Just as the title says:

What are some of the pro's and con's of running different available aftermarket computers for an OBDI based LT1 car?

I ask because I am relatively new to this, and find this to be pretty heavy stuff to just jump into reading ...

I am acquiring parts with intentions of doing a low compression (8.5-9.0:1), high boost (15+psi), street car with LE ported trickflows or TEA heads possibly, all forged 383. This car will also see its fair share of spray (Likely no more than a 150 shot though), and possibly methonal/water injection.

I am shooting for 650+RWHP, and then the 150ish shot on top of it for track days. I am starting to have a grasp of what I am getting into mechanically, but am clueless as to what to do as far as tuning it goes. I know its likely to max the MAF out though, and I wonder what my best option would be. It will predominantly be a street car, with some, but not excessive, track time. Every few weekends.

That said, what are my options guys? Is it worth it to have Bryan Herter rework some of the tables within the stock PCM? Point me in the right direction here. Thanks!

 

I didn't see whether you had planned on supercharging or turbocharging. If it's a supercharger, the stock PCM could be used provided all of the other parts were in place (e.g. fuel injector size, etc). Yes, you will very likely max out the MAF, *however* this isn't a show stopper because you can use the PE table to add additional fuel based on RPM and boost is directly tied to RPM with a supercharger. You could also use a boost referenced stand-alone fuel management unit for enrichment.

If it is a turbo charger, this approach won't work because boost is not directly tied to RPM. In this case you're better off looking at aftermarket computers (like AEM or something similar).

 

I agree with everthing VinceTrifecta says,

I would also consider running SD mode (actually very easy to tune - easier than MAF believe it or not.)

Basically I narrowed it down... you really should get an aftermarket ECU (to make your life easier) if you have either one of these two present with your setup:
1) Crazy Boost (over 15psi)
2) RPM over 7000

Simply because of the money involved with an aftermarket PCM, I would consider trying a 2-bar map and halving the neccessary tables in the PCM, this gives you full 2 bar/14psi both fuel/timing boost referenced... (the computer see's 50-52kpa but is actually 100kpa, when computer see's 100kpa it is the full 14-15psi. There's a group of guys trying it out here (including me) and so far no one has any considerable problems (other than having to get the tune very close since your dealing with 1/2 resolution). This should work equally the same with turbo or supercharger. Mine is working fine but Im only up to 7psi.

Also, some of us with large injectors (~80lbs) are seeing lean tip in stumble with the stock PCM... this is also addressed.

That topic is still current... waiting for the weather to break and more people to try it... everything's been covered.
https://www.camaroz28.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=560089

 

I'm thinking about turbos for my Impala SS - the >1 bar MAP sensor is a good solution... ;-)

 

Sorry, should have posted it, I will be running a D1SC supercharger. Trying to run as high boost as is practical.

If I was to get say, LT1 edit, would I be able to tune for the PE tables to correct my A/F ratio? I definantly wont be revving any higher than 6500 RPM's. But will likely go to around 15+PSI...

Realistically, I would love to be able to tune the whole thing myself. I am pretty technical person and know I could learn how to. So if it is doable on the stock PCM, even after maxing out the MAF, I would like to do so. If there is a easier method, that will not sacrifice driveability ( This is very important as this car WILL see MOST of the time on the street, with some trips to the track ) then I am all for it. But I was under the impression that the stock PCM was easiest to tune for driveability.

 

LT1 Edit or Tunercats would be all you need to modify your PCM, VE tables will only work in SD mode but totally possible and not that hard to do.. if something needs to be tuned it's actually easier in SD mode than with MAF. For example, I have my VE tables setup so that all my PE mode tables show 0. VE Master is a very useful tool to help tune SD mode.

Still have to test more of the 2 bar on a stock PCM, couple of the guys running higher boost than me plan to test it soon, probably when weather warms. Im getting ready to pulley up to 10-12lbs then I'll be able to better test it myself.