You know what really sucks about AEM EMS?

[Reign_Maker]

No, seriously... DO you know what really sucks about AEMs? If you do, lay it out for me now before I go dumping nearly 2 grand into one...

Im going to get the IAT and boost module and all that stuff I need... I want the 2-step ability as well...

My one thing that Im wondering about, and maybe you guys that have used the AEM can help me understand:

A boost controller, typically, allows for three settings: W/G spring, low boost and high boost... Now, I know with the GM boost solinoid, you can tell the AEM that you want 15 pounds of boost, and BAM, you have 15 pounds... But here's my question: do I have to have a laptop with me everytime I want to change my boost settings? I mean, I would like to drive around on the waste gate's spring setting, but what if I feel like doing a 25psi sprint? Can I get something from AEM that allows me to change my boost on the fly?

Also, do I have to replace my coil pack? Does the AEM use my factory wiring harness? Will the AEM allow me to controll 2 fuel pumps, say, like if I wanted one to run normally under normal boost, but after say, 30 pounds of boost the second pump kicks on to accomodate? And can I use an AEM to run additional injectors, for the same scenario...

This is a new frontier for your buddy Jake here, so help me out... Tell me what I need for the whole set up, what options I should get, or look into, what options I dont need, etc...

BTW: if you feel another stand alone system is better, please tell me your thoughts, but please dont say: SUPER SYSTEM 5000 IS BETTER! UH, JUST CUZ IT IS! I KNEW A GUY THAT KNEW A GUY WHO WAS DATING A GIRL WHO'S UNCLE HAD NEIGHBOR THAT USED IT AND IT WAS GREAT ON HIS CAMARO!:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

Thanks guys,
Jake

 

[oneandgone]

Injectors... You can idle any cc injector with the AEM so just install big enough injectors to support the max power you could ever want to make. Thus, no need for additional injectors.

You can use the stock coil packs.

I beleive it can control 2 fuel pumps. I don't see why not as it can control a nitrous system, which often times will use a second pump for when nitrous is in use.

It uses the factory harness to a point. You will need to modify some things in order to go speed-density. Mainly from the AFM wiring plug.

Boost is measured as a load percentage with the AEM. You can't simply enter 15 psi. It would be more like 33% and see how much boost that gets you. So yes, you'll need to load a new map anytime you want to change the boost, or at least change the load percentage. I'll probably end up installing a boost controller to allow for adjustments on the fly. The only thing I regret about installing the AEM so far is selling my Profec-B.

 

[IJ.]

Grant: Does the AEM have map a switching facility?

 

[oneandgone]

Sorry Ian, you just went over my head in my knowledge of the system. I know what you mean, but I do not know if it does.

I know that Brian aka Chevyeater could answer that question.

 

[kwnate]

I can't really add anything other than I am going to use the AEM EMS along with an Apex AVC-R so I don't need to fuss with my laptop... I'm researching how exactly to do this, but its all uncharted waters for me. I'm about 2 months out before I'll be tackling this portion of the build.

 

[IJ.]

I wonder if you could run a rotary pot to one of the inputs as a boost knob?
(I know I can do this on my Wolf)

 

[malloynx]

pfff... save your loot and get a PRO

 

[Reign_Maker]

Thanks Grant... Im using 800cc RC Eng injectors, should be good for 800hp... Which is where I want to be.... For some reason, in my head, 800hp is safe, anything over scares me, isnt that wierd?

As far as the speed density wiring, I dont have an afm... When I bought the car, it had a VPC in it... Will that be a problem?

As for the boost settings... When I up the boost, then more air is presented, so more fuel needs to be present... If the AEM isnt letting more fuel in, how does that work? Because the boost controller only controls boost, not fuel... So if I have my AEM tuned for 15psi, and I run 25, 30psi, how do I compensate for fuel?

 

[Reign_Maker]

pfff... save your loot and get a PRO

Will the PRO handle an 800hp motor?

 

[IJ.]

Jake: Not 100% on the AEM but most use a Map sensor and will adjust fuel based on a load table.

 

[Reign_Maker]

IJ, you talkin about the speed density thing?

 

[IJ.]

Jake: Yep!

My understanding of the MAFTPro is it doesn't do timing directly and this is pretty important on a maximum effort motor.

I'm sure someone will be along shortly to correct me if I'm mistaken.

 

[oneandgone]

Thanks Grant... Im using 800cc RC Eng injectors, should be good for 800hp... Which is where I want to be.... For some reason, in my head, 800hp is safe, anything over scares me, isnt that wierd?

As far as the speed density wiring, I dont have an afm... When I bought the car, it had a VPC in it... Will that be a problem?

As for the boost settings... When I up the boost, then more air is presented, so more fuel needs to be present... If the AEM isnt letting more fuel in, how does that work? Because the boost controller only controls boost, not fuel... So if I have my AEM tuned for 15psi, and I run 25, 30psi, how do I compensate for fuel?

I'm assuming that the VPC taps into the stock AFM wiring. If that's the case you'll still have the wiring that you need. You'll of course need a wiring diagram to decipher what each wire is.

Jake: Not 100% on the AEM but most use a Map sensor and will adjust fuel based on a load table.

Correct. You can run a boost comp map. It will up the fuel pressure 1 psi per every psi of boost you're running.

True you can make good power on the maft, but just like any other piggyback it's a bandaid to a point. If you want the most from your engine you need to be able to control timing.

 

[IJ.]

Being able to adjust the timing map gave me huge gains in drivability as my car runs between 41 and 15 degrees of timing depending on load/rpm.

 

[Anomili]

I'm gonna throw this out there even though it may not apply to you. My main hinderance about getting the system is that up here in Canada there is no one who I would trust enough to tune it. If I could find someone I trusted who had experience then I would definitely buy one.

 

[Reign_Maker]

Grant, the VPC was tapped into the stock wiring harness, which Im assuming is the wiring for the afm... I'll look into it...

All I know is when I hook this thing up, I wanna be able to putt the car around for break in period, then put her ona trailer and take her for a trip far away where a master tuner can set all this up for me... Once she's tuned, I dont wanna have to mess with it...

So, will I need a laptop for initial set up? How does that work? Is it plug & play?

IJ: I think Im doing the right thing, dont you? Going full stand alone is best, right? *looking for re-assurance, lol*

 

[Reign_Maker]

Anomili: Im lucky to live a few hours drive from several very competant tuners... I've already got a tuner lined up who is willing to tune for me, just a matter of time...

 

[IJ.]

Jake: With your goals I don't think piggyback bandaids would cut it anyway!

Standalone offers a good deal of flexibility so you can tune around an issues that arise, not to mention it should all "work" instead of being hit or miss!

It's a huge bonus that the AEM is a PlugNplay and with a few small config changes you should be able to use a normal GTE map for the breakin period.

 

[kwnate]

It's a huge bonus that the AEM is a PlugNplay and with a few small config changes you should be able to use a normal GTE map for the breakin period.

What about injectors, will this play a role in using the normal map? 440cc to 800cc is a lot more fuel. The start up and break in are my greatests fears in using the AEM. I don't want to f up the motor right off the bat.

 

[IJ.]

There should be a shitload of maps on AEM's forums that cover just about every injector size known to man you just have to get one that's close enough to let it run for the break in period until you get it tuned!

Important point here is to NOT think it's ok and start laying into it before you have a good tune for your combination as every motor is different!

eg: You get a map from someone that has the same combination as you but their head shop deburred the Combustion Chambers but yours didn't you go out hammer it the sharp edge glowplugs you detonate and she's dead!