New Plug-in Ecu Coming

[bigmikespec]

speedo and tacho sweep at key on....ricer...lol

My tuner said to me that it was a genuine "test" to make sure the gauges were functioning.

Then we both laughed...

[STATUS]

it is a new ECU...as it was developed by TF electronics...same as the new Link's.

If $1650 is a small fortune for you Trent you really do have the ass hanging out of your pants.

Link dont make a straight plug-in ecu...only Vi-PEC do. The Link uses an adaptor as you pictured...Its produced by TF electronics...the developers for Vi-PEC.The Link ecu is under constant change and development...who does this for them? Vi-PEC.

If you dont have a clue....don't post.

From another forum...

When Ray split from Autronic he needed a new chipset to use...the base product that TF electronics was supplied to develop for Vi-PEC and Link was not up to the standard that Ray demands. Ray developed the ECU's for Vi-PEC and Link to get the product up to scratch. If it wasn't for TF's input...the much improved Link item would still be the level it used to be if they hadn't struck a deal with TF. Thats why you will find a lot of the feaures new to Link are actually 'borrowed' from Ray's experience with the Autronic. As part of the deal Ray got first crack at the market as the Vi-PEC was released a few months before the new Link items to allow him to get a foot hold in the market.

Vi-PEC products also come with Ray's awesome aftersales service and 24hr technical back-up. This is something that Link for some reason lacks in.

Yes they are both a great product but a lot of people who have purchased Link ecu's are on their own as far as technical support is concerned. It is for this reason i couldn't go past the Vi-PEC, as i previously bought an Autronic and Ray's aftersales service on that product was outstanding.

this is what i was asking from the start but no one gave a str8 answer... hence my dissapointment when i fired it up and it was the same as the G4's i had tuned previous. The G3 LINK does plug in via the adapterlink (no wiring) not the one i posted above... G4 plugs in as per vipec.

i do have a clue, and have independant unbiased experience ( i am not a touting puppet for a particular brand and never will be) tuning every make of ECU available here is aus. The problem is i can only base my views on what i see and hear and in the case of the VIPEC i was fed conflicting shit, yet still at the end of the day was extremely happy with the product... just not the supply chain or the fact the dealer here in vic is so useless they dont even hold stock.....

$1650 was only the start as i had to buy it retail + freight so i made nothing on the unit, i offered to tune it for nothing so i could learn its all new features..... but i need not have worried as its the software is the same as link's. All up i was out of pocket $2000++++ to help out a customer in a jam. I could have fitted a far superior G4 extreme for the same money was my point.....

Edited January 30, 2009 by URAS

[Swiper the Fox]

i have the tacho sweep turned on with my 4.3.2 firmware

speedo sweep is now there too but due to the mechanical driven speedo in my 32 i dont think it will work

[Swiper the Fox]

this is what i was asking from the start but no one gave a str8 answer... hence my dissapointment when i fired it up and it was the same as the G4's i had tuned previous. The LINK does plug in via the adapterlink (no wiring) not the one i posted above...

i do have a clue, and have independant unbiased experience tuning every make of ECU available here is aus. The problem is i can only base my views on what i see and hear and in the case of the VIPEC i was fed shit, yet still at the end of the day was extremely happy with the product... just not the supply chain or the fact the dealer here in vic is so useless they dont even hold stock.....

$1650 was only the start as i had to buy it retail + freight so i made nothing on the unit, i offered to tune it for nothing so i could learn its all new features..... but i need not have worried as its the software is the same as link's. All up i was out of pocket $2000++++ to help out a customer in a jam. I could have fitted a far superior G4 for the same money was my point....

It was just a bit off-putting when people were just saying that the ecu was simply a re-badged link. Like Link had developed the product the Vi-PEC had stuck its sticker on it and said it was a new product. That couldn't be further from the truth. If it wasn't for Ray Hall, TF Electronics and Vi-PEC the latest generation Link ECU's would still be the sh1tboxes they have been in the past.

Why is it Vi-PEC's problem that you don't have a clue how to run a business and lose $2K on an install? And please enlighten me on how the Link G4 is superior please.

