Topic: Thundermax VS Power Commander (Read 9540 times)

hdrider53 · « **on:** April 07, 2006, 12:08:20 PM »

I was just getting ready to order me a Power Commander USB off Ebay for right at $250.00. Then I started reading some posts on the Thudermax from Zippers on the Zippers link.
My question is why would a guy want to spend $450+ on the Thundermax verses the $250 I can get a Power Commander on Ebay for. I have used the Power Commanders on several bikes including a Nitrous Hayabusa drag bike with good results as far as getting it tuned correctly. I would take the bike to a Power Commander tuning station with a Dyno and do multiple runs with and without spray or race fuel and get several maps made for different applications.
What does the TM do that the PC doesn't? Also the Power Commander has been around for a along time and I'm sure it will be supported for a long time to come. What about the Thunder Max is this a new product from a relatively small company or am I missing something? Make me a believer and maybe I will try the Thundermax.

Fatboy · « **Reply #1 on:** April 07, 2006, 01:46:53 PM »

People once thought horse's were the best mode of transportation..........

Spend a little time reading on each companies website so you get the fact's and not opinion's. Then you will be in the best position to make the choice that best suits your own personal needs. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

Good luck.

hdrider53 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 07, 2006, 02:14:14 PM »

I have done that, just looking for opinions.

Fired00d · « **Reply #3 on:** April 07, 2006, 02:23:42 PM »

What mods are you planning on doing? Are you considering the Zippers Cams? If I were starting off fresh (not already having SERT installed) and were upgrading to Zippers Cams (for 103 motors) then I would buy the Thundermax (which will come already mapped for these cams). This would eliminate you having to "dyno" tune your bike to have it dialed in correctly, and you can install all the components and ride. For me it's a little hard to justify spending money for a part that I may already be able to come close if not match what another part will do, but again I've already purchased this part and not starting off fresh. All I can say is if you starting fresh, and you planning on upgrading to Zippers Cams (and this will require and upgrade to ECM, whether it be buy SERT/Power Commander/Thundermax) why not get the "matched" set/parts? I'm not promoting one over the other, just trying to use the "K.I.S.S" (Keep It Simple Stupid) Method. I've always advocated going by what your "tuner" suggests or what you are comfortable working with if you are doing the install yourself.'

BTW

grc · « **Reply #4 on:** April 07, 2006, 03:00:36 PM »

My take on this:

PowerCommander:

hdrider53 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 07, 2006, 04:03:44 PM »

It's a basic 2002 SE Road King. It has from the factory a 95 inch with 203 cams and flat tops.

grc · « **Reply #6 on:** April 07, 2006, 09:20:35 PM »

hdrider53,

Sorry, I forgot the '02 was a 95 incher, not a 103.

hdnut · « **Reply #7 on:** April 07, 2006, 09:42:51 PM »

How much longer untill we see the holy grail of systems?

?And who will come up with it??? [smiley=pumpkin.gif] [smiley=nixweiss.gif]I don't know what way to go[tm,rt,or,pc]

?? [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

hdrider53 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 07, 2006, 11:21:27 PM »

Well there's the answer. Go with a cheaper PC for now then when someone comes out with the mother of all fuel injection system controllers with the O2 sensors I will jump on the band wagon then.
Thanks guys

Fatboy · « **Reply #9 on:** April 07, 2006, 11:35:59 PM »

Quote

Well there's the answer. Go with a cheaper PC for now then when someone comes out with the mother of all fuel injection system controllers with the O2 sensors I will jump on the band wagon then.
Thanks guys[/quote
------------------------------------------------------
HD Rider 53,

I think I read somewhere here on the site that Zipper's has or is very close to having a Thundermax with the o2 sensor module tied in. Kinda what I've waiting for in fact.

hdnut · « **Reply #10 on:** April 08, 2006, 08:18:55 AM »

That would be a question Dcfireman could answer? [smiley=nixweiss.gif] [smiley=pumpkin.gif]There is a new version of the Thundermax coming out ,I think soon?I think they showed it in Daytona?

