Here's another question:
Stock S2, with out-of-box Vortech/Comptech kits installed.
Will tuning increase performance/output?
Can you even tune these systems without a stand-alone EMS system?

 

im also interested to know this. though ill be running on a stock pulley on an SC, will it add more power to the car just by adding an EMS and tune it safely and properly. and how much is the expected gain compares to running w/out an EMS on a out of the box SC?

 

From what I have seen and read...

Yes... you can get some nice gains as well as get a much better margin of safety tuning an "out-of-box" SC kit.

And obviously EMS again is the best way to tune for maximum safety and gains, but I believe you can use the e-manage or even the VAFC to a certain extent to get a little bit extra.

 

there are also different versions of the EMS, one has wideband tuning and an a/f guage onboard (i think those are the only differences, but not sure), the 30-1052 is alot cheaper than the one with UEGO, should i buy the Uego or get the regular EMS and the buy the guage sepretley?

 

Honestly that is up to you, everyone has their own preferences about getting the built in wideband or separate. I opted for the built in option because i dont want any gauges inside my car, I monitor all of my stuff using something else.

Talk to kane.s2k... he might be able to give you a better explanation (and a deal on the EMS)

 

what do you use to monitor your a/f? i wouldnt mind the guage because i want to eventually get a boost guage and maybe an EGT also. I guess the a/f guage isnt that important with ems because it has already been set by the tuner correct?

 

It is ALWAYS good to be able to readily monitor your A/F ratio... weather changes...conditions change and that stuff can affect how your car is running. It is actually a very good diagnostic tool. I've used it on more than one occasion to figure out little problems that needed attention.

Instead of putting up gauges, I decided to get a gaugetech display that plugs right into the EMS and I use that to monitor anything that I can/need to.

 

It is indeed a very very good diagnostic tool. If you aren't looking for a ton of gauges, I like the AEM 19-in-1 serial gauge. It can display the boost (MAP sensor values) and water temp off one gauge right off the bat. I've got sensor kits for EGT & oil pressure as well.

Give me a call later on if you're curious to know what I'm talking about.