EFI Controllers - Harley Forum

sinolav · #1 08-20-2008, 03:31 PM

Ok, I’m fairly new to this whole EFI scene. So let me start with what I have, and may do with it. I have a 2003 Ultra Classic Electra Glide, completely stock. I am more concerned with reliability and fuel economy, than HP and torque.
When I change out the timing chain tensioners, I will replace the cams with a milder, geared cam like a 26G. When I do that, I might as well replace the stock air cleaner and exhaust. I will probably go with a K&N filter, and “quiet” true dual aftermarket exhaust.
Now, I can get a SERT, and do a dyna tune. I want to be setup for mostly dual riding, with fuel economy the primary factor.
So, here’s the question, which EFI/controller to get. I can go with a SERT, get a dyno, and have a grand invested. Also each time I want to change something, pay more money for a dyno.
I have been looking at the after market EFI/tuners. I have read up on the Cobra 2000, the Power Commander, the Thundermax, and the Twin Tec. I am leaning towards either the Thundermax or the Daytona Twin Tech. I would appreciate your comments and suggestions.

BlueBob · #2 08-20-2008, 03:54 PM

Either this month or last month, AIM had a write-up on Ridemaxx. Check it out.

unfknblvbl · #3 08-20-2008, 06:35 PM

As soon as I can get the cash together I'm ditching my V&H fuelpak and going with a power commander.

sinolav · #4 08-20-2008, 10:24 PM

BlueBob, I remember reading that article. I'll have to go read it again.

unfknblvbl, What makes the Power Commander a better unit? I've read that the V&H units aren't the way to go. Hard to setup, and don't work well.

unfknblvbl · #5 08-20-2008, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinolav

BlueBob, I remember reading that article. I'll have to go read it again.

unfknblvbl, What makes the Power Commander a better unit? I've read that the V&H units aren't the way to go. Hard to setup, and don't work well.

V&H units hard to set up

Not sure who you were talking to but they fed you a line of BS. To get completely dialed in....yes, because unlike a SERT or the PC you can't get into the unit and program it cell by cell. Don't work well...I'll buy that, partially. They work for what they were designed for ease of use, installation and programming with out having to have a computer handy.

Why am I unhappy with mine...I still get back fire and popping on decel. I've contacted V&H Tech Support (great people, willing to listen, a human answers the phone, and they will talk you through whatever), followed their suggestions and still no solution.

I can't say that the Power Commander Unit is better, but it can be "dissected" down a lot further than the fuelpak and tuned for specific needs. The tuner I talked with that has made up my mind on getting the PC can tune it for gas mileage, race apps, etc. Plus, he guaranteed me that the back firing and popping on decel would be completely eliminated.

sinolav · #6 08-21-2008, 09:27 AM

unfknblvbl, that makes more sense that what I've heard about the V&H controller.
I'm torn between going with something like the ThunderMax or Twin Cam, thet "learn" what you have and adjust automatically, or a plug and play unit like the Power Commander, (which you can do mods to), ot the RideMaxx that BlueBoy mentioned.
I reread the RideMaxx article again last night, it seems good, but I wonder if I'd be happy with not really being able to program it like thr others.
Also, If I go with a closed loop system, I'll need to install the O2 sensore, that should be interesting. At least a friend of mine is a welder. He could probably weld the nuts on the pipes.
Boy there are way too many things to think about doing this. That's what makes it fun, I enjoy researching and finding the best solutions.
Thanks for the input.

BlueBob · #7 08-21-2008, 01:44 PM

I personally have a SERT, and I'm happy with it. But I also haven't ever had any delusions about my ability to tune the bike myself... so I'm okay with the fact that it is complex and a dyno and computer is required because I'll leave that to the exeprts.

rjrivero · #8 08-21-2008, 05:17 PM

Personally, I use a SERT to program the ECM and I use a TwinscanII plus from daytona twintec to log AFR's and tweak my maps.

I had a power commander on it, but I wasn't thrilled with it. Now, I can put any pipe/intake/cam/bore/stroke combination I want to, and credibly log the data I need to make my bike 100% rideable.

It's up to you how deep you want to get, and how much you're willing to invest, in time, or money, or both.

Take a look at Master Tune from The Turbo Shop, makers of the original SERT. It's a nice setup.

RJ

sinolav · #9 08-22-2008, 10:22 AM

Thanks rjrivero, I'll check it out. BlueBob, my problem is I'm so anal that if I got a SERT, I'd want to learn all about it, and would wind up buying a dyno setup!

If I keep my bike fairly stock, I think the Thundermaxx will be all I need. I do want to check out the Master Tune though.

It is amazing to read all the posts on the different units. Seems like everyone has a love/hate relation with these different models.

#10 08-25-2008, 10:55 AM

PC-IIIB on my 05' Low Rider. Kuryaykn Hi-Five Hi-Flo intake, V&H Staggered Shorts. Putting S&S gear drive cam kit in at the end of the month, then on to the dyno to get it dialed in exactly. I'm totally pleased with PC, especially the way you can tweak it around!