can i use the AEM EMS to tune the stock ECU or do i need to buy an ECU like Js N1

 

aem is a standalone. you don't use it w/ any other ecu.

 

with AEM installed you can even remove your factory ecu if you wanted to. it controls the car all by itself, and if im not mistaken you can even set it to the factory setting of your car

 

thanks for the info.

another quick question. will i need to get my keys reprogrammed?

 

no. the aem doesn't have an immobilizer system.

 

How does the AEM hook up is there a factory harness of some kind? Does it come with any baseline programs or do you have to take it to a tuner for those?

 

it connects to your factory ecu harness. and yes it comes w/ basemaps to get started on.

 

You can mail order maps for your application from known tuners?

 

Don't expect to plug it in and start driving. You still have to set the timing offset. The basemap is not something you want to be driving on. Bottomline- Get it tuned.

 

The basemap is something you can drive on with a stock car, but there are some setup steps you need to take first. Understanding the system and being able to log data are absolutely critical. If anything doesn't look/sound/feel right, stop immediately. You can and will blow your motor if you buy an AEM EMS, install it, and make random changes without understanding what you're doing (or possibly even with no changes at all).

On my 04, the AEM basemap for the 1012 didn't run too well. There was too much timing and not enough fuel resulting in knock. The basemap was setup and tuned for a 00-03 by AEM. It was valid for that car and that car only. For other cars, it is a good start, but not where you want to end up.

Well known tuners can usually send a basemap that is close for your application, but it's just that, a basemap. It's something to base a tune on- NOT something that is already tuned.

If you buy an AEM, you WILL have to either tune yourself or hire someone to tune for you.

SAE sells the Bosch Automotive handbook. I would recommend purchasing it. Also, spend quality time with the AEM manuals and website. EFI 101 is an excellent course if you would like to tune yourself. EFI101 and EFI advanced are both thousands less than rebuilding/replacing a blown motor.

Tim