Your time would be better spent up Shepo picking fruit than running a shop as you constantly have sob stories about loosing money helping people out. Running a business is not about being nice to everyone to the detriment of your bottom line and the ability to provide for yourself and your family.

Edited January 30, 2009 by DiRTgarage

[STATUS]

It was just a bit off-putting when people were just saying that the ecu was simply a re-badged link. Like Link had developed the product the Vi-PEC had stuck its sticker on it and said it was a new product. That couldn't be further from the truth. If it wasn't for Ray Hall, TF Electronics and Vi-PEC the latest generation Link ECU's would still be the sh1tboxes they have been in the past.

Why is it Vi-PEC's problem that you don't have a clue how to run a business and lose $2K on an install? And please enlighten me on how the Link G4 is superior please.

Your time would be better spent up Shepo picking fruit than running a shop as you constantly have sob stories about loosing money helping people out. Running a business is not about being nice to everyone to the detriment of your bottom line and the ability to provide for yourself and your family.

haha our shop runs fine i just like to go the extra mile for our customers and provide a service others dont, i figure a little backwards step for the right person is always rewarded at least double in return business (which proved correct) the fact we are booked for months in advance is enough re-assurance for me, we have two new guys starting in coming months (both well respected in thier fields). In fact i have no regrets from moving on and selling our multimillion dollar a year business to concentrate on something smaller, more personal and more niche. Somewhere that the dollar and bottom line does not dictate how to treat our customers...

In the above case all i was saying i could have fitted the G4 extreme (not storm) which has far more features that the plug in V44 VIPEC unit for the same money.

Edited January 30, 2009 by URAS

[SirRacer]

It was just a bit off-putting when people were just saying that the ecu was simply a re-badged link. Like Link had developed the product the Vi-PEC had stuck its sticker on it and said it was a new product. That couldn't be further from the truth. If it wasn't for Ray Hall, TF Electronics and Vi-PEC the latest generation Link ECU's would still be the sh1tboxes they have been in the past.

This is all a big load of bullshit. One of the guys i know through racing here in NZ works on the design of the Link Computers and has for some years. When I mentioned to him about how Vipec is a new computer designed by Ray Hall he laughed and said "its a rebranded Link". This same guy seems to be posting advise on the Vi-Pec forum about the computers as well??? I bet hes guessing rather than knowing them inside and out???

I cant quite see how a Turbo expert would have the research and development facilities to design a computer from scratch, let alone run his normal business and come out with updates. It does seem like a logical step for Link though to progress on from their G3 Ecu's however if you have ever looked at one of them? Im not particularly knowledgable on computers at all but isnt the chipset of the old Link G3 http://www.linkecu.com/products/engine-man...kplusg3techspec the same as the new Vipecs????

Are we getting these responces perhaps because your making a commission on the Vipec product???

Link do make a straight plug in ECU as well and have for some time. I have a G3 plug in running in my car at present.

I dont actually care either way, just think people should know what they are paying for.

Edited January 31, 2009 by SirRacer

[Guilt-Toy]

Have a look at this.

http://www.linkecu.com/products/engine-man...wheng3sopopular

I can see the differences in the vipec and the g3, the vipec looks like the g4 to me. it has 4mb internal loging and also has the 4d maps etc etc and switchable maps and gear compensated boost control etc etc. plenty more evidence to prove that it is infact a G4 not a G3.

[Guilt-Toy]

Post from Link site

Key Features (where applicable)

Peak and hold, eight independently controlled channels

Up to 6D fuel and ignition mapping

Precision closed loop cam control (four cam, independent control)

Sequential fuel and ignition delivery

Digital triggering, all OEM patterns

Rotary - up to four rotors, fully sequentially staged injection and sequential ignition

OEM idle hardware supported

5D boost control with three switchable tables

Motorsport features - antilag, launch, flat shift

Continuous barometric correction (on board)

CAN port

QuickTune - automated fuel tuning

Individual cylinder correction

Odd-fire engines & two-strokes

USB tuning cable included

Stats recording into on-board memory

Gear compensations for spark, boost and fuel

Real time selectable dual fuel, ignition and boost maps

Sync and crank sensors can be a combination of Hall effect, variable reluctance or optical

Boost control referenced to gear, speed or throttle position

Up to 4Mb internal logging memory

Staged injection

“Firmware” updates via downloads page on this website

It matches the Vi-Pec.

