ems, really needed?

[smolds87]

Please read all this before replying.

Ok so here is my setup:
Cai
Upgraded smic
Vta bov (forge)
Gt2554r turbo (not stock)
Steed speed mani,
Vics/vcts removed
Cbe
Ngk iridium plugs

Plans

Fmic
Relocated maf
Tbe

NOT GOING TO UP BOOST! Right now I'm running about 8 psi with no controller.

I have been experiencing backfire, bogging, loss of power and coolant smell. After doing some research I have come to a conclusion that I have an ignition problem (even the coolant smell is part of the ignition problem...at least I think its a coolant smell, been doing major engine work lately so I'm used to all the smells) head gasket has been replaced at 112k, currently @ 128k. Compression is at 180 all the way across. Not losing coolant though. Might be the unburnt fuel in the exhaust. Not slime in tailpipe and the liquid that comes out dries almost instantly. Taking to dealer tuesday for diagnostics just to be sure though.

So here is my question. I have heard that its a possibility my tune is just off and need to lean it out. I know I know, get a wideband (planning on it). Anyways to the point.

What piggyback should I go with?

How hard is it to tune? (no shops will tune unless its a standalone unit, KC sucks)

This has been a two year battle in healing my msp. I'm almost done with it, please help...

 

[Spiced MSP]

the only ems units I know of that are not standalone and a lot of members on here use are Unichip and Split Second. Unichip is not user tuneable so you would have to send it in to get a tune every time you get new mods. The best Unichip tuner that a lot of people on here go go is JDMSam, he has a shop called Crossover auto here in Texas. He is also a member on this forum. You could also go with the Split Second air/fuel controller or the more recent air/fuel and timing controller. They are user tuneable and most work great with the MSP. Check the for sale section and the vendor section and you may be able to find a good deal on one of the two. I believe you should go with the split second air/fuel controller simply becuase it is user tuneable and you will be able to correct most of your car problems as far as air/fuel versus the Unichip. From other members on here, it also responds well with future mods.

 

[smolds87]

Which model, the afc or the one with timing also?

 

[dandan2]

ud prolly get more power with a custom tuned unichip! but if u have to tune it urself go with the ssafc!

 

[HondaEat-R]

Bogging and backfiring is probably a result of running a VTA BOV and retaining the stock MAf relocation. But if you have deep pockets, get something that a local shop can tune(AEM, GReddy Ultimate, Unichip). Otherwise it seems that DIY tune is easiest with a Split Second AFC unit.

 

[paniaguae640]

How much would it run to tune the unichip, ballpark price

 

[Bassmachine]

Megasquirt it we need more people on here to use it.

 

[mike6185]

How much would it run to tune the unichip, ballpark price

I got mine tuned for around $450(hump)...worth the money...basically most shops charge $150/hr to dyno tune

 

[43975]

What did the dealer tell you?
the popping and back firing could be caused by an exhaust leak as well.
until recently I was using bolts connecting the s pipe to the turbo and they would spin off every week. The looser they got the more popping and back firing I heard.
As far as EMS goes. The stock unit can handle way more then most on this board think.
The Stock map is tuned very rich, so I doubt your leaning out with your mods listed.
Not running a dual set-up or relocated MAF with BOV is for sure your reason for stalling out.
I was running the Gt28rs, exhaust, and FMIC, all with the stock ecu. Infact my car ran better before the Split second. Do I feel more power now yes.
But I had less car issues then too.
I know there are a few guys running heavy mods and upped the boost without any EMS. I actually only did it to be safe

 

[Spiced MSP]

Which model, the afc or the one with timing also?

either one would be good, but for your needs, you can settle for the version without timing.

 

[43975]

the one with timing has had issues from what I have read over the last year or so. It seems that tuning with the timing feature has proven all that successful. I personally have the one without and haven't even begun to attempt a self tune. I luckily have great local MSP friends that are willing to help in that area. But when researching which one to get everything pointed at the SS V2.
I would have preferred the AEM though.

 

[smolds87]

im not having stalling issues, just running rich, might try going back to bpv

 

[typeo_n3g]

I can tell you from experience it's the VTA BOV. Mine is a b**** to drive especially when it's cold out. Runs crazy rich and bogs a lot. I don't have the old BPV or I'd slap it back on in a second. Or find a way to recirculate the BOV I have. I'm going to probably go with MS when I have the time to take the car down and install all the mods over this winter. Totally ditch the MAF all together. But we'll see.