I have searched and can't find much useful information on the newer versions of these.

It seems both Innovate and AEM have switched over to the LSU 4.9, so that is a non-issue.

The Innovate has a logging software that can be done through a serial port (I have old laptops around, no issue there). The AEM can be logged, but doesn't seem to have a program for it?

Both do 0-5v analog out and narrow band simulation. Though it seems the Innovate does both at the same time while the AEM can only do one at a time.

Anyone have experience with both of these? The Innovate claims to be the faster of the two, but I don't know how important that actually is.


For application, I will be supercharging my 1990 and want to be able to keep track of AFRs. I will eventually have a Megasquirt as well, likely a DYDPNP2.

Thanks,
x_25

 

I have an AEM. I like it since it's easier to set up without needing a free air calibration.

I'm probably going to switch to an innovate since it compatible with the tinyIOx serial AFR to CAN device to give digital CAN signal to the ECU rather than the analog signal.

 

As far as I know, the MTX-L with the LSU 4.9 sensor doesn't need the free air calibration? Or am I completely off my rocker (entirely possible).

From what I am reading, the Innovate units have more support out there it seems. Hmm...

 

Both work fine. Neither is more accurate then the other since they both use the same sensor. Any talk from Innovative or AEM saying otherwise is bs advertising. Bruce from Bowling and Grippo has done a few presentations on O2 sensors over the years at MS Megameets. The take away is that any wideband setup costing less then 5grand is marginal at best. There are to many factors that are not accounted for to make them overly accurate. Here is a good read from B&G about widebands.

Saying all that, I have moved to liking the AEM over the MXT-L. The reason is because it displays a reading faster then the MXT-L. While it is not an accurate reading due to needing to heat up, it does help tuning hot restarts and such a bit easier.

 

Shuiend. Awsome info, thanks. So basically, just go with whichever I think looks better. Leaning toward the AEM right now, but I may just get the MTX-L since it can use 4.2 or 4.9 sensors and log a bit easier.

My brain is fried from too much school work to read that link right now, but I will power through it at work tomorrow if I have time.

 

I have the MTX-L lsu 4.9; If i where ever to switch, I'd go with AEM

 

Any particular reason?

 

I've always had terrible luck with sensors crapping out prematurely.

 

Went for the AEM. Mostly because I like the look a little more and hear the support from AEM is better than from Inovate. If I have some time tonight I will start a build thread where I can ask stupid noob questions and get yelled at for doing everything wrong.

Thanks for your help guys, much appriciated.

 

AEM doesn't allow for free air calibration. I won't buy it ever cuz of that.

Though there might be a new one that does.

After more research I retract that statement completely. For both 4.2 and 4.9 sensors.

 

Neither does any system using the LSU 4.9. They calibrate it at the factory using a precision resister instead of having a reference air cell that can have problems. It is more or less the same sensor every OEM uses now.

Bosch LSU 4.9 is superior to LSU 4.2 sensors - ECOTRONS

 

I upgraded my MTX-L from a 4.2 sensor to 4.9 (just a firmware update and a new cable required) in the hope I wouldn't have to do any more free air calibrations. The controller still required me to do one when I first plugged the sensor in.

 

I've used all of them, AEM UEGO 4.9, AEM X Series 4.9, AEM WB Failsafe 4.9, Innovate 4.9, Innovate Boost Controller/WB 4.9.

I've had issues with each, AEM voltage output sensitivity (WB Failsafe gauge, regardless of grounding and voltage supply quality, Innovate's delayed start up/output signal causing correction issues during start up. Otherwise the Innovate is a great setup, just not friendly with the specific setup on start up.

Overall I'd have to say I'm a bigger fan of the AEM gauges. This new X Series is promising and is actually faster than it's competition. It will also be going in the Fab9 EFR Boosted NC..

 

DIYEFI.org Forum - View topic - New wideband controller ALM compared to Innovate LM-2

Innovate doesn't use a calibration resistor. Thats why.

 

Well that is a handy thread. Explains why the LC2 in my friend's car was only reading full rich or full lean when he got it and it worked fine after a calibration.