Hydra OR AEM EMS

nrequeNmimi · 02-24-2005, 03:05 PM

Yeah I know I'm about to start a war.

Who has the most users.
Who has the most/best support.
Is there pre-made maps for either.
Price wise looks like Hydra would be the winer.
And last what separates the two from each other or what makes one better than the other.
(If you have any other questions please ADD them)

Now I know that UTEC, ECUTEK, AND AP users are going to suggest to just use your respective EM system, however they all have some thing I don't like, so I'm looking for some thing different.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

bboy · 02-24-2005, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nrequeNmimi

And last what separates the two from each other or what makes one better than the other.

Two words:
Phil Grabow
or
Element Tuning

With AEMS you are nearly on your own (same goes for Motec, Haltec, TEC3, ...). I think we are up to around 100 Element Hydra users now. Setting up a stand alone management system is not a walk in the park. It's damn hard. You can't imagine how many things you totally take for granted with the stock ECU. Phil doesn't have all the answers, but he has put together the Hydra with a 'gifted' level of programming and trouble shooting.

Someday, when I'm retired, I'll try to completely program a stand alone from scratch. Until then, having Phil dedicate a year and half of his life to working out most of the bugs for me, well, I'm grateful.

Oh yeah.....read more buddy!! Your question is waaaaayyyyyyy to general for this crowd. They'll make you wish never bought a Subaru.

STi_Guy04 · 02-24-2005, 06:59 PM

Well... There are many tuners certified by AEM which you could go and take your car to get tuned

I would go EMS if you live close to tuners, And what are you planing to drop into your car?

mistaboosta · 02-24-2005, 07:27 PM

do not get the AEM EMS..

I've got it now and it came corrupt.. just not working properly...

snwman · 02-24-2005, 08:06 PM

Ive got the AEM EMS and love it. For all the people that say your alone there is no support check out the AEM Electronics forums. There is nothing wrong with the hydra its a great system with great support just sharing my experience with the aem ems.

BTW mistaboosta not to be rude but if your the same person on the AEM forums you were explained there that the EMS was designed for US SPEC WRX not EURO SPEC. So please do not post that the EMS does not work and its corrupt.

STiTuner · 02-24-2005, 11:31 PM

AEM EMS gets my vote over the hydra too.

plenty of room to expand on it later too

STi_Guy04 · 02-25-2005, 12:34 AM

yeah Where I live there are 6 tuners that are certified with the EMS so if somethings wrong they can tweak it

Another thing right know theres not that many Hydra tuners
so... you better know how to tune or else your in for alot of problems!!!

Plus with the Aem you get to keep cruise control... LOL I love it so it matters to me

nrequeNmimi · 02-25-2005, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STi_Guy04

Well... There are many tuners certified by AEM which you could go and take your car to get tuned

I would go EMS if you live close to tuners, And what are you planing to drop into your car?

Right now I'm in Las Vegas, in MID march I'll be moving to California, Pasadena area...as for mods I only have DP, and after cat HKS, and not sure what I want to add as of yet, however AEM or HYDRA should give me any mod options I wish to get in the near future. I also haven’t the slightest idea on how to tune it, and will have to be done at a shop.

Any Hydra Users out there ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by snwman

Ive got the AEM EMS and love it. For all the people that say your alone there is no support check out the AEM Electronics forums. There is nothing wrong with the hydra its a great system with great support just sharing my experience with the aem ems.

Are you in the Socal area ?

NeaD · 02-25-2005, 01:00 AM

Why is there soo many thread asking about if they should buy the hydra.. Do some research on what it does. Then make your own mind. Or search.

I'm a hydra user.

STi_Guy04 · 02-25-2005, 01:09 AM

no I live in AZ... Well in a few days I do

Yea I would think some would know alot about the hydra out there, and same with the Ems.. so its up to you both are great systems

nrequeNmimi · 02-25-2005, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeaD

Why is there soo many thread asking about if they should buy the hydra.. Do some research on what it does. Then make your own mind. Or search.
I'm a hydra user.

soo you couldn’t just say how your experience with the HYDRA has been, now are all HYDRA users as grumpy as you? (Never mind) as far as I can see there are ZERO threads comparing the two systems...oh and thanks for your informative and positive feed back.

Graham · 02-25-2005, 03:20 AM

Hydra user for the last 36 hours, and like it so far quite a bit. I am not familiar with the AEM though, so I can not compare.

Graham

NeaD · 02-25-2005, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nrequeNmimi

soo you couldn’t just say how your experience with the HYDRA has been, now are all HYDRA users as grumpy as you? (Never mind) as far as I can see there are ZERO threads comparing the two systems...oh and thanks for your informative and positive feed back.

