Originally Posted by
Dynoflash
The problem with the AFC is a nut shell is that you are inavriably always setting NEGATIVE numbers to dial in the a/r ratio on a evo - - this results in the ecu running on a much more overly advanced ignition timing zone which always means you are riding the knock sensor and have retarded timing. The AFC may result in higher timing for one or two dyno pulls but after 5 minutes of operation your timing is pulled and rough - NO WAY around it - period.
As shown above - the capacity to independently adjust a/f and timing results in huge tq gains and a much smoother power band.
The safc is a nice play toy but not even close to the same leauge as a serious tuning tool like the reflash machine.
Finally - few people realize the stock ecu has two main fuel and ign maps which are totally different. Many times people tune on one map with the safc and when the ecu switches to the second map your tune is significantly off.
I am really embarassed to say that I ever went the flash route.Â* But I did, and Dynoflash was the "
tuner"Â* Pleanty of people speak out against or for Al already.Â* Thus instead of talking about his personality, driving techniques and tuning skills, I will skip to the end.
@ the time of tune, my car had a full exhaust, fuel pump, intake and a boost controller and a few other misc. goodies.
With a FULL CUSTOM STREET TUNE the car dyno'd in at 259WHP.
After a slight retune, with an SAFC, the number jumped to 283 WHP.
That was Als custome tune for me.Â* I phoned Al and he said that was the max I could safely take the car on 91.Â* (okay, sure)
I later tried to retune again for 100, but was having problems getting the timing to advance past 17.Â* I phoned Al again to ask why it would not advance.Â* He said it was the gas and to run 100.Â* I explained I was already on 100.Â* He indicated it was the was the tuner.Â* I asked if the timing was hard coded not to exceed 17/18.Â* He stated the details of the program were classified.Â* (Okay, whatever).
After an all night SAFC tune session, the car pulled 344WHP one 100 @ 17degrees of timing.
Regarding the nature of the Dynoflash tune, I do not know all the specifics.Â* But I can tell you what I have seen by driving and logging.
1.Â* It's rich as all hell.Â* I have to assume that is for safety reasons on 91.
2.Â* When you get on boost, the timing won't drop below 5 degrees.Â* This gives you a deceptive low end gain and smoother throttle response.
3.Â* You won't seen timing advance past 17.Â* The timing advance is otherwise a smooth incline.
4.Â* You will most likely loose power from the tune or be otherwise disapointed with your numbers.
5.Â* Your REV limit is increased.Â* But since you're loosing power in the top end and your head is probably not built, this is useless.
6.Â* Your speed limiter is removed.Â* Great.Â* I can't wait to see you pass me at 160.
7.Â* You fuel/boost cuts are removed or relocated.
8.Â* Reflashes were free if you bought the full custome tune.Â* But they won't be as agressive (hahahaha) if he can't be there in person to do another custome tune.Â* And if he is, he'll charge for the re-tune.Â* You car will be down 2-3 days while you send out your ECU.
IMHO, I would rather retune my SAFC every time I get in the car and drive then go with another flash.Â* It's money best spend elsewhere.