ECM calibration

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 26, 2011 | 04:09 PM

#11

fabrik8r

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 2,916

Likes: 31

From: earth

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocket4

I have a pair of Rinehart 3.5" slip ons. And I would like to use an HD 2 into 2 header set up with the CAT, maybe an AC. I'm thinking Xieds to help reduce the heat. I really don't want the expense of an HD SEPST and Dyno. Thought ?

First off, you changed the plan on me, originally you said no AC change, now you’re saying maybe an air cleaner. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. I was trying to do this as systematically and painlessly as possible. You left a couple questions unanswered but that’s Ok. I’m going to assume that sound and performance aren’t a big concern for you since you didn’t bother to answer. Heat is a moderate concern, and budget is obviously your primary concern. You don’t want to spend any money on a tuning device or tuning technician. You already got the slip-ons =$0, and you can get OEM 2:2 take offs pretty cheap=$150.00, and XIEDs for $109.00. Lets just say $260.00 for what you want to do. That is pretty cheap, but you get what you pay for. If it were really that easy and inexpensive to do this type of mod, everyone would be doing it. Your stock 2010 SG ECM is mapped to accommodate the OEM 2:1 exhaust system, XIEDs are super cheap “voltage splitter” signal modifiers that enrich the cruise range of the base map, they will not change your base map to accommodate a 2009 OEM 2:2 system. If your bike was OEM equipped with a 2:2 system and you wanted to just add slip-ons and XIEDs, I would reluctantly say it might work ok. Neither myself nor anyone else here can reasonably predict how well this combination will work. I generally don’t recommend any exhaust and/or intake changes without a tune. This combination will basically only gain you the dual exhaust appearance, engine and oil temp may drop a little but there will not be a significant decrease in heat radiating from the catalyst area in the pipe, and I’m inclined to believe you will notice a drop in performance. Sorry, but I don’t consider this to be a wothwhile modification and I don't recommend that you do this.

Jan 28, 2011 | 04:33 PM

#12

rocket4

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 8

Likes: 0

fabrik8tr, thanks for the response. If my responses change from thread to thread - that's because i'm still trying to learn. YES - my plan is ever-changing. I want to figure out not only the cheapest way (smart) but also the best way (smarter).You obviously have put a lot of thought into the subject. I'm new to EFI and have recently gone from a Hardtail Chop to a FLHX. (cadillac). Tuning a carb seamed comparably easy. ECM is more involved. The more I read, the more I learn. What would your opinion be on using 2 into 2 VH headers ( no CAT ) with the Rinehart slip ons. No a/c until I can cash up for a tuner ( type and brand to be determined ). VIEDS seem popular, but all I read is while they do work by fooling the ECM, the best thing is proper fuel management. I'm no aggressive rider by any means, but I do want a proper running bike that sounds and performs like a 96" twin cam can. thoughts .
Rocket----------

Jan 28, 2011 | 06:22 PM

#13

fabrik8r

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 2,916

Likes: 31

From: earth

Bro the big issue with your proposed mod is going from an OEM 2:1 to a 2:2 exhaust. Your ECM is mapped for the 2:1, the 2:2 will perform completely different from the 2:1, and therefore require a different map to support it. The current map won’t be “close enough” to perform acceptably with the 2:2. The cheapest things you could do right now without getting a tuner would be a single slip on for the OEM 2:1 header or a catless 2:1 header with the OEM muffler. Either of those would be counterproductive and a waste of money since you are planning for the 2:2. Save your bucks, do it all at once; exhaust, air cleaner, and tuner, and tune it once. Don’t be apprehensive about EFI, you know carbs so you know the fundamentals, EFI is just a more precise method of fuel delivery that works better over a wider range of operating conditions. Its too easy, just get to reading.

Jan 28, 2011 | 06:38 PM

#14

Faast Ed

Banned

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 7,580

Likes: 7

From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)

You are not changing just the flow of the exhaust. You are changing the dynamics.
2 into 1 vs. 2 into 2. It no longer fits into the catagory of "do pipes and A/C need a tune", because you are doing more than adding more flow.

Your stock ECM map was not made for the pipe you intend to use and there might be more than just adding fuel involved. There may also be some timing considerations for one cylinder or the other or both.

Now if you were to add slip-ons to your stock headpipe, that would be different.

Jan 28, 2011 | 06:40 PM

#15

Faast Ed

Banned

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 7,580

Likes: 7

From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)

Oh crap, I type too slow. Fabrik8r just said it before I did.

Mar 7, 2011 | 03:36 PM

#16

rocket4

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 8

Likes: 0

Okay - after reading and talkng to the people who have both the knowledge and experience, both good and bad, here is what I went with for my 2010 FLHX:
Vance and Hines Dresser Dual headers ( I plugged the O2 ports)
Arlen Ness Big Sucker A/C
Power Commander five ( great price at 'morepowerracing.com' - pre-programmed for $280.00 ).
I did the mods and went for a ride today, only a brisk 37 degrees out, the bike runs like a champ - no issues. Thx for all the advice. These threads are very useful.
I plan on adding the PCV auto-tune when I get the funds

Mar 7, 2011 | 07:16 PM

#17

joflewbyu2

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 795

Likes: 1

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocket4

Guys, I'm looking to change my 2010 FLHX 2 into 1 header. I want to use the HD 2 into 2 headers that HD put out this year. I have a pair of Rinehart slip on's given to me by a friend. HD catalog says the ECM will need to be re calibrated. I'm not changing the Air intake, it will stay stock.
Do I really need to re calibrate ?
Thanks, any help would be great. I'm searching the site for an answer.

I just took my 2 into 2 stock system off of my 2010 FLHTP. I went with Vance & Hines 2 into 1. Less weight, no cat, very throaty and more low end grunt. 2 into 1s usually produce more low end than most true duals. Duals are for looks

Last edited by joflewbyu2; Mar 7, 2011 at 07:19 PM.

Mar 7, 2011 | 07:52 PM

#18

Tracerbob

Cruiser

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 129

Likes: 0

From: NW Florida

All, just came across this thread and subscribed to it. Been thinking about the exhaust swap myself but, I'm swapping out my 2010 FLHX's 2:1 for a completely stock 2010 FLH 2:2 system with stock mufflers for now (for symmetry).
I have a similar background as Rocket4 having owned nothing but Shovels till now so I'm trying to soak up as much about "tuning" as possible. If I do this swap and touch nothing else, can I get away without touching the ECM?