best DSMlink alternative

[Sinister96]

ok so i almost bought a apex-i safc, then i almost bought a elmscan 5, then read about OBD link, then read about tantric, and EVOlink, wth i dont have the money nor the real need for DSMlink not now anyways. but i would like something functional, that i can log with and do some tuning. i have a gsx A\T getting a 16g soon (was told its a small but it looks like a big), and a EVO3 mani with a full 3" exhaust. i dont plan on going larger than that anytime soon.so whats got the most function for the price to mildly tune a DD.
Oh i got a 96.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Never used anything else than link, depends on your goals, even for a dd, street car is amazing, and i can tune it myself, and log, check codes and so much more.

 

[98GSXin]

Evoscan will work only on a 98 or 99 ecu, so that's out of the question for you unless you feel like buying a new ecu. I'm guessing no since you stated money was an issue. Maybe look into the SAFC route?

 

[turbojo]

just get dsmlink its money well spent i picked up v3 full with a good eprom ecu for 450 shipped and sold my old non eprom for 75 so for 375 you can get anything half as good just post a wtb ad get dsmlink call it a day

 

[bryanwheat]

My best advise is wait to upgrade the turbo and fuel system until you can afford dsmlink. That should be the first mod that you do to the car before upgrading anything else. Safc's and other piggybacks are ok, but they offer no timing adjustment, and can cause aggressive timing problems.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Lets not forget a wideband.

 

[endsurvivor]

Yes wideband for sure! I'm in that boat built an evo3 setup on my gst with gm maf and maf-t. I went with the narrow band to get by BIG mistake tuning is retarded without a wideband. But we live and learn! have fun with your setup and a heads up go ahead and buy some replacement manifold bolts when you swap your header... (another lesson learned!)

 

[Calan]

My best advise is wait to upgrade the turbo and fuel system until you can afford dsmlink. That should be the first mod that you do to the car before upgrading anything else.

Agreed 100%.

I recommend ECMLink and a wideband (if at all possible) as the first mod for any DSM.

 

[dsmspickdad]

Save your money or creep the wanted ads, and buy Ecmlink. Especially, V2 or higher. The piggyback will bring you heartbreak and make you cuss like a sailor!

 

[ZombieSix]

I use Tactrix ECUFlash, but its only avil for 98/99

 

[Sinister96]

i had the chance to buy a 99 ecu the other day for less than 150$. the same guy had a tantric setup and the ecu going for 300$ but he sold teh tantric.
I plan on going with new studs not bolts. I might buy a MAF-T and gm maf to start then look further, i will get a wide band solely because you guys have made them tried and true and i wanna learn by YOUR mistakes . And i dont have a eprom ecu so going the better DSMlink witout is what i mean by to much money. I know at least i can just buy a 98-99 ecu and run something that will be fine with me.
I think next week its getting my evo3 mani\ small (found out) 16g, along with the maf-t and MBC.
imma set a low 10-12 psi until i can get some logging\tuning software\hardware.
I had the chance at a apex-i safc for 100$ but was told not to waste my time cause they run out of options real fast.
This is my first dsm and ive had it about a month, i'm starting off very modest, .

 

[madmaxxx]

DSM link all the way. Save your duckets and the regrets

 

[snowborder714]

the same guy had a tantric setup and the ecu going for 300$ but he sold teh tantric.

Tactrix, not tantric.

 

[Calan]

tactrix, not tantric.

...

Lol

 

[Tfitch90]

You can find afc's all day for under 100 used. I have one, and I will be switching to dsmling and a speed density setup so maybe by the end of March or the start of April I will be elling the afc for the low. You can even find dsmlink cheaper used.

 

[91stocker]

Agreed 100%.

I recommend ECMLink and a wideband (if at all possible) as the first mod for any DSM.

+1 to this ^^

 

[ed1380]

Evoscan will work only on a 98 or 99 ecu, so that's out of the question for you unless you feel like buying a new ecu. I'm guessing no since you stated money was an issue. Maybe look into the SAFC route?

