Power limit on tuning devices?

[talonsteve25]

Im talking about safc to aem stand alone, dsmlink, to keydiver chips and anything else out there. Is there a defined limit to how much power you can make with each? Say my goal was 350 to 400 whp (as an example) would i be able to use any of these tuning programs, or only a select few? Sorry for such a generic question but after reading through all the different set ups and different programs im WORST off then before i did my search.

 

[Rob10_99]

You might be able to get that with an afc, their very limiting but can get it done.
Link does a lot more than it did 5 years ago, almost on par with AEM for most people.
AEM's not really needed anymore, unless you have some complicated setup, that's why it was made, for the people that want all out control.
Get link, in the end you will be happier than your afc from the functionality of it. Like running bigger injectors than 750's on afc, which is a garbage band-aid.

Would you use an old band-aid out of the trash?

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[srpjosh]

I say it depends on the setup, and how well the person tuning the device can actually tune. The proper device with the wrong tuner won't help at all. Devices do have limits, determining what you want to be able to modify will help in your decision.

Here are some examples:

AFC - only tunes fuel maps,
DSM-LINK tunes fuel maps, timing, and can data-log,
Full standalone ECU - fuel maps, timing, shift points(auto) data-logs

If your goal is only 350-400whp then I'd recommend the AFC. However if you plan on hitting anything over 450wph then I would say just go ahead and get DSM-LINK. Even if you don't need/use it right away it will be better than paying for 2 tuning devices down the road, if you want to upgrade from the AFC.

 

[97gstnick]

Ultimately, how much max horsepower you can make comes down to how much fuel you can spray. And how much fuel you can spray is mainly controlled from your injectors, and what how big of injectors a certain tuning tool can control is the limiting factor. Using this logic will give you a better idea of around what tuning tool you can use for a certain horsepower goal and/or budget.