i may be buying a second car that has a aem ems... i dont know alot about their use but i am an experienced mechanic. i know i wont be able to tune out my car and go crazy with it but whats the best way to start learning how to use it and begin the process?

 

There are a lot of functions in AEM EMS's, and by being so powerful, they are also really dangerous in the hands of someone that isn't experienced. I pretty much just hook mine up if I want to load a different CAL file in it, and even that makes me nervous. Have a good tuner set it up, and you will never have to touch it again as long as the car is set up the same. Also, I see that your in So Cal. Scot Gray aka. Dr. Gray is the best tuiner your going to find in the area as far as I know, and he's reasonably priced as well. I couldn't be happier with my tunes.

 

thanks got a rough price per tune?

 

I paid $600, so probably around there. He drove 2-3 hours to my house and spent the entire day tuning my car. I basically drove him around for the day as he programmed the computer. I also bought him lunch, and I reccomend doing the same or giving him a decent tip if your happy with the tune (which you will be). He also stands behind his work, and if you have any problems he will help you out.

 

If he is a good tuner and a nice guy have him show you a few things as he is tunning your car also. You will learn more from a good tuner in a few minutes than you ever could in hours reading or trial and error.

Every tuner does it alittle different.

 

There are a BAZILLION things to adjust inside the AEM computer, start slow, take small steps, and ask to watch someone who knows and have them explain it to as they do it (which will probably cost extra)

I'd also recommend taking a class like EFI101 - http://www.efi101.com

 

I would recommend setting boost to at least 28 psi and increasing your timing up by at least 20%. To let out all that horsepower mitsu left on the table :-)


Just kidding don't do anyhting until you are comfortable paying to have a new engine put in the vehicle, if you want to tune the car yourself. And you should get a wideband and read everything on this forum that has anything to do with afr's, and tuning.

 

thanks guys will definatly take your advise