No problem.

aaronyoung · 02-25-2005, 09:47 AM

IMO, the AEM/GEMS unit is a better system.

pux888 · 02-25-2005, 10:05 AM

the AEM unit doesnt have the resolution that the hydra does. ive have a friend running the AEM and he's put in ALOT and i stress alot of time just to get going.

offset · 02-25-2005, 10:48 AM

The real problem is that there hasn't been quite enough time for the (Element Tuning version) Hydra yet. I think that given more time it will prove to be the better system. Once the Phil G. Roadshow is in full swing and there are plenty of tuners up to speed with plenty of experience on the Hydra it will be very happy days for us Hydra owners (not that they aren't already for those of us who have them).

offset

knife · 02-25-2005, 11:00 AM

IMO the AEM is junk. Every car I've tuned an aem on has always had various ecu quirks, only connects to the software when it wants to, and has a tendency to just flake out in general. I personally would wait for the autronic sm4 over either of these systems. Not only is it superior hardware, its software is incredible and super easy to use.

fogdor · 02-25-2005, 11:14 AM

Can the AEM control AVCS now? As I recall, this was not available in earlier releases of AEM for the STi. Hydra has always had this capability.

STiTuner · 02-25-2005, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fogdor

Can the AEM control AVCS now? As I recall, this was not available in earlier releases of AEM for the STi. Hydra has always had this capability.

I believe the 30-1070 box can control it, but the STi uses two signals instead of one like the RSX uses, you may need and amplifier to split the signal. the 1070 has one PWM output that is mapable.

the AEM has all of the hardware to control all of this stuff, its just a matter of unleashing the right software to do it.

AEM is not junk, its just doesn't work well on 6 cylinder cars like supras. We've never had a problem with the WRX's and Honda's we done with them. their software has come a long way over the past couple years and there are fewer and fewer issues with each update. for the money its a very respectable unit.

Brad
www.titanmotorsports.com

spoolinsuby · 05-24-2005, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STiTuner

AEM is not junk, its just doesn't work well on 6 cylinder cars like supras. We've never had a problem with the WRX's and Honda's we done with them. their software has come a long way over the past couple years and there are fewer and fewer issues with each update. for the money its a very respectable unit.

Brad
www.titanmotorsports.com

I've never really heard of any Supra owners complain about it. Matt Scranton said he's never had any issues with it on his drag cars or his Supra.

I'm trying to figure out if I want the AEM or the Hydra too, I'm leaning towards Hydra for its AVCS control. Any updates on the AEM AVCS yet?

offset · 05-24-2005, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spoolinsuby

I'm trying to figure out if I want the AEM or the Hydra too, I'm leaning towards Hydra for its AVCS control. Any updates on the AEM AVCS yet?

I haven't heard of any. I have only heard (and it very well could be wrong) that AEM is still not happy with the setup thanks to the DBW throttle on the STi.

offset

0db · 05-25-2005, 12:38 AM

The AEM is a solid system, and their base map for the WRX is actually quite good now. I've used the AEM on my old Integra, on my current WRX, and on a company Evo. It takes some reading to figure out all the settings, but if you're tuning your own car you should really do at least that much homework anyway. The Hydra certainly seems to have a bigger fanbase on here, but the AEM has the support of a huge community of users on different platforms, and their knowledge is a big help as well.

hatchy · 05-25-2005, 12:51 AM

AEM does DBW?

spoolinsuby · 05-25-2005, 10:14 AM

I think the AEM is out for the STi, but I really dont keep track of the STi

Jaxx · 05-25-2005, 11:17 AM

one thing that i think alot of ppl here are missing is that the AEM is not new to subarus.. its a repackaged GEMs which iirc is one the more popular group-n ecus for some time

02-24-2005, 03:05 PM	#1
nrequeNmimi Scooby Newbie Member#: 77646 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Dimas Vehicle: 2005 EVO VIII SILVER	Hydra OR AEM EMS Yeah I know I'm about to start a war. Who has the most users. Who has the most/best support. Is there pre-made maps for either. Price wise looks like Hydra would be the winer. And last what separates the two from each other or what makes one better than the other. (If you have any other questions please ADD them) Now I know that UTEC, ECUTEK, AND AP users are going to suggest to just use your respective EM system, however they all have some thing I don't like, so I'm looking for some thing different. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

02-24-2005, 08:06 PM	#5
snwman Scooby Specialist Member#: 72680 Join Date: Oct 2004 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Tacoma/Spanaway/Graham Vehicle: 2013 Subaru STi Satin White Pearl	Ive got the AEM EMS and love it. For all the people that say your alone there is no support check out the AEM Electronics forums. There is nothing wrong with the hydra its a great system with great support just sharing my experience with the aem ems. BTW mistaboosta not to be rude but if your the same person on the AEM forums you were explained there that the EMS was designed for US SPEC WRX not EURO SPEC. So please do not post that the EMS does not work and its corrupt. Last edited by snwman; 02-24-2005 at 08:12 PM.

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02-24-2005, 06:59 PM	#3
STi_Guy04 Scooby Specialist Member#: 69461 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: South East Location: North Miami Beach Vehicle: 2004 WRB/Sti 11.41 @ 123mph	Well... There are many tuners certified by AEM which you could go and take your car to get tuned I would go EMS if you live close to tuners, And what are you planing to drop into your car?

02-24-2005, 07:27 PM	#4
mistaboosta Scooby Newbie Member#: 68722 Join Date: Aug 2004	do not get the AEM EMS.. I've got it now and it came corrupt.. just not working properly...

