S/C and VEC...Buy the add-on software? Best configurations?

[DAMN YANKEE]

For those of you that have put on a Roe blower and a VEC system, have you taken it one step further and adopted the Vec computer software interface?
My system is running well but I have taken it no further than Sean's cards (configured for my my set-up) and provided for 91, 93 octane and emmission testing. What am I missing by not being able to analyse and tune the Vec?

1. How many folks actually purchased and use the VEC software package?
- Did you end up using your own, self configured set-ups over the stock cards?
- Big improvement?
- Did that result in just a couple of new cards?
- How often do you log your system...and tune it as a result?
- Would you recommend pursueing the software?
- Card writer/reader recommendations?

2. How did you go about interfacing with the Vec?
- Did you cable or go wireless (is that an option?)
- Do you drive with your laptop connected? Often? Do you find you make changes that make you glad your always connected?
- Wire routing? Firewall tips? Laptop postioning?
- Additional data collection devices used?

3. I have a pod on my steering wheel housing that current has a D-PIC gauge. More than happy to swap that out if there is a more important gauge that should go there to monitor the S/C, recommendations?
- Other gauges, indicators recommended?

4. Any good shots of the finihed interior set-ups?

I searched under VEC, SOFTWARE, COMPUTER, MAPPING, etc. and didn't finmd much out there so this would be very helpful. Thanks.

 

[Shelby3]

PM SENT

 

[Joseph Dell]

Definitely get the software. Then prepare to learn. A lot.

But do it. Do it now. Do it.

JD

 

[Mr Hemi Head]

1. How many folks actually purchased and use the VEC software package?
- Did you end up using your own, self configured set-ups over the stock cards?
The card supplied with the first W/M systems did not work for my car. Street tuning was necessary.
- Big improvement?
Oh Yes
- Did that result in just a couple of new cards?
Yes since ambient temps will change the tune.
- How often do you log your system...and tune it as a result?
When the S/C was installed and after engine mods that will effect tune.
- Would you recommend pursueing the software?
As JD said, "do it now".
- Card writer/reader recommendations?
Roe sells one but you can use the VEC box to write cards.
2. How did you go about interfacing with the Vec?
Hard wire the sensors to the VEC box.
- Did you cable or go wireless (is that an option?)
Wireless is an option but expensive. I ran a temporary serial cable through the hood and window. Not good on a chilly day.
- Do you drive with your laptop connected? Often? Do you find you make changes that make you glad your always connected?
Only when actively tuning otherwise watch the A/F meter
- Wire routing? Firewall tips? Laptop postioning?
Laptop is on the driver seat, easy to push Start Logging from there.
- Additional data collection devices used?
The more data the better. I have the TPS, factory MAP and A/F wired to the VEC.

BTW if you need a pillar gauge pod I have two new ones for sale. PM for more info. Rick

 

[Joseph Dell]

RE: running a wire into the engine compartment: it is easy. remove the hood latch assembly on the driver's side door (3 bolts, i believe). there is a rubber grommet that is easy accessible with the driver's door open. remove the grommet and cut out a small amount of it to allow another cable to run through. now you have access from the engine compartment to the passenger compartment w/o any drilling.

run your serial cable through there and (ultimately) to the passenger seat area. now you can have a laptop in the passenger seat anytime you want!

JD

 

[KenH]

As with Mr. Hemi Head, my car would not run until I tuned it with the software and I find I have to frequently retune it with temperature changes and have a number of different cards in my car at all times.

The one item I don't see listed above that is an absolute must if you are going to try to do your own tuning is a wideband O2 sensor of some type wired into the VEC2. If you are going to have one gauge in the car, make it a WBO gauge. That will let you keep an eye on your A/F to make sure you are staying within a safe range, but you really need to log it along with the the other VEC2 parameters to actually tune the car.

I have seen people pop their pistons even with a 'safe' 5lb setup when their tune changed. If I remember right, you are running the VEC3, is that correct? If so, I understand it has some improvements on the handling of the AIT sensor, so perhaps the tune will stay more stable. It'd be nice to find out what the status of the VEC3 is, as I would happily pay to upgrade if it would fix the temperature tuning issues with this system.

