RC PCM vs. VEC

Roz

Roz

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(Sorry, "PCM" is to short for the search feature):p

I know for the QC guys, this is a MUST. What do us RC guys actually get from this? Plus, for me, modding is a "process". A mod here, a mod there. I'm assuming each time I mod, I'd need to reflash to reap the benefits of each mod, and each mod collectively. Seems like the mail order tune is a "close guess". I'd honestly like to get every possible HP out of something.

I like how the VEC is more personalized. When I had my Trans Am, I had two programs. One for the actual "tuning". One for the data logging. I was either on a dyno or a "private test track". Someone please school me as to what our home tuning options are. . . :)
 
This could be very lengthy...but a cliff-notes version is:

Flash:
Adjusts parameters in fuel and timing tables, including rpm, fan/cooling temp - Owner cannot adjust, set parameters

Vec / Aftermarket :
Adjustable fuel and timing parameters, including rpm, no fan/cooling temp settings - Owner can adjust parameters.


My opinion?? Vec..or if you can afford it, AEM

-Red
 
RedSrt007 said:
This could be very lengthy...but a cliff-notes version is:

Flash:
Adjusts parameters in fuel and timing tables, including rpm, fan/cooling temp - Owner cannot adjust, set parameters

Vec / Aftermarket :
Adjustable fuel and timing parameters, including rpm, no fan/cooling temp settings - Owner can adjust parameters.


My opinion?? Vec..or if you can afford it, AEM

-Red
Click to expand...

What is the AEM?
 
SrtBrad said:
What is the AEM?
Click to expand...

A stand-alone PCM/ECU.

Basically like the vec, but controls everything (power windows, fuel parameters, timing, fan temps, etc...) and you replace your current PCM; where the vec is a piggy-back.
 
Now that the VEC3 elinates the 1 second delay after going into open loop...its the best route to go. If you really want to lower your engine temps that 5 degrees, then save $600 and get a nice electric fan from Autozone :D

Unless you are lucky, you arent going to find a local tech who can tune your truck with the VEC. So, plan on doing your own tuning.....I for one, enjoy and appreciate the option of dyno tuning after each significant mod. As well as being able to adjust fuel/timing for the extreme temp ranges. Additionally, you can control Meth, NoS, etc with the VEC and therefore save money and simplify your power adder controls.

There is also the logging feature, which can be a valuable tool when tuning the truck in situational environments.
 
mmmmtorque said:
Now that the VEC3 elinates the 1 second delay after going into open loop...its the best route to go. If you really want to lower your engine temps that 5 degrees, then save $600 and get a nice electric fan from Autozone :D

Unless you are lucky, you aren't going to find a local tech who can tune your truck with the VEC. So, plan on doing your own tuning.....I for one, enjoy and appreciate the option of dyno tuning after each significant mod. As well as being able to adjust fuel/timing for the extreme temp ranges. Additionally, you can control Meth, NoS, etc with the VEC and therefore save money and simplify your power adder controls.

There is also the logging feature, which can be a valuable tool when tuning the truck in situational environments.
Click to expand...

Very true...the Vec does lack some serious tuning though. I currently have the vec, but AEM is on the list. Ive spend thousands of hours tuning the vec & split second piggybacks...The vec being a piggy back, it works AND fight the factory PCM. Using internal Map with the vec, the factory PCM was not designed for boosted applications and the vec+pcm will never give you a perfect tune like a stand-alone will. Thats is just one example..I have read the Factory PCM and Eprom, and worked with the coding...it is more complex then what people think..and as a standalone is actually quite amazing. But the Vec isn't even close...problem being, is most cant program the PCM, thus having to use the VEC, or AEM would be the next best thing so there isn't a 'fighting' siuation...

-Red
 
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I don't tune my VEC III myself, had Sean Roe do it...but he sent me away with five different tunes that I can use when appropriate...all the way from "No Start"...to Hot Rod...The variations in between include tunes with and without water/met and variations in case I can't get 93 octane fuel...

But I have a source for local programming...that I trust...and Sean is always ready to advise via phone or pc...
 
You can get the AEM unit from Summit Racing a little cheaper ($2,920.95). However, that model is not a direct plug in to the SRT-10 harness. The connectors are the same, but from what I have read there are some pinout changes that need to be made to make it work. I have not used it personally, so if anyone know more please chime in.

-Muzzy
 
RedSrt007 said:
Very true...the Vec does lack some serious tuning though. I currently have the vec, but AEM is on the list. Ive spend thousands of hours tuning the vec & split second piggybacks...The vec being a piggy back, it works AND fight the factory PCM. Using internal Map with the vec, the factory PCM was not designed for boosted applications and the vec+pcm will never give you a perfect tune like a stand-alone will. Thats is just one example..I have read the Factory PCM and Eprom, and worked with the coding...it is more complex then what people think..and as a standalone is actually quite amazing. But the Vec isn't even close...problem being, is most cant program the PCM, thus having to use the VEC, or AEM would be the next best thing so there isn't a 'fighting' siuation...

-Red
Click to expand...

I agree the AEM is the ultimate but believe there are only a very small handful of tuners across the country that can reliably install and tune the system on our trucks.
 
Check this out for those serious about the AEM unit: AEM Power

Looks like some people have it worked out. You'll want to at least have the wideband O2 option and a dyno available to tune with. Otherwise you will be painting the inside of your engine compartment with a Viper engine.

-Muzzy
 
yeah, i touched this subject awhile ago when i was concidering getting a PCM.
Think Stinker told me to get both(PCM&VEC) obviously i haven't done either
however, when i get the SC i plan on buying the VEC with it... in the end i
save about $300... figure that would go to the tune :rock:

Sharpi
 
If you buy the VEC III the water/meth and the Roe TMTS...you will get preprogrammed cards with the tune on them...you will be able to put the cards in the reader and your tune will be in place...by none-other than Sean Roe himself!

Use the extra $300 to start your search for traction.
 
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Prof
I am getting 3 tunes with my kit. No start, With meth, and without meth. What else is there to ask for? Can you tell a difference (seat of the pants) in the different cards?
 
tinygiants said:
Prof
I am getting 3 tunes with my kit. No start, With meth, and without meth. What else is there to ask for? Can you tell a difference (seat of the pants) in the different cards?
Click to expand...

I also have a 91 octane tune in case I can't get 93...in some places like where Stinker lives...they only have kerosene and in the area where Silverback lives they only have banana oil.

I had a "Valet" tune also...it limits the engine to 2500 rpm...in case you leave it in the hands of someone that you don't trust...but you and I both know that 2500 rpm in 6th gear is still pretty dangerous...but no one is going to be abusing your engine...(I never used it...).

I doubt that you will be able to tell the difference between the with and without meth cards in cool weather, but in the heat of the summer or on the strip lack of the meth will be obvious...and running hard without the meth is very dangerous...heat is one of the major causes of problems in this engine.
Roy
 
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Prof said:
I doubt that you will be able to tell the difference between the with and without meth cards in cool weather, but in the heat of the summer or on the strip lack of the meth will be obvious...and running hard without the meth is very dangerous...heat is one of the major causes of problems in this engine.
Roy
Click to expand...

He probably also advanced your timing curve and fuel with the meth tune....if you email me the tune I can tell you how many degrees if interested...

-Red
 
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