problem with AEM

[97GSXAUTOX]

Im wondering if some tuning done by the local awd dyno shop is causing problems.

Does AEM EMS have settings for rev limiters? I ask because at 5500 rpm my engine feels like it is being walled. the car wont accellerate, rpms wont increase, boost stays at 16. I can upshift and accellerate to 5500 in the next gear before it cuts again. First doesnt seem to have this problem, maybe because AEM cant catch it fast enough?

if not, what the hell is going on? 95 talon tsi, 5spd, EVO 3 motor, hks evc, AEM ems, hks 272 cams, sc34 t3/t4 mitsu turbo. Boost is set to 16, and im putting 279.8 at the wheels with that. Let me know if any other info would help.

The car ran rough before tuning, spooled late, etc, but it still went all the way to redline in all gears. Now it goes like hell until 5500 exactly, and wont go any further. talking to the guys at RS motors (where it was tuned) the car ran beautifully on the dyno, and there was no cut. They think it is being held back "mechanically" which doesnt seem like the problem. They did some last minute tuning while the car was in the parking lot before the problem reared up, but they checked the maps and everything still seemed good. any ideas?

 

[Mark90gst]

yes there are many setups for the rev limiters.
like
2-step rev limiter
main rev limiter
anit-lag.
it is probaly just hitting your two step rev limiter. can you send me your map? i will look it over for you. i do many aem setups on dsm. do you have a laptop? can you connect to your aem or do you have other people do it? i can tell you how to check it.

 

[GVR4592]

You should try to post your calibration file.

 

[97GSXAUTOX]

the car is sitting at RS motors in burnsville mn right now. they ran some logs and are "looking over them", but I have a feeling they have been way too busy lately. If that is the case, I will pick up the car and run some maps while on my way home. I can try to figure out how to post them here too. I really appreciate all the help guys.

Edit: I do have a laptop. I do have AEM on my laptop. I connect via the USB adapter. Any help I can get with it would be great. I'll try to get those maps up tonight.

There is nothing mechanical that could be causing these symptoms, correct?

 

[GVR4592]

There are a few mechanical things that can cause the symptoms you described. A clogged catalytic converter is the most likely mechanical cause of that kind of problem, especially if you just got it tuned. Another thing to look at would be cam timing, and big vaccum/boost leaks.

 

[97GSXAUTOX]

GVR4592:

If this helps diagnose, I have no catalytic.

I have hks 272's that apparently are timed perfectly, according to the shop.

And in regards to big vaccuum or boost leak, my boost would slowly leak instead of hitting a "wall", and I would still be able to accellerate after 5500 (slowly) without the turbo.

I HAVE in the past had a problem with my internal wastegate, and am converting to external as soon as I know that this problem can be fixed.

my biggest fear is crank walk (obviously) but I cant imagine how that could be the problem.

 

[97GSXAUTOX]

In a thread in the turbo tech portion, the guys there think it is ignition or clutch. clutch is being ruled out as I have an exceedy 6 puck in a shepherd stage 4 tranni, and I cant imagine that slipping when the clutch is good for 550hp and the tranni is well...bulletproof.

 

[GVR4592]

If you have your laptop, post the calibration so we can rule out any issues with the tune.

 

[WikedSicc]

It does not sound like a rev limiter. It sounds like you are loosing spark. You said this happend right after a tuning session. I am willing to bet if you change plugs you will be fine again. On a side note, if you want to email me your .cal I can look it over. I am experience with AEM.

[email protected]

 

[97GSXAUTOX]

Heres the update. I got fed up with RS not spending any time on my car, so I picked it up yesterday. I am now positive it is ignition, (thankyou wikedsicc). I called AEM, and they said that they are 100% sure it is ignition after sending them my logs. I will be replacing plugs and wires tomorrow. thanks for the help guys.

 

[WikedSicc]

No problem, let us know what the diagnosis was.

 

[97GSXAUTOX]

Spark plugs and wires have ironed out the problem. my ignition is still leaving a lot to be desired however. what would you guys recommend I use to upgrade the entire thing, or better it considerably?

 

[500orbust]

Im running a haltec e6x with stock ignitor and coilpacks. With this setup i have run a best mph of 126.7, in the quarter mile, on a almost full weight 2g awd. You have many choices. You can go with an aem ignition module, msd, hks, and others. You can also do a coil on plug setup if you wish. I think there is a dwell setting on the aem also, make sure it is correctly setup. You should have plenty of spark with the power you are putting down, unless your coilpacks are going out.

archie

 

[WikedSicc]

I know from experience you can rev to 9k on stock ignition with COP. However, I recommend going w/ a capacitor of some sort. You will not need COP to rev to 9k if you run a capacitor .