DME tuning. Updates!

[benz-tech]

Well, I'm running into some brick walls when it comes to tuning. No one in the area can flash tune 5.2 and if the one guy I talked to had the right software,  he still didnt feel like he could figure it all outl.  Barrie won't even respond to my inquires. The lean condition above 4k is a real kill-joy.
So, I'm thinking of installing a piggyback, which will allow me to add fuel in the upper ranges while leaving the lower end alone. I can't change timing but it's already agressive for my  compression ratio anyway, and I can monitor it with my obd2 port to see if it gets overly retarded due to a falsified maf signal.
Ideally I could get the flash from Barrie with the 7K redline, but with the stock timing map. Then run a piggyback to fine tune it.

I, foolishly, didn't budget for a full standalone, and can still re-think my cam choice. I am already sourcing a 2mm headgasket to drop cr to 11:1 since the fuel here just wont support more with what I have to work with.  I MAY wait to see it a SAFC II will cure sny pinging before I do that though.
Any input on piggybacks? I've never used one so I don't know their strengths and weaknesses.

Signed,
between a rock and a hard place

[DesktopDave]

Can't you downgrade to a 1.3? I have one, but it'll need a coil driver or two, LOL.

Did you try Mark D'Sylva? I thought he had an EAT chip for that DME.

[Darky]

Always wondered about tuning the m44.

Can't understand why they can tune a 6 cylinder m52 and not the m44. Or a 42 with 44 gear on it.

Keep us updated.

[benz-tech]

I just emailed Mark D, will see what comes of it. 

[wazzu70]

There just is not enough volume of people who need OBDII tunes to make it commercially viable. Someone would need to crack it as a hobby.

I would love to work on it...but I have 0 time as it is!!!

[benz-tech]

Mark D was sort of helpful but I would need to make several data logs for him to tune  with. I'd love to do that but will need a data logger and wideband. I decided to start with an Safc2 to modify the afm signal, but again the wedophones diagram seeks to screw me over. What they say the signal wire from the maf is is actually a ground and vice versa. So tomorrow I willfix the spliced wire and install the safc control on pin17 NOT 45. Before I do, this time I will scope it to see if its the right one . Will update on how it runs. It for sure now sees above 14.7 afr at wot. Not a good combo. If I get it dialed, I can send the fuel trim numbers to Mark for a flash + increased rev limit.
My intent is to back off the part load fuel so the dme corrects the fuel trim back to 0. My timing at wot will be un-altered that way and I will monitor timing anyway with the obd2 port to watch how it reacts. Btw I'm not in love with the safc, at least not yet.

[benz-tech]

I'd be lying if I said I was happy with how my engine ran after I installed it. Sure it felt like I maybe picked up 15 to 20 hp (over a tired m42). But it just felt like it was struggling. UNTIL NOW!!!  As sceptical as I was about a piggyback fuel controller I was running out of options and didn't want to do any damage to my build so I pulled the trigger on a used SAFCII from eBay. Risky, I know. For the few, if any, here with an M44, cut the &$))&:@&$:$;$: grey and blue wire from the MAF sensor for the control. It's NOT the ground. Now the best part: I added around 7% more fuel from 3k up, and well it's a whole new animal. I will get a video soon on my IG account with a 3.64 rear axle and 65mph in 2nd gear pull. My gearing is sooo tall, but it doesn't seem to matter. It pulls so hard without bogging at 4K after that upshift. I literally have driven it 10  minutes but had to post the good news.

[colin86325]

Awesome man!  Glad you are happy with the results.  Just imagine what a custom chip would do for you.

[benz-tech]

Well a lot has happened since my last post. I've installed 24lb Volvo injectors since no matter how much 'fuel' I added above 4K it still seemed to need more- granted this was butt-dyno since I have no afr's. The 24 lb injectors run perfectly and I can make them too rich up top if I wanted to. Mission accomplished. I've since put a stock late M42 cam back in and passed CA smog. Apparently he didn't noticed the difference between and MAF and AFM.
I'm really liking the stock cam. Prob going to leave it in since, as a daily, torque is king. I do want an early cam tho. Should be a good compromise.
On a separate note: a buddy with a cammed 2.7i stroker m20 drove my car and felt that it is every bit as strong as his car, at least from 4K up. Both cars with a 3.73 axle. It just confirmed that it was all worth it.
After reading up on ethanol blends, I started adding 3 gal of e85 to every tank of 91 octane CA shit gas. It works out to around 94 octane and my engine loves it. If you have high compression or boost, give it a try, since it appears to not affect the mixture at all. I found no noticeable fuel trim change before and after.