AFR setup.
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It all depends on what you are trying to tune. Certain software is set up to be much more easily compatible with certain brands of wideband controller. Most have analog outputs that you can program to interface with almost anything, but I much prefer serial outputs when possible to avoid voltage offset issues. Of course if you are trying to tune carbs, then you will want a wideband controller that can do its own logging. Innovate has a history of being notorious for short sensor life and finicky controllers, but in most cases there were install location and/or voltage problems contributing to it. At one point they were just about the cheapest on the market, therefore they had the highest number of bad install jobs.
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I have a couple of AEM's "x-series" gauges. They use CAN, which some data logging software supports directly, including PCM Hammer (full disclosure: I wrote the PCM Hammer data logger). I don't think HP Tuners does CAN, but I don't know for sure.
Both AEM and HPT have videos showing how to use those CAN wideband gauges with the hpt logger. The AEM vid even shows specifically how to use two of them for dual channel wideband logging on hpt.
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Good to know, thanks!
I had my C5 tuned today and the tuner (Turbogixxer) was not a fan of AEM. He used his own Ballenger AFR500v2.
At one point, between dyno runs (car off) he pointed at one of my AEMs and said it was going to die soon. I had just replaced the other one (which had turned into a random number generator) and they only have about 5k miles on them. So, when it does die I guess I'm going to try Ballenger. They have a model that uses CANbus as well.
I had my C5 tuned today and the tuner (Turbogixxer) was not a fan of AEM. He used his own Ballenger AFR500v2.
At one point, between dyno runs (car off) he pointed at one of my AEMs and said it was going to die soon. I had just replaced the other one (which had turned into a random number generator) and they only have about 5k miles on them. So, when it does die I guess I'm going to try Ballenger. They have a model that uses CANbus as well.
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Good to know, thanks!
I had my C5 tuned today and the tuner (Turbogixxer) was not a fan of AEM. He used his own Ballenger AFR500v2.
At one point, between dyno runs (car off) he pointed at one of my AEMs and said it was going to die soon. I had just replaced the other one (which had turned into a random number generator) and they only have about 5k miles on them. So, when it does die I guess I'm going to try Ballenger. They have a model that uses CANbus as well.
I had my C5 tuned today and the tuner (Turbogixxer) was not a fan of AEM. He used his own Ballenger AFR500v2.
At one point, between dyno runs (car off) he pointed at one of my AEMs and said it was going to die soon. I had just replaced the other one (which had turned into a random number generator) and they only have about 5k miles on them. So, when it does die I guess I'm going to try Ballenger. They have a model that uses CANbus as well.
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Verdad Gallardo TECH Fanatic
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In general I'd agree, but it also depends how long these AEMs last. Ballenger would pay for itself after replacing each of the AEMs just once...
I have never used a newer CAN style AEM, so I have no idea what their lifespan is in a good install. With the exception of a bad ground issue once, I have had pretty good luck with the cheapo Innovate stuff, but that is not a universal experience from what I have heard.
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From: Alaska
I used an Innovate for my initial Magnuson tuning, but it got squirrely early on, and I changed to AEM in early 2017. Been running on Daily Driver since, with no problem.
Put the newest AEM X series on a Turbo rig last year, still like it, no problems.
Note: My FUEL mix back in 2016- 2018 did contain added Toluene, Acetone, and NO MORE than 1% 100LL splashed into bulk tank fill with 90 UnLeaded.
I don't "THINK" that small bit of AvGas could have damaged Wideband; Never had any trouble from that OR other vehicle's Narrow-Band sensors.
Put the newest AEM X series on a Turbo rig last year, still like it, no problems.
Note: My FUEL mix back in 2016- 2018 did contain added Toluene, Acetone, and NO MORE than 1% 100LL splashed into bulk tank fill with 90 UnLeaded.
I don't "THINK" that small bit of AvGas could have damaged Wideband; Never had any trouble from that OR other vehicle's Narrow-Band sensors.