Need help in this world of tuning devices!

[Chris_Sag]

The time is here to get a tuning device. I have read a lot, but i cant say I get mutch wiser, in this world of different products. My goal is to get my 16g running right and safe, AF and set the boost after knock the cheapest way. I have a 97 2g GST and got no clue what sort of ECU it is in that car or even where its placed. So could some one tell me what to get and what it does? Ive heard so many names EVO scan, dsm link esm link scaf wideband but it do not say me anything. So on a realy tight budget what do i need? Ebay link or other sites who ship world wide is also helpful...

 

[Absit]

The 96/97 ECU are the worst ones, no tuning options available. You either need a 95 EPROM ECU (DSMLink) or a 98/99 ECU (ECUFlash), or you can get an Evo 8 ECU (ECUFlash). What's your goal for the car (speed, HP, etc)? If it's basic enough you can get away with an S-AFC.

 

[97-gst]

Personanlly id just save up for a laptop, ecu and go with dsmlink v3 lite... trust me thats your best option, the smartest option, the easiest way to tune, and you have the ability to do so much to your car...

 

[blackhawkgsx]

Be more specific on your goals and set up in order to help you we need more information

 

[92AWDHX40]

The upgrade path will help you a lot too, again, your goals, are important.

 

[Chris_Sag]

That was quick answers! Laptop I already have My setup is in the carprofile. My goals isnt high, the GST is my daily driver, so around 250-300horses. I know I will need a fuelpump wally190 and injectors, and I need to tune it right.

 

[Absit]

You can get away with an SAFC if you want to keep it simple. It's never the best option, but it's a cheap and easy option. If you want to get slightly more into it you'll want to go with DSMLink. Regardless what you go with, get some logging capabilities, EvoScan is great and the whole logging setup runs about $50. Also PMing you with a fuel pump thing.

 

[Chris_Sag]

Do i need a wideband for the scaf or could I get complete kits somewhere? Ebay, new used? Easy to mount and use for a newbie? And most important of all, can i use it with my 97 ECU?

 

[Absit]

If you're going to be tuning you should always get a wideband. I don't know about complete kits because I wouldn't use an SAFC, maybe someone else could chime in on that. I know my particular favored gauge setup is about $300 for a boost/wideband gauge, boost sender, and Innovate LC1 wideband sender. You'd need the SAFC on top of that and I don't know how much they run anymore, you should be able to get one used though.

 

[92AWDHX40]

OK wideband, look at gauge pods lotek glowshift look under gauge installation, tuing device, dsmlink, i have a maft and link on the way this winter.

 

[Chris_Sag]

I allready have a aftermarket boost gauge, but you guyes kind of lost me. Is it some of this stuff I can use with my orignal 97 ECU? Its not good enoug with just a lamda and see if i have enough fuel or not? I need something to tune with also? Who connects to th ECU or what?

 

[mike96]

here are the basics broken down into "options". this is the basic list of what you need depending on what your goals are.

for all tuning options you really should have a good boost gauge and a good wide-band O2. there are some available that have both functions incorporated into one gauge but because you already have a boost gauge then your best bet would be something like either an AEM UEGO or an innovative motorsports LC-1 with a gauge or their new MTX-L which is similar to the the AEM UEGO.

option 1: if you keep things simple (basically what you have now with maybe a different MAF and some larger injectors, nothing over 650cc) then you can get away with an APEXI S-AFC and something to log with like EVOscan. a SAFC is nothing more than a simple device that intercepts the signal that the MAF sends to the ECU and manipulates it depending on what your car needs and can usually be purchased for less than $200. you can pick up a logging cable and EVOscan for $50.

after that things get a little more pricey and a bit more complicated.

option 2: switch to an 98/99 ecu and get an openport 2.0 adapter. with this option there is a lot more tuning functions available than with just the SAFC. you can tune timing, fuel maps, injector size, adjust idle, adjust MAF, ad things like no lift shifting, launch control, the list goes on... but being that you have a 97 then you will need to make some hardware or wiring changes in order to use this. an OP2.0 adapter can be bought for less than $200 new and you might be able to pick up a 98/99 ecu for less than $100 if your lucky but expect to pay closer to $150. with this option then you wont need to purchase a logging cable because the OP2.0 will provide that option but you will need to purchase a copy of EVOscan for $25.

option 3: switch to an EVO8 ecu. basically the exact same thing as the with the 98/99 ecu however the tuning cable is a bit cheaper. i bought mine for $85 new.

option 4: ECMlink: a bit more expensive than the other options but like they say you get what you pay for. link will cost you somewhere in the range of $500 to $800 depending on what version you get and what options you get with it. for you the easiest (and cheapest) thing to do with this option would be to send your ECU to the ECMlink guys and have them do the Eprom conversion to it and get ECMlink light. here you are looking at $135 for the conversion and $375 for ECMlink light. with this you will get everything you need to tune with and log with as well as a dedicated support forum for just ECMlink users.

these are the easiest to get into. there are some other options out there (Jackal, Mega squirt, AEM EMS, etc. etc.) but from the sound of it their are a bit above your head at the moment. perhaps once you get a bit more involved in tuning and gain some more experience you may explore your options a bit more.

 

[Chris_Sag]

Thank you Mike! That was what Im was looking for.. I think i go with the cheapest one. A fwd automatic used to daily driving is never gonna be tuned to a beast.
How do i find out if Im gonna need a new MAF for S-AFC?

 

[92AWDHX40]

maft look under maft install, maft, sensos, do you have a wideband, never used the safc, and wont, im getting link soon and call it a done.

 

[-TunedDSM-]

Your stock 2g MAF will be plenty for your goals, check the classifieds for the SAFC. They can usually be found for around $150. Then choose a wideband and logger and you'll be set.

 

[92AWDHX40]

yep your maf will be ok, your looking for tuning devices correct?

 

[beachbum2185]

just tune with an safc and do without the maft.

 

[Chris_Sag]

yep your maf will be ok, your looking for tuning devices correct?

Yupp, if you have just send me a PM.

What logger shoul i go for and where do i get one?

 

[92AWDHX40]

whatever you do get a wideband , i would something if you cant find a logger, evo scan.

 

[the_mork]

Plain and simple no 2g should use an SAFC again. The minimal price of a 98/99 ecu and cable or evo8 ecu and cable are barely more expensive than an safc and when coupled with the cost of a wideband, injectors, and fuel pump in the grand scheme of things the price difference is negligible at best and the performance difference is extreme at the very least.