Decisions on Tuning

[Jeremoose]

Hey all. I'm kind-of teetering on a decision here. First-off, I've decided that instead of going with a chip to control the 550's I'll be ordering that I'm going to be ordering an OBDII Datalogger and a GM MAF/MAFT (with blowthrough piping from dejon) combo for tuning.

Here-in lies the problem. I have an S16G and my walbro 190 lying around but I need the 2G install kit for my 16g which costs roughly $200 plus the shipping to Canada so about $250 all said and done. The GM MAF/MAFT /w blowthrough setup and datalogger will be about $600 all said and done...

So should I just snap-up the 16g install kit now or grab the Datalogger first? I can't afford everything at once and will be piecing it together. I'm thinking I'm going to let the 16g/Walbro 190 sit while I get my tuning setup together and then install everything at once. Any thoughts on what I should do first? Or thoughts on my setup itself?

P.S. I'm kind-of leaning towards grabbing the datalogger first and just letting my 16g sit and wait...

 

[kawboy]

Save up enough for a DSMlink setup (I'm assuming you already have an Eprom, as you have a 95 and were thinking about a chip)

This will save you the most money in the longrun, and will allow you to retune for ANY injectors or other settings (Whereas you would need a different chip).

After you have DSMlink and have it setup and know how to use it, THEN bolt up your modifications.

 

[Spooling99]

I would definatley pick up the logger first. Its a must. Also are you planning to use just the GM maf for tuning? I'd look into getting at least a SAFC even though its not as good as the eprom chip.
-Adam

 

[Jeremoose]

I would definatley pick up the logger first. Its a must. Also are you planning to use just the GM maf for tuning? I'd look into getting at least a SAFC even though its not as good as the eprom chip.
-Adam

Well yeah I was planning on using the GM MAF for tuning, I've read online of people who swear by it. Thoughts?

P.S. I don't think DSMlink is for me, just seems complicated, maybe I'm wrong

 

[MrBoxx]

DSMLink is actually very user friendly. I was intimidated at first, and I still am a little bit, but now I think I understand the basics enough to start getting a tune started. Plus, DSMLink is a logger and tuning program in one, as well as a DTC reader/clearer.

 

[92eagleTSI]

I would get the logger & translater first, you should get it before you put on a bigger turbo. Tune what you have first then put the turbo on, tuning is the key

 

[zippyshoe]

DSMLink is actually very user friendly. I was intimidated at first, and I still am a little bit, but now I think I understand the basics enough to start getting a tune started. Plus, DSMLink is a logger and tuning program in one, as well as a DTC reader/clearer.

Good call! I would also suggest considering going with DSMLink especially if you already have a '95 EPROM ECU. DSMLink would allow you to control those 550's or even a much larger set of injectors easily, all the while maintaining a smooth idle. There is lots of useful information on the DSMLink website as well as the DSMLink's forum. Good luck with whatever tuning option you decide on!

 

[Knockin1g]

Hold off on the GM Maf blow-through setup and logger and use the money for DSM-Link. You will be able to control your 550's much better even with your stock 2g maf. Then bolt up the S 16g. Install your 190 fuel pump anytime, seeing how it won't require any additional mods to run properly.

 

[Jeremoose]

So for my money:
Blowthrough setup/GMMAF/MAF translator > DSMlink?
So just forget the MAF and blowthrough and with DSMlink then?

 

[MrBoxx]

With your current mods, you'd be well served going with DSMLink. The 2g MAS is good for around 400 hp, so I've been told. If you were to go with a chip to control the 550's, I think you'd have to upgrade chips every time you got bigger injectors. With Link, you could change injectors every week and just make the necessary adjustments yourself and still have a stock idle. You'd have total control over timing, fuel, and airflow. You could set your stock boost gauge to read knock. There are plenty of features in DSMLink that make it worth the money. I personally like the fact that if anything odd crops up in my datalogs, I can get on the DSMLink forum and post the log and have the people who made DSMLink answer my questions, in addition to other experienced users. I don't know if MAFt has their own forum or not. But it gives me peace of mind knowing that there's amazing technical support and guidance after you buy and start using DSMLink.

I really think you'd be happy going with DSMLink now, and getting the GM MAF and MAFt later, when your modifications require or warrant getting them. You'll be getting fuel control, a logger, and a tuning device all in one.

 

[Jeremoose]

Alright, I'll have to save up for DSMlink then... Does it just plug in underneath the steering column as well?? I don't know jack about DSMlink and the site seems to be down

 

[4BangR-x]

Agreed on the DSMlink...wish I would got one instead of pocketlogger.

 

[MrBoxx]

http://www.dsmlink.com/ It's working for me.

The best thing to do is download the user's manual in the downloads section. Read it a few times to get familiar with some of the functions. (Did I mention No-Lift-to-Shift and Stutterbox?!! ) The Details section also has a good overview of each major section.

The next thing to do is to make sure you actually have an Eprom ECU. In their FAQ section, they have a link to how you can tell; what the sticker of an Eprom looks like as opposed to a non-Eprom, etc. To check, pull off the passenger side center kick panel, get on your knees and use a flashlight and a small mirror under the ECU to see if your sticker has an "E" on the corner. If it does, you're all set.

What you'll need is a laptop (old ones work just as well as new ones) and if the laptop doesn't have a serial port, you'll need to get a Keyspan adapter. I got mine at CompUSA for about $40. It converts a serial port to a USB plug to be used on more modern laptops. The DSMLink cable plugs into the OBDII port under the dash. The cable is pretty easy to hide under the center console, and the plug doesn't really get in the way of your legs. I leave my cable plugged in, with the length of it under the center console, and the Keyspan adapter on the hump in back. When I want to datalog, I just bring my laptop out and plug in the USB.

Once you place the order for DSMLink, you get access to the forums, where you can go for tuning tips, problem diagnosis, etc.

 

[Syndicate13]

DSMlink is probably the single best mod you will ever do to your car. It is so much rolled into one you couldn't touch half it's features for the price. It is a full fledged logging device, the only way to LOG knock on a 2G. Programmable 5v inputs to the ECU mean you can log MAP sensors for a true boost reading, widebands for true AFR's, anything and everything you would need to tune out the car. It has full fuel and timing control and makes changes the right way, inside the ECU code instead of lying to the ECU about airflow. There are several Link users running 1600cc injectors with decent idles. I personally run 880's and my car idles rock solid at 750, well save for the cam lope. Add in a 3 step rev limit, nitrous controls, ways to turn off DTC's for emissions devices like EGR or rear O2 deletes and what are you waiting for? Oh yeah, customer service. The DSMlink forums are frequented by experts as well as the creators who can help on near any problem you could even think you might have. I regretted buying a lot of things for my car but DSMlink will never be one of them.