RACE ECM ?'s

[NOMORE4s4ME]

So the next thing I want to do is put a race ECM in my bike. I have a couple concerns though...

1. Is this the best route for more power? I'm tech challenged so the data link would be a recipe for disaster.

2. How might this negatively effect my bike? Will the bike need to be adjusted/serviced more often. I read somewhere that if its not done correctly the computer will try and change the mapping after.

3. How much should I pay a local shop to install and calibrate? They say they have experience with Buells.

 

[dave_xb12r]

1. Dynoing is your best route for more power, and if you can't dyno, get your ECM remapped from Americansportbike.com it will cost about $320 to remap, and it will be closer to optimum performance than the race ECM.

2. The race ECM or Remap will definitely have a positive effect as far as engine life and performance. The computer will only fine tune it. Once you install it, have the dealership do a TPS reset and you're good to go.

3. I dunno

Make sure you have a better air filter like the race filter or a K&N. They sold the "Race Kit" with the ECM, filter, and exhaust. So the ECM is tuned for having those three things on the bike.

 

[NOMORE4s4ME]

I have a Jardine slip on the bike now, I also Have a K&N filter ready to put on once I get this remapping done.

So what youre saying is I could forgo the Race ECM, and just have my local shop remap my current ECM on a dyno, and reset my TPS?

Why do they sell a race ECM if the original can be changed/remapped?

 

[dave_xb12r]

well the race ECM is plug and play, and some people like that, plus it's a hell of a lot cheaper. You're looking at $200 for the race ECM, and around $800 for a dyno tuning. But on the dyno, its going to be fine tuned and will make your engine last longer with a extra bonus of more power

 

[NOMORE4s4ME]

Interesting. So the race ECM can be installed myself, and all I do is plug it in and go? I don't need to do anything else? I mean, I would like a little more pep from the bike...but $200 and $800 is a big difference. I'm not cheap...but is there really a $600 difference in power between the two?

 

[dave_xb12r]

I think the $600 difference isn't an investment for power, it's more of general engine health. The other option is what I would do. Get your ECM remapped by Americansportbike.com for $320. You have to buy a $200 directlink unlocking key, then $120 for the remapping itself. You take your ECM, send it to ASB, tell them what mods you have done, and they take a map from a bike that they have already dyno'd and put that in your ECM. Chances are they have already mapped and dyno'd a bike with your exact mods so its way better than the race ECM.

 

[Thaloc]

$800 is crazy expensive. My local dyno guy has his in a trailer, will come to you and custom tune your ecm every 250 revs for only $300

 

[dave_xb12r]

Well real dyno tuning requires having a bung on your header for an extra sensor. Normally a your Dyno shop will have that header there to temporarily replace your header. Sometimes you have to provide your own. Either way, installation and removal time is also involved.

 

[NOMORE4s4ME]

I think the ASB option sounds good. I'll look into that. Say I get that done...anything else have to be done to the bike like a TPS reset? Do I just plug the remapped ECM in and BAM!!....more power?

What if I do other mods after? I was looking at the steveturnbull.co.uk link and some of those mods sound like something I would like to do. Snorkle removal, re-routing breathers. If they're done after, does that screw things up?

 

[mrdozer2you]

OK....the Buell Race ECM is designed to work with the Buell Race Pipe and filter setup. Will it work with other setups...yes. The cheapest way to go is this. Do all your mods, filter, pipe, breather etc...then TPS reset. The best way like said above is a custom remap of your stock ECM. Do all your mods first, this would be the best way rather than adding things later. Another option im looking into is the Remus Powerizer. Its a piggy back unit designed for the Remus setup, but works with others too. The nice thing about it is that its true plug and play ( TPS reset is still required ) It constantly adjusts your A/F ratio as you ride, and will make adjustments on its own if you decide later to change/add things. Is this the best option?, no...its a good option for me. A custom remap is still the best, but the powerizer will fit my needs the best.

*** there are other piggy back type units out there, but from what i've read the Remus is "self adjusting" where the others require you to make adjustments manually ***

 

[scobbie001]

Not trying to jack the thread here, but Dozer, do you know of any online or brick and mortar retailers in the US that sell the Powerizer? I've looked and can't find anyone. I'm thinking that might be a good way to go...I can't get a custom remap, there are no '03 race ecm's left, and I hear nothing but bad remarks about the Techlusion.

 

[mrdozer2you]

I hear nothing but bad remarks about the Techlusion.

I dont think its bad, it just requires more tuning.

retailers in the US that sell the Powerizer?

Dunno, but you can get it from Trojan Horse in the UK. I think its right around $300 USD with shipping and exchange rate, give or take depending on how worthless our money is [smirk]

 

[dans03firebolt]

Plus I still think they have a few race ecm's left. Some of them are out there still. Check ebay and everything else. But the Powerizer is definitely available to be shipped from England.

 

[NOMORE4s4ME]

I hear you. I'm just chomping at the bit to boost power now. I was planning on doing the other mods this winter as little projects. I think I'll mod sooner than later and then send the ECM out for remapping. That sounds like the best way to go I think.

Stupid question...Do I then take it to a dealer to reset the TPS? What does the TPS reset do exactly?

 

[dans03firebolt]

Yes the only place that can do a TPS reset is the dealer unless you have ECMSpy then you can do it yourself but you need to know what the specs have to be to begin with I think.

It isn't really a reset it is a recalibration of where the throttle position sensor needs to be.

 

[NOMORE4s4ME]

Cool. Thanks for all the help...from everybody.

 

[mrdozer2you]

I'll mod sooner than later and then send the ECM out for remapping.

Gotta take the bike too....they use a dyno to remap/tune.

 

[dans03firebolt]

Dozer no you don't need to bring the bike. You just tell ASB what mods you have done to your bike and they remap for that directly because they have done so many bikes already they have maps for every pipe, filter, etc.

 

[NOMORE4s4ME]

One more question. After I get the remapped ECM back and installed...do I then ride it to the dealer to get the TPS reset? Can I ride it before its reset? Will it run like crap before thats done?

 

[mrdozer2you]

do I then ride it to the dealer to get the TPS reset?

Yes

Can I ride it before its reset

Yes...to the dealer

Will it run like crap before thats done?

Probably