I realize that, but from where i'm at now, getting standalone will cost me around $2000-- which I don't have. I realize these are all 'piggybacks' but I guess sometimes I just need to take smaller steps. All i want is 50 more HP (I have no intention of going any further) and i'm good, which should easily be obtainable by just raising the boost a tiny bit. But right now I cant raise it that tiny bit because of the stock AFM.

 

$2000? Microtechs are often available for just under $1000 US new. A Megasquirt is a round $300-$500 depending on where it's purchased.

You're into the power level where the stock ECU is going to cause you problems no matter what piggybacks you run. In my mind, paying $650 for an AFM eliminator is a little crazy when you can pay $300-$500 for a Megasquirt n'Spark and have a full standalone that is just as straightforward to tune...