how is this accomlished. Very new at tuning.
Does it still need "dyno tunes"
I know dyno pulls would be helpful, but i'm wondering if I need LT1 edit to tap in and mess around

 

Trey: Aftermarket ECU's like the FAST system and Accel's DFI have their own software for programming the unit. Dyno tuning is very useful, but not absolutely necessary. Don't believe the hype or the boasts that you often hear. The tuning process with these is far from "plug n' play". WOT tuning is generally easy, especially on a dyno. But to get it driving as well as you are used to in a street car is often an arduous process. A good part of the business at the shop where I do some part time work consists of people who buy an aftermaket ECU bringing it in cause it runs like crap, if at all. So, don't assume this will be easy, though some people have a lot easier time than others.

Rich Krause

 

It's good to see you again Trey, where the hell you been?

I think rsk speaks volumes. I certainly won't contradict him. I would like to add though that I feel the ability to change and tune the systems(by mere mortles) you speak of, far out ways the problems in getting them started. The oem systems certainly lack that ability.

may I say that the current issue of chevy HiPerformance has an interesting story about Accel's DFI system. HOWEVER!!! this revolves around using their complete hardware system as well as programming. In your case or mine, we are using harware other than theirs. I think there in lies the rub.

The accel unit includes very user friendly software. All you need to buy seperate to program it is a lap top. don't know much about the FAST system

I had planned on switching to the DFI and now after reading that article I definately plan on it.

By the way, CHP magazine over the last year or more has had several articles on EFI that have been very helpful.

Just wanted to give you my .02 and it's good to see you again.

Take care.

 

Yeah, don't get me wrong. The aftermarket systems have a lot of capability that the stocker does not. That said, they are far from all alike. Of the current consumer grade aftermarket ECU's I prefer the Electromotive. But they all can be made to work well. Be careful who you buy from. The manufacturers are not very good at tech support, you will have a much better response from your selling dealer provided they know something! So, don't necessarily buy at the lowest price unless you are sure you won't need help. In the same vein, avoid buying directly from the manufacturer. You will have little leverage if anything goes wrong.

Yes, the software is "user friendly", better by far than they used to be. But all that means is that it's easier to do what you want. It doesn't mean it's easy to know what you should do!

My advice - don't do this this unless you really need to. It should tell you something that while I can get any of these units at cost and have access to a dyno and a variety of tuning goodies and expertise I am still using a re-programmed stock PCM with add-ons. The results are great and compared to starting at ground zero with an aftermaket PCM, quite easy to achieve. Don't discount the capabilities of a reprogrammed stock PCM.

Trey: why do you ask? Do you have a real exotic combo in mind?

Rich Krause

 

Thanks for the "welcoming" back And thankyou Dr. Krause.
I've just been browsing this section. It seems like we have gotten over the whole "which cam is best" hump so to speak adn I just dont feel like answereing the repeated questions, i'm sure a bunch of people can chime in with those. Our tech section is "evolving"

Anyway, I have been talking to a few guys, both advise agaist the system stating its overkill. Only needed when I'm spinning over 7000, although I will be close, i dont anticipate hiting that mark.

I REALLY wanted to get a few runs and pulls with the stock heads so I can get a GOOD comparison when I do the swap. I need tuning REALLY bad so I figured this was a good start

Anyway, anyone have any opinions on this?

edit: i just saw your responce rich
thanks.

ps I can also get my parts at wholesale cost . I guess I just have to learn LT1 edit?

 

IMO from the units ive seen i prefer FAST over DFI... though id always take a MoTeC over anything

And other than spinning over 7k, id only use a aftermarket ecu when having a high boost setup to get rid of the maf and utilize a 2 or 3 bar map sensor.