Apexi Safc On R33 Gts-t

[Astro Bear]

Hi Guys,

I currently own a S2 R33 with the following mods/upgrades:

Front mount cooler

12 psi through turbotech boost controller

3 Inch turbo back exhaust

Hi flow panel filter

Adjustable exhaust cam gear

Everything else is stock and it made around 162kw atw recently on the dyno.

I've been doing some searching on the forums here and think an Apexi SAFC/ Tune might be a good next mod for a relatively small cost.

My question to you is:

What gains have you made from installing and tuning an Apexi SAFC? What kind of gains (if at all) could I expect?

Is this a worthwile mod? Can anyone explain precisely what the SAFC is designed to do?

Guys, please be aware that i'm not interested in changing the turbo, or going for huge numbers here, I just want a bit more power/ smoothness. As such, I don't really want to get a PowerFC. Also, I can't afford one at this stage.

Let me know your thoughts.

Many thanks.

[AdapTronic]

Apexi Safc are an ok product and are an Interceptor, but you are limited in options and tunability. They intercept the inputs going into the factory ECU in order to give the right amounts of fuel and air ,etc to give you most power wherever you want it. However, it is ok for minor mods like you have done but if you want to do any more then this the factory ecu will start getting a little annoyed becuase the SAFC can only change limited things and as soon as the factory ECU starts picking up on other values changing and tries to correct everything towards what the inputs the SAFC is doing ,thus itl make you loose power or limit the power (in a wierd sense). Of course if this is the way you would like to go then by all means go for it . at this moment in time in your buld you will see gains with a good tune.Howver i would recommend going the whole 9 yards and getting a proper ecu of some sort but this is obviously dependant upon you and your budget of course.

What about an Adaptronic ECU? =p cheaper then a power Fc by far and very effective with numerous function up and beyond the SAFC since its a full ECU with adaptive capabilities as well. Its a good ECU in the long run. Im not trying to be dodgy or sell you anything but just mentioning it to you incase you would like to look around and see what is on the market that may fit your budget and a little more effective.

A Tune is vital and that is costly as well, so you need to add up those costs as well when you think about buying a ECu,piggyback,Chip or interceptor

hope that helps.

[gotRICE?]

Im in the same boat dude.

R33 GTSt with basic bolt ons, Turbo back exhaust, FMIC etc etc.

I have an SAFC2 installed already, but just havnt got around to tuning it. If i do i will post up results.

I more have it to better my fuel consumption. But if it makes more power and midrange then thats a bonus

But as AdapTronic said, if your going to do anything more a full ECU is the way. Im not planning on going further so this will suffice for my needs.

[Pal]

I was running 290rwhp with basically the same setup. averaged 11 to 12 l / 100ks.

will have mine up for sale soon when i put my PFC in.

Edited April 21, 2009 by Pal

[EVL-R33]

When I got mine installed a while back, i made 230rwkw with stock injectors(90% duty), fuel pump, HKS 2530kai turbo and other supporting mods. Dont expect too much from it, if u want real gains and no high boost engine cut outs, get a PFC with a Z32 afm.

[Astro Bear]

I was running 290rwhp with basically the same setup. averaged 11 to 12 l / 100ks.

will have mine up for sale soon when i put my PFC in.

So just to clarify, you had the same mods as me + an Apexi SAFC and yours made 290hp/ 218 odd kw at the wheels?

[NZM.031]

safcs are awesome bang for buck. they will do a good enough tune. if you replace your injectors, then look at a full ecu.. but for what youve got... a safc will do wonders.

[gotRICE?]

Its almost as if this forum has shares in apexi!

Every time someone asks about a piggy back, clearly stating they cant afford a Power FC they just sayto get one anyway.

We all know in the long run the full ECU is a way better option, but it all depends on your needs and financial situation. Lets not forget ontop of the $1000+ ecu you need the AFM, and the $1000+ tune.

