Power Commander V and ECU or ECM Question
#1
Power Commander V and ECU or ECM Question
Does anyone know if the Power Commander and other fuel management units over ride the ECU or some call it the ECM on the bikes? I read that some folks say it does, so if you have a flash on you ECU like stage 1 or 2, it doesn't matter because the Power Commander will over ride it. I do not have a flash on my bike, but do have the PCV.
I was looking at the maps on the Power Commander website and you can choose a set up with stock ECU, Stage 1 or Stage 2. Different set ups under each stage. If the PC over rides the ECU, I could choose any map regardless of what stage it is under. I was limited and never could find a map that was close to my setup under the stock stage choices, but would use a map that was in the ball park. I would like to try a map under the stage 2 section after my motor work is completed. I will give it a try, but wonder if I am wasting my time or it will not run right because it is under stage 2 and I dont have that flash.
I was looking at the maps on the Power Commander website and you can choose a set up with stock ECU, Stage 1 or Stage 2. Different set ups under each stage. If the PC over rides the ECU, I could choose any map regardless of what stage it is under. I was limited and never could find a map that was close to my setup under the stock stage choices, but would use a map that was in the ball park. I would like to try a map under the stage 2 section after my motor work is completed. I will give it a try, but wonder if I am wasting my time or it will not run right because it is under stage 2 and I dont have that flash.
Last edited by MrHog; 03-17-2011 at 08:33 AM.
#2
Does anyone know if the Power Commander and other fuel management units over ride the ECU or some call it the ECM on the bikes? I read that some folks say it does, so if you have a flash on you ECU like stage 1 or 2, it doesn't matter because the Power Commander will over ride it. I do not have a flash on my bike, but do have the PCV.
I was looking at the maps on the Power Commander website and you can choose a set up with stock ECU, Stage 1 or Stage 2. Different set ups under each stage. If the PC over rides the ECU, I could choose any map regardless of what stage it is under.
I was limited and never could find a map that was close to my setup under the stock stage choices, but would use a map that was in the ball park. I would like to try a map under the stage 2 section after my motor work is completed. I will give it a try, but wonder if I am wasting my time or it will not run right because it is under stage 2 and I dont have that flash.
#3
The PC works downstream of the ECM and does what you describe, which is to override the signal output from from ECM for fuel and spark. However, it is not an absolute value but is adding or subtracting from the signals output from the ECM. If you use a canned map from DJ or other supplier it must be matched to the ECM tune, usually either stock or some HD "download" (Stage I, II, etc.).
No, it needs to match to your ECM state. As an example of how the PC works, let's say the ECM is dictating 50 units of fuel at a specific point in the throttle-position/RPM relationship (e.g. 2500 rpm @ 15% TP), and the PC has a value of 10 in that position. That means it is adding 10% more fuel to the value given by the ECM, so the ECM tune needs to be matched to your bike from the outset. The PC map for a Stage I might be +10 in that position for a Stage 1 map but +20 for a Stage II, for example. The second will provide 10% more fuel than the first, as the PC is expecting a certain value to be given by the ECM. It doesn't know what that is and only adds or subtracts fuel or spark advance.
Unless you purchased from a dealer who maintains a large database of maps, like Fuel Moto, your only option may be to get a dyno-tune if an exact match isn't found in the PC map library. You could try different maps and decide which runs the best, but you won't be getting an optimal tune that way.
No, it needs to match to your ECM state. As an example of how the PC works, let's say the ECM is dictating 50 units of fuel at a specific point in the throttle-position/RPM relationship (e.g. 2500 rpm @ 15% TP), and the PC has a value of 10 in that position. That means it is adding 10% more fuel to the value given by the ECM, so the ECM tune needs to be matched to your bike from the outset. The PC map for a Stage I might be +10 in that position for a Stage 1 map but +20 for a Stage II, for example. The second will provide 10% more fuel than the first, as the PC is expecting a certain value to be given by the ECM. It doesn't know what that is and only adds or subtracts fuel or spark advance.
Unless you purchased from a dealer who maintains a large database of maps, like Fuel Moto, your only option may be to get a dyno-tune if an exact match isn't found in the PC map library. You could try different maps and decide which runs the best, but you won't be getting an optimal tune that way.
Now, I am adding a cam so things are going to change again. Best thing to do is get a dyno test, but I am always cahnging my set up and trying different slip ons. I think what I am going to do is put on a set of 07-08 tru duals with the o2 bungs and add the PC Auto Tune to my PCV. Hopefully will get the tune where it needs to be no matter what I run or do to the motor.
#4
Iclick, thank you very much for all the thorough information. Really helps put this thing into perspective. I did purchase my PCV from Fuelmoto, but have had little luck getting a map from them. I sent them an email asking for a map if they so kindly had one for a setup with what I have in my signature on here. Didn't get a reponse. I tried again after I got the CFR slip ons and told them my entire set up with the CFRs (make, model, year, motor, add ons, etc), but no response. I think they do not have a map for every single setup out there....would be impossible.
Now, I am adding a cam so things are going to change again. Best thing to do is get a dyno test, but I am always cahnging my set up and trying different slip ons. I think what I am going to do is put on a set of 07-08 tru duals with the o2 bungs and add the PC Auto Tune to my PCV. Hopefully will get the tune where it needs to be no matter what I run or do to the motor.
Now, I am adding a cam so things are going to change again. Best thing to do is get a dyno test, but I am always cahnging my set up and trying different slip ons. I think what I am going to do is put on a set of 07-08 tru duals with the o2 bungs and add the PC Auto Tune to my PCV. Hopefully will get the tune where it needs to be no matter what I run or do to the motor.
#5
Iclick is right about the PCV needing to be matched to your ECU flash, & dyno time for max performance. Of course FuelMoto can get you very close, & you can tweek for rideability yourself
#6
Thanks for the replies. I haven't tried calling, yet. I have always sent Jaime a polite email and I know they are very busy. He answered my first 2 emails a couple years ago on two different sets of pipes I tried. I figured after the email last Summer with Rineharts and the CFRs last Fall and I didn't get a response, maybe he was tired of me switching pipes and always bugging him!
#7
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#8
I did purchase my PCV from Fuelmoto, but have had little luck getting a map from them. I sent them an email asking for a map if they so kindly had one for a setup with what I have in my signature on here. Didn't get a reponse. I tried again after I got the CFR slip ons and told them my entire set up with the CFRs (make, model, year, motor, add ons, etc), but no response. I think they do not have a map for every single setup out there....would be impossible.
__________________
Jamie Long / Fuel Moto USA
The USA's Leader V-Twin EFI & Performance www.fuelmotousa.com
Contact 920-423-3309
Email jamie@fuelmotousa.com
Jamie Long / Fuel Moto USA
The USA's Leader V-Twin EFI & Performance www.fuelmotousa.com
Contact 920-423-3309
Email jamie@fuelmotousa.com
#9
We are definetely here to help and while we are extremely busy this time of the season we are generally pretty easy to get ahold of, we have a bunch of phone lines with people to answer them and we answer hundreds of emails and map requests daily. If you send a map request please make sure you include your FM invoice number. If you ever send an email or request and dont get an immediate answer just give us a call for immedate support and we would be happy to take as much time as it takes to help getting your bike tuned in
the man never ceases to amaze me .it's a shame you don't get that kind of service everywhere.
#10