hks fcon worth it?

[Dattebayo]

I have been told by one of my friends that they have a hks fcon available (i dont have the price yet) for a CA18DET.

I searched and did not find anything related to what this unit can do.I know it is a piggy back ecu, but what are all of its functions? Google is kinda dark on this one as well..

[themadscientist]

PFC FCONorFCON V pro

big difference!

[Dattebayo]

What is the difference?

I am guessing that the PFC Fcon is not the good one, no?

[themadscientist]

well the PFC Fcon is circa 80's stuff and just does fuel.the Fcon Vpro does both fuel and ignition and is more recent.

both require a computer and the proprietary software to tune it though so I deem them completely useless except to a shop. You lay out over a grand for the pro and then every time you want to change the settings more than a beaver-hair it's back to the shop for a remap. F-that! For my money a Power FC would be better than that because with the commander you can tweak it. I would go standalone if you are serious because both these systems are still using the facory sensors and I have a well-earned distrust of those.

here is how I break down levels of adjustablity:

adjustable FPR and plug heat range and timing changes. The only things to buy are the regulator and different plugs if that is needed, basic optimization of a stock motor. Don't discount it I have beaten on-paper better cars than mine simply because my stock car was tuned very well.

SAFC or other piggyback fuel computerMuch more refined fuel tuning. With something like this you can start boosting up and throwing on big exhuasts and intercoolers as you can now manipulate the fuel curve to address it. Again, some scoff but a well-tuned piggyback can really wake up a light-tuned car and has big bang-for-the-buck. IMO most guys don't really need more than this.

replacement computersThe Power FCs and such. Not being a piggyback they respond faster and allow you adjust a lot of parameters. These are when you are starting to get serious, built motors, big turbos and monster injectors but you are still shadetree and not trying to squeeze the last 1/16 of a HP out.

standalonesTo quote Godsmack, they stand alone. These are a step up because they completely do-away with the factory wiring and sensors. For serious power tuning or guys like me who despise factory equipment fighting me with cuts and limiters and extraneous and iffy sensors.

Be honest with yourself, it is easy to get swept away by the current and think you have to have the biggest and best but if all you want is 300hp a simple piggyback will do that so why buy a $2000 standalone? Only you can say what is right for you. Hope this helps.

[Dattebayo]

Yes it does. Piggybacks seem to be my cup of tea. Thanks so much...

You have mail!!!

[jdmDAvey]

My buddy has an f-con. Works alright, except that fuel octane ratings in japan are much higher than ones in the good ol' USA. So, the map curves get messed up because you can't run as much fuel. Inside of the unit, there is a dial that can be adjusted. So... it works alright, but it aint that great. I'd go standalone. And thats coming from someone whos seen what trying to get a cheaper deal will do to them. They go insane. Just spend the money and do it right. Go standalone.

[float_6969]

I really don't believe this "higher octane" stuff. They don't use the same method to measure octane and so they seem to have a higher octane rating. We use an average of the 2 methods of measuring octane, hence the "lower" octane in the US.

[themadscientist]

100 octane, all my POS Skyline drinks.