Chrome noob- chrome or aem for 850whp

[Dsmhunter]

So its getting around to that time. I would like to fully understand this flash ecu deal before jumping in.
So some questions I have are-
1.can we completely change graph sizing? Or do you adjust within the already made perimeters?
And 2. Will this be a good option for a 1000hp car, that will see the streets rarely?
3. Can we scale to any size? Build our own maps to our spec?.
4. Or should I go aem ems. I already own a 99 ecu but I don't know wtf to do with it,
Any help will be appreciated

[anyonebutme]

My opinion is to use what you know. In this case, whoever is tuning the car will have a preference. If you are tuning it, then.........good luck. 1K HP means no room for error. As Ray Pampena says, at that level by the time you see knock, the engine is already dead.

[familyMAN]

Sent you a PM. I personally like AEM for speed density, live tuning and will also be adding an AEM datastream gauge. I have tuned it on varying setups from 3.0 to 3.5. NA heads, TT heads, stock cams, 264s and 280s. Pretty easy once you get the hang of it. I have only made 540awhp though so not at the level you want to get to.

Of course, everything is changeable which is good and bad and the base map from AEM isn't great to start with. I had some GREAT help from members getting started though.

Haven't played with chrome personally. Seems very capable also and getting some good results.

Also love boost control through AEM and a cheap Mac boost solenoid.

[mb3000]

Personally I would go with AEM.

[99 vr4]

Each has its pros and cons.

The biggest thing the flash ECU offers is drive ability in all types of climates with out retune... Think stock here. Get in, turn key, go fast! Most AEM tunes can never come close to this.

Also with the flash ECU you use your stock sensors. And, at least with a Clone ECU, you can use any boost control solenoid.

You keep the obdii port and the ability to pass your smog test.

Now there are some areas the AEM is good at. .. compete flexibility. With the flash ECU you are stuck with what ever size table is predefined in the ROM. The stock rom had limited timing and afr maps while Chrome has expanded maps. So far no one has had a problem with the map sizes.

No speed density. And to be honest, no one has yet to be able to give the Chrome developer a solid concrete basis for why speed density is better which is based on sound and proven theory and not purely opinion.

No live tuning. You must flash upload all tune changes. Not a show stopper as the flash process is quite quick.

The aem requires a larger up front investment. By using your stock sensors, wiring, etc, your up front costs are significantly lower over AEM.

Again, your tuner will have a preference.

I hope this helps out a bit.



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[Greg E]

2. Will this be a good option for a 1000hp car, that will see the streets rarely?

I hear this a lot. Have yet to see it happen though... This isn't so much that there's an issue with the performance of the ECU as it is a severe under-estimated budget to actually build one of these cars to reach that level.

The limitations of chrome are not the ECU when it comes to making HP. It's the MAF you're using to count the airflow high enough to make that power. When planning your engine/turbo setup this is the key towards making Chrome work for your goals.

[familyMAN]

I'll give you a speed density perk...pop a coupler and still drive home even if it's in a hard to get to spot....maybe under the bumper. Here's a bonus perk, 850 awhp goal...which is better, one approx 3" inlet diameter into maf, or two into each turbo with speed density?....(you could go blow through with chrome, but again I believe I remember seeing quirks posted.)

There really isn't a free lunch when quadrupling stock hp which will require, BIG turbos, BIG injectors and probably some cams. You'll have different drivability vs stock. AEM or Chrome should get the job done. Chose your weapon and it's the Indian, not the arrow that makes the difference.

To even out the cost gap, you could always buy AEM used

[99 vr4]

^ Did you know that with a complete stock system, if you pop a coupler all you have to do is unplug your MAF and drive home?

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[familyMAN]

Drive home really rich if I recall. No thank you.

I can drive home on a tuned vacuum portion of my map. NA power!

[99 vr4]

Actually you can tune the fail over tables so that you are more normal. This is not perfect. But it is a "fail over" mode to get you from point A to point B to complete repairs vs being towed home.

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