SDS VS MS, I would like to figure this one out?????? Options

[toon1]

DISCLAIMER: This is not a thread to argue bash or to say yours is better than mine.

I would like to learn what the difference is!

I am an MS user and happy with it, if SDS will fuel an engine better, I would like to find out why!

I have been following Daves thread about MS not fueling his engine well enough. There are dyno results proving this, can they be posted with the reasons why MS fails to provide an engine with what it needs?

I have been to SDS's site and cannot find any reason why it would fuel an engine better.

Is it the simplicity of setup?
Is it that SDS has 16x16 fuel tables?
Is SDS's processor faster?


I'm sure if MS was capable of doing the same as SDS, Jake would have figured it out.

I would like to learn differences!

AGAIN, no bashing, just learning.

Keith

[McMark]

When I hear/read these discussions, I can't help but see a lot of apples-to-oranges comparisons.

1. Build Quality: SDS is professionally built, but MS is available as a pre-built and pre-tested unit as well. I would never recommend a built at home MS system to anyone but a veteran solder monkey. Not that a 'normal' person can't build one, but do you want to be an electronics expert? or do you want a running car? IMHO, you're already taking a big bite by going with any tunable FI. Advantage: TIE as long as you buy a pre-built MS.

2. Wiring Harness: Using the right connectors, the right wire, and the right layout is important to a wiring harness. If you're building a MS harness, it's up to you to do it right. Advantage: SDS

3. Software Complexity: MS has many more options than SDS. This can make it more difficult to tune, but if you zero extra parameters out and get familiar with the settings/software it should be comparable to the SDS. Advantage: SDS for 'beginners' and TIE for 'experts'.

4. Cost: SDS is around $1000 for brain, tuner, and wiring. MS is $400 for a build ECU. MS will require a laptop and wiring harness. Both units will require a TPS, MAP, and other sensors. Advantage: MS

So I don't think that either system has a clear cut advantage. SDS is simple and straightforward. But not everyone needs simple and straight-forward. For some people I would absolutely recommend carbs, because they are easy to set up for a daily driver. For some people I would recommend SDS because it's easier than MS. And some people have the skills and knowledge to work with a MS system. Anyone who insisted on running MS on a motor of mine would be treated to a long conversation about whether it was right for them or not. Jeff Keyzer has one of my motors that he set up with MS and it's running GREAT!

There's not going to be a final decision, where we can blow the whistle and establish a clear winner. The real question here is which system is right for you, your skills/knowledge, your desire to learn/tinker, your tolerance for risks/setbacks, etc. For each person it is different. It's not, "Which one is better?", it's "Which one is suited for me?".