Tuning options: SAFC2 or Remap

[Drkside]

I thought many other owners would have crossed this bridge at some stage in regards to which ECU options to go with. Obviously a fully programmable ECU is best, but on my budget at the moment I was hoping to just alter the fuel and air.

So my question is whether to use a SAFC2 (or similar) or remapping the factory ECU is best, and who would be good for carrying out the tuning? Any other suggestions would be appreciated

[Boostzor]

I hear that the full remap is the better option but that takes a little more work and hterefore more money. U get what you pay for in this case.

Hyperdrivems.com.au should be able to help you out with this one.

[Butters]

Both will cost about the same once tuned

SAFC you get a wider range of tuners and a screen.

Rom you get to adjust everything including your timing.

The rom will give you a far better tuning result.

And for the record a tuned ROM is AS good as a lot of fully programmable ecu's. Just because its 1/4 the price of an installed and tuned aftermarket ecu doesn't mean its not as good.

[Boostzor]

Just that the ROM is not as adjustable as an aftermarket ecu.

The price difference was considering that you already have the Safc.

[Drkside]

Cheers for the feedback guys

[JXL]

hmm got me thinking too cause i was going o get a SAFC2 but noticed that alot of your guys are recommending either a chipping or rom hacking.

[Boostzor]

What is a "chip"? reminds me of the days when the cops had standard VTs but theirs were "chipped" with pursuit rims m8.

The safc is just fuel control, the rom will do it all. Safc is really just a bandaid but it is better than leaving it stock and u can mess with it easy. Oh and lets not forget the blinding blue light on the dash.

[Butters]

Actually got my 32 rom tuned today. My siliva is my previous rom experience.

It had a jap map that was quite fat. Took it from 250 rwhp to 288rwhp with NO OTHER MODS then tuning the rom. Exact same psi. Its a little of as it comes on boost but thats because my bleed valve is spiking badly.

As for what is a Chip. Its exactly that. They take the factory chip that hold all your fuel / timing etc. Un-soldier it from the board. Put a socket on the board so the chips can be easily swapped. Then using an editing tool change the values in the map.

The best thing is all your daily/cold starting/air con /etc and of boost driving is not changed. So your car truly drives like factory but with the correct setup for your mods.

[gtrken]

Simon, did you screw the computer back in properly?? rofl.

Sorry people, bit of an inhouse joke..

SAFC will only change fuel and in some instances you would have to compromise timing due to the inability to adjust.

Rechip is the same as having an aftermarket ECU but without the wanky screen, playability of other aftermarket ecu's.

If your tuner is good there should be no reason to have to play with tune after the job is done.

Cheers

Ken

[Butters]

Simon, did you screw the computer back in properly?? rofl.

wanker !! lol

not sure what it is, i've had dramas with the hks idle stab coming un-pluged I think its that.

Gets secured tonight

oh and ken make sure the dyno isn't on lock .... hehe (another in-house j/k)

[Drkside]

How much dyno time did it take to tune, and if you don't mind me asking how much $$?

[gtrken]

Varies in time

Price is $600-800 depending if we have to put a board in or not.

That includes however much dyno time to get it right, subject to the vehicle being in sound condition.

Cheers

Ken

[ramjet]

ahh im a newb 2 imports so correct me if im wrong.... hasnt the whole apex powerfc come down in price which would make it only a little more expencive than the safc or remap..and surely it would be better?

also i have heard that a remap is not safe or is unreliable and that there is noone in perth capable of doing it ..

this is something i am considering so if someone has some insight it would be cool

[JXL]

nengun selling PowerFC delivered for $959 atm how much is it to install and tune anyone know??

also does the PowerFC have a built in boost controller? i was told its the combination of both SAFC2 and AVC-R put together.