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Just finished reading a very good review of the ThunderMax AutoTune tuner in the August (yes August!) issue of American Iron. The review was very complete and answered a lot of questions I had of these ECM replacements. After reading the review I wondered why in the world would anyone use any other type of tuner? I mean this looks like just about anybody could install this tuner and proceed to make just about any type of performance upgrade and never get near a dyno.
Who's got one and how is it working for you in the real world?
I've got one on my 08 RKC. it did exactly what I'd hoped it would do - cured my pinging. I was able to remove some timing in the affected ranges. I probably don't use the thing to its full potential, but I'll put one on my next bike too.
I read the article & will have to agree with you, excellent writeup as per usual of tech articles in AI. If my PCV ever goes kerplunk it would be what I would get for sure.
Last edited by streeteagle; Jun 19, 2013 at 06:47 PM.
The install is pretty straightforward, just follow the directions and don't rush it. It's a swap of the ECM, so it doesn't take up any more room than the stock setup. The only tool I had to buy was the O2 sensor socket since they also get exchanged.
I have a TM for my softail. It was already installed by the previous owner. Bike runs great. I need to learn more about it though. Any way to get that article you read online?
I'm on my fourth year with one on my heavily modified "04 RKCustom and it is the cat's ***! Any changes I have made, it readily accepts and tunes to them. I have a friend that just installed the Power Vision and it seems like a good system also. I think the prices are comparable if you get the auto tune function with the PV. I am not real familiar with it so I am not sure of the drawbacks, but one definite plus of the PV is that you retain the OE ECM. Could be of consequence for a warranty issue.
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