Our Community is 940,000 Strong. Join Us.


DSMlink vs AEM


BoostedSpyder
10-16-2003, 06:28 PM
what are the differences? i've heard good things on both. the guy who owns the shop i tune at (Mehraz @ Dynamic Design Motorsports in Chatsworth, CA) is solid with the AEM. i start looking around the threads and the DSMlink gets major praise. what makes one better than the other?

Talon007
10-16-2003, 07:31 PM
AEM is garbage. They released it so the customers would work out the bugs, it was a beta version. Fuck AEM

DSMlink all the way

aves911
10-16-2003, 07:37 PM
DSMLink is infinitely easier to use that the AEM EMS the interfaces are much simpler and its faster to tune. It's half the price for guys who already have an EEPROM ECU and it allows the function of the stock ECU in close loop mode. Which means when tuning you only have to program the open loop tables. Peice of cake. Lastly, with DSMLink you only have to purchase the chip itself unlike the EMS which requires additional sensors.

On the flip side you get what you pay for with the EMS a true standalone system with infinite potential and tuneability. You can control additional injectors tune every parameter of the engine including spark tables, injector firing, and every obscure ECU controlled thing in the car. Although its a real b*tch to set up and get running, once you have everything dialed in the the EMS you car will put out more power than it would with any other form of electronics. (This goes for any standalone, the autronic and haltek systems are wonderful as well)

This is by far not the end all be all review of these products but should give you a good idea of the differences.

-Jacob

BoostedSpyder
10-16-2003, 10:07 PM
so in the hands of someone with experience the AEM ins't fucked at all... and DSMlink is for simpler tuning... and i also heard that with AEM you can remove the MAS and replace it with something way less restrictive? thoughts....

kjewer1
10-16-2003, 11:25 PM
DSmlink has long been in the tens, and since poeple are running 7s on stock ECUs, I dont personally see the need for all the hassle that comes with a standalone. But there are cases where poeple prefer the standalone. DSMlink version 2 is out as well. Now with its speed density conversion you can run it off a map sensor (like VPC) while still using a karmen meter for closed loop driveability. I use the MAFt with the DSMlink, and I think its a killer combination. DSMlink now also includes stutter shifting (not just the launch as before), anti lag for big turbos, MAF compensation ability, badass nitrous controls, signal clamping for baro/IAT, etc, on top of the original version 1 features that were so successful. The stock ECU is VERY good at what it does. And the DSMlink is extremely powerful. Go with whatever one you want, just dont underestimate the DSMlink ;)

Talon007
10-17-2003, 10:56 PM
That sounds badass. The 95 ECU into a 1G car conversion is sounding alot better right now :iceslolan Hopefully they get going on the 1G DSMlink, my SAFC II will do for now

Talon007
10-17-2003, 11:45 PM
Right, and I had AEM's ECU's that blow motors, and don't do anything they're supposed to do. I won't buy anything that has been rushed into production and not researched, not developed, or targeted to ricers. If the wideband is anything like the ECU It'll be a complete POS.

It'll probably come with instructions in the box that say something like: "If your having problems with the unit, please browse through the miles of bullshit in our forums where your tech question has already been answered before, but the truth has been deleted. If you are having problems just feel good in knowing that there are more suckers who were there before you but are gluttons for anal punishment and like to take it in the ass like champs, happy gay pride week"

Marco from Magnus Motorsports

I dont doubt a single word that man says.

kjewer1
10-18-2003, 12:51 AM
Marco is also the most inconsiderate tool I ever met. But if he wrote that quote, I may have to ease up on the hard feelings. Thats pretty funny..

And I almost forgot. My ex gf has it on her Vortech Supercharged 2000 Si (~340 whp). I think she is on her third motor. I'm not sure her tuner is the best either, but it got expensive real fast after installing the EMS. Not to mention the injector (or is it ignitor) drivers fail every couple months, and its several weeks before they replace them and the car can actually run again. She told me she doesnt race the car anymore. I asked her what the turning point was and she said it was installing the AEM. I mean, she needed something. Running that much boost on an AFC and a FMU is riskly as well. But at least the car was useable. Hopefully they've improved it since. I think she logged about 50 hours on the tech line when it first came out... lol Ah well, enough rambling.

paulblackgsx
10-18-2003, 09:39 PM
The DSMLink probably can do much more than most DSM owners will ever need, for much less money, much better compability, and far easier than the AEM. The DSMLink is VERY powerful and very cost effective. Although do keep in mind that the DSMLink is going to require a very good understanding of the vehicle and ECU operations, it can certainly lead to engine damage if used incorrectly.

Talon007
10-19-2003, 02:39 PM
Marco is also the most inconsiderate tool I ever met. But if he wrote that quote, I may have to ease up on the hard feelings. Thats pretty funny..


http://www.teamnabr.com/ubbpub/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=000162 About 1/3 the way down.

Harder Faster
10-15-2004, 05:34 AM
Can you use DSMlink for an '97 RS N/T?

I'm planning on turboing my car, but wanted to know if I could do some tuning in the meantime with what I've got.

o*HeR()
10-15-2004, 12:09 PM
i just like the lauinch limiters and rev limiter oh and the inverted CAS

Harder Faster
10-15-2004, 02:53 PM
Can some please answer my question...

Can you use DSMlink for an '97 RS N/T?

I'm planning on turboing my car, but wanted to know if I could do some tuning in the meantime with what I've got.

Greatly appreciated. Thanks!

BoostedSpyder
10-15-2004, 03:35 PM
no. but you can get an SAFC :)

kjewer1
10-15-2004, 03:49 PM
DSMlink is for the turbo ECUs. I Think someone has swapped to a turbo ECU in a NT car to use DSMlink.

Add your comment to this topic!