Interesting piece of tuning hardware: AEM F/IC (fuel/injector controller)

[travisbickle]

http://www.aempower.com/ViewCategory.aspx?CategoryID=116

It's just a matter of time until a PnP harness is available for the E46 M3.

"The AEM F/IC is an economical solution for controlling fuel and ignition on vehicles that do not require stand-alone engine management, including variable cam timing engines like VTEC, VVTi and MiVEC.

The F/IC gives users with OBD-II vehicles and non-factory forced induction systems the ability to retard ignition and deliver accurate amounts of fuel without the need for outdated FMUs or “boost hiding” controllers. This system works parallel to the factory ECU preventing tuning limitations due to complex factory timing patterns and will not cause a check engine light (CEL)."

The logging capacity seems a bit low side but combined with a Innovate Motorsports DL-32 you'd have a nice package for tweaking tunes.

[///JTM3]

I dont think that will ever come out plug and play for E46 M3.... Double VANOS is waaaayyy harder to tune than "Vtech"

[travisbickle]

I dont think that will ever come out plug and play for E46 M3.... Double VANOS is waaaayyy harder to tune than "Vtech"

What do you think HPF is using? It's a customized PnP version of this device... To your point, "plug and play" does not imply that the tuning of valve and exhaust tuning will be easy. My interest in the device is for it's ability to tune fuel and ignition. If I were tuning for a turbo installation I *might* be interested in valve timing to improve spool up.

[TaZaM3]

I dont know how much ignition tuning HPF is doing on their AEM, i'd like to hear more from them on that.

I know we used an AEM ignition module for my car.

[02black330ci]

http://www.aempower.com/ViewCategory.aspx?CategoryID=116

It's just a matter of time until a PnP harness is available for the E46 M3.

"The AEM F/IC is an economical solution for controlling fuel and ignition on vehicles that do not require stand-alone engine management, including variable cam timing engines like VTEC, VVTi and MiVEC.

The F/IC gives users with OBD-II vehicles and non-factory forced induction systems the ability to retard ignition and deliver accurate amounts of fuel without the need for outdated FMUs or ***8220;boost hiding***8221; controllers. This system works parallel to the factory ECU preventing tuning limitations due to complex factory timing patterns and will not cause a check engine light (CEL)."

The logging capacity seems a bit low side but combined with a Innovate Motorsports DL-32 you'd have a nice package for tweaking tunes.

Yeah, I had read up on these also, found it interesting. We will have to hear from Chris to see if they are using a separate ignition module, ie: twin-fire type, though I didn't see one as part of the kit.

On a side note, did you piece your kit together or were you using someone's GT35R kit? I was running a GT35R set up (Pieced together) on my evo also. I went through several piggy backs and standalones, ie: ECU+, MAFT-Pro and AEM. Too bad there isn't enough after market support for the E46 when it comes to turbo applications. HPF and TaZa are the only ones I know of in the M3 arena that have a pretty solid set up and in either case they both hurt the wallet very heavely!!!

[travisbickle]

On a side note, did you piece your kit together or were you using someone's GT35R kit? I was running a GT35R set up (Pieced together) on my evo also. I went through several piggy backs and standalones, ie: ECU+, MAFT-Pro and AEM. Too bad there isn't enough after market support for the E46 when it comes to turbo applications. HPF and TaZa are the only ones I know of in the M3 arena that have a pretty solid set up and in either case they both hurt the wallet very heavely!!!

I pieced my system together using a Full Race manifold and downpipe. I had a Buschur intercooler and upper I/C piping that I reused. To plumb the compressor outlet I bought some mandrel bent stainless steel, cut it to length and had a guy bead the ends for me. The intake snorkel was formed using 4" 45deg mandrel bent aluminum joined using silicone couplers and I stuck a K&N cone filter on the end of it.

The lack of economy of scale for BMW parts really sucks. For my Evo, I spent nearly $15K in total for:
-2.3L stroked 4G63 short block w/ forged crank, coated Venolia pistons & Oliver billet rods
-ported & polished head w/ oversized exh valves
-Full Race turbo "kit" (exh manifold, downpipe & GT35R .63A/R w/anti-surge housing)
-AEM EMS & associated sensors
-Team Rip rebuilt transmission w/Quaife LSD

I'd be lucky to be able to yank my S54 out of the M and have the bottom end rebuilt for that price. One thing is for certain, when the time comes for a built bottom end, I'll be doing the work myself. It ain't brain surgery.

[02black330ci]

I pieced my system together using a Full Race manifold and downpipe. I had a Buschur intercooler and upper I/C piping that I reused. To plumb the compressor outlet I bought some mandrel bent stainless steel, cut it to length and had a guy bead the ends for me. The intake snorkel was formed using 4" 45deg mandrel bent aluminum joined using silicone couplers and I stuck a K&N cone filter on the end of it.

The lack of economy of scale for BMW parts really sucks. For my Evo, I spent nearly $15K in total for:
-2.3L stroked 4G63 short block w/ forged crank, coated Venolia pistons & Oliver billet rods
-ported & polished head w/ oversized exh valves
-Full Race turbo "kit" (exh manifold, downpipe & GT35R .63A/R w/anti-surge housing)
-AEM EMS & associated sensors
-Team Rip rebuilt transmission w/Quaife LSD

I'd be lucky to be able to yank my S54 out of the M and have the bottom end rebuilt for that price. One thing is for certain, when the time comes for a built bottom end, I'll be doing the work myself. It ain't brain surgery.

Its so funny how we DSM guys just LOVE to figure things out on our own, just something about doing it right and cheap or don't do it at all!!!

By the way, that was a VERY strong bottom end there. Not to mention the nice strong transmission you had on it!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

In regards to the bottom end, I agree with you there. The first one I built for my 1G gsx, lasted me for like 6 months, but I learned a lot and the one's after that, are still out there on the road. Its just a matter of how much time you are willing to invest into the project and the money to buy the tools!!

Also, are you a member of EFIUniversity forum?