PC-V or HD ECM Download?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
IMO the PCV from Fuel Moto is the best tuner option for most people. For $300 you get the PCV and an accurate map created on a bike like yours with like hardware. For most a dyno-tune will not be necessary and if you change your configuration (e.g., cams, big-bore) you can obtain a new map from Fuel Moto at no additional cost.
As has been suggested already, the Stage 1 only adjusts the ECM for the new hardware based on EPA regulations. I doubt if it will run cooler since it won't change anything below about 60% throttle, as that is kept at stoich (~14.6) by the stock O2 sensors. It is a firmware download from the dealer, where he plugs a computer in the ECM of your bike and in five minutes hands you a bill for $150 or more. If you decide to buy a tuner later on you are starting from square one again and the $150 you spent on the Stage 1 download will be a waste.
As has been suggested already, the Stage 1 only adjusts the ECM for the new hardware based on EPA regulations. I doubt if it will run cooler since it won't change anything below about 60% throttle, as that is kept at stoich (~14.6) by the stock O2 sensors. It is a firmware download from the dealer, where he plugs a computer in the ECM of your bike and in five minutes hands you a bill for $150 or more. If you decide to buy a tuner later on you are starting from square one again and the $150 you spent on the Stage 1 download will be a waste.
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
If I read your post correctly, you stated, (you do not want me near anything Mechanical) If this is true and you don't have a friend to install stuff, I would let the Dealer do everything. If your not planning to go any farther than Stage1 A/F and Slipons, Get the ECM DL flash, or you can do like I did, Install FL-XIED'S for around 100.00 dollars. Just plug them in! JMO
For someone who isn't going to be changing out cams or exhaust on their bikes periodically, it's hard to beat a SERT and a dyno tune. No generic map will run as well as a specific dyno tune of your particular bike. A Power Commander with autotune will get you about 92 to 95 percent of the way, but a proper dyno tune is still the gold standard.
If the choice was Power Commander or stage I download, though, I'd go with the Power Commander. It gives you the flexibility of re-mapping when you do futher upgrades.
The stage I download, according to a friend who is a HD tech, does nothing except raise the rev limit to 6200. We've been led to believe that it adjusts the air/fuel ratio, but apparantly, that isn't so. The closed loop fuel injection system used today does that when you change exhaust and air cleaner. It will still run as lean as it did before the download, in order to meet EPA regulations.
If the choice was Power Commander or stage I download, though, I'd go with the Power Commander. It gives you the flexibility of re-mapping when you do futher upgrades.
The stage I download, according to a friend who is a HD tech, does nothing except raise the rev limit to 6200. We've been led to believe that it adjusts the air/fuel ratio, but apparantly, that isn't so. The closed loop fuel injection system used today does that when you change exhaust and air cleaner. It will still run as lean as it did before the download, in order to meet EPA regulations.
Last edited by Mike; Jan 1, 2011 at 05:45 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
As others said if you do not do any other modifications I would say go with the dealer. But otherwise I would go with the PC V. If you go with the PC V you have alot of options in the future.
Just over a year ago I did a package, stage 1, mufflers and a PC V from FuelMoto. In the future I plan on cams and true duals. All I have to do is get in touch with FuelMoto and they send me a new map. I think you would be hard pressed to find someone better to do business with than FuelMoto.
Just over a year ago I did a package, stage 1, mufflers and a PC V from FuelMoto. In the future I plan on cams and true duals. All I have to do is get in touch with FuelMoto and they send me a new map. I think you would be hard pressed to find someone better to do business with than FuelMoto.
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