Power Commander vs. Fuel Pak vs. Download
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: socal
2010 flstf here, stage 1 all v&h.The fuelpak worked even better with their updated map. Now for the decell popping you can tune that out, I forgot what mode and value that is set for that. Works well enought for me...
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 884
Likes: 0
From: n
You would be good with the download. I have had HD remap a couple of bikes and they were fine, but would have been better with Fuel Moto. I would not change pipes and A/C without doing something with the ECM. You are just pissing money away if change parts and don't tune the motor to match what you have done.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,984
Likes: 8
Josh,
There are several options when it comes to tuners. When I got my bike it had the download pre installed. It worked fine, but lacked power. I got a Fuelpak, which is great, but my mileage is not where it should be. However, you can get a used fuelpaks for next to nothing, mine was $75.
Some people like the idea of dyno tuning. When I was 18 I had a 1969 Firebird. I would of loved to of had it dynoed, but could never afford it. Today, I am not running a Fatboy down a track, I do not need a dyno tune. Some people never out grow the need for a dyno tune.
That being said, the Fuelpac or PC are good option because they are simple to program. Hell, the PC someone else will program it for you. What people do like about the PC is you have the option of dyno tuning the Fuelpak you do not.
Either unit you can get mapps for future upgrades. I would believe the PCV or Powervision are the better option, more mapps, and wider range of changes, but the cost is higher. $500 for the Power Commanders versus 75 for a used Fuelpak.
Now back to options, I like a ThunderMax with autotune. Not simple, but not difficult either. It replaces the stock ECM, once you get your map installed, it will autotune the same as a dyno tune. But, you do not get the cool printout and can't brag about your numbers. The Thundermax is expensive, so you recover some bragging rights.
There are several options when it comes to tuners. When I got my bike it had the download pre installed. It worked fine, but lacked power. I got a Fuelpak, which is great, but my mileage is not where it should be. However, you can get a used fuelpaks for next to nothing, mine was $75.
Some people like the idea of dyno tuning. When I was 18 I had a 1969 Firebird. I would of loved to of had it dynoed, but could never afford it. Today, I am not running a Fatboy down a track, I do not need a dyno tune. Some people never out grow the need for a dyno tune.
That being said, the Fuelpac or PC are good option because they are simple to program. Hell, the PC someone else will program it for you. What people do like about the PC is you have the option of dyno tuning the Fuelpak you do not.
Either unit you can get mapps for future upgrades. I would believe the PCV or Powervision are the better option, more mapps, and wider range of changes, but the cost is higher. $500 for the Power Commanders versus 75 for a used Fuelpak.
Now back to options, I like a ThunderMax with autotune. Not simple, but not difficult either. It replaces the stock ECM, once you get your map installed, it will autotune the same as a dyno tune. But, you do not get the cool printout and can't brag about your numbers. The Thundermax is expensive, so you recover some bragging rights.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 381
Likes: 0
From: Southern Indiana
Likely just trying to push the brand they prefer.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,984
Likes: 8
There are several posts on here about water getting in the plug. The cause is improper installation or the lack of dielectric grease on the plug. However, it is a real concern for piggyback units.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 381
Likes: 0
From: Southern Indiana
I guess it could be if you wash your bike with the seat off or spray high pressure water at the unit. Normal riding conditions or getting caught in the rain here or there will not be a problem. Tons of people use them and not just on Harleys. They wouldn't be in business without producing a high quality device.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 255
Likes: 2
From: Athens, AL
Let's see....
I had a Fuelpak on a Dyna.....a PCV on a Nightster....and a dealer download on a Softail Deluxe.... I liked the Fuelpak the LEAST... The Dyna never ran it's best after install even using V&H slip ons... Finally after installing quiet baffles and trying many different settings as per V&H...it ran OK... PVC is a little more expensive but really ran perfectly and I really liked it. Had the Nightster Dyno tuned and tuner said they only improved on the tune very little from the Fuel Moto tune. In fact when I brought it in he said it was one of the best running Sportsters he had seen... BUT...on the Softail Deluxe with the download I do not have ONE bad thing to say about it.... Runs perfect and no complaints and would do it again...
I had a Fuelpak on a Dyna.....a PCV on a Nightster....and a dealer download on a Softail Deluxe.... I liked the Fuelpak the LEAST... The Dyna never ran it's best after install even using V&H slip ons... Finally after installing quiet baffles and trying many different settings as per V&H...it ran OK... PVC is a little more expensive but really ran perfectly and I really liked it. Had the Nightster Dyno tuned and tuner said they only improved on the tune very little from the Fuel Moto tune. In fact when I brought it in he said it was one of the best running Sportsters he had seen... BUT...on the Softail Deluxe with the download I do not have ONE bad thing to say about it.... Runs perfect and no complaints and would do it again...