Tuning without DSMLink?

[bowens1414]

can you tune with a good wideband and tactrix? curious because someone told me its possible today..

 

[Tyeler18]

How do you plan on tuning it?

The whole purpose of link is to make changes to the ecu peripheries, which the stock ecu cannot do. That's why there's link, AFC, haltech, aem, ecuflash etc.

If you plan on running this in your 97 you'll need to swap in either an evo 8 ecu or a 98/99 flashable.

 

[gieri002]

Yes you can with Ceddymods/ecuFlash/evoscan. Like Tyeler18 said you will need a 98/99 plastic ecu though.

 

[bowens1414]

98/99 is the "waffle" black box right. theres a guy selling one with the 2.0 openport for 275

 

[Tyeler18]

Not a terrible price.

I personally would go Evo 8 ecu. It's an easy swap on a 2g and has 20x the features with tephra mods that ceddy mods has. I paid $70 for my evo 8 ecu and $30 for my tactrix 1.3U, other than that you just need $25 for evoscan and you're set.

I do have the tactrix 2.0 for tuning DSM's, but I sold off my flashable DSM ecu's for evo 8s.

 

[lewishamilton]

Not a terrible price.

I personally would go Evo 8 ecu. It's an easy swap on a 2g and has 20x the features with tephra mods that ceddy mods has. I paid $70 for my evo 8 ecu and $30 for my tactrix 1.3U, other than that you just need $25 for evoscan and you're set.

I do have the tactrix 2.0 for tuning DSM's, but I sold off my flashable DSM ecu's for evo 8s.

What are the advantages besides price of this route over dsmlink? thanks

 

[Phantom DSM]

What are the advantages besides price of this route over dsmlink? thanks

There is more cost associated with dsmlink. I personally love it and the V3 has so many features and is more user friendly. Now before all the Ecuflash/ceddy guys get upset, ihave not used ecuflash but have a friend that does. There is more support with dsmlink and and a lot easier to use IMO.
Here is a thread of some discussion in comparison, keep in mind it is kinda old and dsmlink has improved since then with many updates. Also summary page link can explain features better. Its up to the person and their budget. Either device can get the job done with knowledge.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/evo...nk-ecmlink-vs-evo-8-ecu-evoscan-ecuflash.html
v3summary [ECMTuning - wiki]
v3screenshots [ECMTuning - wiki]
prodcompare [ECMTuning - wiki] Even V3 lite is not that expensive and can upgrade software later.

 

[lewishamilton]

There is more cost associated with dsmlink. I personally love it and the V3 has so many features and is more user friendly. Now before all the Ecuflash/ceddy guys get upset, ihave not used ecuflash but have a friend that does. There is more support with dsmlink and and a lot easier to use IMO.
Here is a thread of some discussion in comparison, keep in mind it is kinda old and dsmlink has improved since then with many updates. Also summary page link can explain features better. Its up to the person and their budget. Either device can get the job done with knowledge.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/evo...nk-ecmlink-vs-evo-8-ecu-evoscan-ecuflash.html
v3summary [ECMTuning - wiki]
v3screenshots [ECMTuning - wiki]
prodcompare [ECMTuning - wiki] Even V3 lite is not that expensive and can upgrade software later.

Thanks!!! I'll definitely do some reading on it. My last dsm (97 GST) had dsmlink v3 but I didn't really touch it other than setting the 2 step. I didn't know what I had on my hands. I'll give thought to both sides of the equation before determining what to do with my 99 this time around.

 

[Phantom DSM]

Thanks!!! I'll definitely do some reading on it. My last dsm (97 GST) had dsmlink v3 but I didn't really touch it other than setting the 2 step. I didn't know what I had on my hands. I'll give thought to both sides of the equation before determining what to do with my 99 this time around.

No problem, once you get the hang of it, its cake. This is a good link on starting a setup for idle cruise and wot.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-tuning-ecu/448002-tuning-ecmlink-v3.html

 

[bowens1414]

would ecu flash be a good start since im not looking for rediculous power numbers, more so getting my tune straightened out? i see myself eventually using link but for now?

 

[Broke4speed]

If you have a 98-99 black box ecu, then there is absolutely zero reason to ever switch to ECMlink. ECUFlash allows you access to everything you'd need to tune the car.

