Thread: Alpha/N vs MAP and MAF anyone using it?

Anyone using Alpha/N as their load? I know its usually associated to ITB's but its seems like there's less stuff to adjust. Less things to adjust sounds like an easier tune to setup. I would assume the fuel map would take more fine tuning than a MAP setup but you don't use the IAT sensor.

MAP setup's over MAF: You need to setup the MAP and IAT sensors which you don't have to do on a MAF setup. Sounds like its harder to tune to me BUT once this is done there is less other things to adjust than a MAF setup right?

I'm trying to decide/debate on to go NEMU or not:

1. Huge cost
2. I'm N/A and not TURBO
3. No NITROUS
4. No FLEX FUEL in my area, so that's outta the question
5. Most of the extra things to adjust/goodies don't apply to me.

benefits I could use over basic tunercode:

1. 20x20 tables
2. I can finally integrate my wideband with the Breakout Box (I couldn't figure out the divide by 2 voltage divider thing)
3. Better launch control/anti lag/retard
4. MAF/MAP/Alpha/N
5. Realtime

I can do any MAF setup no problem, so I'm not sure if I want issues in tunning LOL

Innovate mtxl can be programmed to output half voltage. Just stay maf for a simple na setup imho. Get a wot tune and closed loop will take careb of the rest.

I figured some people must be using Alpha/N... I figured less sensors to have would be a good thing. Maybe the a/f changes a lot with weather because of no IAT sensor? Might not be a big deal if you only drive the car in the summer and don't live in the mountains (elevation changes)..

Also if I was using the wideband for closed loop can I use this with either MAF/MAP/Alpha/N?

This is worth whatever it takes to get.

Yes, load sensor/calculation has no effect on closed loop.
I'm pretty sure John has tuned at least one engine with alpha-N.

Dave

If I were to use the alpha/N as load is IAT disabled?

I'm asking because I don't have ITB's... So I could have an IAT in my intake pipe.

Alpha/N might be a bit harder to tune, but it can't be much different than the MAP way and less sensors (IAT) sounds like an even simpler setup than a MAP setup. OR it could be easier than a MAP setup with no IAT and using wideband in closed loop feedback.

While Alpha-N seems simpler because it only uses TPS (plus RPM) to tune, it is much more difficult because there is really no concept of how much air is entering the engine. You have to spend a lot of time getting every single cell tuned properly. You have to be comfortable tuning based on delta-TPS (and hopefully delta-delta-TPS) as well. There is a lot less room for error when it comes to low load situations. I would not consider it an answer to any problem other than an ITB sans-plenum setup.

The only thing I don't like about mafs is the space they take up in the engine bay.. I've played with speed density but my low load / cruising suffered and consumed a lot of fuel, but I'm not used to tuning speed density an don't have the time / fuel to play around with it as much as I'd like to..

Speed density for me is way nicer. Just as easy to tune as a MAF and less junk in the bay. My MPGs are the best they have been, and driveability is great. Also you can buy new MAP and IAT sensors for way less than MAFs. If you are staying NA I suggest the GM 1 bar sensor from the GTO. I can get you a part number if you wish and the settings for NEMU.

IMO alpha N is great for naturally aspirated race engines and that is about it (and of course ITB cars).

It comes down to preference between the MAF/MAP debate. I honestly like tuning a well setup MAF car over anything. Once you get the MAF vq curve dialed in, it will hit whatever AFR target you command, which is nice.

The downside is the load scale is arbitrary and it can be non-intuitive to tune the timing for a MAF car.

The MAP sensor is less hassle in the engine bay and lets you have a more open intake pipe. It also uses a load scale that you can actually visualize in real world values, which is nice for some people.

Alpha N is really only useful when there is no other alternative that works well (ITB cars for example).