[smiley=nixweiss.gif]Maybe that will be the mother of all ecm's??? [smiley=pumpkin.gif]

BLM777 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 08, 2006, 09:01:40 AM »

Rumor has it that you may be very impressed within a couple of weeks with regard to the O2 sensor ECM from Thundermax (Zippers). Would be very nice to have a system that "tunes" to bike to all conditions 24/7.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #12 on:** April 08, 2006, 11:21:33 AM »

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Rumor has it that you may be very impressed within a couple of weeks with regard to the O2 sensor ECM from Thundermax (Zippers).

BLM777 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 08, 2006, 01:21:18 PM »

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Screw rumors, 02 sensors, new ECM and Mary Poppins.

hdnut · « **Reply #14 on:** April 08, 2006, 02:06:57 PM »

I will wait until I see the the new Thundermax ecm before I make a decision on what ecm to use. [smiley=pumpkin.gif] [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

Unbalanced · « **Reply #15 on:** April 08, 2006, 02:56:26 PM »

At Bike Week in Ormond, Danny the owner of Zippers said that he should have the 02 closed loop sensor stuff ready in approx 60 days. They had 2 bikes with it already on there for demo purposes. My best advice is to call up Zippers for your own piece of mind and talk to John Kitzmiller. Then you will have the latest and most up to date information.

sqrrl24 · « **Reply #16 on:** April 08, 2006, 03:05:34 PM »

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I will wait until I see the the new Thundermax ecm before I make a decision on what ecm to use. [smiley=pumpkin.gif] [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

Hdnut, I think the new thundermax is out. I had one installed on my

hdnut · « **Reply #17 on:** April 08, 2006, 04:28:00 PM »

I will give them a call on Monday,I bet they are closed now? [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif] [smiley=pumpkin.gif]

hdnut · « **Reply #18 on:** April 08, 2006, 04:31:34 PM »

I left John a voice mail to call on Monday.

DCFIREMANN · « **Reply #19 on:** April 08, 2006, 08:12:52 PM »

Well I have been at the Outerbanks Rally and just getting caught up on the site. It looks like you have this taken care of.

Why would you want a PC with less than 400 adjustment points whern you can get the Thunder Max with over 1900. They sell for 429.00 I think minus your 10% that will bring the price down below 400.00 shipped. If I remember correctly the Ecm is the same for the o2 sensor just a software down load and some cables. I will have to check to make sure. So there you have it THE MOTHER OF ALL MOTHERS FOR FUEL INJECTION MANGEMENT!!!!!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

Twolanerider · « **Reply #20 on:** April 10, 2006, 11:19:35 AM »

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Looks like the installation race is on...... [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

Race hell, this is going to be Wiley E. Coyote Bangles-type Manic Monday when the parts show up. Tools flying everywhere, bike going up and down and up and down and up and down, parts getting slung every which way; hell, when I'm done this thing might have three cylinders and one cam !

(now where are those frakking cams anyway!?)

Unbalanced · « **Reply #21 on:** April 10, 2006, 04:34:41 PM »

Don those cams are at your house begging to be put in

Twolanerider · « **Reply #22 on:** April 10, 2006, 04:37:43 PM »

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Don those cams are at your house begging to be put in

I know Harry, I know. I already threatened the voices in the my head that if they didn't stop bugging me I was going to poke them with a Q-Tip again. So far no luck though. They just keep yammering "install me now, install me now, install me now, feed me!!"

DCFIREMANN · « **Reply #23 on:** April 10, 2006, 06:31:14 PM »

DON if I were you I would listen to those voices and INSTALL THOSE CAMS!!!!!!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

hdnut · « **Reply #24 on:** April 12, 2006, 07:25:58 PM »

I talked to Zippers today and I was told the Thunder Max is out of stock untill April 20th. [smiley=pumpkin.gif]

HUBBARD · « **Reply #25 on:** April 12, 2006, 07:58:56 PM »

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I talked to Zippers today and I was told the Thunder Max is out of stock untill April 20th. [smiley=pumpkin.gif]

Yeah, 'er 'uh, Gentlemen,

DCFIREMANN · « **Reply #26 on:** April 12, 2006, 08:28:55 PM »

Quote

Yeah, 'er 'uh, Gentlemen,

TallyClassic · « **Reply #27 on:** April 13, 2006, 09:45:51 AM »

