AEM EMS, Haltec E6K, or Stock ECU?

[95tsiawd11s]

Which is the best route for my 95 TSI AWD? I am looking to end up in the 10's but would like everyone's opinion on each set up. I am using the stock ECU, SAFC, etc. for now. But before I spend over $2000 on an engine management system, I would like to know everyone's opinion on pros and cons. My mods are listed in my profile. Thanks in advance for everyones input. Martin.

 

[blaster1812]

AEM EMS

plugs directly into a vehicle's factory ECU harness and requires no additional wiring. Windows™-based software (2000, NT, 98, 95, ME) makes the task of copying, viewing and manipulating data as simple as a click of the mouse. User-defined templates are easily configurable and enable tuners to establish quick keys to any pertinent information during the tuning process. The AEM EMS's infinitely-adjustable software 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.

Haltech E6K

completely replaces the stock ECU and controls all engine parameters, including fuel delivery and timing. It uses the stock sensors except for a 3 bar MAP sensor and allows the user to program the injector pulse width and timing parameters based on boost level and multiple RPM ranges (500 RPM increments). It also includes graphical data logging and control software (accessed via a laptop computer) which makes the Haltech one of the easiest standalone computers to program.

I would go with the AEM EMS

 

[quickersol]

i would go dsmlink. Way cheaper than AEM and you can do almost anything you can do with the AEM. The new DSMLINK V2 allows you to control nitrous, log boost and every other sensor imaginable, manipulate fuel and timing, plus has some cool features like knock control, no-lift-to-shift, built in 2 step (build 10-12psi to launch with), GM MAF adjuster, honeycomb remover features, plus a ton of other cool stuff. You tell them your injector size when ordering and they program them into the eprom chip so your car will start right up. Plus the tech support on their web forums can not be beat, ask a question and you'll get a response within 4-6 hours usually. I have v1 right now and love it, the car was a breeze to get tuned and runs great. You already have a 95 meaning you most likely have an eprom ecu

 

[95tsiawd11s]

Thanks for the quick replies, I will keep everything in mind... keep them coming!

 

[95tsiawd11s]

Also, any input on the GM MAS and Translator? I know a couple of my buddies with first gens have it and love it, but heard nothing about the GM MAS's and 2nd gens.

 

[tsiracer18]

I would say DSMLink V2 it way cheaper than AEM EMS and the new V2 is awesome.

 

[GRNDSM]

Put another vote toward DSM Link!

Leon
RR

 

[Big Woo]

Concidering your goals, I would also vote for the DSM link V2.
Eventhough the AEM EMS, or the Haltech would give you much greater control, the goals of your project do not justify the expence.

 

[2Gtalon]

where would one go to find more info on the dsm link v2, maybe even a website of where to buy them...thanks

 

[lyfeworx976]

dsmlink.com

 

[Pretty97Gst]

I HAVE A 2G WITH A TRANSLATOR, I'M USING IT WITH THE SAFC AND O BOY IS IT FUN TO TUNE. . MY BASE TIMING IS ALSO OFF SO I GOTTA FIX THAT, THEN MAYBE I CAN GET THIS PIECE OF SHIT CAR GOIN GOOD

 

[HighPSI TSi Guy]

DSMlink and either a VPC or hacked 2G MAF is the way to go.

 

[NASTYDSM]

I have the Haltech E6k installed on my car and love it. Unless you are good at tuning and know what you are doing, don't even bother with it. I assume that if your goal was 10's then you should already be learning everything you can about tuning because you will not go that fast without serious time spent in tuning your car or serious money spent paying someone else to tune your car(like the previous owner of my car)
Don't get me wrong now, the Haltech is easy to use but you have to have the skills in order to utilize the Haltech's capabilities. I am not familiar with the other systems but I would assume that there isn't a system that can control much more than the Haltech can.

 

[zac83]

I've got tons of experience with all of the above mentioned systems and I would definantly have to say you will want a DSM link with a MAF translator blow though setup.

www.dsmlink.com
www.ramchargers.com

Alot of people dont like others plugging their own shop, but we've got the translator AND the GM MAF modified to couple strait to 3 inch hose for ease in stock. We dont have any DSMlinks but their sales team is top notch. If you want some help sourcing all of that goop, give me a PM.

Haltec : its ran in DOS, you have bar graphs for load points for both timing and fuel pulsewidth - so basicly it takes hours upon hours to tune them well. No tech suport.

AEM: Ran in windows - alot easier and user friendly but its VERY hard to work bugs out of when theres a problem. Good tech support when the answer the phone.

Someone mentioned a VPC or a hacked 2g MAS. a VPC would be ok but they are VERY weather sensitive. 2g MAS still dosnt flow nearly as much as a GM mas and dosnt allow for base injector calibrations.

Just my .02 cents
Zane Coppedge

 

[dsmturboawd]

this is like a which is better ford or chevy argument. there will never be a definate better/worse.

get what you want. all the listed tuning tools will work great to reach your goal.

i vote dsmlink and hacked 2g mas as thats what im running. it seems to be the best bang for the buck.

 

[DCJ98GST]

Originally posted by quickersol
...The new DSMLINK V2 allows you to control nitrous, log boost and every other sensor imaginable, ...

Are you sure it can log boost? I did not see it on the site and nobody else has said that.

 

[Hal]

Yes, you can log boost with it.

You can do it with V1 as well.

Hal

 

[DCJ98GST]

Sorry, dont mean to hijack,

But do you need any special equiptment to log boost (i.e. digital boost gauge)?

 

[kpt4321]

You need a MAP sensor.

I think DSMLink is what you're looking for.

 

[nineD5_GS-T]

DSM link is the most easiest user friendly system that allows you to do just about everything a standalone can. Plus you can log knock, which a 2g maf, translator, afc wont do.

 

[JAYTEE]

To All Those Interested,
The "stock" ECU, modified by Technomotive in California works great
and has many built in benefits as well as many that are selectable by
the owner. The stage 3 option even has a "stuuter control" for shifting
with the throttle wide open. Thi will be the best $300.00 you can spend.
Just add an SAFC 2 and you are in business. Technomotive has a WEB
sight. Look them up.
JTT

 

[brads]

Originally posted by JAYTEE
To All Those Interested,
The "stock" ECU, modified by Technomotive in California works great
and has many built in benefits as well as many that are selectable by
the owner. The stage 3 option even has a "stuuter control" for shifting
with the throttle wide open. Thi will be the best $300.00 you can spend.
Just add an SAFC 2 and you are in business. Technomotive has a WEB
sight. Look them up.
JTT

Helloooo? McFly? TMO has been belly up for a while. They don't do ECU mods anymore, check their WEB SITE where it says"NOTE! We are no longer modifying ECUs! Please do not send us your ECU!" on the very first page. Their ECU mods are awful for the price, on a 2G. You would be a chump to get their mods now that there are better chips(DSMLink) available.

Brad

 

[nowayout]

I've tried just about every piggy back, VPC and an Eprom ECU.

Right now I have an AEM EMS with the wideband setup. Went with the map setup.

you can do anything on a full standalone including progressive Nitrous setup, speed dependent boost control and auto tune.

But you do need to have a very good knowledge of how to tune your car. It's not for the bigger at all.


I've never tried a DSMlink. plus it does not work on a 1G.

Stock ECU and SAFC can get go a long way. People get to quick on going standalone when they do need it.

 

[dsmturboawd]

not to hijack or anything, but those "tmo" chips are on ebay for like 80 bucks.

 

[Hal]

Originally posted by nowayout
I've never tried a DSMlink. plus it does not work on a 1G.

Actually it can be made to work on a 1g, and works quite well.

Hal