So here's what I have:

• D16Z6
• TD04-15G
• Log Manifold
• 7 psi wastegate
• DSM-450cc's with Resistor Box
• Intercooler
• Oil Pressure/Boost Gauge

As you can see I'm at that point in my build where I need to decide what I'm gonna run for fuel management. Now I know that the SAFC/VAFC hack is obsolete and the best way to go is to chip and tune using one of the many different platforms out there, which is why long term I plan on getting the Neptune RTP package and a wideband to start learning how to tune myself. The problem with this is that it'll be at least another year to save up and get that since I'm on a college student's budget for the next 3 years.

My main question is just whether or not using an SAFC to control my fuel for a year or so until I get the funds to get Neptune and a wideband is a bad idea. I think how the AFC hack works is that it adjusts fuel trim and makes larger injectors behave like stock ones to kind of extend the fuel map (please correct me if I'm wrong). I also think that that's why it's not an ideal solution since that's all it can adjust and it does so by rpm only.

I'd like to get boost before I head back for the fall, but don't want to compromise my motor in the process. So far I'm a year in on collecting parts and studying how everything works so I'm pretty eager, but just want to make sure I'm not gonna be a tard and blow up my motor Oh and my power goal is around 200 whp or so on stock internals, I think that is reasonable but once again please correct me if I'm wrong

 

I would not use a piggy back system to control boost and I don't think really capable of doing the job correctly. If money is an issue then going turbo isn't for you in the short run. If it's going to take you a year to get the correct tuning tool then what about the things in between? The unknown unknowns! I say keep collecting and save an extra $200-$400 for miscellaneous parts, not including the tune.

 

Thanks for the response! Yea that makes sense, I've just read so many things that are hit and miss on the AFC and I just saw a deal for one at $125. The unknown unknowns are always the ones that bite you in the ***.

 

I'd go back and collect the money. I pieced together my turbo setup (a little bit larger than this) over several months. I went to tune it (OBD0 and OBD1) on any of the 'free' software and it wasn't so much fun. I saved up for Neptune and it's well worth it. $400 shipped with a P28 (used) and never had any issues.

ECTune is a popular budget choice I believe. Still, expect $500-600 for a tune depending on your local tuners. Luckily I have Phearable and that's $600.

 

Which platform would be a better one to learn how to tune yourself? I've heard/read that Neptune with RTP makes things a lot easier as you can change things on the fly

 

You heard right, but only half the story.

OBD0 BRE and TurboEdit both let you make changes on the fly via Ostrich2.0 ($180). The same goes for Chrome (Free, $150) and other ROM editors. The Ostrich is what does the real time editing. You have the option of the Ostrich or the old style of tuning via chips. You make a chip, try it, make note of changes, rechip, etc.

I will say Neptune is very user friendly. I HIGHLY recommend it if you want to tune yourself. It is only a couple bucks more than tuning on a free platform after you buy the Ostrich and a Hulog to do datalogging.

The issue with the 'free' programs is that you have to buy hardware which isn't free. You also don't get the tech support of bug fixes you get with something like the Neptune RTP.

I've used quite a few different things in the past year or so. Neptune has been my favorite. The support forum is active. There are updates. The device works flawlessly. The software is user friendly. And it has a ton of features. Is it worth $399? Yes. But I'd scope out a used or Brand New in Box one in the market place.

My issue with the free Rom Editors was the datalogging. Free dataloggers are far and few between. They also suck. Neptune has never given me issues when it comes to datalogging. It even has built in storage so you don't have to have your computer with you. You can set it up to datalog after 'X' TPS or with the push of a button (A/C for example). Then it turns off when the conditions aren't met. Works great for me.

This was long winded and unorganized. Sorry.

 

No, thanks this is all helpful information. I didn't realize that other ROM Editors could tune "on-the-fly" as well

 

$125 is a deal for an AFC?

 

I was under the impression it was, don't they usually go for around $300 or something? Regardless, I've decided not to get it and just save my money and wait for the real thing