The ThunderMax is ahead of the SERT only if you are a tuner and have the software to make adjustments to VE and each cell in the AFR table. If the canned Zipper's map is perfectly matched to your bike's accessories, then you'll have a perfectly tuned bike. But if you are running FatCat's with the small baffle, and the map was made with the big baffle, then those changes you'll be making to the AFR/TP table in the Smartlink III software are just a guess.
The TM falls in a middle ground. It's better than a SERT, but only provides simplistic adjustments. Whereas a DTT provides complete control but very complex.
Dont get me wrong, I like what the TM has done for my bike. I just think with the new SmartLink softwares features, like the data logging, it could interface with the AFR and Ignition tables and tell me if something is off.
If Zipper's has done the o2 right, it should look and function just like the Daytona TwinScan/WEGO. But make the changes on the fly, not store them so the changes can be made in the SERT.
If anything, we need more screens in the SmartLink software. New instructions on how to use the IAC Auto and Point Track buttons. To date, I have been told not to touch these buttons.
[smiley=oops.gif]

jonga · « **Reply #28 on:** April 16, 2006, 04:28:36 AM »

Wow, after reading and digesting all this info I feel like my SERT is a antique. I guess with all the new teck., for everthing its about the same as trying to keep up with computer upgrades on my home computer. I guess I'm going to just enjoy what I have right now..... for the moment. It's late, OCD is asleep.... See ya, Jon

DaFixer · « **Reply #29 on:** April 16, 2006, 08:03:28 PM »

Quote

Yeah, 'er 'uh, Gentlemen,

HUBBARD · « **Reply #30 on:** April 16, 2006, 08:57:58 PM »

Yeah, 'er 'uh, DaFixer,
Thanks for the information, Man! I was really wanting to get Ol' Maudie out and put her in the Wind today, as it was a Beautiful day, but Daughters have priority over Harleys, and they sure made it a Great Day!

I haven't had the time to put Her to the Test, since you fine-tuned Her last Month. Lookin' forward to it, and I'll give you an update on Her performance, as soon as I get the opportunity to Ride!

Keep up the Good Work! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif] Later--HUBBARD

JR · « **Reply #31 on:** April 17, 2006, 09:27:40 PM »

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I talked to Zippers today and I was told the Thunder Max is out of stock untill April 20th. [smiley=pumpkin.gif]

I am totally aware of this!

I have the cams and am waiting on the ecm and air filter. I decided to go Thundermax over SERT because I sold the RT for more than I spent for it on ebay. Since I am getting the 575 Red shift cams and decided to go with the D&D Fatcats I will save about 6hrs of Dyno because the Thundermax comes mapped. I didn't get the performance baffles and was advised I would loose a pony or two. I'm OK with that.

JR [smiley=banana.gif]

DCFIREMANN · « **Reply #32 on:** April 17, 2006, 09:29:52 PM »

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I am totally aware of this! I have the cams and am waiting on the ecm and air filter. I decided to go Thundermax over SERT because I sold the RT for more than I spent for it on ebay. Since I am getting the 575 Red shift cams and decided to go with the D&D Fatcats I will save about 6hrs of Dyno because the Thundermax comes mapped. I didn't get the performance baffles and was advised I would loose a pony or two. I'm OK with that.

JR · « **Reply #33 on:** April 17, 2006, 10:42:03 PM »

Ya Dawg I am really Blessed! I sold a bunch of my take offs on ebay and on this site and and am able to get all these goodies and have some left over! Hmmmmm, what's next?

JR [smiley=banana.gif]

Fatboy · « **Reply #34 on:** April 17, 2006, 11:33:05 PM »

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Ya Dawg I am really Blessed! I sold a bunch of my take offs on ebay and on this site and and am able to get all these goodies and have some left over! Hmmmmm, what's next?

DCFIREMANN · « **Reply #35 on:** April 18, 2006, 06:33:25 AM »

Quote

Ya Dawg I am really Blessed! I sold a bunch of my take offs on ebay and on this site and and am able to get all these goodies and have some left over! Hmmmmm, what's next?

Author Topic: Thundermax VS Power Commander (Read 9540 times)