The tuning tool you need is going to run you $169 from Tactrix, so there's no need to spend twice.

 

[bowens1414]

ill still need the good wideband correct? if thats the case ill go with this route.

 

[Phantom DSM]

ill still need the good wideband correct? if thats the case ill go with this route.

Yup regardless what route you go, we all recommend a good wideband, an aem uego or Innovate Lc1. This way you keep tabs on air fuel ratios

 

[Tyeler18]

It's a tough debate between link and ecuflash. I've had both (learned on flash) and still tune on both. Last year I sold off all my link stuff to switch all of my dsm's (4) over to evo ecu's. A few of my reasons-

Cost- I have less than $100 tied into each of my evo setups
Speed/tech- The drivers in the evo ecu's are lightyears ahead of any non flashable DSM ecu, this accounts for much finer quicker tuning for things like larger injectors, cams, etc as well as many other things
Expansion- Link has quite a few of the "hard part" features down, launch control, NLTS, boost control etc, but an evo ecu will nearly tie your shoes when you get in the car with all the features it has. Most of which a DSM will never use, especially not someone who is just looking for a mild build.

As far as support goes, there are MANY knowledgeable people on both aspects. You'll find that most of the flash users know from "doing" where as most of the link users know from "reading." The development of flash wasn't done by a few people like link, it was done by a large community of programmers, many of the guys using flash had to pave their own way to new maps and features, so the knowledge base there is from lots of people who have coded their own definitions. But the guys at ECMlink are more than happy to help out as well, and you get directly to the source with them.

Ecmlink is much easier to learn on, and way more user friendly. For someone starting out I'd highly recommend it. The ability to flash and log without changing between programs is extremely userful, and at this point there's a "tool" in link to tune many of the parameters you need to. Base your purchase off which you feel more comfortable with. If you have no problem diving in head first into a full code, raw software then flash is the way to go. If you want to ease in and get a solid base before diving into the more challenging aspects of tuning then by all means go to link.

 

[bowens1414]

geez tyler you put it well right there! ive heard ecmlink is pricey to get started over dsmlink due too having to buy an older ecu and to socket it etcetc

 

[Phantom DSM]

geez tyler you put it well right there! ive heard ecmlink is pricey to get started over dsmlink due too having to buy an older ecu and to socket it etcetc

If you have a metal case ecu non eprom up to 97, ecmtuning can convert to eprom and socket for 145 as long as you order the v3 package along with it. Its a bit pricey unforunately, some people get lucky wth early '95 2gs and they just need the socketing usually.

 

[CrackedDSM]

If you have a 98-99 black box ecu, then there is absolutely zero reason to ever switch to ECMlink. ECUFlash allows you access to everything you'd need to tune the car.

The tuning tool you need is going to run you $169 from Tactrix, so there's no need to spend twice.

Finally...someone said it. I have fought that battle for years now and I'm done fighting it. Figures a fellow DSMECU forum user would say that though.

It's a tough debate between link and ecuflash. I've had both (learned on flash) and still tune on both. Last year I sold off all my link stuff to switch all of my dsm's (4) over to evo ecu's. A few of my reasons-

Cost- I have less than $100 tied into each of my evo setups
Speed/tech- The drivers in the evo ecu's are lightyears ahead of any non flashable DSM ecu, this accounts for much finer quicker tuning for things like larger injectors, cams, etc as well as many other things
Expansion- Link has quite a few of the "hard part" features down, launch control, NLTS, boost control etc, but an evo ecu will nearly tie your shoes when you get in the car with all the features it has. Most of which a DSM will never use, especially not someone who is just looking for a mild build.

As far as support goes, there are MANY knowledgeable people on both aspects. You'll find that most of the flash users know from "doing" where as most of the link users know from "reading." The development of flash wasn't done by a few people like link, it was done by a large community of programmers, many of the guys using flash had to pave their own way to new maps and features, so the knowledge base there is from lots of people who have coded their own definitions. But the guys at ECMlink are more than happy to help out as well, and you get directly to the source with them.

Ecmlink is much easier to learn on, and way more user friendly. For someone starting out I'd highly recommend it. The ability to flash and log without changing between programs is extremely userful, and at this point there's a "tool" in link to tune many of the parameters you need to. Base your purchase off which you feel more comfortable with. If you have no problem diving in head first into a full code, raw software then flash is the way to go. If you want to ease in and get a solid base before diving into the more challenging aspects of tuning then by all means go to link.

