Tundermax (Tmax) Report
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 474
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Tundermax (Tmax) Report
Tundermax (Tmax) report:
After a minor O2 sensor fitment problem with the Vance and Hines rear header, I got my new Tmax with autotune installed.
The problem was the rear O2 sensor hitting the top of the transmission cover. A local muffler repositioned it for $20. This is a well-documented problem with Vance and Hines dual headers and Tmax. Don’t let it determine a Tmax purchase. It is really not much of a problem.
The physical installation of the unit was very easy even including the O2 sensors. I purchased an O2 sensor socket from Autozone to make tightening the sensors easier. The reported problem of getting the OEM ECM bolts out was not a problem. I rocked the bolt back and forth a couple of times, then gave it a slightly sharp tug and out each came.
The software installation also went well. Just be aware that most modern computers will not work directly with the supplied Tmax serial cable. Typically a USB-to-serial adapter is necessary. You can purchase one from Zippers the Tmax manufacturer, get one from a local retailer, or order one from the Internet (cheaper). I got the following unit on eBay and it worked great for me. http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-2-0-to-9pin-RS232-COM-Port-Serial-Convert-Adapter-A_W0QQitemZ160195978276QQihZ006QQcategoryZ41993QQs sPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
After the software install, I updated the Smartlink software on my laptop, and then linked to the module without a single problem. The base map selection was straight forward, but I did call Zippers and they verified the correct selection. This was not really necessary, but they seemed glad to set my mind at ease.
I also did a firmware update on the Tmax unit before I went any further. I actually upgraded to version 4.5, which has not been officially released. I got it from an HDForum member who has since posted it on the following thread. https://www.hdforums.com/m_2670875/tm.htm
I don’t know if I really needed to do this, but I always try and get the latest updates on firmware and software when I do these sorts of things. By the way, I once killed a brand new network router doing the same thing, so a firmware upgrade is not without risk.
All of that said, I wrote the closest base map to the Tmax, went through the initialization process, and declared it a success until spring. The Tmax was a Christmas present and its winter in North Alabama.
Suggestion: Download the Smartlink software from the Thundermax site and fimiliarize yourself with everything while the unit is on it’s way.
[size=3][font="times new roma
After a minor O2 sensor fitment problem with the Vance and Hines rear header, I got my new Tmax with autotune installed.
The problem was the rear O2 sensor hitting the top of the transmission cover. A local muffler repositioned it for $20. This is a well-documented problem with Vance and Hines dual headers and Tmax. Don’t let it determine a Tmax purchase. It is really not much of a problem.
The physical installation of the unit was very easy even including the O2 sensors. I purchased an O2 sensor socket from Autozone to make tightening the sensors easier. The reported problem of getting the OEM ECM bolts out was not a problem. I rocked the bolt back and forth a couple of times, then gave it a slightly sharp tug and out each came.
The software installation also went well. Just be aware that most modern computers will not work directly with the supplied Tmax serial cable. Typically a USB-to-serial adapter is necessary. You can purchase one from Zippers the Tmax manufacturer, get one from a local retailer, or order one from the Internet (cheaper). I got the following unit on eBay and it worked great for me. http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-2-0-to-9pin-RS232-COM-Port-Serial-Convert-Adapter-A_W0QQitemZ160195978276QQihZ006QQcategoryZ41993QQs sPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
After the software install, I updated the Smartlink software on my laptop, and then linked to the module without a single problem. The base map selection was straight forward, but I did call Zippers and they verified the correct selection. This was not really necessary, but they seemed glad to set my mind at ease.
I also did a firmware update on the Tmax unit before I went any further. I actually upgraded to version 4.5, which has not been officially released. I got it from an HDForum member who has since posted it on the following thread. https://www.hdforums.com/m_2670875/tm.htm
I don’t know if I really needed to do this, but I always try and get the latest updates on firmware and software when I do these sorts of things. By the way, I once killed a brand new network router doing the same thing, so a firmware upgrade is not without risk.
All of that said, I wrote the closest base map to the Tmax, went through the initialization process, and declared it a success until spring. The Tmax was a Christmas present and its winter in North Alabama.
Suggestion: Download the Smartlink software from the Thundermax site and fimiliarize yourself with everything while the unit is on it’s way.
[size=3][font="times new roma
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
From: Novato, CA
RE: Tundermax (Tmax) Report
I couldn't agree more, I got the TMax with auto tune and a set of the D & D true dual head pipes for X-mas. Installed everything this weekend. Holy Cow! I could not believe the difference it made! Very happy customer here!
[IMG]local://upfiles/23823/80DA2E6DA2D649248FBBBCCEDA1792CB.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/23823/80DA2E6DA2D649248FBBBCCEDA1792CB.jpg[/IMG]
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 4
RE: Tundermax (Tmax) Report
It was 70 degrees in South Carolina and we also rode(1-6-08) yesterday.
One recent ThunderMax install in our groop. He was eager to show off the bungs I made and installed in his exhaust and how much better it ran.
One recent ThunderMax install in our groop. He was eager to show off the bungs I made and installed in his exhaust and how much better it ran.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Tundermax (Tmax) Report
Congrats! Great feeling is an understatement. I have said it before, but will say it again well worth the price and the best money I have spent to date.
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Banned
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 3
From: Fugitive from justice
RE: Tundermax (Tmax) Report
Ok, ok..........I'm interested in the Tmax with auto tune cause I'm suffering big loss in MPG's but sweet increase in power with PCIII USB....i'm thinking I need to go back to a closed loop setup with wide band sensors.
But let me toss a question out first.....Let's say I don't want true duals, but prefer the quazi 2-into-1 Rush muffs I got from Jamie at Fuelmoto and retain my stock head pipes with 02 bungs already in place to preserve low end torque.
Note: I never plan big bore or head work
Is anyone yet running such a setup?, Or is anyone here running Tmax auto tune with 2-into-1?
But let me toss a question out first.....Let's say I don't want true duals, but prefer the quazi 2-into-1 Rush muffs I got from Jamie at Fuelmoto and retain my stock head pipes with 02 bungs already in place to preserve low end torque.
Note: I never plan big bore or head work
Is anyone yet running such a setup?, Or is anyone here running Tmax auto tune with 2-into-1?
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
From: STRONG ISLAND
RE: Tundermax (Tmax) Report
How many cycles (on -off) does it generally take to fully tune the system ? Also if the autone hasnt been fully cycled do you think that would affect start up performance?