ECU reflash or SAFC and boost controller?
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From: Denver
ECU reflash or SAFC and boost controller?
I might be a little confused about all this, but what are the differences between tuning it yourself with SAFC and an electric boost controller, or getting an ECU reflash with these features built in. I drive my car regularly and I want everyday driver realiability, but more power through leaner fuel and about 20PSI of boost. What do you guys think? Im currently running full 3" exhaust, intake, and grounding kit. If I do go with a boost controller, will manual do the job. Thanks for your help...
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
It all depends on what you want to do for the long term.
If you're satisfied with the mods that you have now I would go with a custon flash.
If you know what you're doing ( i.e. how to tune ) going with a unit that allows you to modify and 'tune' as you go along is you're best choice.
Do a little more research - figure out what you're future plans are - then decide.
I'm leaning towards the UTEC right now.
If you're satisfied with the mods that you have now I would go with a custon flash.
If you know what you're doing ( i.e. how to tune ) going with a unit that allows you to modify and 'tune' as you go along is you're best choice.
Do a little more research - figure out what you're future plans are - then decide.
I'm leaning towards the UTEC right now.
First, a boost controller and a reflash are two separate mods that do two separate things.
A boost controller can be electronic or manual. Manual is much cheaper and does the job just as well. I run a manual but I have been thinking about getting an electronic just for the hell of it. It's NOT necessary though.
A reflash is what you get when a tuner (TurboTrix, Works, Dynoflash) upload a new program to you ECU that controls your fuel injectors, timing curves, and other variables. Works has the ability to also control boost with their flash, removing the need for a separate boost controller. However, their flash is much more expensive and also removes your ability to run the boost you want at any given time, ie. change your boost.
An SAFC is a device that simply alters the airflow reading to the ECU to change the amount of fuel that is delivered. You have to tune this yourself or have a tuner do it for you. There is no direct adjustment of timing with an SAFC but by leaning the AF ratio (removing fuel) it does add timing as a byproduct.
I recommend you get a manual boost controller if you just want to be able to set your boost to a preset level and have the ability to move it up or down when you want. You can get an electric boost controller if you would rather push buttons instead of turn knobs.
I recommend you hold off on a reflash or SAFC until you get all the parts you want to get installed. Then, get a reflash. I recommend TurboTrix. IMO, they are head and shoulders above the rest. Many people have different opinions and philosophies about who does the reflash and the debate on this gets pretty hot. However, I have experience with multiple tuners and recommend TurboTrix.
I also have an SAFC. I only use it for race gas tunes since it can hold two maps. So I use the reflashed ECU for pump gas (340 AWHP on a Mustang Dyno) and I switch to the SAFC map for race gas, which I haven't tuned yet. I recommend reflash over SAFC because you can add and remove timing independently of fuel ratios with a reflash. This provides more power safely than just leaning it out and adding timing.
Good luck.
A boost controller can be electronic or manual. Manual is much cheaper and does the job just as well. I run a manual but I have been thinking about getting an electronic just for the hell of it. It's NOT necessary though.
A reflash is what you get when a tuner (TurboTrix, Works, Dynoflash) upload a new program to you ECU that controls your fuel injectors, timing curves, and other variables. Works has the ability to also control boost with their flash, removing the need for a separate boost controller. However, their flash is much more expensive and also removes your ability to run the boost you want at any given time, ie. change your boost.
An SAFC is a device that simply alters the airflow reading to the ECU to change the amount of fuel that is delivered. You have to tune this yourself or have a tuner do it for you. There is no direct adjustment of timing with an SAFC but by leaning the AF ratio (removing fuel) it does add timing as a byproduct.
I recommend you get a manual boost controller if you just want to be able to set your boost to a preset level and have the ability to move it up or down when you want. You can get an electric boost controller if you would rather push buttons instead of turn knobs.
I recommend you hold off on a reflash or SAFC until you get all the parts you want to get installed. Then, get a reflash. I recommend TurboTrix. IMO, they are head and shoulders above the rest. Many people have different opinions and philosophies about who does the reflash and the debate on this gets pretty hot. However, I have experience with multiple tuners and recommend TurboTrix.
I also have an SAFC. I only use it for race gas tunes since it can hold two maps. So I use the reflashed ECU for pump gas (340 AWHP on a Mustang Dyno) and I switch to the SAFC map for race gas, which I haven't tuned yet. I recommend reflash over SAFC because you can add and remove timing independently of fuel ratios with a reflash. This provides more power safely than just leaning it out and adding timing.
Good luck.
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