Newb Tuner Question... DSMLINK, AFC, MAFT, AEM EMS ??

[Infinity03]

I am stuck in deciding which of the many tuning systems to purchase. I do not want to buy anything twice or waste money on features that i will never use.

My goals are to get the most out of my car for the mods i have already installed/ purchased. I have no intention on doing any internal engine mods.

Based on what i have listed here i want to know where the best place to put my money is. I do not have to use the maft set-up. i was just under the impression that it had greater tuning capabilities so i began purchasing the parts to put it together. Buying the maft now and then getting a dsm link seems like it would be a waste of money and the only benefit when you have both would be that the maf allows you to flow better.

The following mods are already installed/ Made

Complete EVO 111 16G turbo, exhaust manifold and 02 hosung with 34mm flapper.
Complete 3" exhaust, Turbo back with a test pipe
Walbro 255 Fp ( no regulators, stock lines stock pressure outside of pump)
All Free Mods
Boost Controller


Parts that i have purchased and waiting to install

680cc delphi injectors
2.5in dejon tool UICP Blow Through Maft setup (havent purchased maft translator)
3.0 Gm maft


sorry for the long post, any advice would be appreciated.

 

[dsm-onster]

Buying the maft now and then getting a dsm link seems like it would be a waste of money and the only benefit when you have both would be that the maf allows you to flow better.

That MAFt won't be a waste of money when you overrun your stock MAS by really delving into the potential of that EVOIII 16G. I say Get the MAFt. The spoolup is not just a bit better, it is substancially better!!! you will never overrun it. Then get DSMLink. Your 680cc Delphis are too big for the MAFt to compensate for properly. You watch; your timing will be through the roof and you'll get knock up top when you shouldn't unless you have hella intercooler and/or water injection. But, DSMLink will allow you to run your timing maps the way the ecu wants to with out fooling it. ALSO, you will have a really, really furstrating time tuning those suckers because of their increadibly large dead/null time. You may never get your trims right (the only way to tune the dead time out effectively in my book is get other injectors, or get dsmlink or get a standalone). With DSMLink you will max your turbo out before you need anything more, i am sure.

So, other than FWD (worse) and and 18G (50 cfm more flow), you'll basicly have my setup .

DSMLink is under 1000 bones. I say: If you are wondering whether you should get AEM EMS or not, they you shouldn't get it. If you know what you need, you know whether or not a standalone will deliver more than a less versitile/expensive/intricate setup.

 

[Ludachris]

Another question you should be asking is how user friendly is each option? What skills do you have with a stand alone system? Or are you going to pay someone to tune the AEM?

A full stand alone system isn't easy to jump into. The AEM is no exception. Sure, you can get more out of it, especially if you're going to be playing with a full on track car. But for most people, DSMlink is probably the furthest they need to go. It's pretty user friendly and you can make all the adjustments you need. It's probably the best choice for most people who want to do things right but can't necessarily justify going full stand alone.

An AFC is a good learning tool and will get the job done, but it isn't the ideal solution. You'll need an AFC, a logger, and a chip (and an EPROM ECU if you don't have one). Once that's all added up, you're not too far off from a DSMlink.

 

[92GSXBaltimore]

if your not going to be building your engine at all, then i would get a afc2 and a maft. you'll come to your engine limits well before you come to the limits of the afc.

p.s. you will be right at the limits of your ecu to compensate for injector dead time with those 680's.

 

[sunflashx]

In my opinion the DSMLink is the best option for like 90% of all cars, it is the easiest to use of the bunch, and will provide the best driveability.

The MAFT will be added complication that you really don't need. Generally you have to spend some time working to get the MAFTs output to match that of a stock sensor. They quality of either the MAFT or the GM air sensors doesn't seem to be the best. A stock 2g sensor also puts out a cleaner, more consistant signal. The 2g air sensor is also adequate with everything up to and including a 50 trim sized turbo.

I noticed no significant difference in spool on my car converting from a 2g air sensor to the GM MAFT setup. I also noticed no sgnificant difference on my car converting from a 1g air sensor to a VPC back when my car had a 16g. Other people claim to have a better experience from both, but for me an increase in spooling did not occur.

The summary is: I would recomend the DSMLink, and at least starting out with a 2g mas.