GM MAF, MAFT, SAFC and what not

[Dr Gnarlson]

since i own a 420a, would it be worth it to buy a SAFC or maft for it and possibly some larger injectors? i want to get into tuning and mega squirt is kind of out of my reach at the moment. just kind of wondering what can they all do and if i would get anything out of it.

 

[Shake_Zulla]

Goal's/plans for car needed before accurate advice can be givin'.

 

[sexystover]

why are you building a 420a ? is it even boosted?

 

[Dr Gnarlson]

Well my goals for this car are to eventually run boost. Right now I'm in the process of doing a full tune up on it maintenance wise so everything is in working order. Its my daily driver and I would like to get into light tuning. So I was thinking about using either a safc or maft, depending on the advice given.

 

[Shake_Zulla]

Well my goals for this car are to eventually run boost. Right now I'm in the process of doing a full tune up on it maintenance wise so everything is in working order. Its my daily driver and I would like to get into light tuning. So I was thinking about using either a safc or maft, depending on the advice given.

Well "light tuning" is kinda a dangerous thing to say. IMO it would be better to get to 5psi before getting into tunning but to each his own. Here is a good walk through if your looking for a SAFC.

SAFC Install and Tuning

 

[bullettdsm]

You will have a slight gain in power with the Safc (I gained about 3whp peak and slightly better curve with the Safc. Though that was with some considerable mods and an AFX ECU at the time. Your gains will be lower - though you can tuen it for etter gas mileage.) IMO, don't go out an dbuy one just for the application. But if you already have one; hey what's a little labor ?

Forget the Maft etc. Incorrect application.

MB

 

[GsXdSmKingGsX]

Why SAFC? I actually know ALOT of 420a tuners that swear by MegaSquirt.

 

[Shake_Zulla]

Why SAFC? I actually know ALOT of 420a tuners that swear by MegaSquirt.

Exactly a lot of people are scared of it though. IMO it's really the only reasonable tunning option but then again I like quality products at a reasonable price (plus I will be running another unit on my 95 toyota 4x4 too). But like was already said your gains will not be noticed/needed untill you turbo your car.

 

[bullettdsm]

Why SAFC? I actually know ALOT of 420a tuners that swear by MegaSquirt.

i want to get into tuning and mega squirt is kind of out of my reach at the moment..

I'm looking at it as the OP may be more comfortable with the SAFC so he wants to start there and work into MSnS.

Oh yeah, OP, don't get larger injectors. They will do you no good. You will actually end up leaning out most of the curve with the SAFC.

MB

 

[Dr Gnarlson]

Ok, so there is no point to get larger injectors since I would be tuning the fuel "map" with the safc? I don't have an safc just laying about but I don't think spending $150 or so to learn about tuning and get better gas milage to be to expensive.

 

[Dr Gnarlson]

could i possibly run a SAFC-2 and GM MAF? would that have any benefit? or would just running a SAFC be fine?

 

[GsXdSmKingGsX]

Why dont you run one of those crazy ECU's? Maybe a 420a guy can chime in here but isnt there an ecu you can buy and install directly?

And SAFC would be fine by itself.

 

[Dr Gnarlson]

alright so im pretty sure im going to try this SAFC tuning out. does anyone have a wideband kit for sale?

 

[95TalonOwner]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but your info says you are in Europe, so that would mean your 2g non turbo is a 4g63.

 

[Dr Gnarlson]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but your info says you are in Europe, so that would mean your 2g non turbo is a 4g63.

im actually just stationed here for the time being. its an american spec '97 rs with a 420a. but i understand how that could be confusing.... i should really change that hahaha

 

[bullettdsm]

could i possibly run a SAFC-2 and GM MAF? would that have any benefit? or would just running a SAFC be fine?

Take the GM MAF out of the equation. Our ECU's read pressure not air flow.

Why dont you run one of those crazy ECU's? Maybe a 420a guy can chime in here but isnt there an ecu you can buy and install directly?

And SAFC would be fine by itself.

Yes, you can get an ecu that is bolt-in (the AFX/ECU by Howell). But it is "self tuning" so you will learn nothing about tuning (as you stated you wanted to).

Correct me if I'm wrong, but your info says you are in Europe, so that would mean your 2g non turbo is a 4g63.

Excellent point Wes. I took note of his location when he posted but he specifically stated 420a (as opposed to 2gnt or 2g non turbo), so I figured he was talking about the 420a. But it is a good point to store in the ole mammary banks.

MB

 

[Dr Gnarlson]

alright so when looking at widebands, i see that some have the narrowband thing. Now ive been reading on that and to me it means that you can run it to the ECU so you dont throw a CEL, is that true and if so do i have to have DSMlink or something like that to use that function or can i use it without any other program? thank you

 

[95TalonOwner]

You cannot run a wideband to your stock ecu. You cannot use dsmlink with your car since you have the 420a. You can buy the wideband and run it with just the gauge so you can monitor your actual air/fuel ratio while you are tuning with whatever piggy back device you get.

 

[Dr Gnarlson]

alright thanks for answering my questions! Its been a great help. 95Talonowner, do you know of any dsm events going on in wisconsin? ill be moving back in march and would like to do a meet or something.

 

[95TalonOwner]

We have a few meets a year. Check us out at www.widsm.org

 

[95talongirl]

You cannot run a wideband to your stock ecu. You cannot use dsmlink with your car since you have the 420a. You can buy the wideband and run it with just the gauge so you can monitor your actual air/fuel ratio while you are tuning with whatever piggy back device you get.

Correct! OP: You are running a speed density system for air/fuel management. Therefore there's a whole different set of rules then what the 4g guys run. Your electronics are also Chrysler not Mitsubishi and that's why the dsmlink won't work for you either. You could look into www.neons.org or the 2gnt.com (to eliminate confusion) and see what the neon guys run for piggyback systems and such. The setups will be similar.

What will also be helpful to you is to read up on the differences in Speed Density and a Mass Air Flow system. Once you see how both systems work, you will understand as to which products will benefit you the most and why. This will help you in your goals.