Just curious. I have a race car that is essentially a stock 1987 non-turbo except for a header (gutted interior, roll cage, and various weight reduction but stock drive train as per the rules).

Would I expect significant gains from an aftermarket ECU with a wideband and AFM delete (actually rules probably won't let me delete AFM)? My first guess is that a stock engine can't really benefit from an increased redline. Existing fuel and ignition is probably adequate and can only be improved by a few HP?

What could be improved?

 

Very little to be gained. Not worth the money and effort IMO.

 

Like Chris stated, no. Now if you were able to swap intake manifolds, port the engine, etc... With that said, its not always about more HP, but simplicity: IMO a basic stand alone is simpler than OEM components, specially if you need to troubleshoot.

 

That confirms my thinking. I can build a plug and play Speeduino with wideband in the $400 range. Building a new wiring harness would increase that cost but simplifying the wiring is something to think about. I just had a weird problem where the starter motor wire for the fuel pump relay failed and while I have a temporary fix by jumpering the fuel bypass connector, that removes a safety shutoff when the AFM has no airflow. (I won't troubleshoot this problem until warm weather)

Also there is the risk to the engine if I get the tuning wrong as compared to no risk by continuing to use the stock ECU.

Another thought. I participate in endurance events and an MPG increase could be helpful. I was amazed by how much fuel I saved by short shifting when racing in the rain. I think the fuel tank lasted more than half an hour longer. It's obviously not the same thing but I wonder how much fuel I could save for normal WOT to full redline - if any.

 

Personally, I think it's worth it, but that's your opinion