How far can I go before I need dsmlink?

[90tsiawdturbo]

Ok Id like to know when I'd absolutely HAVE to get a tuning device? (I'm personally going with ECMlink v3 LITE) Id like to build my car as much as possible before making the leap to link...I think I'm pretty much ready now...
my current mods are:
3inch turboback exhaust
Small 16g at stock psi
Short route fmic with re-circulated 1g b.o.v.
Dejon hard intake pipe
AEM UEGO wideband and autometer phantom boost gauge

Give me your opinions, possible other mods I could do before getting ECMlink, anything helpful....thanks guys.

 

[95weclipse]

Id have to say get a 255, some 750s AFPR, then get link then you could crank the boost and with a good tune could easily get maybe 350-400hp

 

[tips000]

you could get a header and port the turbo... there are some more things you could do still but they would only be minute benifits... just get the link

 

[BigBeans]

OP, make the jump to Link now so you can run bigger injectors and keep modding with room to grow. All the hardware in the world means nothing if you can't manage/tune it.

 

[UofACATS]

I think ECMlink should be a DSMs first mod.

 

[90tsiawdturbo]

Well the plan for now is to get as far as possible without link because I'm real tight on money at the moment...lite ECMlink is affordable enough but then you factor in the ecu work and tuning too...at this point in my life that's just too much money to spend on a car when your a broke 20 year old haha

 

[Tyeler18]

I think ECMlink should be a DSMs first mod.

This.

If you're that broke you should leave it as is. No point in spending money on useless mods without being able to get full potential out of them.

 

[tkelly27]

First Generation DSM EPROM Editing

You can go without link for as long as you own a DSM. I don't use it, I even have speed density : )

How long can you go without a tune? When you get bigger injectors. There's no reason for a AFC poorly running 650cc injectors when for a little more $ you can have a more complete tuning solution running 1000's or 1600's with voltage booster or resistor mod. There's not a lot of reason to run tuning software if you have stock injectors.

 

[UofACATS]

full potential

Exactly!


OP: To answer your question, you need a tuning device when a mod requires it. Injectors for example require some sort of engine management system.

I assume you're modding to get more power? If you get ECMlink v3 (lite even..) you can tune +20whp out of your current setup in a day, easy. Add a MBC, and you could probably double that, have a better running car and get better mileage too. Now add injectors, pump and link, and you could nearly double your boost, tune it, and see +100whp.

 

[90tsiawdturbo]

Thank all of you a lot!! This is good info...I'm a noob when it comes to tuning and ECMlink...I'd like to learn to tune my car myself but really don't know where to start...I have went on ecmtuning.com a few times but haven't really read all of it yet....I'm very willing to learn and will read as much as it takes...I want to learn more about knock, speed density, open/closed loop, logging and tons more....a good part of why I stopped modding my car is because id like to know a lot more...If anybody has a link to tuning dsms for dummies let me know haha

 

[eligst21]

Get link, then hit the forums. And if you go on the website now, it can help to do basic stuff, which you did. But after purchasing it, you get access to the link's only secluded forum for purchasers of the program. That helps big time. . That's probably your best bet, is to hit forums and just research and watch videos.

 

[AWDtalonPt2]

I think ECMlink should be a DSMs first mod.

+1. Could have bought it twice with your current mods.

 

[UofACATS]

If anybody has a link to tuning dsms for dummies let me know

The ECMlink homepage has a few basic tuning videos many people find very helpful. Check 'em out:. (Demos)


The ECMlink site is restricted to those users who have purchased the software, but you should be able to view the Wiki. I know it doesn't look like much, but start clicking and start reading..

start [ECMTuning - wiki]

Once you've digested that, you'll be much better off when you get the software.

 

[90tsiawdturbo]

+1. Could have bought it twice with your current mods.

Actually no...I have gotten some great deals...all the mods on my car cost me around the price of linkv3 LITE...hadn't I found such great deals on all of my stuff I prob would have bought link by now...

 

[BoostFrenzy]

I think ECMlink should be a DSMs first mod.

QFT.

Buy car-->Buy ECMLink-->Insert keys into ignition-->Etc.

 

[90tsiawdturbo]

@ UofAcats....I kinda glanced at the wiki site before but couldn't really read it or watch any videos since I wasnt home at the time....again, thanks for all the info

 

[broken_eclipse]

If you're truly doing a budget build just get an AFC.. I made 350+whp on one and daily drove my car until the day i pulled my engine for my current setup.

 

[90tsiawdturbo]

I know this isn't the right thread for this and also off topic but does anyone have any estimate in what I'm making for hp? Like maybe if one of you had a similar set-up and got some numbers...I'd just kinda like to know

 

[92AWDHX40]

Just take it to the dnyo then youll know exactly how much youll make. Thats my plan dyno it then ill have numbers.

 

[jpmxrider489]

save your money and get link. i dont have it but im told its good.

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

It's never too early for a tuning device IMHO

 

[91stocker]

If you have an eprom, you can run SD for free with DS-MAP - Index

Pick up moates ostrich 2.0 and your ready to tune on a laptop in your car. I believe there is one for sale in the classifieds right now. The installation and set up is as plug-n-play as SD can be.