Who is using the AEM EMS?

[empera]

i have some questions about it before i make any more decisions. I want to know how easy it is to install and how easy it is to make it work using speed density. im still not sure where things would connect such as the boost controller and the map sensor since i havent really seen any good pictures of the unit itself. What do you like and/or dislike about it? anything useful u can tell me i'd appreciate.

thanks,
-emp.

 

[turbogate]

i have some questions about it before i make any more decisions. I want to know how easy it is to install and how easy it is to make it work using speed density. im still not sure where things would connect such as the boost controller and the map sensor since i havent really seen any good pictures of the unit itself. What do you like and/or dislike about it? anything useful u can tell me i'd appreciate.

thanks,
-emp.

I just finished installing mine, and am in the process of setting it/tuning it.
Installation is pretty straight forward. Some wiring is necessary for the speed density set-up. Both the AIT and MAP sensor can be wired using the original AFM wires. The only thing you'll have to do if using the AFM wires, is relocating one of the wires from the harness plug to a different plug (from 2B to 17A, i believe). If you have a wideband, you also want to connect it to the AEM using one of the provided pins.

I used the provided MKIII start-up calibration, changed the sensors using the wizards, adjusted the breakpoints(not really necessary, but don't need 8000 rpm yet) and the car fired right up first try, no issues whatsover, besides running very rich. I was able to drive home that night, slowly offcourse, killing a lot of mosquitoes. From there one, It's just a matter of checking that all sensors are reading what they should etc. Then it's a matter of tuning. Hopefully I get this done this week and will start boosting, I'll let you know how that goes. I can already tell I'm going to love it, we'll see how that will last, lol

 

[suprakid24]

i use it. its bigger than stock, so its a pain to put in and out when trying to tune it.

 

[empera]

good info. guys thanks.
turbogate, keep me updated.

 

[p5150]

Keep in mind that I had to build my own harness because of my swap (read sig). That was a lot of work and I had to re-pin a couple because they werent intended for what I thought they were.

Overall I dont think its too difficult to use. Hangups ive had:

1. A C2DI will not run directly off of the AEM. You must have an ignitor in between the two.
2. Use the TSRM wiring diagram to figure out what kind of input/output goes to what pin on the ems. The TSRM numbers for pins on the ECU are labeled the same as the EMS.
3. When using the AEM EMS forum search from oldest to newest threads. Pretty much everything that can be asked has already been answered so most people dont reply anymore.
4. Initial timing can be a whore to set if your battery is low. Once your batt drops below 12v while trying to set base timing just stop and wait for it to charge back up.
5. Ground and bond everything to everything very well. (not talking about AEM box). This will keep your sensors true.
6. Run your WBo2 sensor directly to the battery through a relay and control the relay with the EMS switched ground (LS 1 thru 12) I use LS 11 but I dont have an auto. I use the relay that used to be hooked to the AC clutch.
7. Use a decent USB/Serial port adaptor like the one from CompUSA. Dont try to cheap out on this because it is a fucking headache. I tried to save 30 bucks on ebay but it costed me 2 weeks worth of BS. I should have just paid the money and bought a keyspan.

Read the manuals
Read the manuals
Read the manuals

And just when you think you have had enough, read the manuals.

You can download them for free and start now.

 

[empera]

Ok...just got the box in and im missing the cd and the manual? unless the manual is only available on cd. What else is suppose to come in the box? the unit, pins, the white connector, velcro...thats all i have.

 

[p5150]

You dont need the CD - It has old software on it anyway. Go to the EMS forum and download the entire file. All of the manuals for every AEM Electronic product are included. Be sure to read the EFI manuals. There are 2 or three of them...

You may have to register with the serial number of your EMS first. I cant remember cuz its been a few months since I got it.

http://forum.aempower.com/forum/index.php?topic=17194.0

And one other thing - does your AEM have a USB port or serial on it?

 

[empera]

serial.

 

[p5150]

You may want to consider the fact that you could be adding or relocating some of the wires on the harness. I dont think that all of the availible pins on the EMS will be used, and you may choose to add a couple of wires to the harness for certain things like your boost solenoid, gauge relay, etc....

You can hook up all sorts of shit to do fancy stuff. I have a disco ball that turns on when I hit + boost.

So basically, dont get in a hurry and permanently mount it and tie the wires down because you will probably change a few things when you are first tuning it out.

I have the serial/usb cable connected and I just leave it there. I plan on running it to a somewhat hidden location so I can just plug in the cable without opening up the glove box and messing with it too much.

 

[empera]

cool, thanks for the help man, im sure i will have plenty of questions for u wen i get this installed.

you think i can find a GM map sensor at NAPA auto?

 

[p5150]

yeah there or any other parts store. Just look for the PN on the AEM forum. Spend a few days looking around there and be sure to search for your answers on there too.

Get a GM map sensor w/pigtail. I think you may be able to get one from a junkyard too but its kind of a cheap part so it may not be worth your time in that aspect. Dont forget the boost solenoid too..... GM solenoid is recommended by AEM and the part number is all over their forum.

 

[p5150]

Also I think that a 3 bar sensor will give you the range of 3 atm. Basically -14.7 to + 29.4 psi. Some people think that a 3 bar means that it will go to 14.7x3 (44.1 psi) which isnt correct.


Sooooo.... if 29.4 psi is all you will be seeing, ever, then it should work for you.

 

[empera]

ok so i got the map sensor and the temp sensor. i got the ac delco/gm iat sensor and its pretty big, not sure what the thread size is to tap the ic pipes. I dun think i have a tap this big.

 

[jdub]

Head down to the hardware store and find a pipe adapter that fits...pretty sure the GM IAT is 3/8" NPT. Get a 1/2" to 3/8" NPT reducer and use it as a weld bung...put the 1/2" threads inside the pipe and weld around the outside. Or, just buy a weld bung that fits the sensor.

 

[empera]

i really dont think its 3/8's for some reason, my map ecu sensor was 3/8's and this is much bigger but its not a bad idea...thanks jdub...

anyone know if i can find a map sensor pigtail at napa?

 

[drjonez]

i really dont think its 3/8's for some reason...

regardless of what you think, the GM IAT is 3/8" NPT.

 

[empera]

ah...could they have sent me the wrong one?

 

[jdub]

Yep...looks a lot like this one. And I can tell ya for a fact the sensor is 3/8" NPT.
Of course a quick cruise to the hardware store and you can see for yourself




And just in case you're thinking about tapping the pipe directly...won't seal properly unless you got a least a 1/4" wall thickness. You will need to get a weld bung.

 

[drjonez]

ah...could they have sent me the wrong one?

looks like the right one.

 

[empera]

ok i was getting confused because the map ecu temp sensor is way smaller. ima try to get an adapter for it soon.