Ok, I didnt know exaclty which area to post this on but I posted on engine management as well, so moderators if you would like to remove one and keep the other please do so...Ok, I was going to use an AEM ems computer but I have found out that it will probably be a problem...so now I have decided that with the help/info from james @ east coast swappers im going to go with a link/motec/or powerfc standalone, basically what im looking for guys are the pro's and con's of each...do any or all of them have UEGO...or as i know it as automatic weather tuning...what are the prices of them all b/c ive looked but they only show distributors and the distributors say "call for pricing" I have found a price on the powerfc which is 1400 shipped with the commander for free, its the hand held thing if some of you dont know(a 500$ value) and which one is more user friendly for people like myself that only know the basics of tuning. I mean i know about duty cycles/AF ratios, but ignition timing etc i dont know...please all you guys info would be greatly appreciated and might help my desicion a little easier...thanks!!!

p.s. from the research i have done so far im leaning towards a link....

you have ruled out the autronic? it does do UEGO feedback

ppl have been getting the powerfc off ebay for about half that

link is probbaly the most common but by no means the best ..

Why are you going to go with standalone as opposed to using the stock ECM? The engineers in Japan know what they are doing. If you are going to be using this as a daily driver standalone is not a good option and if you have to get it inspected it is going to cause even more headaches. If the engine is coming with a harness your best bet is to merge it with your RS harness and go with a factory ECM.

Z

Maybe because the stock ECM runs on 95+ octane and is way rich?
I have seen dyno plots with 50+ lb/tq through the whole range when custom tuning the EJ20K.
You need something if you intend to stray from the stock build.
I recently saw the Power FC on ebay for $690 US plus shipping from Japan. I dunno if that includes a boost controller.

Jaxx - I havent ruled out autronic...but i know nothing about it...since you have mentioned it before, could u give me details about it or which standalone it compares to?

Z - Well i need a standalone b/c i replaced all the stock parts from the japan car. meaning bigger piping/intercooler/injectors/etc, dont get me wrong id love to run off the ecu forever, but i want more power and tuning a turbo is always better than just running off a stock ecm. Also, i did do as you said with the harness...its wired in with the rs harness. I just want to be able to pull some extra power out on a conservative, streetable, and driveable tune. Nothing too crazy. Oh and i already have a quick fix for my inspection ;] so thats not a problem at all, shoot if i didnt have that problem fixed I would still be in a **** pickle with my stock ecm b/c nothing plugs up to it.

linsavy - I agree with everything you say although im keeping a stock block. Would changing the coil packs to 02 wrx and up be a factor in which standalone i get or will it just be an improvement period. Also i have found a powerfc for 720$ shipped from japan with a commander...i can even give you the website so maybe you can tell me exactly what i get, please do that...id greatly appreciate it.

http://www.jappartsspecialist.com ----> go to electronics and its #414AF005 almost the middle of the page, but they say that we might get import tax? will i or what, how do i find out. b/c if i can get this powerfc for 720 shipped i think ill just do that and work with what i got, id be saving a ton of money and still have a good computer.

Thanks for everyone's opinions, please...keep it coming ;]

you can get used motec M4's for pretty cheap now a days, might want to try that.

where would i find a used one?

I only know what I have read. The power FC is a good unit and is easy. It plugs right in so you save the wiring cost if you are currently wired for the STi ECM. They are also relatively less money. I think that they need a separate boost controller to allow you to change boost. The base map is pretty wild and requires higher octane than 94. You probably would not want to drive with it before custom tuning.
I don't know if they have UEGO.
The tuner who did my swap can sell you a Hydra Nemesis with the wiring loom you need for reasonable money. You could call him - Iain at Planetmotorsports.com

There is a 6.1% duty on JDM cars. It may apply to parts as well. There will likely be customs fees and may be sales taxes as well.