I was wondering what your thoughts are on the subject. I have been told that standalones are very tempermental in that they sometimes work great sometimes dont. Examples are that they dont want to start when its cold out or if it is raining the car may not run right. Low RPM Throttle response often suffers. etc.

Of course we are talking FI applications here.

 

It all depends on who is doing the tuning

Most higher end standalone engine mgmt has the ability to compensate for differences in barometric pressure. The thing is if the tuner programs it properly.

 

I think you hit the nail right on the head.

Also most WRC cars use standalone units from Pectel and Motec and others. They won't use them if there are reliability issues I would think.

 

I have a Apexi Power FC standalone on my Evolution VIII.... couldn't be happier with it. Never have had any problems. On the other hand, I have heard several people thatt have had issues with the piggybacks & reflashes.

XS-Engineering in So Calif. does all of my performance upgrades.... check out there website & give them a call.... they do alot of work on Lexus's.

 

Power fc isn't a stand alone computer. It's a stock replacement computer. Motec, Haltech, Tec 3, and microtec are examples of stand alones. They require a custom engine harness to be fabricated with the install and can tune pretty much any sensor. Power fc is limited to stock sensors and stock harness for the most part. Not bashing on it. It's a great computer for plug and play. I had one in my Silvia. Since i've bought a motec m8. Worlds of differences between the capabilities of each system.


-Destin

 

It's my understanding that the Apexi Power FC is a stanalone unit. I've checked with XS-Engineering and they said that it's a standalone unit.

I also found this on Apexi's website:

The Power FC proudly stands as A'PEXi's answer to the constraints and limitations associated with most piggy-back style fuel controllers. The Power FC is a complete, stand alone, total engine management system capable of handling virtually anything thrown in its path. From multiple point fuel and ignition control to VTEC engagement (Honda applications) and boost settings, the Power FC is capable of accommodating even the most demanding performance enthusiasts.

Currently available exclusively through Power Excel Shops the Power FC replaces the factory ECU and controls all vital engine parameters (Off road use only, no OBD-II). Installation is as easy as replacing the factory ECU. (Some minor rewiring is required on select vehicles). The factory engine harness does not need to be replaced and all critical accessories such as air conditioning continue to function. By using the optional FC COMMANDER, the user can adjust and modify a wide range of settings. Since there is no need to upgrade ROM chips or modify ECU's, the factory ECU can be kept by the original user.

 

Thats cool. I didn't think it was considered as a full stand alone.

-Destin

 

the difference between a power fc and a stock ecu, is the power fc is tuneable. the maps are a bit better resolution for tuning, but it still uses stock harness, stock sensors, stock this stock that, blah blah blah. for $1100+ with the commander, there are far better ecu's to be had. Also, I doubt its much of an issue for the lexus/toyota crowd, but on FD RX7's, you cant tune in 1600CC secondary injectors because you can only go 80% over stock injector size. Also, the Power FC doesnt monitor knock, which is a huge problem on rotaries. For bout $300 more, you could have a MoTeC m4, or for better control of the 2J, an M8. the M8 is more expensive, but it features alot more options than the M4 does. FYI, the Motec M4 straight form motec with the harness will run you $1500 or so. A far better option, IMHO. Both me and Sillbeer use MoTeC M8's on our 3 rotor RX7's

Neil

 

HKS F-Con Pro V is the best to get and fine tuning is required.
E-manage is good standalone too.
They all have more protential tuning than piggy backs.
If you are going all out, go standalone.

If just basic add ons, piggy back will do you good.

 

E-manage is a piggyback. It's wired in after the stock ecu. Also good luck with tuning the f-con here in the states.

-Destin