Which standalone EMS?

[YeeFit]

I'm looking to replace my GReddy Emanage Ultimate with a standalone EMS if I can't fix my current issues.

I'm looking into a few different options.. i'm looking for any advice in the pros and cons of each one...

Here are my options:

• AEM EMS
• HKS F-Con Vpro
• Vi-PEC V88

[bluerice]

Personally I think the AEM EMS and Vipec both cost about the same, but I think the vipec is actually better, you can find the specs for the vipec here: Product Info

And while I like the Vpro unit the best it also costs more, personally if i had the money i'd go Vpro, and if not vipec.

[YeeFit]

I can't seem to find the MSRP on the V88... the HKS Vpro is 1395.00USD direct from HKS USA.

[explosivpotato]

hey YeeFit -

I just ordered the AEM F/IC. It allows (functional!) O2 skewing, plus all of the features we've been using on the EMU. This means we'll be able to make the ecu TARGET the correct AFR when in boost, so it should even auto-correct to keep it at the right ratio.

After selling the EMU and my ESC1 I should break about even. Got the F/IC for 350, plus the harness from Boomslang (soldering sucks!) for 219.

I'd be happy to help you tune the F/IC if you get it, as I'll be doing the same. I can't so much help you with a standalone, you'd probably be best getting a professional tune, as there's a MASSIVE number of maps on something like the AEM EMS. There's like 7 different maps and parameters just for setting the closed loop feedback settings!

[YeeFit]

Originally Posted by explosivpotato

hey YeeFit -

I just ordered the AEM F/IC. It allows (functional!) O2 skewing, plus all of the features we've been using on the EMU. This means we'll be able to make the ecu TARGET the correct AFR when in boost, so it should even auto-correct to keep it at the right ratio.

After selling the EMU and my ESC1 I should break about even. Got the F/IC for 350, plus the harness from Boomslang (soldering sucks!) for 219.

I'd be happy to help you tune the F/IC if you get it, as I'll be doing the same. I can't so much help you with a standalone, you'd probably be best getting a professional tune, as there's a MASSIVE number of maps on something like the AEM EMS. There's like 7 different maps and parameters just for setting the closed loop feedback settings!

So you are using the AEM F/IC in place of the Emanage Ultimate?

I'm wondering if it will provide the same plus more than the EMU? Is this now the new solution for our car? Will it fix the closed loop boost problems?

I'm not sure what all the pros and cons are of going with a standalone vs. the EMU or F/IC... all i want is my car to be tuned right, running optimal, and reliably. I'm willing to pay whatever to get there so that I can have piece of mind and start peeling the rubber off the tires without any fear.

[explosivpotato]

Yeah I hear you. That's all I want too.

The F/IC works *almost* identically to the EMU. Instead of intercepting the spark signals directly it actually intercepts the Crank Position and Cam Position sensors. It also taps into primary (our LAF "wideband" sensor) and secondary (cat-monitor) O2 sensors. From what I've seen we should be able to target anything we want from 15:1 down to 11.8:1.

On the AEM Power forums they haven't yet found a car for which the closed loop adjustments DON'T work, and indeed at least 2 people here on FF.net are using the F/IC with positive results.

When adjusted properly, we should be able to target any AFR we want in closed loop (which is nearly all the time anyway, stupid emissions regulations), since we use a wideband sensor. Think of it as a baby AEM EMS.

Finally instead of fighting this damn sensor we can make it work FOR us!

I'd highly suggest getting the boomslang harness. I'll be at my parents' house for the install so I can properly wire the harness back to stock (they've got a GARAGE with POWER OUTLETS!!!), but I'll tell you what, soldering with a cordless iron in -10F weather does NOT work, and it gave me a LOT of headaches with noisy signals and misfiring. PnP harnesses FTW.

If you can wait a week or so I'll be able to send you my map files to get you started, otherwise do it up and we'll charge through it together. My FIC and harness should be with me by Tuesday, and I'll be installed Wed. morning if everything goes as planned. Leonine might be able to help us out a little bit - he installed the FIC when he pulled the restrictor out of his KW kit and is now running 10 lbs.

Also, the FIC has a built-in MAP sensor, so we won't have to worry about installing a new one if we break 11 psi (the limit of the Honda unit). This just might be the final answer to Fit tuning. Keep OBD II and all it's benefits, keep our wideband capability, and still run gobs of boost!

Good God I can't wait to install it... *click* *click* done!
(in case you can't tell I'm really excited. I love new toys!)

[bluerice]

Originally Posted by YeeFit

I'm not sure what all the pros and cons are of going with a standalone vs. the EMU or F/IC... all i want is my car to be tuned right, running optimal, and reliably. I'm willing to pay whatever to get there so that I can have piece of mind and start peeling the rubber off the tires without any fear.

If you're just looking for a reliable low to mid boost car you don't need a standalone, and if you want something that you can tune yourself then the AEM F/IC is probably the best.

[Nabisco]

Explosivepotato

I've read your other thread about the o2 sensor and how you explained the closed loop issue. I'm wondering if anyone has been able to look into how the HKS FCON IS works.

This AEM F/IC kit looks like the ultimate answer. I'm assuming this would replace the E Manage unit all together when using the T1R kit?

If the AEM kit is utilizing the upstream sensor, which as you said isn't accurate enough, doesn't it also utilize their UEGO wideband?

[leonine]

You can wire in the AEM UEGO directly to the FIC. Boomslang provides a flying lead for a direct connection to any 0-5v sensor. It will show up under the gauges display and your logs (which is useful having all the info together to analyze).

You should only be connecting to the primary o2 sensor not the secondary. The AEM unit can only intercept from 1 or the other. Boomslang took care of this for me too. They are awesome.

[explosivpotato]

Leonine is right here. I really don't know about the HKS system, as the tuning software is only available to selected shops.

I opened a new thread about the AEM. Everything you heard is true! This thing is practically made of unobtanium.