AEM V1 vs Flash ECU? Which should I have?

[Gearheadvr4]

Have a Ver 1 AEM. Seems pretty complex but I been told it offers the most options and can tune to the edge if you know what your doing. (I don't... Tuning is my last obstacle with these cars).

I keep hearing how nice the flashed ECUs are and I'm wondering what I would loose if anything by getting one and selling the AEM. I'm thinking it would be easier to tune?

I'm open to ideas.


Here is my basic setup but could change slightly if I go to E85. I will stay relativly low hp/tq untill i feel ive got everything running perfect. Not shooting for 1000hp eventhough the engine is setup for it. Im hoping for around 650-700 hp on meth or e85 and at least 600 on pump. Plan on autocross some and drag race a few times till something breaks.

- fully built 3.5L forged everything block with stock TT heads
- 3sx TD05 kit 16g
- 720 cc denso inj
- Koyo radiator
- FMIC from PMP
- fully converted Spyder SL to AWD with 6-speed
- intrax springs / stock ecs

[markoverclock]

personally i would stay with the v1 ems. I love aem and its easy to use once you know what you are doing. i just not sure what the stock ecu "unlocked" is fully capable of. I know for sure the aem ems is last ecu you will need.

unless you get the aem v2 and are waiting for thier e85 update like me.lol
then it will have the capability of using flex fuel sensors.

[TurboSinceBirth]

I would personally get the flashed ECU over the AEM EMS v1 or 2 if you don't have any tuning experience, don't plan on spending $1200+ for a complete tune, and don't expect to never mod your car again. Standalones have their benefits and can run like a stock car if you get a really good tuner, but it's so much easier to leave it simple if you don't plan on chasing down dyno or track numbers all day long. You'll have less headaches with the flashed ECU when it comes to tuning it in general or changing your tune for mods. The only reason I would buy an AEM would be if I had the time to learn to use it well. Otherwise, I'm too big of a DIY'er to spend the money on having a professional tune the car. I work more on my cars than I drive them but that's only because I can't leave them alone mainly because I want it to be like new again.

[J-Groove]

Another vote for a flash ECU. Both setups are fully capable for what you're looking at doing.

You can sell your AEM and have a good chunk of change left over in your pocket.

Some people are still weary of the flash ECU, but I personally don't understand the fear, it is a great solution. I think once a number of us have our builds completed and our cars on the dyno you will see the flash ECU become a lot more popular. i just think a lot of people need more "proof" as it were.

-John

[ChargerX3]

ECU flash. Been running mine in my 94 for 6 months now. Comes fully populated with factory specs, but is completely customizable with all the safeguards in place. Even has a bunch of neat add ons that any drag strip racer would like.

[Gearheadvr4]

What kinds of add ins? I've tried to follow what's going on but things moved faster and faster and I've lost track of the benefits.

What can a AEM do vs a flashed ECU not do?

[donniekak]

What kinds of add ins? I've tried to follow what's going on but things moved faster and faster and I've lost track of the benefits.

What can a AEM do vs a flashed ECU not do?

For now it has several features not available on a stock ecu. Speed density, individual injector trimming, and some of the anti lag shifting options, to name a few. That being said, I ran a modded stock ecu in my dsm with 1600cc injectors, on e85, at almost 40lbs of boost. I've run a flashed 3s ecu in my stealth, and would say the only limitations are being worked on by several people. But even at its current state of development I wouldn't hesitate to run a flashed ecu in a td05 3s. It also is a huge advantage for the 96+ guys to be able to pass obd2 checks for emissions with a flashed ecu.

[mb3000]

With an EMS you can pop an intercooler pipe on the highway, and drive it home without any major problems. Just takes a little work to get what you want out of it, where as the flashed ecu is less involved IMO.

[ChargerX3]

With an EMS you can pop an intercooler pipe on the highway, and drive it home without any major problems. Just takes a little work to get what you want out of it, where as the flashed ecu is less involved IMO.

There is a fix for that You can tune limp mode

[Gearheadvr4]

Speed density is really nice. I went that route when I had my Maft Pro. I really loved the little unit but I could never get a stable tune with it.

Chances of a Mitsubishi ecu having speed density?