stand alone aftermarket computer?do u have one

[v8eatr]

I was thinking of getting a diffrent computer for the svo one you can program with a lap top

but first I would like to hear if some one hear has done this

are they race only?

can you use it for a daily driver

[SVOeric]

you need to do some searches, and research -- to decide how you want to go.. there are lots of different ways. from tuners to full blown stand-alone systems.

[Ted B]

I was thinking of getting a diffrent computer for the svo one you can program with a lap top

After researching this extensively, the most attractive option IMO is the Holley Commander 950 with optional wideband O2 setup. You can spend more money (~$1700) and get less, but you won't spend less and get as much power and flexibility.

This system is as comprehensive and versatile as you'll ever need, and it is limited only by your tuning competence. If you are very serious about tweaking power and efficiency with modern controls, it's a must in my experience. When you get something like this working properly, it's like the difference between driving a truck, and driving something with Benz-like refinement.

[Gyrhead]

Sds

I looked at the Commander setup and for the money, like $1,200, you can get the SDS without the WB 02 plus save $100 for dinner. I can't speak to the Holley perse, but the SDS is set-up for the EEC-IV with a mating harness and works off all of the existing sensors (except for 1, the BAP that takes the place of the VAM) are wired thru the existing EEC-IV harness. I don't know about anyone else, but I have zero interest in building harnesses and running them back to the kick panel and troubleshooting new sensor installations. Plus, you've got to figure what your time is worth. WMS is a 100% Ford performace shop, so the SDS is designed for the EEV-III and IV applications right from the start. I believe the Commander is an EFI setup for a motor that was previously carbed. I know some guys out there have looked at the Megasquirt, but having spent some time poking around, unless you're an engineer or have a really orderly mind, Megasquirt, while cheaper is far complicated and a bit of a DIY project. I know Bart has looked at it and prolly has more insights.

Just my $.02

[Ted B]

FWIW, the Commander #950-104 is a dedicated 4-cyl EFI system that includes a wiring harness, and isn't intended for carbureted applications. I was initially sold on the SDS, but the further I looked into both, the more stark the disparities between them became. It's worthwhile and free to read the Commander's online manual, which is probably the best standalone manual I've read to date. It's a great, informative read in itself:

http://www.holley.com/data/Products/Technical/199R10149-7.pdf

For starters, the tiny LCD display on the SDS is incredibly tiny and primitive as compared to the comprehensive windows based graphic display of the Commander. Furthermore, the Commander's display highlights actual load cells in *real time*, which is an invaluable tuning tool. This expedites the tuning process, which alone is worth quite a few 'dinners'.

And as for the wideband O2, it's proven to be SO advantageous in tuning other applications with which I have experience, that I wouldn't even think of working without it. Being able to log O2 readings in real time, on the street, ALL of the time, is almost like having a free dyno. That makes the price of admission relatively cheap by comparison.

Additionally, the Commander provides not only *far* more programming flexibility with open loop and closed loop parameters, but also has a relatively sophisticated and user programmable knock sensing/ignition retard algorithm, which is especially advantageous when put to good use.

Don't get me wrong, the SDS is unquestionably a relatively simple, effective device who's best feature (as far as I can see) is ease of installation. However, dollar for dollar, there is little comparison. It's like comparing a DOS system with Windows XP with no difference in price.

[Gyrhead]

I will give you that on the SDS's screen, it is small. I did look at the Commander's manual, but didn't get all the way thru it. Since it appears that you've looked heavily at each, did you actually install the Commander? The reason I ask is as a Holley dealer, I can get fairly decent pricing on the 950 and I'm assuming on the WB 02. What is the price you paid for the WB? On my SDS, the WB was close to $400, which I thought was expensive.

I think the SDS is equally pretty tunable and most of the parameters on the Holley look to be available on the SDS. Although in step increments. I like the 2.3 base maps as a starting place. I'd be concerned that without a starting ref point for the Holley, with values specific to the 2.3L Ford baseline, it might be next to impossible to dial in and run right, however I presume you can just translate and dump those into the Commander . Again, I come back to the issue of harnesses and ease of install. The Commander kit says, senders included, but do each and every one have to be plumbed back to the ECM. If so, I would find that process ardious at best. What about ignition? What I don't like about the SDS is the fact that you're locked into an aftermarket ignition like the Crane Hi6 or MSD 6AL. I think the stock Ford system is plenty adequate and relaiable for street applications and I've never had good results with aftermarket ignitions in the past, although I bought the Hi-6 on Victor's (SVOvet) say so since he's had his in for years without problem. Plus, you need a $50 tach filter to make the FoMoCo tach work again.

I'd be really interested to see how the Holley install goes for you. I by no means am an SDS expert. I have the unit ready to go, but I want my FMIC installed before I do it. I'm always looking for new insights.

[Ted B]

I haven't installed the Commander. Actually, I haven't yet purchased mine. Since you're a Holley dealer, I'll almost certainly be knocking at your door about it.

The Commander's harness consists of unterminated wires and applicable connectors. This requires some time, but it appears to be straightfoward and clear. I don't mind, as my factory harness isn't exactly in mint condition, and I'd probably replace it anyway. The ignition drivers are compatible with both the stock Ford system, or an aftermarket box (e.g. MSD 6A).

The biggest advantage of the SDS as far as I can see is simplicity and ease of installation. That's quite virtuous, and will no doubt appeal to many. My situation requires a bit more flexibility (larger motor and big turbo), which requires more tuning flexibility, which unfortunately comes at the expense of simplicity. Naturally, that won't appeal to everyone, and isn't especially friendly to a more casual tuner.

[Gyrhead]

Oh, yeah and I meant to mention that the SDS has a kludge-ish workaround for low-impediance injectors. To avoid heat build-up in the ECM, they use a resistor grid assembly that I'm not too crazy about. Apparently it works, but must be mounted so as to not burn or melt anything. They also use a relay setup for the IAC control for the same precaution. You can use the air bleeders to work around this problem.

PF

[SvoTy]

I cant say anything about the Holley unit because I have only read about them, but the SDS is the best thing that I have ever installed on a SVO.

The big thing with any of them is to be able to tune it on a dyno with a good wideband A/F meter. Just driving around and guessing is not going to work.

Ty

[Ernie Orwig]

I installed the Holley 950 PRO about a year ago and love it. As far as I am concerned it is easy to navigate and make changes on the fly by using the WB02. It is Pricey....but It is money well spent.

[Rob Hughes]

Check out Turboford.org lots of guys over there pushing the limits of the 2.3 and lots of stand alone guys.

[Ernie Orwig]

holley users

Randle Tagg also has one in his SVO.