ecmlink or Ostrich

[dsmcoder]

I would like to know which one is better and how much it would cost to fully set up each.

 

[black_gst]

this question starts wars on this forum.

they are both great products, the DSMlink community is bigger then the other but I have a local buddy that runs Ostrich and hes running low 11's right now trying to touch 10's, he might even chime in on this thread if he sees it

id suggest you just start reading

http://dsmlink.com/
ds-map.net

 

[92AWDHX40]

yes i agree many have different views check out ecmlink for yourself and look for ostrich threads on here or google.

 

[black_gst]

heres a recent thread
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/tuning-engine-management/414536-before-i-get-started-jackal.html

 

[dsmcoder]

Okay thanks, also is the full version of ecmlink worth it?

 

[snowborder714]

Take a look at what each offers and decide what's important and necessary to your build.
prodcompare [ECMTuning - wiki]

 

[dsmcoder]

Okay well I'm not exactly sure what those extra options do, would I need them for running 550 or 650 injectors and a bigger fuel pump?

 

[92AWDHX40]

Read the website, for a great deal of info to get you started, then youll realize need and no needs, its tuning software, dont need a fuel pump.

 

[snowborder714]

What I feel it boils down to is:

Get full if:
-you plan on revving above 8k RPM
-you plan on running GM MAF (so you can use ECMtuning's GM MAF cable)
-you need/want to run two sets of timing and fuel maps (for meth injection, for example)
-you need/want to run more than 4 injectors
-you want to control meth/nitrous with ECMlink
-you want to run boost by gear with ECMlink


If you don't need any of this, get the lite version. If you get the lite version now and decide later down the road you need/want the full version, it's as simple as a chip reflash. You don't have to send anything in other than a firmware upgrade request and money.

 

[bastarddsm]

The correct answer depends on you.

Do you want to excercise your grey matter? Do you want to experiment? Do you want to try things no one has done before? Will you take initiave and figure things out for your self?

If yes, you probably want an ostrich.


If you want to install it tune your car and be done with it, and have no guess work. I'd suggest link.

Link is nice, it had a great logger with much higher speed sample rates, and its all ready to go, but you can't go off and play with new ideas and such.
For example, I'm playing with ideas to change how the ecu responds to the idle switch during rolling fuel cut. I'm hoping to modify it to help some of my deceleration chatter from lightweight drive line parts.



Ostrich is nice because you can do what ever your mind can dream up and you have the skills to code. But you have to have an understanding of computer programming to be able to use it like that. TunerPro RT has a nice logging feature, but you have to set it up to your liking. Also, the stock datalogging sample rates suck. There is enough info out there that using an ostrich isn't to hard, but it does require some intuition and dedication to be successful.

 

[dsmcoder]

What would the GM MAF be used for? Also my dsm is my daily driver so I would like the best setup for that.

 

[snowborder714]

The GM MAF would be instead of the 1g MAS you currently have. It'd be only helpful to you if you're overrunning the stock MAS (which you probably aren't right now) or wanted to vent your BOV to the atmosphere properly.

It sounds like you just need the lite version for now.

 

[black_gst]

What would the GM MAF be used for? Also my dsm is my daily driver so I would like the best setup for that.

from the question your asking it sounds like DSMlink lite will be a good option for you, its pretty user friendly and pretty easy to tune once you get the hang of it

a couple years ago i jumped into dsmlink V3 comming from a SAFC and now i can tune my own car for the most part. it will take time to learn either so dont expect not to have to learn

 

[92AWDHX40]

I agree i just got my link and im learning slowly but i have some basic concepts down waiting on car to get done to do more tuning. Link was my first choice.

 

[dsmcoder]

Ive been looking around and it seems some people say that Ostrich is easier to work with and some people say link is easier but I think ill go with link unless anyone has more input.

Also one more question that is a bit off topic, will a manual 1g dsm ecm with ecmlink work on an automatic 1g dsm?

 

[91stocker]

Also one more question that is a bit off topic, will a manual 1g dsm ecm with ecmlink work on an automatic 1g dsm?

If im understand you right, yes you will be fine. I run a 5 speed ecu in my auto, with Jackal/ostrich combo. Which ever you choose make sure you go speed density.