S-AFC or ECU +

[olsookie]

I'm currently looking into a system to tune my car. I know that the best way to tune/datalog is via an Wide Band 02 Sensor and I'm look at the LM-1 and Zt-2 right now.

Now my question is, am I better off going with a Apexi S-Afc or the ECU+ program.

I know i know, GO DSM Link... but i don't want to! bottom line! dont' want to find a 95 chip and than get it put into my car and than spend another 700 bucks or whatever on the dsm link...

Thanks
olsookie

 

[tigerstalon]

I'm currently looking into a system to tune my car. I know that the best way to tune/datalog is via an Wide Band 02 Sensor and I'm look at the LM-1 and Zt-2 right now.

Well, the widebands are great for WOT tuning because of the specific O2 readings you get. However, to log parameters with them is a little more involved--you typically have to tap into signals (instead of plugging into the OBD port), and they usually only support a couple of them. They're not going to show typical datalogger parameters like airflow, coolant, fuel trim/injector duty cycle, etc. So, I would say some sort of datalogger is necessary, with or without the wideband units.

Now my question is, am I better off going with a Apexi S-Afc or the ECU+ program.

Well, that mostly depends on how much you want to spend. The S-AFC will be cheaper, but you will only be able to alter your airflow numbers to support larger injectors and fine tune your trims/WOT. No logging. So, you will most likely need to get a logger (like Pocketlogger, tunerstein, etc.), which will cost you some more money.

The ECU+ is more expensive than the S-AFC but gives you the capability of changing ignition timing and logging just about any parameter you would need, on top of what the S-AFC does. The ECU+ isn't able to see fuel trims, which makes low/mid throttle tuning more challenging, but that hasn't stopped many of the local EVO owners from buying it. Plus, if you're not a fan of having fluorescent blue screens shining up your interior, the ECU+ is basically a stealth unit.

My personal opinion is that the ECU+ is a better option than the S-AFC plus logger option. However, since it is relatively new and most everyone in the DSM community isn't familiar with it or already has a S-AFC, you're probably not going to get too much help or glowing compliments about it. Also, the guy who created ECU+ is a DSM guy, working with DSM and EVO owners to improve his product, making it specifically for our cars.

I know i know, GO DSM Link... but i don't want to! bottom line! dont' want to find a 95 chip and than get it put into my car and than spend another 700 bucks or whatever on the dsm link...

I hear ya, brother. That's the beauty of the options that we have now--there are several options out there for tuning/logging, and each occupies a range of price and capabilities.

 

[ClutchTSI/AWD]

I vote for LM-1 And ECU+ .

 

[98spydert]

I vote ZT-2 and ECU+