Best ECU setup?

[neuralracing]

How much does the DSMLink go for?

Anyone with the greddy setup that can provide insight like Brad has. Thanks Brad for the post...

 

[jake98gst]

The cost of DSMLink V2 is, I think, $645. Not including the cost of a 95 ECU and a laptop/palm pilot to tune it.

 

[Rogue_Ant]

Originally posted by jake98gst
The cost of DSMLink V2 is, I think, $645. Not including the cost of a 95 ECU and a laptop/palm pilot to tune it.

I think thats alot for just a few dollar chip.... if it came with the ECU, then I would get it, but I can't justify spending that kind of money, and STILL have to get a ecu to put it in...

Rogue

 

[brads]

Originally posted by Rogue_Ant
I think thats alot for just a few dollar chip.... if it came with the ECU, then I would get it, but I can't justify spending that kind of money, and STILL have to get a ecu to put it in...

Rogue

Its not just a chip. There is a cable as well. And PC software that it took them quite a while to develop. If you want to break hardware down like that, pretty much NO dsm electronics are worth it. TMO chips were $300, and didn't do all the things the DSMLink one does. It basically does the function of the $300 TMO chip + AFC + ITC+logger. But it does it better. Sure it seems pricey, but its still better(and usually cheaper) than getting the equivalent tuning tools elsewhere.

If you are really looking for the least expensive solution and don't mind less features, look at http://dsmchips.com. His $90 chip does a whole heck of a lot for $90.

Brad

 

[racegate]

I had an Emanage on my car, and now have an AEM EMS.

1G AWD, stock motor, On the Emanage, stock ECU, 50trim turbo, it went [email protected] with a 1.9 60ft on pumpgas and some alcohol/water injection. Power was VERY consistant as the car would trap within .5MPH on every pass, in varying weather, and different track visits.

I have the EMS now but haven't ran it.

I would be happy to answer any questions.

 

[eclipse_20g]

If the EMS is to be out of beta and the easiest to work with, why are the aem forums constantly plagued with problems coming from this unit? I am no standalone tuner, nor know much of anything about them at all. But I have seen plenty of posts regarding cars having no spark, no fuel, hitting brick walls after a certain % throttle, etc. etc. etc. I have also heard of people having problems with 6-bolts in 2g's. It just seems like a lot of people have problems with the AEM. Again, I am not anywhere close to knowledgeable on tuning standalones. It just seems like people have a lot of problems with them.

Also, what about Haltech's new E6X? It is apparently more user friendly and has more capability than the K? The reason I have been planning on using the Haltech system is because my 2g runs a 6-bolt that was completly built and tuned by Marco at Magnus Motorsports and he recommends the Haltech unit. Naturally, Marco is a Haltech tuning God and knows them inside and out, so this is why I am planning on running it. Haltech also came out with a plug-and-play harness to undoubtedly keep up with the times. Hopefully I can get some positive feedback on the E6X because even with all the problems it seems like the AEM causes, it still sounds good. Thanks

 

[dsmnelskels]

where do you buy dslink and the cable for a palm/laptop?

I'm thinking this is the best way to go, just don't know where to buy from

 

[jake98gst]

www.dsmlink.com

 

[dsmnelskels]

www.dsmlink.com

man am I stupid didn't see that link for ordering...

my question is...what are you paying for? I downloaded the program off their website...is the 600 bucks for a new chip? will it work with the stock chip? whats the deal here?

 

[sunflashx]

man am I stupid didn't see that link for ordering...

my question is...what are you paying for? I downloaded the program off their website...is the 600 bucks for a new chip? will it work with the stock chip? whats the deal here?

You are buying a chip and an adapter cable for your car. The adapter is not the same as other obd2 adapters. You must have the chip to interface the car with the software.

Anyone can download the software and look at log files other people have made.

 

[dsmnelskels]

You are buying a chip and an adapter cable for your car. The adapter is not the same as other obd2 adapters. You must have the chip to interface the car with the software.

Anyone can download the software and look at log files other people have made.

what is the deal about having a socket added? do I need to worry about this or what? how hard is it to add the chip?

 

[jake98gst]

When you send them your 95 ecu, they socket it. But if you've already had your ecu socketed, then you still send them your ecu to get the chip put in but you don't need to pay extra for the socketing. You would know if you had your ecu socketed already.

What you need to do is buy a used 95 ECU from someone or a junkyard or whatever (unless your car is a 95). Send the 95 ecu to them and they will take care of the rest. They will send you back the ecu socketed, chipped, and ready to go.

Jake

 

[dsmnelskels]

awesome thank you very much man....

next question...when in the modification series is it safe to do this?

