Pauerman

Great discussion!

Here are some pointers I'll offer that may help:

- Figure out what functions you're most interested in - eg. datalogging, electronic boost control, launch control, dual map switch, dual boost switch, full sequential /wasted spark or distributor cap & rotor, tuning software friendliness

- How much "work" are you interested in doing yourself - system assembly and/or installation and overall tuning

- Cost of overall features and functionality

- Most importantly - support.

I think that if you break things down, it'll be much easier to figure out what option represents the most value to you.

pole position

Lol there is nothing plug and play on a 30 year old car with a dozen of previous owners ...

The never ending flavor of the month

A How can I get a standalone for cheap

B I want a Garret GT

C. I want a 3.0

99% vaporware talk where the deed never follows.....

Pauerman

Funny, but very true. At least we are able to talk about it!

Thales

I find your post entertaining, but I'm lost on your point regarding flavor of the month.

While B and C have been done many times before, the "best" solution to A (or engine management in general) is constantly changing as new hardware comes out (Josh's DME, datalogger, lower cost standalone, etc...). Seems like a great topic for discussion to me!

Paulyy

So true!

Like vic said. At least they're interesting topics. As there's no more real engine builds any more.
my gtx project is finished
dukes 3.xL is finished
Patricks 3.1l is done
Shawns ultra stroker is finished
Sids stroker closed deck block build (not much on the actual build) is finished
Tony G has finished his.

rlm328

The Motec M-84 is around $2,250 now and will do more things then you can think of. But like mentioned earlier, unless you have a significant toy fund just do minor tweaks.

Pauerman

Wow, that Motec M-84 looks like a great entry level ECU and that price is pretty good considering all the functions.

m42racer

I think the most important feature to consider is support. You can all the bells and whistles and still end up worse off than when you started. Having support from persons here is #1. Then comes the features you need and them the other costs, installation, tuning etc.
I understand there are two well known 951 experts now offering support for the Link/Vi-Pec efi. That's huge. I know they both support dual maps on the fly along with multiple maps for timing. Both tuners will
Supply with a base map so along with their support, bade maps, all the features you will ever need and a new harness it makes it a pretty simple decision. Like it's been said regarding the other system, I'm sure there is nothing to find fault with, but if you just compare the tuner power of either the Link/Vi-Pec comes way out on top. Look at the software and make up your own mind. The Link /Vi-Pec maps are true VE maps with 3d correction maps. The other as best I can see has mostly linear 2d corrections . Then add on all of he other factors. The cost for what you get is way ahead. Am I biased. You bet as I have one and it's amazing what it can do.

m42racer

I have an older version system bit I just went on the Link web site and there is a matrix of the features offered in each ECU. Sure the Vi-Pec web site has the same as they come from the same manufacturer. The two in house experts on here will be able to clear up what I dont know.

blade7

If I don't get around to building my 3.0 I'll have some nice parts to sell on, including the brand new forged rods and turbo I picked up from other peoples abandoned projects.

DLS

interesting thread

I'm contemplating between rogue tuning and ECU master EMU (or Link if I can get it at the right price).

The ECU master EMU is rather cheap and have lots of features for the Money
http://www.ecumaster.com/en/
I don´t know if it can be bought in the states yet however

Meine44

I don't think this thread is "How can I get a standalone for cheap."


It's more about the discussion of the features of a standalone system vs. a piggyback/MAF kit.

As with anything else, price points will be discussed sooner or later, as it is a factor when considering the most viable option. It is only one variable in the equation that is choosing the proper solution for a specific project.

However, if you do in fact have something productive to contribute to the discussion, I'm sure we'll all ears.

blade7

$2k is where I lose interest so it looks like standalone isn't destined for my car.

rlm328

As a matter of fact it is fairly relevant as this is actually discussed once every 6 months. There are just a few of us who have ponied up the actual sums of money to do the conversions as they are quite expensive.

You were the one who brought up being able to dyno the car. Dyno time is fairly expensive and will only get you to about 90 % solution the rest is data logging and tweaking.

Thales

How/why did you decide on standalone?