98 ecu + tactrix cable is cheaper than dsmlink(which also requires a different ecu)

It's $400 for everything to run ecuflash.
or
It's $600 for everything to run dsmlink

EDIT: well saw that you already went for ecuflash. Awesome. You will need a different cas sensor. Either a 1g (adjustable) or a 2gb(fixed base timing)

Just noticed that most the people saying dsmlink have 1g's.

 

[FLASH1970]

1. Maintenance (timing belt, waterpump, fluid flush, check ball joints and tie rods, turbo shaft play...)
2. Exhaust- Get a downpipe and catback exhaust or a downpipe with a cutout
3. Intake
4. fuel pump- a 190 or EVO8/EVO9 pump will flow more than enough for a 16g and you can keep your stock FPR.
5. boost gauge- factory boost gauge is pretty much useless.
6. tuning setup- 98/99 ECU, ECUFlash, EVOScan, Tactrix 2.0 cable with flash plug.
7. boost controller
8. wideband- I use an LC-1. It plugs right into your laptop and works well with EVOScan
9. injectors- for a small 16g, 650's-750's unless running E85. Then go with 1000-1200's.
10. turbo/ intercooler

That's the order you should upgrade your car to do it safely and get the most out of it. Buying a turbo first is pointless as the stock fuel system can't take much more than stock boost.

From reading, it looks like you're just going for a DD with a little kick. For that reason, I'd skip on the MAFT and EVO3 manifold. They are good parts, but the money spent there can be better spent elsewhere. The 2g MAS and 2g Exhaust manifold will be fine for what you want. That's my opinion especially if you're on a budget.

 

[91stocker]

98 ecu + tactrix cable is cheaper than dsmlink(which also requires a different ecu)

It's $400 for everything to run ecuflash.
or
It's $600 for everything to run dsmlink

EDIT: well saw that you already went for ecuflash. Awesome. You will need a different cas sensor. Either a 1g (adjustable) or a 2gb(fixed base timing)

Just noticed that most the people saying dsmlink have 1g's.

Not much savings and a lot more hassle

 

[FLASH1970]

You will need a different cas sensor. Either a 1g (adjustable) or a 2gb(fixed base timing)

Why is that? Just swap the spark plug wires around... should work fine.

 

[91stocker]

ok so i almost bought a apex-i safc, then i almost bought a elmscan 5, then read about OBD link, then read about tantric, and EVOlink, wth i dont have the money nor the real need for DSMlink not now anyways. but i would like something functional, that i can log with and do some tuning. i have a gsx A\T getting a 16g soon (was told its a small but it looks like a big), and a EVO3 mani with a full 3" exhaust. i dont plan on going larger than that anytime soon.so whats got the most function for the price to mildly tune a DD.
Oh i got a 96.

With all the parts your looking to buy, you could easily afford link and some minor bolt ons.

 

[907dsm]

Honestly I would make the switch to ecu flash, I had the evo8 ecu swap in my 1g for a while before I made the jump to ecmlink. First off the support isn't there yea sure there is some guys out there running it but they don't offer support like you would get on the ecmlink forums. Personally I didn't like the whole ROM stuff you had to do, ecmlink does all those things for you. I hope that helps!

 

[alex209]

Dsmlink and wideband

 

[Sp1kE]

Back when V2 was out I jumped on the Megasquirt band wagon, because of more flexability and options.
Started with tapping into the sensors wires for logging... Then I cut the Injector wires and took over the fuel control... and from there went to full standalone, fuel and spark controll with custom engine bay harness...

Now with V3 out, it has almost all the options my Megasquirt currently has...
and there is almost no wiring...

I am sticking with my Megasquirt standalone... but for some simple light tuning for a DD... I think Link takes the trophy...

 

[ed1380]

Not much savings and a lot more hassle

$200 is a lot of savings And I would always recommend a 1g cas over the 2ga cas.

My buddy just bought v3 full. It's not better than evoscan or ecuflash.

If you want support then get an evo8 ecu and the cheaper 1.3 cable and you'll have the support of the whole evo community. It's almost plug and play for 2g's.