 

[Attack Eagle]

rightr after installing whatever guages you are going to be using to keep tabs on engine performance... wideband & egt preferably... and getting used to the readings of the stock combo...

however it is probably to late for 99% of us to do that so right away I would say

 

[neuralracing]

Does it specifically have to be a 95 ECU? Or just any 2G? What are the pros and cons of parting ways with my 90 ECU (which for some reason people like to buy on ebay)?

 

[ceedawg]

if you want to do both timing and fuel get the e-manage.

EMS cannot be compared to the rest of these, as it is a standalone, and emanage, SAFC, dsmlink, are like piggybacks. it takes a LOT more knowledge and skill to properly set up an EMS than it does any of these piggybacks. it is also much more work.

How is the dsm link a piggyback setup?You can program the chip using there software.

 

[neuralracing]

Theoretically its a Piggyback because you need the stock ECU... a pure stand alone would not need the ECU.

 

[Hal]

Piggyback, by definition implies that the device alters ECU input/output signals (like the AFC, ITC, PMS, VPC etc).

DSMLink DOES NOT so this.

All adjustments are done INSIDE the ecu, based on true input signals and results in true output signals.

Hal

 

[CanadianTalon]

AEM EMS is the way to go, IMHO. Gear dependant boost control is great, the 2-step is sick, and I can't wait to start fiddling around with traction control. Another great feature is you can control boost by RPM's, to reduce the sudden surge of boost. I'm running a .58 A/R housing on a big turbo, so it has a tendency to lag for a while and then it's all in within very few RPM's. The AEM helps smooth this out so that I can drive it on the street, making the transition into boost much smoother. Much more precise than an SAFC or the HKS alphabet soup. I drove my car around for a while with the alphabet soup, then switched to the AEM and I am never going back.

 

[Attack Eagle]

Reading the pros and cons of various manufacturer websites and reviews, and general opinions on various websites and dsm lists from owners/users have led me to the following conclusions
1g AEM EMS... done... reasons are 1gs can't get dsmlink, and the AEM ems for this vehicle seems to be very effective in addressing owners needs.

2g not experienced in setting up base maps and tuning Standalones already/ street car/ nothing extremely nuts done to the vehicle/ some experience in tuning piggyback controllers, adapters... DSMLINK

dsmlink has base maps built in spec'd for the fuel injectors you are running that are basically modded factory maps, so if you lose your program (dead battery/ mechanic/ stereo shop etc) and DON'T have your laptop and custom map with you, the car will still start and run safely.
It is not a piggyback. it is based upon the factory ecu because 1: that unit fits with no mods to the car making it true plug and play. 2 it has factory maps, and uses the same language built into it, so why not the factory computer?, 3 its more affordable to the enduser to reuse it than replace it with a new computer and have to add or modify existing sensors to get it to run because it is not true plug an play like other S/A EMSs out
there. Its geared towards the hobbyist tuner not the hardcore tuner for money. 90% of DSM owners will never exceed DSMlinks limits.

2g all out drag/competition car aem ems

aem ems is geared towards the truly competitive tweaker who wants the absolute most control possible in one unit with optional add ons that integrate and has the budget for something of this sort, and the experience to set it up properly and install it properly, as well as to tell when something is not right and has the guages to allwo such a determination. This does not generally apply to the average somewhat new to tuning DSMer or worse to his mechanic or spouse, thus making this one imo for competition or very serious hardcore tuners cars only, definately not for the spouse's runs to the grocery store.



just my .02 on this opinion poll.

 

[ceedawg]

Theoretically its a Piggyback because you need the stock ECU... a pure stand alone would not need the ECU.

OH LORD!!! It replaces the stock chip with a now programmable chip that can be programmed with DSM LINK software and a laptop. What are you talking about?

 

[ceedawg]

The CHIP is the main issue here whether it's a stck ECU or Whatever ECU! With the stck Ecu or an aem ecu you can still use the STCK sensors.

 

[99GSXTC]

With all the talk of piggybacks and standalones, Ive seen nothing mentioned about the Apex'i power FC. Ive asked before on various boards and all Ive had in replies is go with the DSMLink or the AEM EMS. Ok, great, Im a DSM guy and have had a DSM since 95 starting with the regular GS, I now have a 99 GSX with S-AFC as a piggyback with quite a few various mods still on the factory turbo (soon to rest in peace) and have ran a 13.6 @ 98.21 without nitrous. I know about the AEM and the DSMLink, what I would like to know is anyone with an Apex'i Power FC on their DSM. Anyone out there with it or know someone with it? Ive ran into just one person that has it with a turbo setup that I have sitting in my office upstairs and he is in Canada. Anyone? Any help? Anyone? Thanks in advance...

