The Cal-look Lounge

Folks
I had a good chat with Paul at VW Speedshop yesterday and took a good look at his splendid throttle bodies. I'm uncertain about ecu choice. Paul does AEM EMS-4 or DTA S60. Both seem very capable. Having looked at the software for both, the AEM stuff is very polished but has loads of features I might not use or understand. The DTA stuff is a bit more clunky, but to me seems a bit more straightforward / simple. My other concern is dyno operator familiarity with the AEM package (anyone know of a tuner in the South West UK ?).
Anyway, I'd welcome some real world experience/opinions of either (good or bad) to help my choice. In the meantime I'll study the software a bit more.
Its going on a 1776 weekend car.
Cheers
Steve

I would recommend finding a LOCAL dyno guy that you like and has an EXCELLENT reputation and find out what HE LIKES and go with that!!!!!!!!!!!

Like you said, they all do the same stuff, but its finding the guy that can pull the magic out of the box is where I've had a problem -- I went with Electromotive and after 3 years finally have found a tuner

Depending how far South West you are SRD engines in Launceston are DTA specialists, I used them myself when I had DTA very good.

Or you could speak to Rawspeed in Plymouth and see what he suggests.

OK, here is my view after using DTA some years and having looked at several other systems over the years;

I have the S60 with the latest software and over the years they have slowly improved it with more flexibility and useful additions but it is still a platform that is old, rigid and a pain to map. You have to spend twice as much time when mapping a DTA compared to almost any other ECU out there. Still you can't use low imp. injectors, no map sensor built in, no exhaust temp etc.

The AEM is American and easy to understand. Still a rather simple ECU and it would not be my choice unless you have someone close that offers support and help.

My first choice today would be the new MAXX from Sweden, a entry level Motec or Autronic SM4. They are all modern platforms that is easy to use/map and with excellent logging functions. The Maxx has everything you will ever need including built in MAP sensor, exhaust temp, low imp driver and a really nice wiring loom. The price is also good.

Put it this way: the DTA guys take it for granted that you know your stuff and you will find statements in the instructions saying "if you experience PC and connection problems please blame it on Microsoft. The AEM take it for granted that you are an idiot and you will even find a warning inside the box saying that the box and the plastic wrapping are not toys and can cause serious harm and even death.

Please do not hesitate to contact us regarding DTA. There is a few of us here on The Lounge that has bought both the ECU and the throttle bodies from Paul over the years.

Don´t know the MAXX. Will have to read up on that. I/we use EMS TecS on most everything 4 cylinder. Easy to work with, has lots of features and blend options. Is superior to most apart from Motec and Autronic which are powerfull systems too.
When we trouble shoot on customers cars that have problems, which they often claim is an issue with the ECU, it is 75% of the time due to wiring issues and 25% of the time bad placed or non working sensors. Get that right from the beginning I can´t emphazise that enough, and youre halfway there. (And that goes for whatever system you end up chosing)

My 02c.

T

I will use the MaxxECU this year. They have sold a lot of units this last year and is becoming the natural choice for many builders here in Sweden. Here is a link to their site: http://www.maxxtuning.eu/maxxecu/

I like both the DTA and AEM stuff and that MAXX  ecu looks nice I've changed to MoTec  on recommendation of a tuner and it's definitely the right decision. The support seams very good and the parts are very well made and thought out but pricey. The interface is nice also

 (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i149/gluemixer/garys%20picnic%202010/5A72FD14-FB97-4DEA-BEDE-5507D28119C8_zpslmwgjj70.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/gluemixer/media/garys%20picnic%202010/5A72FD14-FB97-4DEA-BEDE-5507D28119C8_zpslmwgjj70.jpg.html)

Cheers Andy

i use Haltech Platinum Sport 1000 because thats what my tuner is familiar with and also a dealer for. Haltech, Motec are the popular ones in my region.

Wow!
Lots of good input. Much appreciated, Thanks.
Have to think some more now!
Steve

I have the same as Fiatdude, Electromotive. I was lucky to buy the system from the same guy who tuned it. He says that people sometimes spend hundreds of hours doing the tuning before they're happy so it isn't easy. Finding the right guy to tune it is the key. Go with what they know. Steve was able to set a world record tuning this car http://youtu.be/urXPM_P-8kY when it was in the 7's from scratch at the strip in 11 passes so he's quick but we've been out several times in my car tuning it and there are always improvements to make.

i like my megasquirt ecu, but its a bit DIY,

if you want to do it yourself, look at what has the best online support forums.

if you want to pay a tuner, like has been said, find one you like and get there advice :)

Have you looked at Omex?

If you want to use on the street then Omex is E marked... ;)
There are various versions and prices for basic ignition only through to full-on sequential firing with onboard data logging etc etc

I have used the 600 series on the street and strip for a 1914 turbo motor - it did everything and then some
www.omextechnology.co.uk

^^ the same here  ;)


This is what I wrote in another post:

Omex works. But it´s kinda outdated compared to what you can get for the same money.
T

Where can you get the TecS from in UK/Europe and how much?

Please check ECUMASTER, it's a polish product well known on international market.

http://www.ecumaster.com/

Jamie, there is a distributor here in Denmark. Westspeed.dk I am sure there is one in UK too. But you may have to contact Electromotive to find out who.

T

Interesting history to Electromotive. The founder had his direct ignition (coil on plug) idea stolen from him by General Motors and fought with them in the courts for decades before winning. Shortly after that he died. http://www.electromotive-inc.com/corporate/