Open loop / closed loop
I (think) I understand the benifits of having a closed loop system over an open loop system. As an owner of an '05 FLHT what I would like to know is how difficult would it be to switch to a closed loop system? I would rather not have O2 sensor bungs installed into a system. I would rather buy a true dual system for my bike that have the bungs (2 of them) in it when I by it. Who out there makes such systems? Samson/Caliber comes to mind, but are there others?
The next question is, who makes a system that "closes the loop" once I have a place to put the O2 sensors? Once again, ThunderMax comes to mind, who else out there has systems to close the loop? Unless I am reading things wrong, most of the systems I see are for data gathering and the user utilizes the data to adjust the fuel controller. Is his about right or am I missing some systems out there?
Lastly, don't most, if not all, of the systems control fuel alone and ignore the timing? I know that timing adjustment will just add to the complexity of tha whole package, but wouldn't it be of great help to make such adjustments along the way? What is out there to do this and are any of them integrated into the fuel control systems or are they stand alone?
My thoughts are to start out with a system that is a top end stage one that will allow plenty of growth down the road (ie. bigger bore, cams, head work) while spending next riding season learning the ins and outs of the system and all there is to gain from the high level of control the system affords.
Any educated thoughts? Well, other than that I am over thinking, and maybe under researching, the whole process.
I tried this in the exhaust forum area, but think it fits better here.
I (think) I understand the benifits of having a closed loop system over an open loop system. As an owner of an '05 FLHT what I would like to know is how difficult would it be to switch to a closed loop system? I would rather not have O2 sensor bungs installed into a system. I would rather buy a true dual system for my bike that have the bungs (2 of them) in it when I by it. Who out there makes such systems? Samson/Caliber comes to mind, but are there others?
1. I know Shooter64 (a member here), and Eastern Perf Cycles sells them for less than $700, so "saving" $900 is incorrect. Especially when you have to spend $300-400 for a SERT. That puts the Tmax at more like a $400 premium above the SERT.
2. You mention adding other stuff along the way. With a SERT, or a dyno-tuned DFO, you need to have a dyno tune each time you add something that changes the engine performance. I'll assume you know why. One or two trips to the dyno and you've spent the difference. With the Tmax, or other WBO2 ECM, you would just load a map to match your config, and let it tune.
3. As far as adding complexity to the bike (mentioned in another response), you have an ECM now, these units just replace or augment it. To me, complexity would be arranging to get the bike to and from the dyno shop each time I did something to it, not plugging in my computer, loading a new map, and riding it.
These are just my opinions, and I know there are people who have easy acces to a dyno or tuner-guy, so for them, the other route might make sense.
The T-Max and DTT*DO NOT*auto tune timing, but I know the DTT has a very simple timing chart modification. You use the mouse to pull/adjust the 3-D map table without numeric input. It`s very easy to change the timing curve. You(directions included) record the data you need and modify from there. It`s the best way to go IMO
Spend the money on a good tuner box with auto-tune and do it yourself. Every change you make can be tuned without a dyno or someone using your bike to learn on.[8D]
I bought the DTT and added RH-TD`s and a SE-A/C. The bike was auto tuned to match that setup and ran great. I even spanked a 95 kit with it.
I then added my RedShift 575 cams. Now I`m completing the auto tune for that as well. The bike runs excellent. Later on I plan to go with a 117 kit.The DTT will tune tothat too. I think the DTT and T-Max boxes are the only way to go.
Just my two cents...
A closed loop system uses input from O2 sensors when it assess how much fuel to inject into the cylinder to hit a target Air Fuel Ratio. An open loop system refers to a pre-loaded map to inject fuel to hit the targeted Air Fuel ratio. Older bikes (pre-2005, generally with Harley/Delphi Fi ) with older ECMs generally run open loop systems. If your Harley doesn't have O2 sensors, it's most likely a open loop system. An open loop system can usually run ok and compensate for minor changes in your intake or exhaust system, but may need updates to the programming of it's ECM to run well with more extensive changes. Closed loop systems are found in newer Harleys, refer to the O2 sensors to adjust the Air Fuel Ratios, offer a bit more tuning flexibility and input, some have the capacity to provide an auto tune feature, and offer the capability to accommodate and be tuned for more aggressive changes to the engine.
Basically, there it is in a nutshell... hope that helps...
Last edited by rockett88s; Apr 17, 2020 at 01:47 PM.
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Last edited by Ed Ramberger; Apr 17, 2020 at 06:49 PM.
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Closed loop is better than open loop and tuning because the fuel mixture is maintained in a closed loop to the tune given environmental differences like air pressure, humidity, engine and atmospheric temp. Without it you are tuned well to run on that dyno but performance will vary widely.










