AEM EMS Questions

[bringit]

I am pretty much sold on the AEM EMS. I only plan on making 300 whp this year, but I want to start learning how to tune with it just in case I decide to stick with my DSM for a few years.

What are the best resources for tuning a DSM with an AEM EMS? The AEM "DSM" section doesn't seem to be too busy.

Who has used speed density on their DSM and how do you like it as compared to using a MAF?

[dsm_gsx97]

I love the AEM EMS but there is a lot of homework involved and if you don't have previous experience with tuning platforms (DSMLink, SAFC, etc) it makes it harder to get started with. If your not a hands on tuner than you probably want to pay someone to tune it for you. AEM is more complicated than just basic tuning products and if your car is not already in good condition to begin with you might have a lot of trouble dialing it in finding issues that are AEM related or mechanically related.

Not sure what your level is so the best advice I can give is to go to http://forum.aempower.com/forum/index.php and register so you can actively read and reply to threads and download things there (if your not logged in attachments like cal files and pdfs won't be visible in the threads). Reading the whole AEMPro manual is a MUST and I'd say you should read through the startup and tuning procedures several times before following the procedures when you first install your EMS. Another must read is the AEM EFI basics pdf which I can't find on AEMs site anymore but I have it on my site in the tuning section. http://fullyboosted.com/AEM_EFI_Basics_V1.3.pdf It explains EFI systems and why you would use certain setups for certain things. It explains all the different spark systems, sensors, etc and how they are used to run a car to best fit your needs.

Speed density is very nice and I love it compared to a MAF. If you want to keep a MAF you should stick with ECMLink because it would be easier to tune with the strong knowledge base in the forums and already setup maps. AEMs startup cals are rough and need a lot of tinkering. Along with using speed density I use a hybrid boost comp map to tune which makes it almost simpler than DSMLink V2 is once you set it all up.

Learn about Boost Comp tuning here:
http://forum.aempower.com/forum/index.php/topic,11494.0.html

It seems more complicated when first reading it if you are not familiar with AEMPro, but once you understand how everything works this is the easiest way to get a car running and tuned without a lot of complication.

[bringit]

Thanks for all of the information! This is exactly what I was looking for. I have already read one book on tuning, but I have a pretty big book that I am working on along with some other EFI course material. I will add your suggested reading to my list also.

One thing though is that the http://fullyboosted.com/AEM_EFI_Basics_V1.3.pdf link does not work on your site.

I already registered on aempower.com.

[JackM]

I have speed density and love it. The MAFT/GM MAF sucks and I hated it.

When you learn how to use your AEM you will wonder how people are able to put up with the lesser units out there. My GEMS unit doesn't have the resolution of your AEM but getting used to it makes me wonder how the other systems became so popular. I am still surprised at how few people in the DSM World have used a Megasquirt also. That too has an interface similar to the AEMs from what I have seen. Another big hit is the ECUFlash for the EVOs. If I decide to let my GEMS go, I will probably wire in an EVO ECU and run the flash. That is also pretty amazing stuff.

Jack

[v413nc3]

If you end up picking up an AEM and want a crash course I'd be glad to show you a little.

Jack if you're a fan of the AEM check out version 2. The hardware quality jump is awesome, a CAN interface makes me ungodly happy (I have to run my AIM off serial), and the increase in input/outputs make it much easier to wire an honest to god race car.

[bringit]

Thanks for the crash course offer. I have quite a bit of reading to do before I touch the AEM. Once I think I am ready to install mine I may have to meet up with you and bounce some ideas off of you.

[rodent]

I'm really starting to like the AEM platform and what it can do. So nice getting rid of the MAF!

[Cloud]

Incidentally Jack, I have finished troubleshooting and making the modifications to my megasquirt setup that I wanted and am going to be installing the wiring harness next week at some point. So far it's a fantastic setup. Lot's of fun to build too, I am considering running the bluetooth adapter so I can communicate with the car wirelessly, sick ;)

[6-Bolt]

I fully agree with getting an education on tuning. Once you learn how the ECU works, and what sensors are used, AEM EMS tuning is not hard to understand.

Like Chris said (dsm_gsx97), read up on all the AEM material. All the material comes with the software, when you down load it from the AEM site. Also read the sticky threads in the DSM section of the AEM forums.

Glad to hear that you are also reading other material about tuning. A book that I like before even touching the AEM EMS was “Engine Management: Advanced Tuning” by Greg Banish.

As for MAF, I never tune with a MAF, so I can not compare SD vs. MAF tuning.

[dsm_gsx97]

Thanks for all of the information! This is exactly what I was looking for. I have already read one book on tuning, but I have a pretty big book that I am working on along with some other EFI course material. I will add your suggested reading to my list also.

One thing though is that the http://fullyboosted.com/AEM_EFI_Basics_V1.3.pdf link does not work on your site.

I already registered on aempower.com.

DOH!

Didn't realize that link was broken. Crap its been like that for a couple months now too. Anyways fixed it up and here is the working link

http://fullyboosted.com/docs/AEM_EFI_Basics_V1.3.pdf (http://fullyboosted.com/docs/AEM_EFI_Basics_V1.3.pdf)

...and on my website in the tuning area I have other things on there like a tuning spread sheet for AEM that helps with tuning and some other stuff like math equations and tables that I find useful.

http://fullyboosted.com/tuning.html

[bringit]

Awesome. Thanks.

[v413nc3]

Chris, your boost compensation tables are mathematically incorrect.

[dsm_gsx97]

Hmmm that is weird, because the math matched to the hundreth of what you did for me when I double checked out the equations to see if they were correct. Got a different equation then? Because I'm not sure how it would have matched but been wrong unless I copied it wrong. I just copied that from the boost comp thread directly to my site.

[v413nc3]

Interesting, they're only off by a small amount. I'll give you an updated table.