 

[TurboDSM90]

How much does the DSMLink go for?

Anyone with the greddy setup that can provide insight like Brad has. Thanks Brad for the post...

People still dislike the e manage, why? I dunno. I got my whole setup for under 500 bucks. Support tool, ignition harness, custom made(homemade) injector harness, and blue box. Subscribe to the emanage yahoo group, search the heck out of the archives(dont be lazy please) and have fun. I got my laptop for free(friend works at a computer recycling center).

MohdParts.com-E-manage

To subscribe to the emanage yahoo group, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and make sure you dont subscribe to the supra group.

Anywho, results with the emanage were good. The car feels very smooth yet responsive even with the maf-t(not so smooth and responsive by itself). I have version 1.2 of the Maf-t, and I am not sure I want to upgrade it.

I have(er, had shes resting for now) the car tuned almost perfect with the emanage. I have Darkside 880s (most likely 780s) and set the maft to zero across the board, and messed with the emanage injector compensation map until it idled where it should (750) smoothly. Once that was out of the way, I pulled 1 degree of timing from 5500rpms up to 8k, and pulled 2 degrees from 3500-5250rpms. It got rid of 99% of my tip in/transitional knock(from vacume to boost). Then I added fuel on the fly with the translator at WOT. After I figured 3 clicks on the maft equaled anywhere from 11-19% on the emanage, that made the knock in higher rpms a bit easier to control.

I really wanted to use the emanage as full fuel and timing control(kinda wanted to get my moneys worth ). I have the maf-t there basically for immediate tunning when needed at WOT. Other than that, I have a few maps on my emanage saved for race gas, pump gas, 20 psi daily, and self destruct mode(<-joke ).

The emanage and a 2G mas would be great as well, I just wanted the peace of mind that the turbo will get all the air into it that it needs; no bottle necks.

If I had to do it all over again as far as engine management, would I?

Tough question.

I figure the pocketlogger Software cost 150

Palm pilot 30-100 bucks

Maf t 200 bucks

GM MAS 10-125 bucks

Emanage, Support tool, harnesses 350(if you just buy the blue box, and harnesses. No need for the support tool if you get the profec e01)-- 500

Laptop Not necessary (if using the profec e01) 0 - 500 bucks

Boost controller -( I will NEVER go back to a manual boost controller, I almost got RAN OVER adjusting the damn thing!) 200-500(<-profec e01)


So you figure, a stand alone (ems or haltec) will run anywhere from 900-1600(ems with all the bells and whistles)

Plus a GOOD laptop ---500-1200 bucks.

With the piggy back you have more clutter in the cockpit, more stuff to monitor in different areas. With a stand alone you have one screen to look at(if you have all your sensors hooked up with the AEM vitrual dashboard), and TOTAL CONTROL.

With "mo money" come "mo problems" right????

E manage (or any piggyback(s) for that matter) you always have the stock computer to fall back on(or get in the way, pick one) If you run a hair too lean, the ecu will pull timing. If you got a bad tank of gas, the ecu will save you. The stock ecu is a safety cushion. Its basically your training wheels.

If I could do it again, I think I would be right where I am right now. I am happy with what I have learned, the personal goals I have hit, and the quality time I have spent with my burden, I mean baby. I have learned so many things from my setup, and guess what, there is still room for more (3 bolt permitting, yes GRNDSM I know borrowed time ). Race gas is a beautiful thing guys, but its great being in street trim with some good ol 91 octane knowing I can hit some decent times consistently.

For a street car, that see's the track maybe 1 or 2 times a month I would go with something with R A N G E yet, still be safe and consistent. Is a stand alone in my future? I doubt it, are 10s attainable with a piggy back? yes. Would it be easier with a stand alone? general Joe says, yes. Is it worth the hassle and money when you have already gone piggy back for so long? Do you like to learn as you go or, do you like throwing parts at your car with no idea on how they work?

Sometimes you have to ask yourself what DSMs are for you.... a hobby, a sport, and education, or your love? ok...enough...that was kinda touching

If you have any more Q's post up, or PM.

DSM link, I dont know much about so I'd rather not spread any misinformation around.

EMS, I have seen in action, and it has TONs of stuff that can be useful...but I honestly dont see the average DSMr touching any of the option/tunability of the ems.

I am a bit druged up(NyQuil) cause I am sick . So forgive any stuff that doesnt make sense.

 

[TurboDSM90]

I will also be using my emanage to run a fuel injector for my alcohol injection. Just designing the mild steel bung for the injector right now....thought Id throw it in here.

Just saw the born on date of this thread....this is old. Hope I helped.