I did and the ones I called didn't have it either.

If anybody knows where AEM Series 1 Firmware v1.19 is please let me know haha
Dude, the firmware has been out for like 10 years, it isn't that hard to find either on their site or on the AEMForum.
For program downloads on their website it is : http://www.aemelectronics.com/?q=products/support/software-downloads#series1 or http://aemelectronics.com/software-aemnet/series-2-ems-4-series-1-software
or directly download link - http://www.aemelectronics.com/files/software/AEMPro_3.23R9.exe

What version is your software release? What is the version of your .cal files saved? If your software is from 2006 or 2007 it should already be updated.

So instead of simply fixing the problem by tuning it properly, or maybe adding a Kiggly 12-tooth crank trigger and modified cam sensor trigger disk (or aftermarket trigger disk), you would rather spend thousands of dollars putting a Haltech Elite into the car? Street car correct? OOOOOOhKay. And I love Haltech Elite components as well as I sell them, but again, if your V1 AEM EMS is working fine why not just use it? It easily can handle the job.
 
Dude, the firmware has been out for like 10 years, it isn't that hard to find either on their site or on the AEMForum.
For program downloads on their website it is : http://www.aemelectronics.com/?q=products/support/software-downloads#series1 or http://aemelectronics.com/software-aemnet/series-2-ems-4-series-1-software
or directly download link - http://www.aemelectronics.com/files/software/AEMPro_3.23R9.exe

What version is your software release? What is the version of your .cal files saved? If your software is from 2006 or 2007 it should already be updated.

So instead of simply fixing the problem by tuning it properly, or maybe adding a Kiggly 12-tooth crank trigger and modified cam sensor trigger disk (or aftermarket trigger disk), you would rather spend thousands of dollars putting a Haltech Elite into the car? Street car correct? OOOOOOhKay. And I love Haltech Elite components as well as I sell them, but again, if your V1 AEM EMS is working fine why not just use it? It easily can handle the job.

Thanks man...no I am not set on getting the Haltech. Guys why the flaming? Read above, I said I found the firmware (Mello said "They didn't have firmware" and they clearly do.) I found it and will move forward with it. Plus I already said above I am going to get the trigger disk. So just because I am concerned because multiple people have talked about losing their tune I have done something wrong? Jesus, I haven't ever experienced this on this forum until now. I actually never said I was going to go with Haltech....I said I am considering it.

Also, there are some people who would seriously flame you for what you just said, they just aren't watching this thread. There are some people who would say, why would you not go with Link or Haltech instead of messing with AEM v1. My point is, there are a ton of opinions out there and I have not shown any stubbornness at all. I appreciate your input....it's just the tone is completely unnecessary as I am not arguing about anything. I am just having a conversation...no need to get so amped about it.
 
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Also, I haven't had the chance to even sync with the unit yet. It is in Dallas where I am headed for Christmas. I was just trying to be proactive and figure out what things I can do to ensure reliability. When I get there i'll hook up to it and sync...and from what you guys are saying it will automatically update the firmware? If not at least I have the guide on how to force install.
 
Dude, grow a thicker skin, i must have been typing a comment and missed a post. I walked away from the PC and didn't refresh it and missed one of your posts. I don't see how I was flaming you by asking questions and giving you direct downloads and links and proper advice from an experienced member.

Being that you have two Haltech dealers in on this thread as well as several AEM EMS users/tuners, and we are all saying pretty much just run the AEM EMS, you aren't setting the world on fire, and you didn't answer any of the questions I had in my post which were legitimate questions.
 
Dude, grow a thicker skin, i must have been typing a comment and missed a post. I walked away from the PC and didn't refresh it and missed one of your posts. I don't see how I was flaming you by asking questions and giving you direct downloads and links and proper advice from an experienced member.

Being that you have two Haltech dealers in on this thread as well as several AEM EMS users/tuners, and we are all saying pretty much just run the AEM EMS, you aren't setting the world on fire, and you didn't answer any of the questions I had in my post which were legitimate questions.

I agree flaming wasnt the right word. I just meant that im just trying to discuss and am open to all advice. I will answer your questions next time I have a chance...on the road to Dallas now. Thanks for the help guys.
 
Hey Mikey, if you don't mind can you send me a copy of the firmware/software that you found or a link to it via PM?

You have to be careful on this forum. There are a lot of people with bad manners here.
 
Hey Mikey, if you don't mind can you send me a copy of the firmware/software that you found or a link to it via PM?

You have to be careful on this forum. There are a lot of people with bad manners here.


There are three links listed above with the download. See post #18.

This forum is a walk in the park in comparison to others, and the OP has had several people with direct knowledge and experience chime in and give proper advice/information.

As well for the OP, I found another thread you started 2 YEARS AGO with the same situation; have you done anything with the car in 2 years??? Mello even chimed into that thread and gave advice. If you were dropping tunes, you have a grounding issue, battery or wiring issue. Did you resolve anything on the previous thread before starting this one??

As well, the AEM EMS works fine with all versions of cam angle sensors and crank sensors without issues. It takes maybe 2-3 crank cycles when my car is cold and can be easily adjusted with the advanced start options. If you want it to start faster then you can either modify a 90 or 91-94 style cam angle sensor trigger wheel and use a Kiggly 12-tooth crank sensor, or get an aftermarket trigger wheel. This just gives you a higher resolution for it to work and will take more time to set up manually with the proper trigger values for injector vs cam/crank trigger timing.
 
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