Hes in the same boat as me. Wants that little bit extra from the stock turbo setup without un-necessarily breaking the bank.

I for my own reasons dont want to go full ECU because i dont know what country im going to be in in the next few years and to me it seems like a waste of coin if something changes soon. I would love to do it properly. But such as life. Need to choose..

[Pal]

So just to clarify, you had the same mods as me + an Apexi SAFC and yours made 290hp/ 218 odd kw at the wheels?

yes, everything but the cam gear

have now changed to highflow turbo and making 307 at 11 psi with the safc2

Edited April 21, 2009 by Pal

[adis]

dreamr33,

I bought same car and started doing similar modding just like you, i did:

-Apexi cooler- i didnt feel much difference in power

-Full exaust- bit of difference, nothing impressive

-Splitfire coil pack- prob 2nd best mod, car went better and revved out much better without misfiring (in my case)

-turbotech 12psi- bit of difference not too bad.

-Mines comp-big diff.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Now i was facing same question as you, and i did what 95% people would say NO to and i don't regret it one bit.

I needed a computer, or something like safc, full computer and i thought about the whole process, dyno tuning everytime and wiring bla bla so i decided to go for MINES computer.

Mines cuputer is a non tunable computer- its tuned to run on 12psi with basic mods (ones i already have).i Chose mines because i didnt want to go huge power, didnt want to go dyno tuning and installing and so on. I was happy to run 12psi on standard turbo just like you. And boy did it make HUGGEE difference. Before my 2nd would hardly churp, now i can do a burnout in 2nd, just to give you an idea. Befor emy 3rd and 4th, i would struggle with 5L and 5.7L holdens, now i beat 6Ls. Just to give you an idea of power gains. I know people are against Mines because its programmed to Jap conditions, but i would reccommend it to anyone.If you live close to me PM me and ill show ya thats if you ever wonder. No dyno needed, no wiring, just plug, and thats what i wanted.

Dangers-apparently leans out your engine, hasnt done it to mine?.

Hope my lil essay helped, good luck.

[Pal]

how do you it doesn't lean out your car if you haven't had a dyno?

[EVL-R33]

Its almost as if this forum has shares in apexi!

Every time someone asks about a piggy back, clearly stating they cant afford a Power FC they just sayto get one anyway.

We all know in the long run the full ECU is a way better option, but it all depends on your needs and financial situation. Lets not forget ontop of the $1000+ ecu you need the AFM, and the $1000+ tune.

Hes in the same boat as me. Wants that little bit extra from the stock turbo setup without un-necessarily breaking the bank.

I for my own reasons dont want to go full ECU because i dont know what country im going to be in in the next few years and to me it seems like a waste of coin if something changes soon. I would love to do it properly. But such as life. Need to choose..

IMO you'll probably end up spending more in the long run if u buy the smaller mods first. I had bought a smaller turbo (HKS 2530kai) with a SAFC II + tune and was happy with that setup for about a year before getting power hungry and spending another $3K ontop of the $3K i had already spent, and got a bigger turbo and PFC.

What I'm trying to say is that, your better of getting a full ECU if your going to be spending any cash at all.. And if you dont have the funding right now, then try and save it, cause in the long run you will spend less and get more out of your car.

Edited April 21, 2009 by EVL-R33

[sam0633]

dreamr33,

I bought same car and started doing similar modding just like you, i did:

-Apexi cooler- i didnt feel much difference in power

-Full exaust- bit of difference, nothing impressive

-Splitfire coil pack- prob 2nd best mod, car went better and revved out much better without misfiring (in my case)

-turbotech 12psi- bit of difference not too bad.

-Mines comp-big diff.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Now i was facing same question as you, and i did what 95% people would say NO to and i don't regret it one bit.

I needed a computer, or something like safc, full computer and i thought about the whole process, dyno tuning everytime and wiring bla bla so i decided to go for MINES computer.

