Best Standalone ECU Brand & Model Option For This LS Setup

Hi Andre,

Taz recommended that I ask this question publically since it's topical at the moment given your Standalone Tuning Course is about to get underway. As you're well aware, buying the wrong standalone solution for your build can rid you of thousands of dollars before you even start and may never run the vehicle as you had hoped. Maybe not even as well as the OEM ECU did.

For our application below we'd like to know what you would recommend. Our American partners are all recommending a Holley Dominator ECU with 16 injectors, dual WB controllers and coil near plug option etc, but this is a huge investment if it doesn't work out. The Holley V5 software doesn't have a global starter file with DBW, 3 BAR MAP and Manual Trans to even start with either. Our vehicle is registered and mainly just does drag nights, power cruises and playing at drift days. We'd like to keep as many OEM features as possible but understand the CAN tie-ins that may stop a lot of this. Making 925hp at wheels at present. It runs pretty well with E38 ECU but it has trouble at times controlling the TB, throwing engine codes, snapping shut etc. Also doesn't log rail pressure which can suffer when the ECU cant calculate inj flow rates or dwell time quickly enough.

We are currently running a Series 1 VE SS with the following build details:

409ci Darton Sleeved LSA Block, Callies Dragon Slayer Crank, CP Pistons & Rods, Bullet Cam & Limited travel lifters - 9.1 static comp x58 Reluctor

4 Bolt CNC LS3 heads with stainless O-ring head gaskets & ARP highest tensile strength studs

Nick Williams 102mm Boosted DBW TB, Sonic 1650cc Injectors - not good injector data with these (@58psi), 58psi rail pressure return style reg, E85 fuel

Whipple 4.0L Supercharger running 25psi boost though FI Interchiller brick - (need A/C compressor control) 2.5bar MAP and HPT custom OS (obviously exceeding VE tables MAP range)

Magnum XL Manual Transmission

Let me know if I've forgotten any details you require to make a call

Thank you - Darren

What inputs?

What outputs?

What functions?

What reason have your partners given for selecting the Holley ECU?

What other options did they reject, and why?

I would also think about things like manufacturer support, user (and supplier/tuner base), integration with other accessories (dash etc), future expansion, data logging (including the analysis software), ease of use of software etc.

Hey Denis - thanks for your reply. The inputs and outputs can be assumed from the build details, only real unique type input would be an analog temp input for interchiller coolant as this is pretty critical. Nothing was rejected, they just recommended the Dominator. Yanks do heaps of blown & turbo LS Stuff so I guess they know what they're on about. But my background is OEM ECU tuning - hence my post and question, I dont know who offers best support or if the Dominator is overkill

Hey Darren, thanks for the question - let's see if I can help. While it sounds like a simple question, the answer is a little harder because there are so many factors that go into making the right choice and often these are personal. For example the ECU I may want to chose might not suit your budget or requirements.

First up I'd say there should be no reason that the OE ECU can't handle this combo and many are making this sort of power level via reflashing. I'd take an educated guess that your dbw issues are related to the larger throttle body you've fitted. It's hard to gibve much more info without knowing what codes the ECU is throwing but these are usually a pretty good clue as to where to look. That being said, you're probably on the line of where a standalone starts making sense so let's continue down that path.

I haven't personally used the Holley product so it's hard for me to make a recommendation. I've spent a bit of time covering the dominator for a tech feature so it's not totally foreign to me but I haven't used it. Given your power level (unless you're planning on a significant upgrade), there's no need to complicate things with 16 injectors and this will also open up your available options.

My biggest concern for you going the Holley route is that I'd suspect you're going to struggle to get tech support in a timely fashion from Australia - I could be wrong but I'm doubtful that there are many using the Dominator in Aus. On this basis alone I'd really suggest that you seriously consider a Haltech Elite 2500 since these are so common in Australia and support is easy in your own time zone. You're also almost always going to find that there will be a handful of tuners at events you attend that are familiar with the Haltech if you have an issue.

Hi Andre,

Yup, I didn't think it was a straight forward question and yes it runs ok on OE ECU but I cant data log enough with it. And 16 injectors would definitely overkill for this lol.

Thank you for your considered response, I'll give the guys at Haltech a shout - support is always important. Then attend your Standalone Course