Mongo

This weekend I was talking to my fiancee's Dad about EMS and he had mentioned something called the Perfect Power SMT-8. I pulled up the website and found out that this piggyback type system can pretty much be applied to anything as long as you wire it right. It may not do everything a standalone EMS does, but it allows you to keep your stock ECU (namely the LH in our cars) and lies to it in order to richen and lean AFRs based on your preference for the most efficient and optimized performance.

From using the search, I saw Louie Ott used to use the SMT6, which is now obsolete and replaced by the SMT8 and it's predecessor the SMT7. Even though a piggyback does not have the flexibility of something like Electromotive, it does give you the ability to use and load various fuel maps and ignition maps as well.

Does anyone else have any experience and successes with a piggyback like Perfect Power's SMT-6, SMT-7, or SMT-8?

Fabio421

I don't have personal experience but the people who I know that have used it all say it is a major PITA to use.

You keep asking about aftermarket engine management. What are you planning on modding w/ your car? Why not Shartktune?

Mongo

I'm looking for a more efficient engine management system. The LH is efficient, don't get me wrong, but things are getting old on this system. I've been obsessing over TecGT for my S4, but I don't intend on doing any other serious modifications with the exception of a total EFI overhaul/conversion. I was looking for somethng that manages better AFRs in open loop mode at higher RPMs.

Since you had mentioned that PP is a PITA, I would rather stick with the original plan of going with Electromotive. But, what problems did you hear about and experiences with their setups?

Fabio421

I just heard that it was very difficult to get working properly. Don't take my 2nd hand account to heart without first speaking with someone who has first hand knowledge.

Louie928

I used to work with the Perfect Power SMT products when that was all there was to trim the tune of a 928. Now, with the Sharktuner available there is no point in spending your time or money with it. I'm not sure why you seem so bent on switching from the LH/EZ-K to something else. They do a great job and you could buy your own Sharktuner for less than you'll spend on most stand alone systems. There is certainly no comparison when factoring in your time. The LH, as improved by John Speake, is as reliable as anything else you'll find.

Mongo

I really like that fact that it's easier to swtich maps (i.e. for smog day). For the Sharktuner, I saw a thread a while back saying that another prom would have to be burned for a separate map.

Bill51sdr

The PROM is extrordinarily easy to replace/swap. Buy a rebuilt LH for your Sharktuned PROM, you'll still come way out ahead $$ wise.

Tom. M

I've got the SMT 6 in my GT...easy to play with..and easy to bypass with the bypass plug.....Had Thurston wire it in...good enough for me just to modify the WOT map to get the A/F in line...

For the track car I went with a full megasquirt since I was faced with both a failed MAF and a bad LH brain....could have dropped $800 or so on replacements...and then continue to worry when it would fail again...or swap to megasquirt for about a grand (used system..Lizard)....and then tune to my liking...no distributors..and base map was provided (check for the thread on the install..its out there in renny land)..gained about 30 hp from this swap alone...

Plans for the GT are probably to go with a sharktuner (the rear turbo guy JT owes me a session )..and I'll probably put in the flashable proms so I can just hook up a sharktuner to remap should I change anything on it..

Jim Morton

Andy:

If all you are looking for is a way to switch maps, The LH / EZK setup can accomidate you. Take a look at the wiring diagrams for management coding plug. You can rig a multi pole switch and accomidate up multi map goal, all built into our LH / EZK system. Of course you'l need a Sharktuner, best with PEMs, to gain access.

Considering that you reside within the "Peeps Republik of CA", I'd sure look at all the issues of fitting an aftermarket system so that you can still pass a visual / functional inspection... that is, if you want to keep your car registered.

$0.02

Mongo

That's definitely something I'm considering. With a piggyback I can hide wiring. Sharktuner... no need to! Huge advantage there. If I do go the sharktuner route, I would prefer the PEM addon. I've heard bad thigns about using the Innovative Motorsports LM-1/LC-1 wideband O2 setup and opted for the AEM UEGO setup which does the same thing the LC-1 does as far as emulating signals. Dunno if it will work with John's Sharktuner though...

Louie928

Andy,
John Speake has programmable memory modules that replace the EEPROM chips. Put them in once and you don't need access to the LH & EZ-K again. The only connection you make to the LH and EZ-K is through your diagnostic plug. Connect a WB sensor to the Sharktuner and you are set up. Many people use the Innovate WB units. I like the TechEdge products (http://wbo2.com/home/products.htm), but others works too. The Sharktuner allows you to configure its WB input to correspond with your WB output whichever one you want to use. You can swap LH/EZ-K maps by downloading a different map from your laptop. Also, the LH & EZ-K always contain two maps each and you can switch between them using a switch on the configuration plug. One map for closed loop normal running and another map for open loop track setup, or for different fuel grades. They can be switched on the fly while driving if you want.

Ben Allison

Mongo -

Too bad you're on the wrong coast. I could wire you up with a VEMS system pretty easily.

But I think a sharktuner might be a better bet anyway

Rick Carter

I have had an SMT-6 for years. It has not been difficult to use. Listen to Louie and Shark Tune. It is still on my list of things to do, if I didn't have the SMT-6 it would have been done already.

DR

If a SharkTuner can be used to effectively tune ...Twin Turbo 928s, Rear or Mid Turbo 928s, Stroker 928s, Centrifigal SC 928s, Eaton/Twin Screw 928s with single Mafs, Twin Screw 928s with Twin Thottle bodys and Twin MAFs ..... I just can't comprehend why anyone would even consider anything else to tune an LH/EZK 928!

The SharkTuner is a no brainer, especially for an 87-95. Simple, effective, easy to install (and PEMs are the ONLY way to go) and VERY soon, VERY inexpensive.

aggravation

It takes about a minute to hook up a SharkTuner to a PEM equipped car to make a map change...a minute to load it and a minute to disconnect it...

I'm betting it doesn't get any easier than that!