Mines cuputer is a non tunable computer- its tuned to run on 12psi with basic mods (ones i already have).i Chose mines because i didnt want to go huge power, didnt want to go dyno tuning and installing and so on. I was happy to run 12psi on standard turbo just like you. And boy did it make HUGGEE difference. Before my 2nd would hardly churp, now i can do a burnout in 2nd, just to give you an idea. Befor emy 3rd and 4th, i would struggle with 5L and 5.7L holdens, now i beat 6Ls. Just to give you an idea of power gains. I know people are against Mines because its programmed to Jap conditions, but i would reccommend it to anyone.If you live close to me PM me and ill show ya thats if you ever wonder. No dyno needed, no wiring, just plug, and thats what i wanted.

Dangers-apparently leans out your engine, hasnt done it to mine?.

Hope my lil essay helped, good luck.

NOTE: this is a pretty risky option.

details about this ecu are pretty limited and it is tuned for japanese fuel and japanese conditions.

there is no way to know wat ur afrs are doing without a decent run on a dyno and it would def be a good idea to make sure its not runnning too lean

Edited April 22, 2009 by sam0633

[adis]

well i cant say i had it dynoed so might have to do it.hmmmm

[gotRICE?]

IMO you'll probably end up spending more in the long run if u buy the smaller mods first. I had bought a smaller turbo (HKS 2530kai) with a SAFC II + tune and was happy with that setup for about a year before getting power hungry and spending another $3K ontop of the $3K i had already spent, and got a bigger turbo and PFC.

What I'm trying to say is that, your better of getting a full ECU if your going to be spending any cash at all.. And if you dont have the funding right now, then try and save it, cause in the long run you will spend less and get more out of your car.

I thought i made it pretty clear i realize the full ECU is the way to go. But in the original post it also states that he is not interested in changing the turbo.

If your running the stock turbo with basic mods, then to keep the cost down and get bang for buck, the SAFC is the way to go.

Its always best to get the best 1st, but if your plans arent for big power, then why waste the $?

[Pal]

well i cant say i had it dynoed so might have to do it.hmmmm

you dont have to get a tune, just pay the $70-80 bux for a power run

GOTrice is correct, if you are going to leave the stock turbo on, stay with the SAFC2 or a neo. at a dyno meet with i was pulling more Hp than some people with power fc's on stock turbos. just get a good tune with it.

Edited April 22, 2009 by Pal

[dnbosiris]

i'm in exactly the same boat!

I have an R33 s1 with R34 smic, pod filter enclosed, 3" turboback exhaust, turbotech MBC set to 10psi, and i'm very happy with all the mods except there's a distinct flat spot above 5000rpm when I nail it. Haven't had it dyno'd.

I successfully installed my safc a couple of days ago and i'm patiently waiting until next tuesday for a full tune cause that's the soonest my tuner could book me in! Looking forward to the results!

Edited April 22, 2009 by dnbosiris

[Astro Bear]

i'm in exactly the same boat!

I have an R33 s1 with R34 smic, pod filter enclosed, 3" turboback exhaust, turbotech MBC set to 10psi, and i'm very happy with all the mods except there's a distinct flat spot above 5000rpm when I nail it. Haven't had it dyno'd.

I successfully installed my safc a couple of days ago and i'm patiently waiting until next tuesday for a full tune cause that's the soonest my tuner could book me in! Looking forward to the results!

Let us know the outcome mate!

[gotRICE?]

i'm in exactly the same boat!

I have an R33 s1 with R34 smic, pod filter enclosed, 3" turboback exhaust, turbotech MBC set to 10psi, and i'm very happy with all the mods except there's a distinct flat spot above 5000rpm when I nail it. Haven't had it dyno'd.

I successfully installed my safc a couple of days ago and i'm patiently waiting until next tuesday for a full tune cause that's the soonest my tuner could book me in! Looking forward to the results!

x2! And if possible, could you get a before and after scan of the dyno sheets

I mean.. an overlay haha

[dnbosiris]

sure, will do, i'll try the scan of the dyno sheets as well.