Question before i buy a DSMLink

[RipperXX]

I have a 1990 AWD turbo 1g with thats mildly moded, and it's time for some fuel support, and I really dislike piggy backs. So the DSMlink seems perfect from what I have read.

Could someone that has it tell me how easy it was to install and setup? My mod's should be listed in my profile. Nothing that great but it's time for some more fuel, I plan to upgread to a Evo III 16g soon as I get back from Iraq, but while im on leave Im going to install an EvoIII exhaust manifold and 720 cc injectors.

With the current 14b and stock SMIC I stupidly ran it up as high as 17psi daily for a week but I figured im going to Iraq fugg it.

Anyway I know I will need a laptop to setup the DSMlink, so I bought a nice $1500 one over here... my wallets still crying But I figured screw it I have been wanting a nice one for a while, this was a good excuse.

 

[Budget90GST]

I have it and as far as set up goes, its pretty simple. In fact, if you order the DSMLINK chip with the right configuration (default) then all you do is replace the chip in the ECU then fire it up like normal. For example:

Injector size and brand - FIC 750 cc (they configure the chip for this size and brand)

MAF - weather you're keeping your stock or hacking it or going with a 2G MAF

These are the two major ones I can think of from the top of my head. You can also tweak this default once you start messing with your car. I have not started to tune yet so this you would have to download the free software from www.dsmlink.com and have at it for yourself. The forum help is also real good...Goodluck!

 

[blackGSX2g]

It took me a total of like 10 minutes to install (after having it socketed). Remove ECU, place DSMLink chip in socket, replace ECU, hook up to computer to verify global and deadtime, start-up and drive and begin tuning.

 

[RipperXX]

Sounds good, but im confused. When you say plug the dsmlink chip in, are you talking about to the socket the wireing harness plugs into? or do you have to open the case of the ECU?

 

[t3/t4eclipse]

Sounds good, but im confused. When you say plug the dsmlink chip in, are you talking about to the socket the wireing harness plugs into? or do you have to open the case of the ECU?

The socket is under the steering whell to the right side next to the stereo. It it what you plug the cable into that is plugged into your laptop to put the dsmlink online. It is the socket that the dealer uses to check the cars comp out. Nothing needs to be plugged into the ecu., just bolt that back in.

 

[RipperXX]

He confused me even more ^ So your saying the DSMlink plugs into the dianostic port?

 

[JiggahMan]

He confused me even more ^ So your saying the DSMlink plugs into the dianostic port?

The laptop connects the diag. port. I don't know why he brought that up.

To install DSMLink, you need to pull the old chip off and socket the board where the chip was. The socket makes for easy installation/removal instead of soldering the chip in every time. After you install the socket you plug the memory board in the socket and the chip into a socket on the memory board.

 

[t3/t4eclipse]

My bad, when I sent mine out they installed it into my ecu. Sorry I misread what you were trying to figure out, sorry bud.

 

[RipperXX]

I thought the 1G ecu's were already socketed? Was I mistaken in thinking this?

I was under the impression that the dsmlink was a device you plugged to the ecu, not a chip that was reprogramed, I take it, the software just lets you reprogram the chip at your own whim?

 

[Talesin]

No. DSMLink is a replacement EPROM chip. You'll need to remove your ECU and open it to see if you have an EPROM model ECU... some of the 90s came with non-EPROM.
Removing and replacing the ECU is one of the easiest tasks you'll do, aside from adding more oil. A phillips/flat screwdriver and one socket + extender and ratchet is all the tools needed (can't remember the size offhand, likely 12 or 14mm).

Pull off the center console side carpeted pieces... just pop out the plastic plugs on each side, and unscrew the two/three screws, then wiggle the carpeted piece out on each side. Behind the radio is a gold box, roughly 9"x9", held in place by three or four bolts. This is your ECU. Undo the bolts, gently lift/wiggle/turn it to get the notches off the retaining hooks, then press the tabs down on each of the three orange connectors on the bottom, tugging them free one at a time. Then just slide the ECU out to one side or the other.

The ECU shell is held together by four screws, two on each side. remove them, and seperate the case halves. The following should be inside:

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Look for the chip labelled E743 in the UPPER RIGHT of that picture. The number on the sticker may or may not be different. That is the EPROM. If it's there, you've got a DSMLink compatible ECU. Place an order and ship the ECU to them for socketing service (close up the case again before shipping for extra protection), as well as a diagnosis and possible repairs (such as capacitor replacement if you suffer from 'leaky cap' syndrome, or just for preventative). If the chip is not there... you need to find an EPROM ECU.


You also have the OPTION of getting it socketed by a local shop if you know of one that you can trust, and just ordering the DSMLink EPROM package. Allows for the least downtime, but I would NOT recommend it. The people at DSMLink know these ECUs, and can give you a heads-up if yours is starting to show warning signs, and fix it for you before it keels over. The week or so in shipping is extremely worth it to have application-experienced techs go over the whole thing while it's there.

And DSMLink is the best thing you can do for these cars, aside from shelling out for a full-on standalone EMS and investing a metric buttload of time getting the standalone working. DSMLink just works exactly like stock, out of the box.

 

[RipperXX]

That answered all my questions about the installation, thank you very much.

 

[blackGSX2g]

The laptop connects the diag. port. I don't know why he brought that up.

I brought it up because I wanted to make sure he didn't think he could just buy link and plug it into the diagnostic port. It requires expert soldering/de-soldering skills to install the chip or the socket and due to the high expense of a replacement EPROM ECU, I would highly recommend professional installation.

After the chip is installed, follow Talesin's directions and re-install the ECU.

Once that is complete, plug in the black box to your diagnostic port and turn the key to the ACC position (so the ECU is on, but not the car).

Then follow the directions in the DSMLink instructions on how to program your global fuel settings and injector dead time based on which ever injectors you are running. Once that is complete, you can start the car. DSMLink covers all correction factors for your injectors during closed loop operation, so you make WOT adjustments by using the fuel/timing sliders.

You basically re-program the chip every time you make a change, so you don't have to replace it everytime you change something or get bigger injectors. When you order it, you give them your injectors size and they program that as a default so if you lose power to your car, your settings aren't erased.

 

[RipperXX]

Sounds great, and I hear this along with the GM MAFT setup (which I already have installed) is the next best thing to a all out stand alone.



Now I can't wait to get back state side and spend some time with the old bird.