[Swiper the Fox]

From the horses mouth...Ray Hall...hope this puts an end to the speculation that the Vi-PEC is a rebadged Link...its actually the other way.

The Vipec was developed to my specification and uses a lot of the features associated with the Autronic ECU. I wanted a ECU that was better then the Autronic in areas that had caused me and my dealers a lot of frustration when tuning. The Vipec works just as I requested, and as can be seen from this forum and other feedback the product is very good. If I had stayed with Autronic, and had not influenced the design of the Vipec, the Link product would not be close to the way it is now, which is a re-badged Vipec.

The Vipec comes with mine and the Vipec dealers support. If you want that support, then you have to pay for it.

Ray.

im only relaying the info i receive from others...just as you are SirRacer.

Edited January 31, 2009 by DiRTgarage

[SirRacer]

I understand where your coming from but im afraid for some reason the full story isnt quite coming out. If i was in the position of Ray Hall i wouldnt be saying "hey its a link computer" simply as that isnt good for business.

Antony, im not saying its a G3 by any means, rather i was making the point that some of Link's previous computers have been up to the mark also, and the G4 or Vipec platform is basically a natural progression.

Either way its a bloody good computer, with plenty of features for bugger all $$$. The average person who is going to drop off their car to a tuner is better to save the money and get a link whereas the home handyman who likes to fiddle himself is best to get the Vipec as Ray Hall's support is much better.

[Scooby]

OK so what's RRP on the Link G4?

[Swiper the Fox]

OK so what's RRP on the Link G4?

the Link dealer just quoted me $2200 plus freight for a G4 Storm...that couldn't be right. When i asked if it was the G4 Storm or the G4 Extreme they were quoting on they said they didn't know. When i then enquired on a price for the adapta-link box to make the G4 into a plug-in they said they would have to call Link. If the price they gave me was for a G4 extreme then its the same money as the top of the line Vi-PEC V88.

Dont get me wrong here both the Vi-PEC and Link are excellent products.

But its no wonder Ray's ECU's are selling like hotcakes...the dealer support was woeful.

Edited January 31, 2009 by DiRTgarage

[J3TR33]

read this whole thread, and i won't buy the vipec if the same ecu could be bought from link for the same price, so what if you have to use an adaptor instead of a straight plug in,

from the start the whole thing has been fishy about who made it and stuff, why cant they just tell the truth but decide to spin shit like all the politicians,

i think there is definitely bias opinion about the vipec, i mean why not if you get a free ecu or commission, i would be saying its the best thing in da world and ofcourse "Link copied us"

Dirtgarage, business is a business but id rather go to Trent at Status anyday than go to the other big name workshops, iv only spoken to the guy once and he cheked my timing, but im definetly going back for further modifications, he seems like a genuine guy who genuienly cars about your car, and who wants to talk to ya, rather than drop it in, pay n fk off,

and by him doing favours or doing that extra bit for a customer will definetly be rewarding in the long run, so what if hes not a money hungry businessman like the rest

peace

[Swiper the Fox]

Ok we had a very interesting development today. Ruzic Engineering are currently developing a dash style interface for the Vi-PEC. Paul was loaned a Link G4 Extreme unit to do some data transfer testing with by someone who assumed what some people understandably also assumed...that they are the same thing...guess what? It doesn't speak the Vi-PEC command protocol! Paul was then instructed to load the Vi-PEC firmware into the G4 unit so he could communicate with it. He did this and he could not communicate with it that way either. He then tried to re-instal the Link firmware and it wouldn't accept it. The ECU is now caught in 'limbo' not knowing if its a Vi-PEC or a Link and is no longer an operational unit. When Ray Hall was contacted he again stressed these ECU's do share some components and similar software...but are very different in other areas.

