don't like the piggy back,, 4yrs ago the SERT was as good as any,,,now theirs more to choose from....

 

With the TM, the AFR can be set anywhere you want it at different TPS and RPM. This give you the ability to get more power when accelerating and better fuel mileage when cruising. I get 48-50 mpg on the highway.

 

OK better late than never.....I finally broke down and sold the PCIII and installed the Thundermax with Autotune. Nice little package, very well made.
Since there seems to be many of you with a similar set-up to mine, what base map are you guys running, there doesn't seem to be an exact component match in the T-Max list?
I know it only needs to be close, but wouldn't mind some opinions...
Would a dyno offer any better tuning of the T-Max, specifically in terms of the timing map?

Thanks,
BB

 

I would pretty much agree ... except that Zipper's refuses to update the firmware and provide a modern cable. They insist on using an old RS232 connection ... and you will not find an RS232 (9 pin) serial connection on any notebook/laptop made in the last three three years or so. And .. Win 7 and Vista hate the cheesy drivers provided by the Sabrent USB-to-RS232 Cable Zipper's is happy to sell you. I had to buy an Express 54 RS-232 adapter card for reliable communications. Some people on this forum will tell you that is not a problem .. maybe they have old notebooks ... maybe they are lucky ... lots of idiot savants are just lucky that way.

Keep in mind ... if you place any value on your warranty ... and if you have a new bike ... you will lose warranty coverage when you install to the Zipper's T-Max. If you want to preserve your warranty ... go with a SERT and Mastertune software ... have a stealership install it ... and off you go. Me ... I don't give a darn for HD warranty .. I buy a bike .... I pay the least I can ... and I never, ever take it back to a dealer ... NEVER.

And .. the Auto Tune is not the end-all/be-all answer and it sure as heck does not obviate a good dyno session no matter how you are managing fuel ... the Auto Tune module really only provides a little AFR self-control .. it will not get rid of pinging due to poor mismatch between your baseline map (maps prepared by Zippers by dyno runs over many different bikes and mod setups). I started out with a file that best fit my bike ... and I am still working with it. Like you ... I had lots of ping with the Thundemax .. sounded like a can of marbles shaking .. and that is with the best fit starting basemap. I worked like hell to make it better and I posted the file I was using on this forum .. but due to inane and idiotic remarks from "know-nothings" with too much time on their hands .. probably only bikes they have ever owned are Big-Wheels... I pulled it fromt the forum. Too many know-it-alls on here.

If you ride like an old lady ... a T-Max may help .. but if you ride like me .. I ride a bike like I stole-it ... then you are in for some work with a T-Max.

Get a SERT and Mastertune ... save yourself some grief and time ...

 

Thanks for your input Cpiad.

Too bad, I would have liked to have followed your mapping progress. Unless I find major issues, I will be keeping the T-Max, although I agree with your opinion on the archaic computer cables etc....
As for warranty, I could care less....customer service from HD in my area sucks and I am way too **** to let them touch my bike...I do all my own work anyways...
Have you had a dyno session, or just working through it yourself?

Cheers,
BB