Need some help with tuning. Standalone or Piggy?

[Mx4Life]

I have been gathering parts for a couple months now for my big tune. Now Im down to the question if I go Standalone or piggyback. I have a ROB tune ecu now but its not going to keep up with my next stage. aiming for 350AWHP @ 20-22psi. currently at 250.1 @ 15PSI. I need some opinions based on first hand experience with dyno tuning.

[chuckthefuk]

Are you planning on turning this yourself or letting a tuner with a dyno do it for you?

[Mx4Life]

Dyno tune for sure. :lol:

[i<3mysubi]

I would go with an AEM full standalone. The ems-4 is a great ecu with tons of options. The only downside is you gotta use aem's tuning interface which isn't difficult just takes some getting used to. Even has launched control and some other cool features like speed density so you don't have to worry about maxing your air meter. I have a friend that is using this on a basically stock STi swap in his second get and is making 340 at the wheels, with lots of growing room once he gets a turbo etc.

[chuckthefuk]

^^ +1

Every tuner is different.. Each like certain hardware and software. AEM is much nicer to use in some cases but it all depends.. You could go with Autronic or MoTeC. Ask you local tuner who can handle/specialize EJ motors and see what he recommends.

[Mx4Life]

Unfortunately I dont have a local tuner. The places Ive called around Oregon all have different things to say. Im not sure what to use. I have a guy that wants to sell me a LinkECU standalone but have never heard of it. Preferably trying to find something used to save a few buck too.

[chuckthefuk]

Thats a tough situation my friend.. tuning your car is a crucial part of power and confidence. A trusted tuner is the only way to go even if that means you have to go out of state..

As stated above the AEM EMS-4 is a universal application with lots of support and documentation.

- Chuck

[Mx4Life]

If I can find a used one that would be great. Not a fan of the "New" price for that one

[chuckthefuk]

Just a simple Amazon search (which isn't the lowest) shows:

AEM 30-6905 EMS-4 Universal Stand Alone Engine Management System by AEM $724.99
AEM 30-2905-0 EMS-4 Plug and Pin Kit by AEM $115.29

Or,

AEM 30-6905 EMS-4 Universal Stand Alone Engine Management System by AEM $724.99
AEM 30-2905-96 EMS-4 Wiring Harness with Fuse and Relay Panel by AEM $254.70

Thats pretty cheap compared to their AEM Series 2 which run for $1600 ...

Used stuff is a gamble.. especially electronics. Do what you must just keep that in mind.

[i<3mysubi]

Agreed, used is sketch for me. I would get the ecu and wiring kit and wire it myself but that is just me.

If you have a wholesale friend or mechanic they can usually get them wholesale, then it's like $700 for the computer and harness. Any fully programmable ecu for under a grand with a harness is a pretty good deal