Edited January 31, 2009 by DiRTgarage

[CHA54]

Ok we had a very interesting development today. Ruzic Engineering are currently developing a dash style interface for the Vi-PEC. Paul was loaned a Link G4 Extreme unit to do some data transfer testing with by someone who assumed what some people understandably also assumed...that they are the same thing...guess what? It doesn't speak the Vi-PEC command protocol! Paul was then instructed to load the Vi-PEC firmware into the G4 unit so he could communicate with it. He did this and he could not communicate with it that way either. He then tried to re-instal the Link firmware and it wouldn't accept it. The ECU is now caught in 'limbo' not knowing if its a Vi-PEC or a Link and is no longer an operational unit. When Ray Hall was contacted he again stressed these ECU's do share some components and similar software...but are very different in other areas.

It's a pitty Ray couldn't have the V88 PCB's screened with TF Electronics or Vipec if the links are a re-badged vipec... Mine is screened as a G4 Xtreme

Can you take the end plate off your V88 and have a look at the PCB? My V88 is older than your ECU so maybe the later units got a board revision and Ray convinced them to screen with his logo. On the link website there's also a section to register your Vipec ECU's in the support area. I much prefer Ray's support over Link's though. Funnily enough the firmware versions and change lists are identical between the G4 and Vipec too. I'll be buying more Vipec's and have to place an order with Godzilla for a couple of V44's shortly.

[Swiper the Fox]

It's a pitty Ray couldn't have the V88 PCB's screened with TF Electronics or Vipec if the links are a re-badged vipec... Mine is screened as a G4 Xtreme

Can you take the end plate off your V88 and have a look at the PCB? My V88 is older than your ECU so maybe the later units got a board revision and Ray convinced them to screen with his logo. On the link website there's also a section to register your Vipec ECU's in the support area. I much prefer Ray's support over Link's though. Funnily enough the firmware versions and change lists are identical between the G4 and Vipec too. I'll be buying more Vipec's and have to place an order with Godzilla for a couple of V44's shortly.

Whatever the differences/similarities between the two products its Ray's involvement and the dealer support that makes the Vi-pec product so appealing aside from the awesome hardware.

[CHA54]

I agree, although I did have a bit of a laugh when I noticed the math tuning function in 4.3.4, Autronic must be annoyed

[JAGR33]

One thing I don't understand is what's with all the after sales support, firmware ugrades yiadda yiadda yiadda.

What happened to bying a computer pluging it in tuning and driving off???

Sounds like the developers/designers anticipating people getting into a pickle installing and tuning these ECU's....

Don't flame me, just sounds like a lot of fiddling for a supposedly plug'n'play ecu...

*Puts flame suit on and waits for DIRTgarage and co assault*

[CHA54]

from what I've experienced, the main reason for the firmware updates is addition of new features. I would have stayed with v4.2.0 firmware if it wasn't for the new addition of closed loop fueling via the wideband o2 signal. The narrowband in my car is dead and I CBF replacing it... I've been extremely impressed with the closed loop functioning straight off the wideband input though. It uses the AFR Target table for the corrections.

[Swiper the Fox]

One thing I don't understand is what's with all the after sales support, firmware ugrades yiadda yiadda yiadda.

What happened to bying a computer pluging it in tuning and driving off???

Sounds like the developers/designers anticipating people getting into a pickle installing and tuning these ECU's....

Don't flame me, just sounds like a lot of fiddling for a supposedly plug'n'play ecu...

*Puts flame suit on and waits for DIRTgarage and co assault*

How many chip upgrades and firmware upgrades has the Power FC (your beloved) gone through. Whats wrong with keeping a product up to the minute? And constantly adding great features such as closed loop boost control, 4MB of data logging etc... These ECU's can be tuned in minutes...not hours...they are rediculously simple and dont come with a Jap based mega rich base map and in the gts-t's map a timing timebomb. The dealers have a full record of tunes and will pre-load a base map tune to suit your turbo's airflow and your injector size...how good is that...awesome hey. I suggest you go and have a read of former FC lover Guilt-Toy's tuning thread for a bit more actual feedback.

its a bit hard for tow-truck driver's mentality i know Jack.. ..one day ill sit you down for a few hours and explain it to you word by word.

Hope your 3 layer suit kept you cool

Edited January 31, 2009 by DiRTgarage