02-24-2005, 11:31 PM	#6
STiTuner Scooby Specialist Member#: 5778 Join Date: Apr 2001 Chapter/Region: South East Vehicle: 09 135i Jet Black	AEM EMS gets my vote over the hydra too. plenty of room to expand on it later too

02-25-2005, 12:34 AM	#7
STi_Guy04 Scooby Specialist Member#: 69461 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: South East Location: North Miami Beach Vehicle: 2004 WRB/Sti 11.41 @ 123mph	yeah Where I live there are 6 tuners that are certified with the EMS so if somethings wrong they can tweak it Another thing right know theres not that many Hydra tuners so... you better know how to tune or else your in for alot of problems!!! Plus with the Aem you get to keep cruise control... LOL I love it so it matters to me

02-25-2005, 01:00 AM	#9
NeaD Scooby Specialist Member#: 43371 Join Date: Sep 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: St. Louis, MO Vehicle: 1998 Impreza 2.5RS-T Hydra User, Blue	Why is there soo many thread asking about if they should buy the hydra.. Do some research on what it does. Then make your own mind. Or search. I'm a hydra user.

02-25-2005, 01:09 AM	#10
STi_Guy04 Scooby Specialist Member#: 69461 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: South East Location: North Miami Beach Vehicle: 2004 WRB/Sti 11.41 @ 123mph	no I live in AZ... Well in a few days I do Yea I would think some would know alot about the hydra out there, and same with the Ems.. so its up to you both are great systems

02-25-2005, 03:20 AM	#12
Graham Scooby Specialist Member#: 11931 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Winter Park, FL/ SMU @ Dallas, Vehicle: 2001 2.5 RS Turbo 257/FMIC/T3-T04S	Hydra user for the last 36 hours, and like it so far quite a bit. I am not familiar with the AEM though, so I can not compare. Graham

02-25-2005, 09:47 AM	#14
aaronyoung Scooby Newbie Member#: 73087 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: baltimore Vehicle: 2002 wrx	IMO, the AEM/GEMS unit is a better system.

02-25-2005, 10:05 AM	#15
pux888 Scooby Specialist Member#: 8356 Join Date: Jul 2001 Chapter/Region: South East Vehicle: 02 STi swap 12 WRX limited	the AEM unit doesnt have the resolution that the hydra does. ive have a friend running the AEM and he's put in ALOT and i stress alot of time just to get going.

02-25-2005, 10:48 AM	#16
offset Scooby Guru Member#: 32636 Join Date: Feb 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Dayton, OH Vehicle: 2004 Impreza STi Silver/Silver	The real problem is that there hasn't been quite enough time for the (Element Tuning version) Hydra yet. I think that given more time it will prove to be the better system. Once the Phil G. Roadshow is in full swing and there are plenty of tuners up to speed with plenty of experience on the Hydra it will be very happy days for us Hydra owners (not that they aren't already for those of us who have them). offset

02-25-2005, 11:00 AM	#17
knife Scooby Newbie Member#: 70334 Join Date: Sep 2004 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: ATX Vehicle: 03 Evo VIII Dust covered	IMO the AEM is junk. Every car I've tuned an aem on has always had various ecu quirks, only connects to the software when it wants to, and has a tendency to just flake out in general. I personally would wait for the autronic sm4 over either of these systems. Not only is it superior hardware, its software is incredible and super easy to use.

02-25-2005, 11:14 AM	#18
fogdor Scooby Specialist Member#: 45726 Join Date: Oct 2003 Vehicle: 2007 Mazdaspeed3 Cosmic Blue	Can the AEM control AVCS now? As I recall, this was not available in earlier releases of AEM for the STi. Hydra has always had this capability.

05-25-2005, 12:38 AM	#22
0db Scooby Specialist Member#: 33879 Join Date: Mar 2003 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Santa Barbara, CA Vehicle: 2003 WRX Sporkwagon Black	The AEM is a solid system, and their base map for the WRX is actually quite good now. I've used the AEM on my old Integra, on my current WRX, and on a company Evo. It takes some reading to figure out all the settings, but if you're tuning your own car you should really do at least that much homework anyway. The Hydra certainly seems to have a bigger fanbase on here, but the AEM has the support of a huge community of users on different platforms, and their knowledge is a big help as well.

05-25-2005, 12:51 AM	#23
hatchy Scooby Specialist Member#: 36852 Join Date: May 2003 Location: North West Vehicle: 2004 STI	AEM does DBW?

05-25-2005, 10:14 AM	#24
spoolinsuby Scooby Specialist Member#: 80182 Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Spring Hill, FL Vehicle: 2007 Civic Si Sedan Habanero Red Pearl	I think the AEM is out for the STi, but I really dont keep track of the STi

05-25-2005, 11:17 AM	#25
Jaxx NASIOC Supporter Member#: 177 Join Date: Aug 1999 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Boise,Idaho,USA Vehicle: The 93 Imp W/EJ20K flat black	one thing that i think alot of ppl here are missing is that the AEM is not new to subarus.. its a repackaged GEMs which iirc is one the more popular group-n ecus for some time