 

[NoRice]

So if someone is new to the tuning stuff, is there somewhere they an go to get more information to perhaps tune their car themselves? Any books, websites, etc.?

 

[Supercharged Vipermad]

run your serial cable through there and (ultimately) to the passenger seat area. now you can have a laptop in the passenger seat anytime you want!

JD

Only us cool guys with the COOL laptop stands, eh!?!?! All others let it sit on the seat. Well......unless one has SOLD their car.....then it is just the COOL people like JD!!

 

[Steve 00RT/10]

RE: running a wire into the engine compartment: it is easy. remove the hood latch assembly on the driver's side door (3 bolts, i believe). there is a rubber grommet that is easy accessible with the driver's door open. remove the grommet and cut out a small amount of it to allow another cable to run through. now you have access from the engine compartment to the passenger compartment w/o any drilling.

run your serial cable through there and (ultimately) to the passenger seat area. now you can have a laptop in the passenger seat anytime you want!

JD

This is likely the best way, but to cut corners.....a 6' serial cable can easily be led from the VEC2 area backwards through the hood area and into the door area.......Shut the door on the cable and lead it over the steering column to the passenger side where your assistant (my wife) can run the computer for logging. ..Much safer with an extra person running the log -- especially on 2 lane roads like we have. It's a 2 handed experience for the driver especially when you add some bumpy pavement to the mix.

I probably did 40 logs last spring/summer this way...slight kink in the cable after a while, but still perfectly functional. All windows can be up. I keep the cable behind the driver's seat when not in use.

I set my LTFT to zero before finalizing my 3 cards. I too am waiting to see how the VEC2 guys can upgrade to the new unit.

Sean is also an invaluable resource to start with.

Steve

 

[DAMN YANKEE]

Great info, thanks to all, this should end up being a great repository for all that follow. I am now commited to buy the software. My fear is I dont know enough to start buying "STUFF" to make this all happen. I want to get as much good info as I can so I can get it close to "Right the First Time."

Need a more general foundation here.

I am about to do the exhaust dance (hi-fl cat, 3" catback)Therefor, I can tap into the mid pipe, cat, rears.... right now. What other devices do I need to apply to the car to collect data? For instance do I keep the original O2 sensors in the exhaust system (is this where wide band sensors go)? Do I need to pick up data off the engine/exhaust/environment in other areas?

1. What is TPS?
2. A/F (air flow?) meter, is that on the laptop screen?
3. What are LTFT adaptives?
4. IAT Iintake air temp?) on the laptop?
5. WBO (wide band Oxygen?) do I need to buy the sensors first?

Thanks to all.

 

[Mr Hemi Head]

Great info, thanks to all, this should end up being a great repository for all that follow. I am now commited to buy the software. My fear is I dont know enough to start buying "STUFF" to make this all happen. I want to get as much good info as I can so I can get it close to "Right the First Time."

Need a more general foundation here.

I am about to do the exhaust dance (hi-fl cat, 3" catback)Therefor, I can tap into the mid pipe, cat, rears.... right now. What other devices do I need to apply to the car to collect data? For instance do I keep the original O2 sensors in the exhaust system (is this where wide band sensors go)? Do I need to pick up data off the engine/exhaust/environment in other areas?

1. What is TPS?
Throttle Position Sensor
2. A/F (air flow?) meter, is that on the laptop screen?
Air Fuel mixture, read from the WB sensor(s) that you are installing. Can be graphed on the VEC logging page.
3. What are LTFT adaptives?
A Scan Tool is needed to do what Steve mentioned. Not needed unless you get a bothersome check engine light.
4. IAT Iintake air temp?) on the laptop?
Yup but the sensor is in the air box. VEC 2 is not setup to read that.
5. WBO (wide band Oxygen?) do I need to buy the sensors first?
A sensor installed in either or both exhaust sides in addition to the factory narrow band sensors.Usually supplied with the meter. Lots of opinions on which is best, I have a Dynojet unit but there are others.

The WB sensor(s) **** should be welded before the cat but not too close, the heat can damage the sensor.

