Lets talk engine management & electronics

[jdsoza]

I am welcoming whoever wants to participate in this. I have been doing some research on what a lot of people (in general, not just DSM owners) have been using for engine management and electronics. I think DSM Link is the most popular so far I have come across for the dsm community. I have been looking into all different brands and types of engine management units as well as other electronics like ignition boxes, boost controllers, and just air/fuel controllers. I am taking my DSM to a guy who knows plenty about dsm cars, UMS tuning in Arizona. After talking with them, I learned DSM link was the way to go if your on a budget. On the other hand, what can this do as far as boost control, nitrous control, and different switchable maps? I dont know much about DSM Link and want to learn more. So who has experience please i need your input. I was looking into electronic boost controllers, and they are getting pricey. from $200-now up to $600. Also I may or may not being installing a nitrous system, and need a progressive controller for that. So after finding prices I am really looking into the AEM box which I know is a great unit, because it simply controls all of what i stated above. Then i have also looked into haltech, motec, FAST, Electromotive, LINK, and a few other various ones in different price ranges. OS whoever has input on anything engine management or electronics pleas join in. id like to know what people are using and why? Thanks again

 

[Cassera]

The ECM Link v3 lITE only supports 1 map while the FULL V3 supports 2 maps...
Check this out, It's a comparison between the V3Lite version and the full v3 version..
prodcompare [ECMTuning - wiki]

If you notice it says the Full V3 has switchable secondary maps and secondary fuel consumption, while the V3Lite version doesn't allow you to have two maps for either.

As far as nitrous, the FullV3 version also allows you to "Control your nitrous kit or water injection or any number of other things using a set of parameters you define." while the V3Lite version doesn't.

I was looking into electronic boost controllers, and they are getting pricey. from $200-now up to $600. Also I may or may not being installing a nitrous system, and need a progressive controller for that.

Oh yeah, It's gonna get pricey. If not sooner, than definitely later.

 

[2qik4u]

as far as boost contrallers go I use and will only use manual. ive seen every brand and type of EBC and am not happy with the performance of any of them. boost spike is a big issue with EBC. i go manual and have a 2 stage manual BC and it works awesome!!! and its the same every time! just my .02!!!

 

[jdsoza]

What brand of two stage Manual boost controller do you have? I really like the world Racing Electronic boost controllers. They are really good controllers, and boost spike isn't all too common. Does anybody know the size of the grid tunning map is for DSM Link? I want to compare it to AEM's. I can get an AEM box for $1395. Thats a hefty price over the DSM link, but i think it could fine tune a little better.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Well dsmlink is for our dsms' im getting it soon, I wouldnt spend over a grand for a tuning device.
I would contact the tom who makes the system, he could tell you what you need to know.

 

[JayRolla]

Dsmlink will soon have boost control added but its not a feature. I thought the v3 had three maps but I could be mistaken. You also get speed density support and direct ecu editing with v3 which is the grid and you get up too 10000rpms x 3.4 load factor.

http://www.streettunedmotorsports.com/parts/b/ecm_link_dsmlink_v3_direct_access_big.jpg

 

[jdsoza]

Does anybody know if on DSM LINK if you can tune in real time? Im really liking this whole DSM link idea, it will give more more to spend else where.

 

[MrBoxx]

With DSMLink, you move whichever fuel slider or timing slider or whatever you want to whatever value you want, and then hit "Copy to ECU" or "Apply" and it's done instantly.

AEM is by far more advanced, but as such, it requires much more work put into it to get it to work correctly. It's most certainly not plug-and-play; you'll have to wire in all the sensors and then get a base map to use to get the car to even run. Then you'll have to find someone to tune it. DSMLink is much more user-friendly. Once you get the DSMLink chip/ECU back from them, you put it back in your car, plug in your laptop, and you're ready to start logging and tuning. There's also the DSMLink forums that you'll have access to, and that's a great help. You'll get the answers to your questions both from other experienced users AND from the people who developed and continue to develop Link. That's my vote anyway. There are other ECU options out there.

A manual boost controller should be all you really need. The stock ignition/coils are great from the factory, so unless you have heavy modifications, an ignition box shouldn't be necessary.

 

[JayRolla]

Yes you can tune in real time as long as its not direct access. Its one of the reasons I love dsmlink, you dont have to stop and reburn the ecu when ever you want to change something.

 

[2qik4u]

The Manual boost controller I have is a Turbosmart. I bought it at htpmotorsports.com I think it was 220.00 shipped. I havent gotten to use it on my dsm yet seeing as my dsm isnt boost ready all the way but I had a 1989 chevy malibu that I put a 1996 lt4 350 in that had full turbo setup when i bought the motor and turbo setup. and have controlled boost on it with turbosmarts dual stage boost controller and it has a cool rocket launch feature that really helps with controlling low and high boost settings. you should look into it!!!

 

[blktalon3]

You also should look into Jackal. The software is free, about $300 in hardware. Its speed density, you can tune on the fly, and good support as well.What's new at DS-Map? | DSMAP

 

[say4life]

I also want to know, if a boost gauge is needed if you have a mbc?

 

[uberswede]

Personally, I would say if you're trying to control/turn up the boost on any car, a gauge is a good idea... I've seen some mbc's shoot up the PSI like crazy with the tiniest adjustment... again, good to monitor.

If you're looking into a gauge AND a controller, personally, I love my AEM Tru Boost Gauge/Controller.

AEM TRU-BOOST Gauge / Boost Controller - Monitor and Control Boost 30-4350

I've had this on two cars now, and so far, have no real complaints.

Install was decent... it works great, very user friendly... plus you essentially kill two birds with one stone, right?