An unbiased review, thank God. It's nice to see people out there that aren't dogmatic nutswingers downing a product they have NEVER EVEN USED!! Props to you my friend.

 

[bowens1414]

ok i have a metal case ecu, ill go on a limb to say its stock 97 non eprom but ill check it when i go home when i pull my heater core and update everyone.

 

[Phantom DSM]

Finally...someone said it. I have fought that battle for years now and I'm done fighting it. Figures a fellow DSMECU forum user would say that though.





An unbiased review, thank God. It's nice to see people out there that aren't dogmatic nutswingers downing a product they have NEVER EVEN USED!! Props to you my friend.

When Ecuflash gets NLTS, launch control, and few other features down, let us know
I have seen ecuflash and helped on a small tune on a friends, just was not worth the hassle, for 98/99 guys who have black ecu by all means go for it, im not bashing ecuflash. For 1g guys sourcing evo8 or whatever, was not worth it to me
My 95 also has eprom and i wouldnt bother still..I wouldnt call my opinions and review as "nutswinging", but we all offer opinion based on experience.
O.P. check this link for eprom i.d. socketid [ECMTuning - wiki]

 

[bowens1414]

sorry for so many questions but im a broke college student, and if the ecuflash is doable with good attention to detail why not? also im purchasing the innovative lc-1 wideband where i can plug right into my laptop. with that said i would only need to purchase the open port and plastic ecu. correct?

 

[Phantom DSM]

sorry for so many questions but im a broke college student, and if the ecuflash is doable with good attention to detail why not? also im purchasing the innovative lc-1 wideband where i can plug right into my laptop. with that said i would only need to purchase the open port and plastic ecu. correct?

openport 2.0 cable, ecuflash, evoscan, and a laptop.
Also plastic ecu from following
1998 DSM

Production Dates -> 7/97-5/98

FWD Ecu Part # -> MD346675
FWD ROM Id -> EM2055

AWD Ecu Part # -> MD346676
AWD ROM Id -> EM2056

PCB Code: JE331B156C

.
1999 DSM

Production Dates -> 6/98-4/99

FWD Ecu Part # -> MD359402
FWD ROM Id -> EM2363

AWD Ecu Part # -> MD359403
AWD ROM Id -> EM2364

PCB Code: JE331B156D
H8 ECUs « ceddy.us Check out the photo in link to identify
Edit:Fixed link

 

[CrackedDSM]

When Ecuflash gets NLTS, launch control, and few other features down, let us know
I have seen ecuflash and helped on a small tune on a friends, just was not worth the hassle, for 98/99 guys who have black ecu by all means go for it, im not bashing ecuflash. For 1g guys sourcing evo8 or whatever, was not worth it to me
My 95 also has eprom and i wouldnt bother still..I wouldnt call my opinions and review as "nutswinging", but we all offer opinion based on experience.
O.P. check this link for eprom i.d. socketid [ECMTuning - wiki]

They do, as well as an option for using a zeitronix ethanol content sensor to automatically adjust your timing and fuel maps based on ethanol content in the tank, so no guessing on if its E70, E85, or pump 93 as well as a metric ton of other features. You should talk to Broke4Speed up there and enlighten yourself, lest you look like exactly the type of person who I was talking to. If you have no personal experience with what you are dissing, you have no, zero, zip, right to talk about it. Thanks, goodbye.

 

[Phantom DSM]

They do, as well as an option for using a zeitronix ethanol content sensor to automatically adjust your timing and fuel maps based on ethanol content in the tank, so no guessing on if its E70, E85, or pump 93 as well as a metric ton of other features. You should talk to Broke4Speed up there and enlighten yourself, lest you look like exactly the type of person who I was talking to. If you have no personal experience with what you are dissing, you have no, zero, zip, right to talk about it. Thanks, goodbye.

C'mon man... Like i said i have used it, just was not for me. For 1g route was easier for me and i wanted speed density right away. For 2g guys im sure its more cost effective with plastic ecus. No worries, i still helped above what he needs for ecuflash. I'll let it go i looked at your signature, your running automagic, your fine by me.