V3 ECMLink... What do I really need to get tuning?!

[Red 4G63]

I'm not at all familiar with tuning. I've read up on a lot of the parameters that you need to know through the SAFC write ups, but this almost seems a little out there for me, at this point.

I just have a couple questions, that I haven't seen anyone else ask.

1. I am running Windows Vista on my laptop. Will the program work with that?

2. I stopped by ExtremePSI's website and saw you could order it with specific injectors you may have... I just bought Evo 560cc injectors for a decent price with 40k miles. How would I go about ordering ECMLink for those?

3. I think I would need a new ECU (socketed 2g? or 1g?), how much would that cost and where can I get one?

4. What else would I need other than (injectors, W255lph)... Wideband? GM MAF? or will the stock Maf work?

5. Is an Apexi Neo a better solution for my goals or will the ECMLink be better.

I've seen so many people running different setups and it's hard to choose the right path for my goals. I'm looking to get in the range of 350hp-400hp, but no more until I have the time to seriously rebuild the motor for more hp.

My profile is as up to date as possible and I will double check that it is before signing off today. If there is anyone here that can seriously point me in the right direction on this, I would greatly appreciate it. I've read all about SAFC's and how they work, but I don't want to go one way and then find out later I need to start all over. I'm not the kind of person to hack up my car for no reason, so please don't think that.

Anyone willing to take 5 minutes to give me some pointers?!

Thank you in advance.

 

[Empyrials]

1. Yes Vista works with dsmlink Click Me

2. Purchase DSMlink

3. Yes you'd need a 95 ecu, you can pick one up socketed or non and have them socket it. do a search because i'm nt 100% sure if any 95 ecu that matches your car will work, i can't remember

4. Don't use a GM MAF, for the moment, the stock MAF will do you just fine. If you choose later to go Blow through and get a GM MAF you can purchase a cord from DSMLINK so you don't have to use a MAF Translator... evil thing that costs a lot more than the cord to plug into DSMlink

5. DSMlink is the best option for us. It's not a piggy back system and pretty much no matter what upgrades you do, you can always use DSMlink to tune. the piggy backs MAFT/SAFC/Apexi don't have the full capability of DSMlink and may suit your needs for now but after some upgrades, maybe not.

CHECK our classifieds, many people are selling a whole dsmlink setup + ecu, buy it all at once for cheaper.

i'm pretty sure everything is right that i said, , for more specific questions search and try out dsmtalk as well. I find this site is better than any other but sometimes it doesn't have a specific thing i need when dsmtalk does.

 

[No_Skillz]

1. I am running Windows Vista on my laptop. Will the program work with that?

2. I stopped by ExtremePSI's website and saw you could order it with specific injectors you may have... I just bought Evo 560cc injectors for a decent price with 40k miles. How would I go about ordering ECMLink for those?

3. I think I would need a new ECU (socketed 2g? or 1g?), how much would that cost and where can I get one?

4. What else would I need other than (injectors, W255lph)... Wideband? GM MAF? or will the stock Maf work?

5. Is an Apexi Neo a better solution for my goals or will the ECMLink be better.

1. V3 works fine with Vista.
2. The DSMLink chip comes "preset" for injectors, and you can make them whatever you want. This can be changed in the program. In the older V2, the chip would completely reset and lose all settings if power was lost. This function was to help make sure those users could still limp their cars home on a basic, injector-size-only tune. The new V3 chip retains tuned info even if power is lost.
3. You will need an EPROM version of the 2g ECU. These were only offered in some 95 models.
4. You don't need anything else to run V3. However, in order to get a good tune, Wideband is a must.
5. I always suggest DSMLink over other options. It's got all of the capability that 99% of users will ever need. AFC devices look like toys in comparison.

 

[Red 4G63]

Thank you guys sooo much for your input!

Everyone else, feel free to chime in!

Let me know what you're running/setup and how well it works for you.

 

[spyderturbo007]

I have run both the SAFC / Logger combination and then last year I went with DSMLink.

I'm not going to complain about either setup, since they both worked for me. The SAFC / logger doesn't give you as much control over what the ECU is doing, nor does it allow for logging as many values, but I was still able to get a great tune. You also won't be able to go over 650cc injectors with the SAFC. DSMLink allows for control of injectors up to 1600cc.

Either one takes time to learn. There are benefits and disadvantages to both setups, the primary of which for the SAFC is the price. You can pick up a used logger / SAFC combination for about $200 if you look around. I sold mine a couple months ago for $200.

DSMLink on the other hand is going to run you about $200 for the EPROM ECU and another $595 for the program, but then again, you get control over just about everything. I was able to get a used setup which included the EPROM from ebay for around $600 if I remember correctly.

 

[No_Skillz]

Just as a side note, you can buy DSMLink even if you know nothing about tuning. It will still run the car fine if you keep it on the stock settings. This is what I did and (very) slowly learned by tinkering with it.

 

[Red 4G63]

Sweet, a wiseman!

Thank you for that info. I feel much better going with ECMLink now. Knowing that I won't have as much control with an SAFC and logger, it wouldn't make much sense to spend almost the same cost as the ECMLink and components and still not have enough control. I'm not really going for serious HP, just want enough to creap past v8's! .

I'm glad you included that little tid bit (No Skillz), about stock settings being in the system already. I almost thought that after the install it would stick me with nothing and I would have to setup all the parameters myself right off the bat.

One more questions: Will I be able to figure out check engine lights with ECMLink? Or will I still need to borrow my Step Fathers' OBD II reader?!

 

[No_Skillz]

DSM/ECM Link will give you all the codes AND a description of what the codes are. Furthermore, you will be able to disable them at will (and at your own risk). You no longer need a OBDII scanner.

 

[Red 4G63]

Sort of a side note than per the CEL codes... should I/could I run without a Cat Converter? I live in NY and it's manditory to see if it's there, but I could get away with it at my Uncle's shop.

My Uncle owns his own shop and could care less if I have a Cat Converter. As long as the check engine light is not on. Right now it is, but I have to check on that with the OBD II scanner and get that fixed before April when the car goes on the road.

I also want to run blow threw and upgrade to the FP 4" intake, so 3"GM maf right? Will that work with the Punishment Racing intercooler kit (when it's available in March)? Just put it after the BOV and before the TB Elbow?

What do you guys think?

 

[2gGSX]

Sort of a side note than per the CEL codes... should I/could I run without a Cat Converter? I live in NY and it's manditory to see if it's there, but I could get away with it at my Uncle's shop.

My Uncle owns his own shop and could care less if I have a Cat Converter. As long as the check engine light is not on. Right now it is, but I have to check on that with the OBD II scanner and get that fixed before April when the car goes on the road.

I also want to run blow threw and upgrade to the FP 4" intake, so 3"GM maf right? Will that work with the Punishment Racing intercooler kit (when it's available in March)? Just put it after the BOV and before the TB Elbow?

What do you guys think?

You can disable a lot of CEL checks, including the one for Rear O2.

If you want to use the integrated MAF function, you will have to order their adapter as well. It connects the GM MAF to the stock MAF harness. You put it exactly where you described.

 

[Red 4G63]

Well it's good to know that I can now buy a downpipe that eliminates the Cat. I didn't want to waste money on a highflow cat if I wouldn't need it or it would hurt my goals.

Good to hear, good to see I know something! .

You guys are the best! Can't wait to be considered a Proven member... I've been on here for a while but I guess I'm still a noob!