to help shed some light on the below post:
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1224167


Note: since these are in the higher price range area they should not be compared to Neptune/Hondata/Chrome and such.


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There are many differences between the two, but I'll try and hit the important ones.


First off the Pros of each:

Power FC-
*cheaper
*quick on the fly, real time changes can be made via the commander (no laptop needed)
*much more stable/solid base map to ease/speed up tuning time
*better track record with regards to the stability of the OS (in my opinion and experience)
[I.E. I’ve returned more AEM units for warranty work than the Power FC…maybe 15:1 ratio]
*boost control (only 4 preset boost levels, selected via the commander)

AEM EMS-
*very powerful platform for almost any mod (can run a rotary motor in a DC2 chassis if you want)
*nitrous control
*boost control (gear, speed, hi/low switch or load dependent) etc….
*data logging (multiple channels, either on-board or onto laptop)
*multiple/various inputs and outputs (I.E. Hi/Low boost switch, external shift lights, etc…….. there are hundreds of way to spin it)
*too many to list

Now the Cons of each:

Power FC-
*limited applications
*user can not interface with “every” feature of the unit via the commander, only a Power Excel dealer can [I.E. IAT temp corrections or ECT temp corrections, etc…]
*no data logging
*can not make use of a wideband O2 sensor
*no 2-step revlimiter (for the drag racers)
*no external outputs (I.E. shift light or nitrous control, etc…)
*must be tuned by an official Apex Power Excel dealer in order to unlock/use “All” the features of the unit
*will not alter timing/fuel maps based on knock sensor feedback

AEM EMS-
*pricey (compared to the Power FC)
*very, very easy for an inexperienced users to hurt/break/blowup their car/truck
*laptop required for tuning
*base maps are not 100% plug-N-play, ready to drive
*not as “user friendly” as the Power FC


To sum it all up:

Both are good for NA and boost, but the AEM is better for NO2.

The AEM EMS is much more powerful, but not as user friendly.

Both can be tuned and used by the end user, but the AEM EMS requires a tad more competence

 

Good comparision, only a few things that i like to add about the Power FC:

1. For the end user datalogit is well worth the money. It allows the end user to control all aspects of the maps that a power excel tuner would.

2. Anti-lag/2 step is available with the datalogit I/O box.

3. 2 PWM injector outputs available for additional injectors with the datalogit I/O box.

4. Wideband 0-5 volt input is compatiable with the datalogit software.

5. Extensive datalogging, as well as lambda tracing is available with the datalogit software.

6. Knock based map trace with datalogit software.

7. 5 available I/O's for nitrous control, shift light, etc with the datalogit box.

I absolutely love the Power FC's for nissans and toyotas. They are super easy to use, set-up and you can convert MAF based cars to MAP based with the D-Jetro version.

 

thanks for the additions