Which way to go with tuning

[Klobbernator]

Hi guys, I'm fairly new to the 4g63. I just came from a 98 galant with the '64 before getting into my 97 gst. The motor is going to get pulled tomorrow and I will start on my rebuild. Keep in mind I am a poor college student.

The motor has a spun rod bearing. I have a newer (80k mile) shortblock, with a good crank, rods, and pistons. I plan on using the ACL H line rod and main bearings, new oil & water pump, new gaskets & seals, balance shaft delete.

The car currently has 850cc injectors, 255 walboro, PTE 50 trim, tial 38mm, and 2.5 inch piping w/front mount, and greddy type rs BOV. Also, 3 inch magnaflow exhaust, and an AFPR (not sure what brand I will look).

Now, ecmlink is going to cost me around 600, because I need to have my ecu socketed and then I have to buy the software and cable. Right now, the car has an SAFC2 and an AEM uego.

I only want to run about 16psi since I'm not running forged rods and pistons. With the engine rebuild, I can't afford to get set up with ECMlink. Is it going to be possible, for a short time, to use EVOScan and my wideband for datalogging and tune with the SAFC2?

I just want to get the car running. Before I bought it I fired it up and it sounded like it was idling correctly besides the knock. But it was not tuned, just all the upgrades were thrown on and they didn't even tune it. What do you guys think?

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[92AWDHX40]

Keep what you have for now, and see how it goes if you want to get something later link sell the safc and upgrade. I would keep what you have and enjoy that. Link does way more than a safc its a actual tuning device, ecmlink.com

 

[Klobbernator]

Yes I have combed through their website. I would love to get set up with it. Looks like a lot of must-have features.

Another question. Since I am running low boost, 16psi, with this big 50 trim is it going to take forever to spool, or will it not be too bad?

 

[92AWDHX40]

Its going to depend on how the car is tuned, etc, no real way to tell you.

 

[Black95awd]

If you have a known good short block why don't you just put that in the car and run it until you can afford to rebuild the spun bearing engine with forged internals?

 

[Klobbernator]

Because when I purchased the short block, I bought it for 100 bucks because it was in pieces, about to be built up. But the kid couldn't afford to finish the project.

My plan is to yes, use that newer short block. But since I have to put it together anyways, I just want to invest in some lesser expensive parts like the bearings and headstuds to try and make it last longer/be tougher. I could use the bearings that are in it now, but at this point I think it might be smarter to spend a little bit more on the bearings since with these motors they like to spin... a lot.

The ultimate plan is to keep the bottom end in it now and build it with forged rods/pistons.

 

[WES_393]

The SAFC isn't going to handle 850cc injectors very well. And Link would cost 600 only if you got the full version brand new. You can find V3 lite for around $300 used and have ECM Tuning socket the ECU for around $60 including shipping both ways. With your setup, I would suggest Link over the SAFC beofre you even fire it up.

 

[fonzi90Tsi]

From what I hear and read, the SAFC can handle up to 650s safely.

And do what he said^^^

I can't wait till I am off my probation! Gonna hit up them classifieds!

 

[Klobbernator]

ECMTuning, Inc.

This says that it's 185 to have it converted and socketed... I have a 97, my ECU is not EPROM.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Keep looking or wait til you can buy in classifieds, best bet is to wait til you have the funds, i dont see many link things on sale.

 

[fonzi90Tsi]

There are a few guys selling ecu and link v3 in my regional forum. Try yours.

Or mine. I am sure they will ship

 

[jpmxrider489]

You can find one on here every now and them. You would have to get it converted plus the cost of link. Its a great program. It seems very complicated at first but it becomes easy.

 

[clipto]

Just get ecmlink and call it a day.