Power Commander versus ECU Reflash or Both?

[bmacneil2008]

Ok, I don't get it. Why do we need a PCV after having the ECU reflashed? It would seem you could calibrate the ECU to deliver the same air/fuel ratio as the PCV. I just purchased a new 2009 Stelvio and am adding a slip on exhaust, sans cat, so know need added fuel but was hoping an ECU refresh from would be all is needed?

I have a Kawasaki Versys, which also had the cat in the exhaust, and added a Yoshimura pipe. Also installed a PC5 as unable to alter the ECU and O2 sensor settings.

So why pay for an ECU reflash if adding a Power Commander? Obviously a 'newbie' question, but did not see answered in other posts.

 

[dbarb3]

The reflash will do the trick, most people that get the PC also get the auto tune module. The reflash will get you in the ball park but the PC with autotune will get your AF exactly where you set it. Just depends on how much you want spend. The PC without the autotune module is useless IMO.

 

[dbarb3]

Forgot to mention, the reflash is what turns off your exhaust sensor. Without that turned off the PC can't fuel the lower rpm range

 

[GTM®]

You posted in two areas for the same question, so here go again.. to expand on whats posted above of course:

Ok, I don't get it. Why do you need a PCV after having the ECU re-flashed?

All very well outlined in the first post of the PC-V thread. Simply put, the ECU flash is a static map, and every engine requires different fuel requirements (though crudely corrected it does reasonably OK), but it allows for full map access, and adding the PC-V allows AutoTune, which give completely dynamic fueling revisions on the fly, from idle to redline. Pretty great technology. You just can't get this with just the ECU.. however timing revisions and other good running mods cannot happen with the PC-V. p.s. You might want to contact Doug/ToadRide here on this Forum about his experience with a re-flash by them.

 

[bmacneil2008]

You posted in two areas for the same question, so here go again.. to expand on whats posted above of course:

All very well outlined in the first post of the PC-V thread. Simply put, the ECU flash is a static map, and every engine requires different fuel requirements (though crudely corrected it does reasonably OK), but it allows for full map access, and adding the PC-V allows AutoTune, which give completely dynamic fueling revisions on the fly, from idle to redline. Pretty great technology. You just can't get this with just the ECU.. however timing revisions and other good running mods cannot happen with the PC-V. p.s. You might want to contact Doug/ToadRide here on this Forum about his experience with a re-flash by them.

That makes sense, thanks. I will contact Todd and see what he recommends. I also read about the Guzzidiag but to be honest, am hesitant to start playing with the factory settings and maps just from the concern of making an error and damaging the engine.

There is a dyno shop here in town that have a good reputation in setting up race bikes and I assume would be willing to help me add a new map. I am not looking for more power actually, just a smother exhaust note, with the DB in, and most likely changing the air filter box top, that would be all.

 

[bmacneil2008]

Also, the only reason I am asking about the ECU and PCV add on is I assumed by removing the stock exhaust and cat-con, that I would need to add a PCV/ECU refresh so the bike would not run lean. Is this accurate?

And, if I install the Zard muffler with the cat-con, https://www.guzzitech.com/store/product/zard-stelvio-muffler-wcat-con/, will I still need the PCV and ECU work?

Thaks again.