I've read a lot of threads and still can't make up my mind.

I am a long-time DSMer and have always tuned my DSM myself using DSMlink and then ECMlink V3.

I picked up an 03' Evo needing an engine, and I am dropping a built 4G64 in it. The car currently has AEM V1, but a lot of my buddies are tuning with ECUflash. Do you guys have any suggestions on what you like better? I don't want to take this car to a Tuner constantly. In my DSM I was always logging and tuning. I'm leaning towards selling the AEM and keeping it stock ECU.

Opinions?

Power goals are low. I want it to be a solid street car. It has a standard 35R on it now, but I also have a 6266 and FP Green at my disposal. I'm thinking the Green will meet my street car goals and I can hang the 6266 on the DSM.

Thanks!

 

AEM is nice if you have it, but the stock ECU is plenty capable for low power levels. Heck... even for high power levels.

 

I will be running AEM on my built 4G64.

 

If you have AEM why would you even consider going back to stock ecu?

 

I have never tuned on either. DSM/ECMlink for me the past decade. Just entering the Evo platform..

Thanks for the opinions. Who here tunes on AEM themselves?

 

I know a big thing for me is inspection.... thats why i stay stock ecu

 

Here are a few ways to look at it.

Smog/Inspection == Stock ECU
Illegal Smog/Inspection == Both
No Smog or Inspection == Stand Alone

Now the best thing to do is find out what your tuner is the most comfortable tuning on. If it is the stock ecu then stick with the stock ecu.

I have an AEM and I love it, I also have the 12 tooth trigger disc, so I have fast starts, and the car runs great. I love the real time editing, and the extensive data logging. So if you are looking to extract every ounce of power out of your setup, the AEM is the way to go.

 

stock ECU does just fine. Either is just a tool. GO with what your tuner is comfortable with as long as emissions permits.

 

Haltech. Way more parameters you can add on and even install a flex fuel sensor. This way if you are on a road trip and cannot get e85, you can put in 91 or 93 and the ECU will pull fuel and timing. Its a great system. Its about the same price for the AEM with more features. I think I paid about 2K for the ECU with harness, map sensor, flex fuel sensor and IAT sensor.

Depending on your mods, a stock ECU is fine.

 

He already has the AEM installed and I do not think he is looking to add $2,000 to the bill.

 

Yes the car came with AEM.

The tuner is me, but I might take it for a tune when I get the motor in just to get me started.

I've been tuning on DSMlink for 10 years. Just looking for opinions on what is more "amateur tuner" friendly - since I'll be looking to settle in and start tuning it. Emissions is not an issue for me, so AEM may be the way to go. I've never used it but maybe it's time to start learning.

 

If emissions/OBD-II readiness is not an issue for sure keep the AEM

 

The AEM EMS is a great system and it's not very hard to use. Once you learn where all the tables are then it becomes very easy to work with.

 

I use oem ecu to pass emissions and use AEM rest of the time.

 

I sold my aem so i could run evodroid