 

[Mr Hemi Head]

Beginners can log and save the data then E mail the info to a VCA forum expert or to Sean Roe. The fuel/timing tables will be modified and returned by Email. You load that into the VEC and do another logging run and compare the results.

Compare the tables from each tune to get the hang of what to change and the amount.

Tuning by E mail...amazing stuff. This may sound complicated but its not with help from the VCA forum.

 

[NoRice]

Beginners can log and save the data then E mail the info to a VCA forum expert or to Sean Roe. The fuel/timing tables will be modified and returned by Email. You load that into the VEC and do another logging run and compare the results.

Compare the tables from each tune to get the hang of what to change and the amount.

Tuning by E mail...amazing stuff. This may sound complicated but its not with help from the VCA forum.

This can be done with just the VEC 2 software? If I have a Vec 2 on my car would I be entitled to the software for free?

 

[DAMN YANKEE]

If I'm not mistaken, the answer is no.

One buys this,
http://www.roeracing.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=8&idproduct=75

and it costs $270.

The actual Roe web site does not mention the EASE product and VEC. Gentlemen, am I correct, is this the product?

 

[Steve 00RT/10]

The actual Roe web site does not mention the EASE product and VEC. Gentlemen, am I correct, is this the product?

The EASE product is the diagnostic scan tool. It is not the software for the VEC2 or 3.

Steve

 

[Mr Hemi Head]

If I'm not mistaken, the answer is no.

One buys this,
http://www.roeracing.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=8&idproduct=75

and it costs $270.

The actual Roe web site does not mention the EASE product and VEC. Gentlemen, am I correct, is this the product?

Look here under downloads VEC2 3.50 zip. Not sure if this a demo program or Sean is now giving it away. It was about $100 and that included the serial cable and pigtails for your inputs. There is enough there to get familiar with how the program works.

http://www.roeracing.com/support/index.asp

 

[NoRice]

For some reason I get an error when trying to run it. Maybe it just updates a previous copy.

 

[Joseph Dell]

The software on the ROE site just updates a previous copy.

 

[DAMN YANKEE]

Thanks to all. Appears EASE is NOT the right program.

Will call Mr. Roe today and get to the bottom of all this for our general enlightenment.

Recommendations, tricks or traps on WIDE BAND OXYGEN SENSORS?
- Use one or two?
- Do I need the meter that comes with them if I have a VEC?

 

[Joseph Dell]

Thanks to all. Appears EASE is NOT the right program.

Will call Mr. Roe today and get to the bottom of all this for our general enlightenment.

Recommendations, tricks or traps on WIDE BAND OXYGEN SENSORS?
- Use one or two?
- Do I need the meter that comes with them if I have a VEC?

One is fine. Driver's side header just south of the collector works nicely.

do you need the meter? that depends on whether you want to be able to monitor the A/F while the car is running WITHOUT a laptop plugged in all the time!

JD

 

[DAMN YANKEE]

Air Fuel Management..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air-fuel_ratio_meter

Some of the products..

http://www.zeitronix.com/Products/zt2/zt2.htm
http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/
http://www.hardracing.com/Misc/WideBand.htm
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/products/air-fuel/index.asp?nav=19000&country=US
http://members.aol.com/bigturbo1/airfuel.html
http://www.mainlineauto.com.au/products/emission/afr806/index.htm
http://www.airfuelmeter.com/english/
http://www.widebandcommander.com/
http://www.alamomotorsports.com/FJO/wbafr.htm
http://www.fuelairspark.com/Catalogs/CurrentCatalog/pdf/18.pdf
http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/uego1000.htm
http://www.ontronic-efi.com/wideband.php
http://www.rpmoutlet.com/aemgauge.htm
http://www.racetep.com/halmeter.html
http://www.boostcontroller.com/index.php?category=31

 

[trainville]

Maybe I missed something here, but the Vec 2/3 comes with all the software you need. There's no additional software you HAVE to buy. The included software will allow you to log settings and modify settings (although I leave that to Sean). It also comes with very detailed instruction/help files that will help you modify your own files. (I still leave that to Sean)

I used the stock MAP sensor and it works OK. I believe it will only read down to about 13 A/F. You will need an aftermarket WBO to accurately measure those rich settings.

