Power FC vs. AEM EMS ?

[300Plus]

I have no experience with either ecu but have done some reading on both and basically wanted to see what you guy's thoughts were on the two. I'm looking at the two for my RB25. I know the AEM has more options but it also cost a lot more, so is it worth the extra money ? But on the other hand once you buy the power fc and a data loggit box you are about up to the price of a AEM...

They offer a AEM that is plug and play for the RB25 right??

Power FC guys what after market laptop communication boxes and software are you running?

I would love to see screen shots of both AEM and PFC laptop software, if you guys have them.

Thanks in advance guys!

[eh?]

The pfc is truley pnp while the aem will need a software upload to run.

The aem can use a variety of sensors so you're not just limited to just using a Q45 or Z32 maf. The EBC option for the AEM only costs about $40 so you will save a considerable amount right there. Also the GM 3bar map sensor will much cheaper than the Z32 maf so that is another savings.

Just add up everything you need and you will see the PFC price advantage erode.

tuning wise I will take the aem over the pfc. At first it seemed overwhelming coming from the datalogit sw but I got used it it. Boost compensation fuction with a map equipped ems makes a/f tuning a breeze. The aem also has knock protection, I don't know why the pfc doesn't.

I do like the aem but it does have serious issues with the nissan CAS. They did release a cas wheel upgrade I hear but I have't tried it.

[Carl H]

the nissan cas's resolution is too high for most aftermarket ecus to decode...the nissan eccs actualy has 2 processors dedicated to the cas decoding...pretty trick stuff if you ask me, eccs was designed in the mid 80's and is better than most of the stuff out there now.

here is a thread on ecu tuning and the basic jist of how eccs works.zerothread/254146

[Joe]

for the RB specifically; the EMS did have a problem registering the CAS in the early firmware versions, some people had the issue, some didnt. they have since released a new firmware and people are reporting better success.

[Darius]

Considering that AEM is going to be around in the future and Apexi is definitely not, I would say go with AEM. Then, when you decide to change projects/cars, you will already be familiar with the AEM EMS system and can quickly tune without having to relearn or repurchase software. I have a PFC and it was simple to install, but it does have limitations when it is compared to AEM. Up front cost is a factor for some though.

[blurrbosi]

^

+1

[Spazz]

aem will have a new version for the rb25 available july 1st.

[madcowvert]

that aem systems is expensive... for the plug and play msrp on their site ranges from 1700 to 2300. but i guess you have to pay to play.

[blurrbosi]

^I get it all day for 1250. New

Motoring Concept Distribution

[madcowvert]

^I get it all day for 1250. New

Motoring Concept Distribution

is that price for the plug and play one?

[lucky7]

i have the AEM. when first installed, it would start, but it wouldnt run. it would just die out when given any gas. had to be tuned even just a little to even drive the car.

[eh?]

what mods did you have at the time? What was done before the car was started?

[lucky7]

Greddy IM, FMIC, Q45 TB, TIAL bov. thats about it. lol.

and those were just things that went along with the swap. so it was the first time it had ever been started while in my possesion.

[blurrbosi]

Did you have accurate start up parameters?

I hope so.

[lucky7]

i honestly dont even know what that means. but everything runs/starts fine now.

[blurrbosi]

Hmmm.... what aem box do you have..?? Mabye the installer of your motor loaded a base map... other than that... AEM advises you to NOT start your car until the system has been updated/calibrated w/ info from your setup and instructions for the car to start. (start up parameters)

ie: how much fuel to add at each revolution when cold cranking etc... rambeling:
Modified by blurrbosi at 2:25 PM 6/27/2007

[blurrbosi]

is that price for the plug and play one?

for sr... I use a honda box with harness adjustment. Which is around 900

[lucky7]

Part #: 30-1621U

i still have the box sitting here in my room.

[300Plus]

Part #: 30-1621U

i still have the box sitting here in my room.

ahhh I'll give ya a hundred bucks for it

[eh?]

sounds like the tps and / or timing wasn't calibrated before start up.

[blurrbosi]

i honestly dont even know what that means. but everything runs/starts fine now.

I guess thats all that matters.

[knightrider4]

If you want to save a little money and go through the stock ECU...it IS an option. Depends on your plans for the car.

P.S. Speed-Theory.com Best1tuning.com and ImportIntelligence.com are the only ones that do this i believe...and there may be some affiliation

[eh?]

They can tune RB25 ecu's?........

[300Plus]

Yea actually I spent a good amount of time this week talking to Hanna @ best1tuning, He has been a huge help. I'm looking into either chipping another ECU to use on the RB25 or getting a chipped rb25 ecu from him when he has the kinks worked out. I was going to post about it but see someone beat me to it lol

[knightrider4]

This is Dave at speed theory. so yes we are able to chip the RB25 ecu's and they are available for purchase and if you live in the Northeast we ar located in North Jersey. We should be coming out with some nice extra's that will allow you to run a MAP sensor instead of the MAF if wanted. So i will keep people updated on our progress. email hanna at best1tuning.com for further questions or myself at [email protected] .-daveco-owner of Speed Theoryhttp://www.Speed-Theory.com

[REDLN]

is there anyone with a aem on a rb26 that can chime in on their experince?