Wolf 3D V4 vs PowerFC

[JimX]

I'm sure the Wolf has been discussed before, but only recently have people started speaking of the version 4 for Skylines. I was wondering about some of the more fundamental differences as they apply to Skylines, rather than the maximum amount of power you can get from each of them. Does anyone know anything about the following questions?

1. Does the Wolf do closed loop mode as efficiently as the PowerFC? I know that in the past most other ECUs couldn't compete with the PowerFC in fuel economy (cruising) mode.

2. Does the Wolf work properly with the climate control and HICAS etc?

3. How do the hand controllers of each compare? I've not really seen either of them, so which one is easier to use, and do they both show you enough on screen to make for a useful additional dash gauge?

4. If you have an older Wolf, can you upgrade it to a V4, and if so how much does it cost?

5. Does either of them have any fundamental advantages over the other? I know that the current Wolf has more load points, but looking at cars tuned with PowerFC's power curves, the amount the PowerFC seems to be more than adequate. I think having more tuning points would just mean more work.

6. How much is the Wolf with hand controller?

That's about all I can think of now. Thanks in advance!

[Cubes]

Wolf3D V4 is $1395.

Hand Controller is $220.

Memory Cartridge is $32.

The big advantage of the Wolf3D that I can see is its lifetime warranty and standard built in Boost control that apparently works very well. I have heard that the PowerFC boost control isn't very good. Also the number of load points which if used and tuned properly 'should' I would think give slightly better fuel economy over an ecu without as many load points. i.e Microtech.

Seriously down load the EMS Tuning Software.

Copy the second disk *.cab in to the first disks directory and install it.

You can download the EMS Tuning software from

http://www.wolfems.com.au/home

Just a pitty about not having a knock sensor.

Jim. When you check out the software and look at the closed loop mode options I think the fuel economy will come down to how good the tuner is and if they really know what they are doing when it comes to setting the inactivity under load settings etc.

[T0nyGTSt]

Jim,

You can see my FC + HC + Datalogit usb addon anytime next week.

T.

[B-Man]

  Quote

Originally posted by T0nyGTSt

Jim,

You can see my FC + HC + Datalogit usb addon anytime next week.

T.

Tell me more about the Datalogit usb addon - For ECR33 right ?

I thought that wasn't avalble yet ....... ??

Tell me where to get one - I want, I want !

[T0nyGTSt]

A mate of mine dropped it off with my car (all the electro junk is in the passenger seat - avc/, hc etc. etc.)

They reckon they can get it work. I dunno.

T.

[JimX]

Tony, my PowerFC + Commander was supposed to be here last week so hopefully it will arrive soon enough, but I've never heard of this Datalogit thing before. What's it for?

Joel, what's the memory cartridge for? $1620 for the unit+hand controller isn't too bad I guess, but still a few hundred bucks more than I paid for the PowerFC+hand controller. I guess I'll just have to wait and see if the PowerFC can do everything I need it to do.

[Cubes]

The memory cartridge allows the maps to be saved and loaded externally.

What is the Boost controller worth for the PowerFC. This would then make the Wolf3D a pretty good buy I would think for some one without a boost controller. OR an RB20DET which has to pay $1500 just for the AP Engineering PowerFC.

[T0nyGTSt]

The datalogit is a logger/usb interfacer.

A cable comes out from your FC -> HC.

This box sits in between to allow both the USB port and HC to work simulataneously.

I've seen the PC software and it's as a good as any PC tuner/logger you're likely to come across.

T.

[Cubes]

I've checked out the software from that NZ company. It doesn't look as easy to use compared to the Wolf3D Software.

[Clint32]

The memory catridge would be good, have one map set for low boost pump fuel and another for high boost and better fuel, only take a few mins to change over, not like a full reprogram for Fc

[Cubes]

The Wolf3D also has a turbo timer.

In the ems software it has a function for map switching.

I.e Map Active when Input High.. Internal/External

Its got a function for External Map/Maf.. What is the MAF? is that the AFM?

[Clint32]

yeah Joel, mass air flow meter

[rbs13]

mass air flow meter i think.... not totally sure..

[Cubes]

I've made a quick list from the Software.. Not sure if everything is 100% but it should give you a rough idea.

Boost Control

Turbo Timer

Air Temp

Engine Temp

Internal MAP & External MAP/MAF

Load - MAP, MAF, TPS

Closed Loop

Thermo Fan

Rev Limit (Yellow & Redline)

Fuel - Engine Temp, Air Temp, Battery Voltage Compensation

Ignition - Engine Temp, Air Temp Compensation

It looks like its got everything bar the kitchen sink. Which turns out to be the Knock Sensor.

This Wolf3D really has got me thinking as honestly for $1395 it is pretty good value. Is there any other ECU that comes close? I.e Has boost control, Closed Loop, MAP/MAF, Turbo Timer.

[N I B]

The Wolfs 2nd map can be setup on a switch for instant change over.

[[SweN]]

the Wolf3D sounds like a really good deal. Is it a straight swap for the factory ecu like the PFC is??

and could you get an external knock sensor for it for tuning?

[Cubes]

Well I'm sold...

[JimX]

  Quote

Originally posted by -Joel-

What is the Boost controller worth for the PowerFC. This would then make the Wolf3D a pretty good buy I would think for some one without a boost controller.

Well, I've already got a GReddy Profec boost controller, so the Wolf has no advantage there.

The thing is, the Wolf costs $1600 with hand controller and has no knock sensor. I'm paying around $300 less than that for a PowerFC with Commander (2nd hand). If I could have found a second hand Wolf for less than that I might have considered it, but there didn't seem to be any around at the time I had the money ready.

All I can do is see how frustrated (or not) I get with the PowerFC, and if so then contemplate selling it and getting a Wolf.

[N I B]

You will be happy with your PFC but expect high dyno costs or wait till the Datalogit is ready for GTS Skylines before tuning.

[[SweN]]

are there standalone/external knock sensors available ?