Buy the Vec 2/3 and let Sean help you with issues as you come across them. You won't be disappointed with his level of service. Good luck!

 

[DAMN YANKEE]

Mine, a Vec3 that came with the new blower assembly (12-06), did not come with any software at all. Nor did it come with a cable, or any instructions as to tuning, mapping, etc.

 

[Viper Specialty]

VEC's that come with blowers do not come with software. VEC's that are purchased as a standalone DO come with software.

 

[trainville]

Wassuppwidat?

 

[Mr Hemi Head]

Air Fuel Management..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air-fuel_ratio_meter

Some of the products..

http://www.zeitronix.com/Products/zt2/zt2.htm
http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/
http://www.hardracing.com/Misc/WideBand.htm
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/products/air-fuel/index.asp?nav=19000&country=US
http://members.aol.com/bigturbo1/airfuel.html
http://www.mainlineauto.com.au/products/emission/afr806/index.htm
http://www.airfuelmeter.com/english/
http://www.widebandcommander.com/
http://www.alamomotorsports.com/FJO/wbafr.htm
http://www.fuelairspark.com/Catalogs/CurrentCatalog/pdf/18.pdf
http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/uego1000.htm
http://www.ontronic-efi.com/wideband.php
http://www.rpmoutlet.com/aemgauge.htm
http://www.racetep.com/halmeter.html
http://www.boostcontroller.com/index.php?category=31

Please be aware that some of these are A/F gauges that connect to the stock O2 sensor. That will not provide useful information for tuning.

Also verify that the VEC will read the output of the gauge you select. I know Innovative and DynoJet work. Check with Roe or the VCA forum about the other makes.

 

[DAMN YANKEE]

Yep, soooooo....

I've been very supportive of the whole Roe Blower experience on this site.
These are great people, producing a great product and trying hard to provide the highest level of service in this industry.

I'll say it like I see it on this particular issue, otherwise its just another -I love everything about "XXXXX" (input supplier name) goofy and all too familiar "remember me when I order next time" rant.

On the issue of:

SOFTWARE needed to tune an engine with the Vec system.
HARDWARE needed to attach the Vec unit to the PC.
INSTRUCTIONS needed to tune with the Vec.

All Vecs, every one, without exception, whether paid for as a stand alone or paid for as a bundled S/C package should come with everything required to do the proper job of tuning the unit. If the blower package cost doesn't cover it, either give it away for free or charge more for it. I'm working way, WAY too hard to close the loop on this thing.

I agree completely...

Wassuppwidat?

 

[Steve 00RT/10]

Also verify that the VEC will read the output of the gauge you select. I know Innovative and DynoJet work. Check with Roe or the VCA forum about the other makes.

The NGK Powerdex AFX unit works with the VEC software as well. That's what I bought last year when Sean was thinking of handling this unit after seeing it at a SEMA show. Sean had a new definition written for the NGK to log correctly as the AFR parameters are different (9-16AFR). I assume he inserted it into the software for future VECs, but you should ask if you consider this unit.

Steve

 

[Mr Hemi Head]

and IMHO the software should come with a wideband system as well.

Sean would probably do better if he supplied the software free and then charge $95/hr for tuning support, but he does not.

The value of unlimited no charge tuning support far exceeds the cost of the VEC software and it continues long after the warranty expires.

So bite the bullet and have fun tuning.

 

[DAMN YANKEE]

Needed to rewrite this one.

Here we go. Just got off the phone wih Sean and have a better understanding of why the Vecs dont all come with the software. First and foremost, the software is not out on the web, only the ability to update any and all VEC software previously owned by purchases is. One has to buy he software if one has bought the Vec with the S/C kit.

The reason is two fold:

1. Most folks that buy the supercharger kit do not want to tune there own units, they want Sean to and, for most. giving them software creates problems for Sean as they try to tune it themselves.

2. Sean has worked out a deal with the software writer that is a simple "pay as you go" venture. Need the software? Buy it.

I bought the software and is on its way.